Langkawi's history was shaped by its strategic location. Situated in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca between Sumatra and the Malaysian Peninsula, Langkawi and its surrounding islands served as the rear naval station of the ancient Kedah Sultanate, to which they belonged. The islands were excellent shelter to protect the Kedah Sultanate against attacks from neighboring countries who envied Langkawi's natural prosperity.
The population of Langkawi consists of settlers who came from Sumatra, Sulawesi, Thailand, mainland Kedah, and even from Arabia, India and China. They came as farmers, fishermen, sailors, merchants and story tellers. The first settlers from Kedah brought rice and water buffaloes to the island, and changed the fertile plains into thriving rice fields.
Many places in Langkawi are associated with folktales. That's why Langkawi is also called the "Island of Legends."
For example, there is the legend of "Warm Water". The story is about a fight between two powerful men, Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya. Mat Chinchang visited Mat Raya, because his son wanted to marry Mat Raya's daughter. In the middle of negotiating the proposal, the future bridegroom flirted with one of the court girls. Mat Raya was displeased and got angry. During the dispute that arose, pots of boiling water broke, creating hot springs-Warm Water. People believe that the water has curative powers for the mind, body and soul. Villagers from around warm water have been using the hot springs for generations and many have experienced the truth of its healing qualities.
The story of Mahsuri is also popular. Once a couple from Phuket (Thailand) came to the island to make a living as farmers. The wife gave birth to beautiful daughter, named Mahsuri. She became the daughter-in-law of the island`s chief. Her mother-in-law did not like her, and when Mahsuri`s husband went to war, she wrongly accused Mahsuri of having committed adultery. Mahsuri and her son were sentenced to death.
The legend of "The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden" tells of a prince who married of a common girl. The king disapproved of this marriage and banished the girl to a deserted island. There she gave birth to a baby boy. One day, when the prince came to visit his wife, there was the rumble sudden of a thunderstorm. It woke the baby who had been sleeping near the lake, and he tumbled into the water. The mother`s efforts to save the child were in vain. As the mother was weeping, a mist swept across the lake. When all was clear, a rock appeared where the mother had stood and the prince was transformed into an island. Between the rock and the island was a narrow stretch of water, and in it was a white crocodile. People believe that the crocodile is the reincarnation of the child. Childless couples like to come here to be granted offspring. Those whose requests have been granted often throw flowers into the water as a token of their gratitude.
The Landscape
The group of mountainous island occupies an area of 190 square miles. There are two prominent mountains, Mount Raya (869.4m) and Mount Mat Chinchang (696.6m), with a hill in between. From the distance these mountains look like a strong fort which protects the mainland against disastrous natural elements coming from the sea. The rivers and streams make the forests, plantations and rice fields grow abundantly. Along the way to the hotel, we saw lush green forests covering the foothills and slopes, vast green rice fields, and here and there we passed cool granite rocks with crystal clear water cascading over cool granite rocks under a brilliant blue sky.
The Hotel
Most of the hotel's construction was made of solid wood. It seemed that the hotel was specially designed to match its natural surroundings-tall trees and the nearby beach. The resort was like a safe and secure shelter in a forest. The interiors of the rooms created an impression of warmth and coziness and they were equipped with all the modern conveniences. Since all sea-view rooms were occupied, we took one of the cottages which were located nearby under the lofty trees.
The Tour Around Langkawi
Early the following morning, awakened by the chirping of the chirping of the birds and the knocking of small, playful monkeys on the window panes of our cottage. Our plan was to explore the island with the hotel car. First we had a local breakfast at an eating stall. The food was good. Then we went to "Warm Water" village, which is a cultural park. Warm Water was a peaceful place surrounded by rice fields and hills, with Mount Mat Raya in the background.The park featured a small museum, mural carvings exposing the legend of the place, souvenir shops and warm water springs to revitalize our tired feet. There was also a professional masseur who could give visitors a traditional massage. They just had to be patient enough to wait for their turn.
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