Langkawi, in the state of kedah was recorded the
status of a Geopark by UNESCO, on june 1,2007
that is the first in South-east Asia. A Geopark is a territory covering
one or more sites of scientific importance for its geological richness and also
archaeological or cultural value. The point of geo park is to conserve the
area, educate people about the geological heritage and provide sustainable economic
development.
Mahsuri Mausoleum or known as Makam Mahsuri in malay was built in honour of the legendary woman Mahsuri of Langkawi. The best-known legend is that of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who lived here some 200 years ago. She was wrongly accused of committing adultery and sentenced to death by those who were envious of her. White blood oozed out as soon as she was stabbed proclaiming her innocence. With her dying breath, she laid a curse upon the island that it should remain barren for seven generations. The Kota Mahsuri Complex is a tribute and a somber reminder of the wronged maiden.
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Seven wells or known as Telaga Tujuh in malay is a autifully crafted geological manifestation. This picturesque waterfall is named such because its gushing water stream is broken by a series of seven natural pools. According to the legends, the fairies could not resist the charm to visit this beautiful place and that's why, they decided to make it their bathing place. In fact, the surrounding shrubs and plants around the pool are said to have been left by them.
Lake
of the Pregnant Maiden or known as a Tasik Dayang Bunting in malay is the lake
together with the island is shrouded in a legend. The silhouette of the lake
appears as if a pregnant woman is lying down on her back. As
one simmers down in the sparkling waters of the lake, the legend of Mambang
Sari and Mat Teja's ill-fated love story looms over the psyche. This story
takes the visitors back into the world of nymphs and genies. It states that the
fairy princess fell in love with a mortal prince and married him. The princess
conceived a child soon after, but lost the child just after birth. It is said
that the anguished mother chose the lake to bury her child. As she buried the
child in the water, he turned into a white crocodile. Mambang Sari, who overflowed with
maternal affection and distressed at such a fortuity, blessed the waters that
any woman, who is unable to conceive, will be rewarded with a child if she
drank the water from the lake. It is believed that the same crocodile guards
the lake till date, and appears only to those people who're pure at heart.
Cave of Legends or known as Gua cherita in malay
is a fascinating cave on the island of Langkawi.
As the name suggests, it is shrouded in legendary tales of mystery and romance. According to the folklore, Gua Cerita is
associated with the Battle of the Big Birds. Further, it is said that that
once, the Kings of Rome and China planned to marry their children. However, the
Garuda (the phoenix), the eagle of Lord Vishnu, opposed the idea because he
comprehended that the unification of two such great powers may pose threat to
the other small kingdoms. Thus, he kidnapped the Chinese princess and hid her
in thi cave. Afterwards, the
Garuda went on to crush the forces of the Chinese emperor, Merong Maha Wangsa.
The world then witnessed a fierce battle during which the Roman Prince fell
into the sea. The waves carried him to the same island where the Princess was
imprisoned. Both the souls were united, and Gua Cerita is believed to be the
same holy place where the celebrated wedding occurred.
Black
Sand Beach or known as Pantai Pasir Hitam is a spectacular beach on the island
of Langkawi. According to the folklores, this beach had been the witness to the
Battle of the Birds and the remnants of the war are still discernible on its
sands. Another tale states that killer eddies and whirlpools became the water
graves of naive sailors and blackened the sands of this beach. Other fable narrates that a fisherman
received the wrath of a mermaid, as he stole her ring. The mermaid's curse
charred the land and the black sands became the sign of the man's offense.
People also consider that the black sand beach is the result of burnt soil from
the rice fields which were burnt during the Siamese War. The burnt soil,
probably, flowed to the sea and got washed up at this beach.
Field of Burnt Rice or known
as a Beras Terbakar in malay is a place where the remnants of the burnt rice
that conducted by local villagers who scorched their rice fields in effort to
stop them from falling into the hands of the Siamese invaders in 1821 and the
remnants of the burnt rice can be seen
on the sandy ground usually after rain.
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The Legend of Merong Mahawangsa And
The Garuda. The Kedah Annals ( Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa) tells the tale of
founding of the kingdom of kedah with mentioned of langkawi island as a hiding
place of the prince ot rome and princess of china. The annals tell about merong
mahawangsa, an ambassador of the kingdom of rome to china to be married to the
princess of china. The geruda (a
demigod), who felt that the union should not take place, kidnapped the Chinese
princess and her maid and hid them in a cave believed to Gua Cherita in
Langkawi. He then attacked the fleet carrying the prince. In the battle, the
prince was swept ashore on Langkawi and united with the Chinese princess.
Meanwhile, the Merong Mahawangsa landed with some surviving crew on the shores
of Kedah. Believing that the prince had died, he decided to settle there and
stared the settlement which grew to became the Kingdom of Kedah. Raja merong
mahawangsa became the first ruler of kedah.
By- Siti Nur Farah Farzana Bt Sheikh Anuar
HM1113b
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