The Uniqueness of the Giant Well in Selama, Perak
A traditional village in Selama, Perak is renowned for the beauty of its flora and fauna, which remains well-preserved to this day. The village is located in Mukim Ijok, Selama, and is known as Kampung Bagan Baharu.
This village is a top choice for residents to settle in Selama and is perfect for those seeking peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life. According to local residents, the name Bagan Baharu was given to the area because it was a new settlement established there. Previously, most residents lived in Kampung Bagan Kenua, but they began moving to safer areas away from communist threats shortly after the country gained independence in 1957. What is interesting on the outskirts of Kampung Bagan Baharu is the presence of a giant-sized well. It is said to have been built in 1936, dating back to the British colonial era. For the information of our loyal orangperak.com readers, this giant well was used by the British colonial authorities to store water and as a water source for irrigating paddy fields in the area.
Giant Well, image credit to Majlis Daerah Selama
This relic of British giant well technology is also said to have served another function, acting as a conduit using natural methods. In simpler terms, the British used this giant well to collect tin ore that had been transported by river currents, eventually gathering it within the giant well.
Giant Well, image credit to Majlis Daerah Selama
Here is an interesting fact to share with all you loyal orangperak.com readers about this giant well: it is 100 feet deep. Water flowing from the 'river above a river' into this giant well then passes through underground channels, re-emerging as a river, meeting the Ijok River, and flowing directly into Tasik Bukit Merah. The 'river above a river' mentioned in the paragraph above refers to a water canal diverted from the Ijok River that crosses over the Redang Panjang River, which flows beneath a bridge. The bridge was also built in 1936 to make it easier for local residents to cross the canal.
River Above a River, image credit to Majlis Daerah Selama
The construction of this giant well still provides benefits to the villagers today. The water flowing toward the giant well is very swift, and you are advised to be very careful if you visit to see the condition of the giant well for yourself. What is fascinating about the giant well is that a light refraction forming a small rainbow on the surface of the water can be seen when the sunlight and flowing water align.
Reference and adapted from the sources above
