Palau Langkawi is the name of the island most people refer to as plain Langkawi, but actually, Langkawi is a group of 99 tropical islands that lie off the coast of peninsula Malaysia. Magical islands, full of myths and legends about fairy princesses and lucky stones and places that entice the superstitious to visit in the hope of having their wishes fulfilled.
Langkawi's Geological Side
For those in search of its geological history, Langkawi has nearly 99 geosites, including three geoforest parks the oldest of which is the Machincang Cambrian. Marbles can be found in the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest and at the Kilim Nature Park, the 100 square metres contains a mix of green mangrove forests, white beaches and turquoise lagoons. For those interested in the flora and fauna of the region, a tour to the area to enjoy the marine ecosystem should be made and to see the brown eagles, tree crabs, iguanas and macques. Views of the karstic outcrops and the pinnacles on the hills are stunning.
Langkawi's Marine ParkReached b catamaran from KuahJetty, The Palau Payar Marine Park sits 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and teems with marine life and vegetation. It's sheltered waters are ideal for watersports like snorkelling, diving and swimming, with the Coral Garden being the most popular dive spot because of its multi-hued soft corals. Baby sharks swim right up to the beach to be fed.
Kuah - Palau Langkawi's Main Town
This, the take-off point for the other islands in the group, has its own legend of two battling giants who overturned a pot of curry where the town now stands. Kuah is a thriving town of shopping complexes, hotels and small shops (selling a vivid selection of colourful saris and Islamic dress). It's a duty-free port for tobacco, liquor, cosmetics and electrical goods, but as in many other duty-free places, the prices are not as good as one feels they ought to be. A magnificent statue of an eagle is the focal point of Eagle Square near the Jetty. The square has scenic ponds, bridges, restaurants and is beautifully illuminated at night.
Langkawi's Myths and Legends
The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden: The largest freshwater lake in Langkawi given the name because of the legend of a fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died after birth, leaving her so depressed that she buried the child in the lake and then returned to her other-life home. It is said that childless women who bathe in the lake will conceive, a legend that attracts many women to the crystal clear waters.
Mahsuri's Tomb - Kota Mahsuri : Just 12 Km. from Kuah this white marble memorial was erected in honour of another unfortunate woman, or maiden as the guides like to call her. Mahsuri wa unjustly accused of adultery and executed, but as the axe cut into her neck white blood poured out. This was taken as a sign of her innocence. She cursed the island as she lay dying, predicting that it would remain barren for seven generations. Judging by the prosperity all around and the number of tourists paying money to visit these sites of legends, seems she may have got this one wrong.
Cable cars, rice farms, waterfalls, craft centres, batik art villages, wildlife park and crocodile farm. The islands teem with things to do and see, no longer the lonely islands of mythology, but a thriving touristic complex offering everything for the visitor.
Langkawi's Geological Side
For those in search of its geological history, Langkawi has nearly 99 geosites, including three geoforest parks the oldest of which is the Machincang Cambrian. Marbles can be found in the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest and at the Kilim Nature Park, the 100 square metres contains a mix of green mangrove forests, white beaches and turquoise lagoons. For those interested in the flora and fauna of the region, a tour to the area to enjoy the marine ecosystem should be made and to see the brown eagles, tree crabs, iguanas and macques. Views of the karstic outcrops and the pinnacles on the hills are stunning.
Langkawi's Marine ParkReached b catamaran from KuahJetty, The Palau Payar Marine Park sits 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and teems with marine life and vegetation. It's sheltered waters are ideal for watersports like snorkelling, diving and swimming, with the Coral Garden being the most popular dive spot because of its multi-hued soft corals. Baby sharks swim right up to the beach to be fed.
Kuah - Palau Langkawi's Main Town
This, the take-off point for the other islands in the group, has its own legend of two battling giants who overturned a pot of curry where the town now stands. Kuah is a thriving town of shopping complexes, hotels and small shops (selling a vivid selection of colourful saris and Islamic dress). It's a duty-free port for tobacco, liquor, cosmetics and electrical goods, but as in many other duty-free places, the prices are not as good as one feels they ought to be. A magnificent statue of an eagle is the focal point of Eagle Square near the Jetty. The square has scenic ponds, bridges, restaurants and is beautifully illuminated at night.
Langkawi's Myths and Legends
The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden: The largest freshwater lake in Langkawi given the name because of the legend of a fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died after birth, leaving her so depressed that she buried the child in the lake and then returned to her other-life home. It is said that childless women who bathe in the lake will conceive, a legend that attracts many women to the crystal clear waters.
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Mahsuri's Tomb - Kota Mahsuri : Just 12 Km. from Kuah this white marble memorial was erected in honour of another unfortunate woman, or maiden as the guides like to call her. Mahsuri wa unjustly accused of adultery and executed, but as the axe cut into her neck white blood poured out. This was taken as a sign of her innocence. She cursed the island as she lay dying, predicting that it would remain barren for seven generations. Judging by the prosperity all around and the number of tourists paying money to visit these sites of legends, seems she may have got this one wrong.
Cable cars, rice farms, waterfalls, craft centres, batik art villages, wildlife park and crocodile farm. The islands teem with things to do and see, no longer the lonely islands of mythology, but a thriving touristic complex offering everything for the visitor.