Dotted around Malaysia, particularly in the states of Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, are a number of mysterious upright stones, usually referred to as megaliths.

At Keramat Sungai Udang (also known as Pengkalan Kempas), there are some interestingly shaped megaliths which have been nicknamed the Rudder, the Spoon and the Sword.

These are also said to be “livingstones”.

The Sword has been inscribed with the word “Allah” adding credence to the theory that the megaliths are Muslim grave markers but some experts believe that this was added at a later date to “sanctify an infidel monument” and in fact, the megaliths pre-date Islam.

Some 86 megaliths have been collected from various sites around Malaysia and are now on display at the Laman Megalit in Taman Putra Perdana in Putrajaya.

A megalith mound near Tampin was excavated in 1981 but no human remains were found, adding to doubts that they are burial mounds and suggesting that the stones might have pre-historic origins.

The truth is that the purpose and age of Malaysia’s megaliths remain a mystery.

This article first appeared on thriftytraveller.wordpress.com