Field of Burnt Rice (Beras Terbakar)

Soon after Mahsuri's premature death, in 1821 the formidable Siamese army made an attack on the Langkawi island. The Chieftain of Langkawi, Dato' Karma Jaya, ordered the granary to be burnt in order to starve the enemy.

The burnt rice is said to have been buried a few metres below ground but often appears on the surface after a rainy day.

The remnants of burnt rice can still be seen at this spot known as the Field of Burnt Rice especially after a heavy downfall that washes out the odd blackened grain or so. It's located at Kampong Raja, Padang Matsirat. In that time it was the ancient capital of Langkawi.

The curse is believed to have been the cause of the island's lack of development which lasted until the birth in 1980 of Wan Aishah Nawawi, a direct descendant of Mahsuri, after seven generations.

Now, at this visiting area, there are many bazaar and souvenier shop. So, you can buy something to bring home but not the burnt rice...

For Information:

Opening Hours: 09.00am to 06.00pm (Daily)
Location: Mukim Padang Matsirat
Entrance Fee: Free (Donations appreciated)
Tel: 604 966 7789

Mahsuri Tomb (Makam Mahsuri)

Mahsuri was a young woman who lived in Langkawi, Malaysia either during the 14th or 19th century. According to folklore, she was accused of adultery and executed by stabbing. Her tomb, Makam Mahsuri, has become a tourist attraction on the island.


From the legend story, Mahsuri was the daughter of a Thai couple who moved from their native Phuket to the island of Langkawi in search of a better life. She was the most beautiful in all of Langkawi and married the warrior Wan Darus. As was required of him, her husband had to go to war, leaving Mahsuri behind to fend for herself. It was during this time that Mahsuri befriended a young man named Deraman. The village chief's wife was jealous of Mahsuri's beauty. She spread a rumour that Mahsuri was unfaithful and was having an affair with Deraman in the absence of Wan Darus. Eventually the rumours grew strong enough that the villagers openly accused her of adultery. Mahsuri pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her.

Mahsuri was to be tied to a tree (or pole) and stabbed to death but it didn't work. After every execution attempt failed, Mahsuri told them to kill her with her family's kris. When she was stabbed, white blood flowed from the wound, signifying her innocence. Some birds flew above her to cover her body. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi to have seven generations of bad luck. The kingdom was soon taken over by Siam. The villagers at Padang Mat Sirat burned their own paddy fields rather than let them fall into the hands of the Siamese.

Many locals of Langkawi believe the legend to be true, citing the decades of failed crops that followed Mahsuri's death. Langkawi was also attacked by Siam numerous times, the last invasion taking place in 1821. The field which was torched by the farmers is still known as Beras Terbakar or "Burnt Rice". It is only at the end of the 20th century, after the seven generations have supposedly come to pass, that Langkawi began to prosper as a tourist destination. The descendants of Mahsuri continue to live in Phuket, Thailand, and have on occasion returned to Langkawi to visit her tomb. Among them was Sirintra Yayee, also known as Wan Aishah Wan Nawawi, who came into the spotlight during her visit to Kedah in year 2000.

For Information:

Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 (Daily)
Location: Mukim Ulu Melaka
Entrance Fee: Adult - RM10/Kids -RM5

Tel: +604 9556055

1. Lagenda Park (Taman Lagenda, Langkawi)

Lagenda Park (Taman Lagenda, Langkawi)Are you interested in mysteries and stories of the unknown? Langkawi is full of such tales, and what better place for visitors to take it all in than Lagenda Park Langkawi, a park that highlights the many myths and legends of this intriguing island. This 20 hectare landscaped theme park stretches from the jetty towards Kuah Town along the newly reclaimed waterfront, with various sculptures based on local folklore and history set among beautiful ponds and a lagoon.

Those with horticultural intersets will appreciate the local blooms, plants and fruit trees which provide a picturesque backdrop for buildings which are examples of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage. This park was created to recapture the glorious history of Langkawi.

At this park, there are 4 artificial lakes, 17 story-telling monuments, a man made beach, a few resting places and other public facilities for visitors, mostly covered with beautifully designed landscape, giving the park a really natural looking environment.

Of the many myths and legends surrounding this place, the duel between Mat Raya and Mat Cincang is one of the most interesting. It is said that their duel caused the formation of several new places on the island such as Gunung Raya, Gunung Mat Cincang, Kuah (said to have been formed when their struggle overturned a bowl of gravy, which in Bahasa Melayu is "kuah"), Ayer Hangat, Tanjung Cincin, and Belanga Pecah.


For information:
Open Hour: 9.00am - 7.00pm (Daily)
Entrance Fee: Adult - RM5.00 / Child - Rm2.50
Tel: 604-966 4223

What to do?? Where to go??

Here is the direction for you to every attraction place in Langkawi, whether the purpose is to learn at the historical places, or to relaxing your mind and body, or to have fun and excitement...

Credited to Pelangi Beach Resort, Langkawi

Langkawi Get Recognitions?!!!

On June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Three of its main Geopark components are Mount Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Geoforest Park and Pulau Tasik Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake).

Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the northeastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks—but hampered by inaccessibility—the island was at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret".

Langkawi remained a sleepy backwater until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism. Subsequently the island's airport was upgraded and ferry links were increased.

Beginning 1990's, Langkawi competes with nearby Penang for the title of Malaysia's largest tourist draw and attraction. Resorts and 5 star hotels line the beaches and in the winter high season, direct flights land from as far as Europe and Japan.

Besides being tax-free, the beach and eagle, another attraction in Langkawi is the Cable Car to the tops of Gunung Mat Cincang at 705 m above sea level. Galeria Perdana a collection of over 2500 gift to the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad.

Langkawi is affected by the milder western monsoon (May-September), and while diving is possible at Pulau Payar, water clarity tends to be poor.

Langkawi used to be the starting point of the annual international cycling race Tour de Langkawi cycling event, however after 2000, Langkawi was omitted from the race itinerary. Langkawi also hosts the biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show (LIMA).

How You Can Reach to Langkawi??

Actually, there are two ways you can reach to the island. You can go trough:

Air

Daily flights to Langkawi by Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia (flies from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu). From Singapore by Silk Air and Firefly airline for Penang-Langkawi flight route.

Sea

There are high-speed ferry connections between Kuah Jetty and Satun in southern Thailand, Pulau Payar, Penang, Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis in the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia.
If you want to make your trip more exciting, cross the Malacca Straits with Star Cruises ships. It will dock at the Awana Porto Malai harbour on the west coast of the island.


That's all for now...all the best...c ya...hope these links can help you.... and clik here to get the cheap Airfare!!

Malaysian Airlines : http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/
Air Asia : http://www.airasia.com/
Firefly : http://www.fireflyz.com.my/
Silk Air : http://www.silkair.com/
Star Cruises : http://www.impression.com.my/cruises/starcruises2.htm , http://www2.starcruises.com/
Ferry : http://www.langkawi-ferry.com/

History Made Langkawi Famous!!!

Langkawi becomes famous because of it histories and legend. I'm as a Malaysian also not much know about the Langkawi's histories, in deeply. But what I can tell you some of the important histories are:

1) The name Langkawi is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, centred in modern-day Kedah. The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD. 'Langkawi' mean's Eagle Island, it may be noted, and indeed there is a great abundance of eagles in the area.

That's why they build an eagle monument in Eagle Square which commemorates the origin of Langkawi's name in Kuah.

2) Langkawi is also the site of the Mahsuri Legend. The legend speaks of a young woman who was accused of adultery and was executed by the public despite her pleading innocence. Mahsuri, before her death, made a curse on the island for seven generations of bad luck.

3) Langkawi eventually came under the influence of the Sultanate of Kedah, but Kedah was conquered in 1821 by Siam (Thailand) and Langkawi along with it. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred power to the British, who held the state until independence, except for a brief period of Thai rule under the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II. Thai influences remain visible in the culture and food of Langkawi, while Thai language is still understood by many on the island.

Where is Langkawi Island???

Location

Langkawi lies north of the Strait of Malacca in the southern Andaman Sea near the border between Malaysia and Thailand. A few kilometres to the north lies the Thai island which called Ko Tarutao. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah.

Town

Langkawi's main town is on the main island, and the town's name is Kuah. FYI Langkawi is a duty-free island (yahooooo!!!!)

Geographical Facts

• Highest point is Gunung Raya, rising to 890 m above sea level. It's in the main island's central-eastern area.


• Total land area of 528 km2 (204 sq mi) - consists of 99 islands.


• Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands (an extra 5 temporary islands are revealed at low tide in the Andaman Sea.


• Langkawi's population is around 45,000.

You also can visit here to make it more clear:

http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=6.249776,100.228271&spn=1.313222,2.554321&t=h&z=9