Langkawi, Malaysia: Island Of Legends

Langkawi, Malaysia: Island Of Legends

Langkawi abounds with quaint villages, quiet coves and long stretches of white sand beaches. There are reefs and sea caves to explore and marine parks for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Boat tours are available to the many small jewel-green islands and other attractions can be reached by the well-paved roads.

A place that has great significance in the island history and legends is the Mausoleum of Makam Mahsuri. This beautiful young maiden came from Thailand (Siam) in the 1800s and married the son of the tribal chief. She was respected and loved by everyone. But her mother-in-law who jealous and accused the girl of adultery. Mahsuri was sentenced to death despite her pleas of innocence. As she died, she cursed the island. For seven generations Langkawi did not prosper, until 1987 after the movie Anna and the King?

The jade green Lake of the Pregnant Maiden is a fifteen minute walk through the jungle. Legend has it that a celestial princess married a mortal prince and gave birth to a baby which died soon after. Heartbroken she buried the baby in the lake, and before returning to her celestial home, blessed the lake so that any maiden who wishes to conceive who bathes there would become pregnant. It didn deter me from enjoying a leisurely swim in the warm crystal-clear water.