Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Lake of The Pregnant Maiden / Tasik Dayang Bunting
Nestled amidst lush forested hills on an island south of Pulau Langkawi is Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of The Pregnant Maide ), the largest lake in Langkawi. The outline of hills and rocky outcrops on one side of the lake resembles the shape of a pregnant maiden lying on her back. However, the name of both the island and the lake is attributed to the legend of a lovely fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died shortly after birth. She was so sad and depressed that she buried the child in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Before she returned to her celestial abode, she blessed the waters so that any childless maiden who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter.
Seven Wells / Telaga Tujuh
Located in the north-western corner of Pulau Langkawi, Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) is a geological marvel. The waterfall is so named because its cascading waters is broken by a series of seven natural pools. The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour.
Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the waterfall to bathe and frolic.
Tanjung Rhu
Tanjung Rhu lies on the northern cape of Pulau Langkawi. Aptly named for its abundance of casuarinas, its enchanting beach affords magnificent views of nearby islands which can be reached at low tide on foot. An experience not to be missed.
A short journey by boat from Tanjung Rhu brings you to the doorstep of Gua Cherita (Cave of Legends). As its name implies, the cave is steeped in fabled tales of mystery and romace.
Summer Palace Langkawi
Summer Palace Langkawi is situated amidst lush tropical greenery at Pantai Kok, on the north western coastline. In 1999, 20th Century Fox commissioned the construction of this magnificent and expensive movie set for the making of the film 'Anna and the King'.
Built almost entirely of local timbers by local and foreign artisans, the Summer Palace resembles a traditional Thai Palace. The palace encompasses an area of 675 square metres and stands 16.6 metres high. Apart from the original movie set, a restaurant, souvenir shops and pavilion have been added.
Pulau Singa Besar
Pulau Singa Besar:Area: 636 ha, 6.5km long from north to south and 2.5km from east to west.
It consists mainly of steep hilly land covered by tropical forest. 75% of the land with gradient of 20° or more.
3 primary watersheds. The Sg. Botol and Sg. Pantai flowing down to the east of the island and the Sg. Sepai to the northen coast.
The top soil (kekura series), is thin layered. Towards the southern part of the island the land is rocky and devoid of soil.
Limestone outcrops are prominent on the north eastern part of the island.
The island geology is unique and has a formation called the Singa Formation.
Monkeys, deer, iguanas and peacocks roam about freely on Pulau Singa Besar, a wildlife sanctuary located southwest of Pulau Langkawi. Picnic on the pristine beaches and enjoy swimming in the surrounding waters. To preserve the island's natural surroundings, no hotels or chalets have been built. Instead, camping is encouraged. However, visitors will have to bring along their own tents and camping equipment if they wish to spend the night on the island.
Pulau Payar Marine Park
The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation.
Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2km long and 1/4 km wide, Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.
There are several sandy beaches on Pulau Payar island for picnics as well as hiking trails for those who wish to explore the island. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks. Facilities include gazebos, picnic tables, barbecue pits and restrooms at selected areas. There is also a Visitors' Centre that provides information about the marine park
Visitors can get to Pulau Payar from the Kuah jetty point by catamaran or speed boat. The catamaran services operated by Langkawi Coral, takes about 45 minutes to get to Pulau Payar while the speed boat takes an hour. It is advisable to book the catamaran service a day before the trip. Enquiries can be made with any travel agent in Kuah or at the jetty point for those intending to travel by speed boat. Apart from the fare, a levy of RM5.00 for adults and RM2.50 for children is charged for entry to the marine park.
Mahsuri Mausoleum / Makam Mahsuri
With its fabled and historical past, Langkawi is a treasure trove for visitors. Among the significant sites on the island that have been preserved for posterity is Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum) about 12 kilometres from Kuab. This shrine was erected in honour of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would remain barren for seven generations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination.
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