MYTHICAL LANGKAWI
DUBBED “The Jewel of Kedah”, Langkawi is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country offering myriad choices for the holiday makers. From being in a modern setting to communing with nature, from a walk down memory lane of the island’s historic past to a trip down the various dutyfree shopping outlets, this island has it all.
TUCKED away 50km west of the Kedah coast, Langkawi consists of a group of islands, 99 of them all together on the great Andaman Sea. The word “Langkawi”means reddish brown eagle. This word was formed with the combination of two words which are “lang”and“kawi”. “Lang” is a short form for“helang” that means eagle in English and“kawi” means the colour of red and brown. Mention Langkawi and dutyfree shopping springs to mind. Famous as a shopper paradise Langkawi offers rows of shop lots and quite a handful of shopping centers, mainly located in the Kuah Town.
Choices range from trendy souvenirs, fashion apparel, sports attire, electronic items such as cameras and mobile phones as well as wine, beer, spirits, confectionery, dried food and tobacco at duty-free prices, stuffed toys, shoes, ceramics and crystal. In short, armed with a fat wallet and strong legs to traverse the many shopping outlets, there’s not much that you can’t get in Langkawi.
Sun, surf and sands
Yes, for sun-worshippers, Langkawi is not short of options. The famous Pantai Cenang or Cenang Beach is known as one of the gorgeous beaches in Langkawi. There is a reason why it is regarded as an attractive beach.
Picture along sandy beach, lined with charming chalets and peacefully swaying coconut trees and add in the sound of the waves gently crushing the shore and it’s easy to understand why Pantai Cenang is unquestionably the top choice to spend a splendid holiday with your loved ones.
Just ten minutes away from the Langkawi International Airport, the beach is easily accessible and once there, loads of leisurely activities await. Watersports are of course the most popular where you can try out jetskiing, banana boat ride, parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling and also diving sessions.
Anothers pectacular beach not to be missed is Pantai Tengah or in English Middle Beach features a one-km golden sandy stretch. Unlike the bustling Pantai Cenang with its never-ending activities, Pantai Tengah is known more for its serenity and peace, making it a perfect escapade, especially for those honeymooners.
However, in Langkawi, you’re never too far away from a tourist attraction. Located nearby Pantai Cenang is the Underwater World where you will get to enjoy a stunning recreation of a marine world in enormous aquariums boasting fantastic collection of more than 4,000 marine life.
Nature or history?
It’s not fair to ask anyone to choose between the two as both are equally enchanting and with a well-planned itinerary, both can be experienced.
In fact, you can combined both with one trip to Taman Lagenda or Lagenda Park and be mesmerised with the exotic local flora and at the same time indulge in a little bit of the island’s history. Situated within a walking distance of the Kuah Jetty, Lagenda Park is devoted to the legacy of myths and legends of Langkawi.
Besides the lush vegetation, the park boasts of 17 sculptures that give a picture of the legends, shrouding the island – from two heroic giants, mythical birds, and evil ogres to beautiful princesses. One can also witness a man-made beach and 4 artificial lakes, which together provide a breathtaking backdrop for sculptures. If truth to be told, this is one of the best places to see in Langkawi in case you’re on a tight schedule.
A ride in Panorama Langkawi
Cable Car gives you another view of the beautiful island of Langkawi. A 30-minute drive from the Kuah Town takes you to the Oriental Village, a shopping centre at the foothill of the island’s second highest peak, Gunung Mat Chinchang, which serves as the base station for the cable car.
From the cable car, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the historical, natural and other distinct places of interest. The cable car ride stops at three different stations located at different altitudes. As you ascend, it gets cooler and the scenery below starts to appear smaller.
Beautiful rainforests below and the cascading waters of Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls at the side are sights to behold. Once you reach the top, an amazing view of the surrounding horizon, the island’slandscape, skyline and farseas awaits. On one side, there is a sky bridge suspended across Mount Mat Chinchang and a neighboring mountain; walking crossways this bridge is an incredible experience. No trip to Langkawi will be complete without a visit to the Mahsuri Tomb, where Mahsuri - a virtuous maiden was buried. Langkawi, undoubtedly, is associated with many fables and myths, but perhaps, this legend of the virtuous maiden is one of the most famous, one that defines the island as it is now.
The tomb is located at Kampung Mawat, about 18km northwest of Kuah and was erected to honour Mahsuri, who was unfairly accused of adultery over 200 years ago. As the legend goes, at her execution, she bled white blood that is believed to signify her innocence.
In her last breath, she laid a curse that the island would hang about barren for no less than seven generations. Whether it’s real or fictional, the seven generations have passed and at present, Langkawi is a prosperous tourist destination.