Lying off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30 kilometers from Kuala Perlis and 51 kilometers from Kuala Kedah, Pulau Langkawi, as it is popularly known, covers an area of 32,848 hectares. The island is divided into six districts namely Mukim Kuah, Padang Matsirat, Ayer Hangat, Bohor, Ulu Melaka and Kedawang and has a population of approximately 45,000 inhabitants with most of them being the Malays.
Out of the 108 (99 during high tide) islands, only Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Tuba and parts of Pulau Dayang Bunting are inhabited. With a geological history dating back to 500 million odd years, the islands contain unique rock formations. Numerous caves like the mystical Gua Cerita, the 'haunted' Gua Langsiar and Gua Kelawar with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, taunt the adventurous.
Fine beaches fringed with lush tropical vegetation offer sun-filled days of complete relaxation. The clear emerald seas reflecting the shade of the azure skies provide a host of water sports and recreational activities, and a magical world of marine life. Unspoilt and rustic, it is a tropical paradise spectacularly endowed by nature. However, Langkawi is more than a place of captivating beauty, it is also a land steeped in legends and shrouded in mysteries. Its past is filled with legendary tales of wronged maidens and lovelorn princes, all of whom have left their mark for posterity.
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.
As it turned out, in 1821, the Siamese savagely attacked Langkawi. Upon knowing the inevitable fate of the island following the battle, Datuk Kerma Jaya, the headman of Kampung Raja, the ancient capital of Langkawi, ordered that the granary located at today's Padang Mat Sirat be razed to to the groundand all the wells poisoned in order to starve the enemy. From then on, the island slipped into a slumber. This legend is perhaps the main allure of Langkawi.
