4 Historical Destinations You Must Visit in Langkawi
While Langkawi is known for its crystal-clear beaches and various tax-free products, those are not all this beautiful archipelago has to offer. The Jewel of Kedah is rich in culture and history, populated with historical places and heritage sites that will definitely be worth your time. Read on to find out.
Pulau Dayang Bunting
Pulau Dayang Bunting, also known as Island of the Pregnant Maiden, is the second largest island in Langkawi. The locals believe that if women having difficulty conceiving drink the water from the island’s Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, they will become fertile.
The reason behind this belief goes back to the story of Mat Teja, a man who fell in love with princess Mambang Sari at the lake. They eventually got married and were blessed with a son. However, the son didn’t live long and passed away at a very young age. To allow their son to rest in peace, they laid him in the water of the lake. The princess also blessed all women that were having difficulty conceiving, hence the belief.
Today, the lake is not only visited because of the tale, but also for swimming. It does, however, have an average depth of 10 metres. If you’re a beginner, you can always get a life jacket from the stall next to the lake. Tourists may also go jungle trekking at the island’s limestone caves. There, you’ll spot gorgeous animals like hornbills, kingfishers, monitor lizards, and monkeys.
How to get there
Drive for 15 minutes (approx. 10km) from The Smith House to Awana Porta Malai ferry terminal. Then, go on the island hopping boat tour.
Beras Terbakar
Also known as Field of Burnt Rice, Beras Terbakar, Langkawi is located in the house compound of Ku Halim Bin Ku Hassan in Kampung Raja, which was the then-ancient capital of the island. During the battle between Siam and Langkawi at Pancur Straits in 1821, once the army chief realised that they will eventually lose the battle, he sent his men to inform the villagers to collect all the paddy harvest in the island and set them all on fire. This is to prevent the Siamese from acquiring the island’s main supply of food. The villagers brought all their harvest to this place, dug a huge hole and burnt it all.
If you head over to Beras Terbakar, Langkawi today, you’ll notice that a small field in the area has been conserved and protected. That area was where the whole was dug. As the hole is no longer there, a signage is placed on the ground to indicate where it once was. In addition, there is also a small glass case in the area, displaying the safekept samples of the burnt rice.
How to get there
Getting to the Field of Burnt Rice, Langkawi from The Smith House is easy, as it’s just a 10-minute walk away. If you choose to drive there, it will take you about 2 minutes (600 metres).
Makam Mahsuri
Mahsuri was the most beautiful maiden in Langkawi. However, she was wronged by a woman who was jealous of her beauty. While Mahsuri’s husband was fighting for the war, a storyteller came to the village and shared many amazing stories with the people. This storyteller needed a place to stay, so Mahsuri offered him her living quarters.
Out of jealousy, the village chief’s wife spread a rumour that Mahsuri was engaging in adultery with the storyteller. She was sentenced to death by stabbing. After she died, white blood oozed out of her body, proving that she is actually innocent. Before her life ended, she cursed Langkawi island, bringing a never-ending wave of misfortune for the next seven generations to come. Shortly after her death, the Siamese attacked and conquered the island (and the history of Beras Terbakar came to be). Fortunately for Langkawi, the eighth generation came to be around the 20th century, marking the end of the curse, and the beginning of a prosperous Langkawi.
Today, Mahsuri’s Tomb & Cultural Centre, also known as Makam Mahsuri, Langkawi is a complex with various attractions:
Music room
Malay ladies dressed in traditional costumes play folk music with traditional musical instruments.
Audiovisual Room
It’s where a video presentation takes place, narrating the story of Mahsuri. The story is also written on large boards for everyone to read.
Lagenda Mahsuri Museum
A museum where large dioramas that depict the story of Mahsuri resides. There’s also many different household and farming items used by the Malays back in the days on display. The weapon that was used to stab Mahsuri is also on display.
How to get there
Makam Mahsuri, Langkawi is approximately 22km from The Smith House. We highly recommend driving or taking a cab there. The journey will be approximately 30 minutes.
Galeria Perdana
Also known as Perdana Gallery, Galeria Perdana, Langkawi is a beautiful museum that houses rare artworks, collections, show crafts, and exhibits that depict the history and culture of many places in the world. Most of the items on display are gifts, souvenirs and awards that were received by Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad (Dr. M), and his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah bt. Mohd. Ali. As the representative head of the country, Tun felt that the gifts he received belonged to the public, hence the creation of Galeria Perdana, Langkawi.
There are over 9000 exhibits in this museum, where only 2000 are displayed each time. This is why those who visited Galeria Perdana before will always come back after every rotation. The interior of this museum is nothing short of amazing, and there are a total of three sections. Block A is where most of the gifts received by Dr. M are. Block B is specially for the gifts received by Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah bt. Mohd. Ali. Block C, the newest block of Perdana Gallery, is where you’ll see many rare original paintings and jewelry items. The highlight of Block C is a Formula-l car and a bicycle completely made of wood.
How to get there
Perdana Gallery is approximately 22 km from The Smith House. We recommend driving or taking a Grab there. The journey will be around 30 minutes.
Experience the Rich History of Langkawi Today
Amazed by these historical destinations in Langkawi? Then, it’s time to start planning for a getaway to Langkawi to visit all of them! In order to have ample time to visit all these historical destinations, while also being able to enjoy the other wonderful things Langkawi has to offer, we’d suggest planning for a longer getaway. A longer getaway requires an even more comfortable stay, which is why we recommend The Smith House. This boutique hotel promises ultimate comfort at an affordable price.
Book a stay at The Smith House now.