Indonesian Muslims Flock to Islamic Holy Site to Have Sex

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Nov 18, 2014

Indonesian Muslims Flock to Islamic Holy Site to Have Sex

An ancient legend is prompting Muslims to travel to a holy site in Indonesia to have sex; according to the myth, people who have sex on Gunung Kemukus or “Sex Mountain” are rewarded with good fortune. 

The ritual began in the 16th century and has led thousands of devout Muslims to the holy site. 

According to the legend, those who make the journey must have sex on the mountain every 35 days and complete the cycle seven times to reap the promised rewards. The sexual encounters must also be out of wedlock and a sacrifice must be left at the grave of the ancient prince who sparked the tradition after allegedly having a sexual relationship with his stepmother. 

Dateline journalist Patrick Abboud investigated the pilgrimage of the Muslims. He said, "You won't see this ritual anywhere else in Indonesia or the rest of the Muslim world. It's a very Javanese blend of religious ideals – with Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist influences," 

According to Abboud, up to 8,000 people were present on the mountain every night to engage in sexual activity. 

The sexual activity is in violation of Sharia law but the Indonesian government has looked the other way on the issue, instead making a profit by charging an entry fee to the mountain and renting out “sex shacks” for the encounters. 

Publication date: November 18, 2014



Indonesian Muslims Flock to Islamic Holy Site to Have Sex