Langkawi island is a popular tourist attraction, off the state of Kedah. It is popular for its rich legendary stories and natural tourists attractions.
The Legend of Mahsuri
The Legend of Mahsuri is about the legendary story of how a Malay princess named Mahsuri, a beautiful woman, who was born on 1819, was executed after being falsely accused of adultery. Mahsuri was the princess of a Malay Phuket who came to Langkawi.
Mahsuri and Makam Mahsuri
Mahsuri was married to a warrior named Wan Darus, who had to leave for war. During his absence, she befriended a traveller named Deramang, which led to rumours of adultery by the jealous wife a of village chief, Wan Mahora. Despite her pleas of innocence, she was found guilty and executed. She was stabbed with her family keris, and white blood flowed from her wound symbolizing her innocence. Before her death, she had cursed the village for 7 generations. For 7 generations, Langkawi was believed to persevere poverty and no crops. The curse was believed to be uplifted after 7 generations, and Langkawi is starting to prosper again through tourism. Her tomb, Makam Mahsuri has become a popular tourist attraction in Langkawi.
The Burnt Rice
Langkawi was attacked by Thailand numerous times, the last invasion was in 1821. The field which was torched by the farmers is still known as Beras Terbakar or “Burnt Rice”. It is only at the end of the 20th century after the supposedly seven generations come to pass, that Langkawi began to prosper as a tourist destination. Mahsuri’s descendants continue to live in Bukit, Thailand and have an occasion returned to Langkawi to visit her tomb. Among her descendants was Sirintra Yayee, also known as Wan Aishah Wan Nawawi, who came to visit in 2000.
Wan Aishah, descendant of Mahsuri
The Mystical Water of Telaga Tujuh
A local legend, the seven wells of Telaga Tujuh were bathing pools of the fairies and gives its water a mystical healing capacity. The top of the waterfall is accessible by a steep climb of 600 steps, which takes close to one hour. Telaga Tujuh is situated near to near the oriental village, near the base of Mount Machinchang in Langkawi. The flowing water has created an irresistible natural slide for entering the pool. If you don’t prefer to get wet, the view from the top of the falls is quite magnificent and worth the climb. For a less strenuous approach, visit the base of the falls for an equally beautiful scene and bathe in the lowest of the seven pools. There are hardly any facilities near the waterfall and it is best to bring ample drinking water and refreshments for the climb.
Langkawi, The Jewel of Kedah
In 2008, the Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah, conferred the title of Langkawi Permata Kedah (meaning ‘Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah’) upon the island as part of his golden jubilee as an affirmation of Kedah’s ownership over the island.
Popular Tourists Attractions in Langkawi
Langkawi is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and unique attractions like the Sky Bridge and Cable Car. It is also a popular destination for water sports, island hopping and duty free shopping.
Beaches like Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah and Tanjung Rhu offers unique experiences to all who visit. Rain forests like the Telaga Tujuh or Seven Wells Waterfall is popular for its beauty and mystical healing power water.
One can also take boat tours to explore smaller islands like Pulau Payar Marine Drive which is popular for snorkelling and diving.
Other man- made wonders in Langkawi are The Langkawi Sky Bridge, the curved pedestrian bridge that offers stunning panoramic views. The Langkawi cable car offers ride to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang for breathtaking views. The Eagle Square or Dataran Lang is a prominent landmark with a large eagle statue.
Langkawi is a duty free island making it a popular spot for shopping for items like chocolates, liquor and souvenirs. It is also well known for its various species of birds and animals in the wildlife park in their natural habitats.
Tourists can also visit its local markets, and experience and enjoy the local culture and the nightlife scene around Pantai Cenang.
