The island of Langkawi is pretty small, having barely an area of 470sq km, but within it are a large and interesting array of scenery, including tropical jungle, rainforest, unspoilt beaches and exotic Mangrove. It really is the type of place that must be seen to be believed.

The name “Langkawi” means “Strong Eagle” and legend has it that this is the final resting place of Garuda, the Eagle that was the Hindu God’s vehicle. Indeed, the names of many of the towns and places in Langkawi are based on the stories that were written about them many centuries ago.

Above - The Golden Eagle In Kuah Town Represents The Importance Of The Bird In Langkawi Mythology

Another interesting fact about Langkawi is that it represents a Malay influence more than the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The island is also greatly influenced by Thailand since it is situated in the north of Peninsula Malaysia which is quite close to Thailand. Indeed, you can see parts of Thailand from certain points in Langkawi on a clear day.

The Many Legends Of Langkawi

Langkawi is simply immersed in legend. Some may have a hint of truth to them while others are entirely mystical. Here are some of the most popular:

Gua Cerita which means the Cave Of Legends – this is where the marriage between the children of the Roman and Chinese empires was deemed to have been sabotaged. The scheme did not work.

Above - Langkawi Is Peppered With Caves Dating Back Millions Of Years…Some Have A Strong Sense Of Legend Attached To Them

Beras Terbakar or Burnt Rice – Here, the rice granary was destroyed in the 1800’s at Padang Matsirat during a war. It is believed the order to destroy the rice field was given in order to make sure the enemy would be cut off from having food supply.

The Legend Of Mahsuri – Langkawi’s most poular legend stretches back to the fourteenth century when Princess Mahsuri was executed for allegedly committing adultery. She was in fact innocent and legend has it that when she was executed by knife she bled a white liquid instead of blood which was a sign of her innocence. Princess Mahsuri was believed to have cursed Langkawi, so that for seven generations the island incurred misery and misfortune. Don’t worry…the curse is over now (if it ever existed in the first place!).

Other legends are also rife – such as the spirit which guard Dayang Bunting with a lion and poison. According to stories, the guardian destroyed a group of war merchants who came to the island to wreak havoc. She unleashed a tropical storm on them which all but destroyed the sailors.

Another legend is also interesting – the lake of the pregnant maiden. This lake is believed to have mystical powers that help women bear children.

If that doesn’t get you going then the legend of Gua Langsair will – it’s believed to be where thousands of vampires are secretly located. If that’s too scary then head to the Seven Wells Waterfalls instead, the place where fairies are believed to have bathed in times gone by.  You can have a picnic at these beautiful waterfalls and do a host of other things while in Langkawi.

Above - Visit The Seven Wells Waterfall…You May Even Get To See A Fairy

In fact, most places in Langkawi have some element of mystery or legend attached to them.