Welcome to Langkawi Insights –
Isles of Legends and Mystique
Freed from a seven-generation curse placed by the
maiden Mahsuri, Langkawi is today famous for its sun-drenched shores washed
by clear turquoise waters and the mysterious mist-covered peaks that echo
a hundred legends. At long last, Langkawi regained its splendor once again.
Legends abound in Langkawi, both real and mythical.
Here was where Malaysia's former Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman was exiled
for two years when he secretly married Englishwoman Violet Coulson. By law,
marriage between Kedahan royalty and non-Malays without permission of the
Sultan was illegal, and needless to say, the marriage between the Tunku and
Violet was frowned upon. Because of this, the Tunku was transferred to Langkawi,
then a desolate and quiet place. His brief stay there inspired the novel
Princess of Langkawi, which has been filmed as Sumpah Semerah Padi
(in 1978), and a play Mahsuri.
If Penang, 90 miles south, is famed for its heritage
buildings, then Langkawi is famous for its countless legends, which have
been immortalised in folk tales and history. The names behind Kuah (the main
town), Beras Basah and Air Hangat have interesting roots. The story goes
that once upon a time, many moons ago, there lived two feuding giants called
Mat Cincang and Mat Raya. Unhappy that Mat Raya's son was marrying his daughter,
Mat Cincang caused a melee during the wedding feast. During the fight, pots
and pans were thrown around and the earth shook. The place where a big pot
of gravy landed is now called Kuah, (the Malay word for gravy) and the place
where the uncooked rice landed was called Beras Basah (wet uncooked rice).
During the tremor, a huge vat of hot water turned over, and the placed has
since then been called, you guessed it, Air Hangat (hot water)!
Fascinating tales such as these pepper Langkawi's
local culture and history. Just as you feel a sense of the historical when
you walk the streets of George Town, you will be mesmerised by the ancient
myths and legends that surround you when you visit Langkawi.
Ibrahim
Hussein – bridging the gap between the arts and the
public
Adrian Cheah's honeymoon in Langkawi brought him
face to face with a Malaysian icon of modern art.
Arguably the most successful (from a financial
point of view) and respected Malaysian artist ever, this man had in his
distinguished career, rubbed shoulders with the likes of the late Andy Warhol.
He now runs his own art gallery and studio in Langkawi and was not too proud
to rub shoulders with the honeymooners when they visited the place.
He personally admires Ibrahim's works for the freedom and originality they
embody.
 Book Review:
Mysterious Caves of Langkawi, Malaysia
With over 99 islands and islets, Langkawi is home
to many caves which are at once mysterious and eerie – the likes of
which include Gua Langsir (Caves of the Wailing Banshee) which is believed
to be haunted by the spirits of a woman who, like the vampire, lives on the
blood of humans. This book is a first of
its kind and the most comprehensive to date, taking readers deep into the
bowels of these caves and unearthing some of its secrets.
The
“Siput Kepah” Dance
Eric Chong discusses the merits of an unconventional
but rewarding pastime where participants "do the jig" on the seabed to the
tune of gentle lapping waves.
The
Coolest Spot in Langkawi
Langkawi's highest peak offers respite from the
tropical heat and rewards visitors with a bird's eye view of the islands.
Eric Chong rises to the occasion for this story.
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