|
|
|
The story of a princess who lived on the island of Langkawi
has captured the imagination of Malaysians for generations, making it perhaps the best
known of all Malaysian legends.
With a volatile mix of a beautiful princess, jealousy, wrongful accusations, untimely
death and a curse, it is also a favourite Malaysian legend. It deals with Princess Mahsuri
- a beautiful and noble woman - who was wrongly accused of adultery and sentenced to
death. As she lay dying, she cursed the island - saying it would not prosper for seven
generations.
Call it superstition or coincidence, the island's slumberous existence ended seven
generations later, when Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad saw in it
a tremendous untapped potential as a world-class tourism destination.
In 1987, the Federal Government declared Langkawi a duty-free port - and the island was
catalysed to develop into a prime holiday spot. 1997 marks a decade of Langkawi's status
as a thriving duty-free island.
[Back to Top]
|
|
|
|
|
The Langkawi archipelago is made up of about 100 islands, the
largest and best developed of which is Langkawi island.
Here, the 'happening place' is at the beach, or more specifically Pantai Cenang, a 2km
stretch about 20km west of Kuah town. There are chalets and hotels to fit most pockets,
with room prices starting from as low as RM35 for a basic chalet, to the kampung houses of
Bon Ton and international class suites of the Pelangi Beach Resort.
For those who want to just bask in the sun, the Burau Bay stretch is an excellent choice.
It's quiet and there are plenty of accommodation available.
The more adventurous types should take a day trip to Pulau Payar, Malaysia's first marine
park 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi. Langkawi Coral, a luxury, high-speed catamaran
leaves Kuah daily for the uninhabited island which is famed for its coral gardens.
[Back to Top]
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sights & Places to Visit |
|
- Mahsuri's Tomb
In a tomb of white marble lies the princess whose name is synonymous with the island. The
tomb is a must-see for visitors.
|
- Pulau Payar National Marine Park
A tiny, uninhabited island about 45 minutes by high-speed catamaran from the town of Kuah,
Pulau Payar is renowned as Malaysia's best marine park. Its pristine waters harbour
spectacular corals and marine wonders. This island's crystal clear waters are hugely
popular with serious divers and snorkelling enthusiasts.
- Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant
Maiden)
Located about 17km from Kuah town, this large freshwater lake carries yet another legend.
The story is that once a barren maiden drank of the waters of this lake, and soon after
was blessed with a child. Today, the lake attracts hopeful couples from all over the
world, both for its mythical powers as well as the untouched beauty of this lake. The lake
is about 17km from Kuah town and separated from the sea by a thin, limestone ridge. Some
climbing is required to reach this spot.
- Gua Langsiar (Cave of the Banshee)
Gua Langsiar gets its name from the echoes of the wind in this cave. This cave, however,
is only recommended to serious cavers with mountain climbing experience.
- Gua Kelawar (Bat Cave)
Our very own batcave! About 30 minutes from Kuah town, this cave of bats is a rare
opportunity to see bats in their natural habitat. A wooden jetty with a platform running
through the cave allows visitors to view at leisure and up close this untouched batcave.
Here too, visitors get a chance to see closeup the mangrove which is an integral identity
of this island.
- Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells)
A natural wonder that's not to be missed. A series of 7 natural pools guide the flow of a
cascading waterfall. Here too is a legend - it is believed that fairies delight in bathing
in its cool waters and have blessed these wells with special healing powers.
- Air Hangat Village
Popular for its hot springs, this village is being upgraded with a long-term masterplan
that will eventually see it featuring a health spa and an elephant sanctuary. The village
is well-known for its legend about its very own David and Goliath battle. An 18-metre-long
handcarved, limestone mural depicts the earth-shattering battle between two giants - Mat
Cincang and Mat Raya - after which two hills on the island are named.
- Padang Mat Sirat (Field of Burnt Rice)
200 years ago, this was the site of a granary. Soon after Mahsuri's death, according to
local history, a devastating invasion by neighbours from Siam (now Thailand), caused the
village headman to order the villagers to burn down the granary and poison the wells,
rather than let it fall into the invaders' hands. Today, after a heavy downpour, signs of
burnt rice grains are still visible.
- Galeria Perdana
This is a showcase of more than 2,500 gifts from all over the world bestowed on Malaysian
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd.
Ali.
Opened in 1995, the two-storey gallery occupies 5,332 sq metres and exhibits gifts from
state leaders and world-famous corporate captains who have either visited Malaysia or whom
have received Dr Mahathir as their guest.
Exhibits are divided into wood, leather, crystal, lacquer, musical instruments, stone
objects, textile, ceramics, Islamic art, plaques and weaponry. Also to be found are gifts
made of gilt, silver, copper, brass, iron and pewter.
The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm except Mondays. A token admission fee of RM2
for adults, and RM1 for children is levied for upkeep and maintenance.
|
- Underwater World Langkawi
This is the largest marine and freshwater aquarium in Asia, featuring more than 5,000
marine and freshwater fish. Unique to this display is a 15-metre long walk through a
tunnel tank containing 198,000 gallons of sea water. Separated by a 38mm laminated
tempered clear glass (reputed to be only one of very few around the world), visitors get
an incredible close-up view of marine life.
|
[Back to Top]
|
- Aquabeat
A waterworld fantasy park with everything for the whole family. Among its features are the
running waterslide, the body slide, UFO slide platform, free fall, wave pool, Tarzan rope,
canyon ride, splashdown pool, jacuzzi and children's park.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Modern Langkawi
Langkawi today is an island rich with a combination of old and new, of legend and vision.
Prime Holiday Spot
Over the last decade, this once sleepy island inhabited by farmers and fishermen has since
blossomed into its own as a prime holiday spot for domestic and international travellers.
Kuah (koo-ah) is the bustling town centre - a mix of colourful roadside bazaars and modern
department stores selling duty-free goods from pots and pans to electrical items. Visitors
have to stay a minimum of 72 hours on the island to be eligible to buy duty-free goods.
Langkawi is almost always a stop for world leaders on visits to the country, and among its
distinguished guests have been Queen Elizabeth 2, Margaret Thatcher, Robert Mugabe and
Nelson Mandela.
The Government has nurtured the island as a venue for major regional and international
exhibitions and shows. Today, the island has the 7,500 sq feet Mahsuri International
Exhibition Centre, and all the international hotels on the island have meeting and/or
convention facilities.
Among the international events held on the island are:
Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show (LIMA)
Langkawi International Dialogue
Langkawi International Motor Show
Langkawi Accommodation for Visiting Academics (LAVA)
Tour de Langkawi
Twenty years ago, the island welcomed some 30,000 tourists - today, almost 2 million.
Major developments on the island are carefully scrutinised by the PM himself who is known
to ask for briefings from developers as well as visiting construction sites to ensure
sustainable development is practised to protect the island's serene and green beauty.
Development
Langkawi's development until the year 2005 is spelt out in the Langkawi Development Plan
(1990-2005). With a population projected to grow to 100,000 by the year 2005, the strategy
is a combination between inland development such as providing new facilities, and
preserving the development of the coastal area.
The entire plan is centred on preserving the environment, as tourism continues to lead as
the island's key economic sector.
In 1990, the Federal Government set up the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to
develop the island as a tourist destination, as well as to improve the socio-economic
standard of the local people.
LADA's responsibilities cover improvements in water and electricity supply infrastructure,
road networks, airport facilities, housing, and tourist attractions.
The airport has been expanded three times within the decade, and a new harbour is taking
shape.[Back to Top] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
