Pulau Langkawi, The Treasure with a lots of Astonishing Places

The Langkawi archipelago is made up of a cluster of 99 islands, sprinkled just off the shores of the Northern Kedah State in Peninsular Malaysia. During low tide, the number of islands expands to 104. It's understandable that only a few islands are inhabited. Many of the islands are little more than rocky outcrops separated by narrow canals where only sampans(little boats) can travel through. Langkawi island (478.5 sq.km) is the largest of them all and is not much smaller than Singapore (646 sq.km) but has a much smaller island population of only 62,000.

Langkawi is a fine yachting destination for enthusiasts.

What to see/do

Makam Mahsuri

The most famous of Langkawi legends is the Curse of Mahsuri. Mahsuri was a beautiful maiden of Muslim Siamese descent. As with admiration in some, there will always be jealousy evoked in others. Mahsuri's mother-in-law was insanely jealous of her beauty and popularity. She took the opportunity one day to rid Mahsuri as she accused her of adultery during the absence of her husband who had gone off to war. Adultery by local law was a sin punishable by death. Mahsuri was executed in public. As she pleaded for her innocence, the executioner plunged a 'keris' or dagger into her. To their surprise, Mahsuri's blood trickled white which signified that she was innocent but little could be done for her.

The Field of Burnt Rice

Soon after Mahsuri's premature death, the formidable Siamese army made an attack on the island. In desperation, the chief ordered the granary to be burnt down to prevent the storage of rice from falling into Siamese hands. The remnants of burnt rice can still be seen at this spot known as the Field of Burnt Rice especially after a heavy downfall that washes out the odd blackened grain or so. The curse is believed to have been the cause of the island's lack of development which lasted until the birth in 1980 of Aishah Nawawi, a direct descendant of Mahsuri, after seven generations.

Pantai Cenang

The main attractions on the island are the long stretches of white sandy beaches. The most frequented and condensed beaches are in the south-western part of the island. Pantai Cenang, is the liveliest place to be and is about 18Km from Kuah town. There is accommodation that suit all types of travel budgets from A-hut chalets to international resorts such as the Pelangi Beach Resort, an ever popular and well-established resort.

Pantai Kok

Here sits the Oriental Village where visitors to the island can do a bit of shopping especially for branded products. The village also offers a variety of cuisine for their visitors. Thai, Malay and Chinese restaurants gives a good introduction to the local delicacies found in Malaysia.

Tanjung Rhu

For others who prefer a more adventurous introduction to the islands, a 3-hour boat trip around the mangrove swamps and nearby islands is a good start. Not too strenuous and not too commercial..at least not for now anyway. We begin our trip at Tanjung Rhu, a beautiful secluded bay of white sand on the northeastern tip of the island. Casuarina trees line the beach, caressed by the gentle breeze blowing in from the vast Indian Ocean. The exclusive Tanjung Rhu Resort, set on its edge is the only resort on this bay and is ideal for some time away to relax and be thoroughly pampered.

How to get there

You can either board a ferry or fly straight to Langkawi. If you plan to take the ferry, you’ll have to first get to either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, from where the ferries depart. Most out-of-town transportation will take you to either Alor Star or Arau in Kedah, so you’ll need to take a taxi or bus to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis. Alternatively, you can take the direct air service from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi.