The island of Langkawi is pretty small, barely having an area of 470sq km, but within it are a large and interesting array of scenery, including tropical jungle, rainforest, time-untouched 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, many of the towns and places in Langkawi are named based on the stories that were written about them many centuries ago.

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

Another interesting fact about Langkawi is that it represents more of a Malay influence than the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur – the island also borrows a lot of influence from Thailand (indeed, you can see certain parts of Thailand from 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 wholly mystical. Here are some of the most popular:

Cave Of Legends – Gua Cerita is where the marriage to be held 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 (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 a food supply.

Legend Of Mashuri – Langkawi’s most poular legend stretches back to the fourteenth century when Princess Mashuri 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 Mashuri was believed to have cursed Langkawi, so that for seven generations the island incurred misery and misfortune.

Other legends are also rife – such as the spirit which guards 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 all the sailors.

The other legend is also an interesting one – the lake of the pregnant maiden is believed to have mystical powers that help women bare 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.

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.