Have you ever wondered why Langkawi is one of the most sought-after places on earth?
Langkawi is a tropical paradise on the west coast of Malaysia, and it's full of things to do and see. It's got pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and amazing waterfalls—and there's never a shortage of fun things to do here!
Home to 99 clusters of islands, Langkawi is an archipelago off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia that has been recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark.
But locals have another reason for their devotion—one that is both special and unique.
Langkawi is a magical place. The legends of its rich history are all around you, and they make it feel like you're stepping back in time. The most talked-about legend is definitely Mahsuri. This means that there are thousands of different things to do in Langkawi—and they're all waiting for you!
MAHSURI Day is celebrated every year on November 26
On November 26th of every year, this tropical paradise attracts visitors from all over the world for one special reason: to celebrate Mahsuri Day.
People across Malaysia and beyond come to visit Langkawi on this day to pay tribute to Mahsuri's courage, strength, and devotion to her family and community.
This year's celebrations start at Langkawi Cable Car, Wan Aishah, accompanied by her husband and family, arrived at 9am to officiate the event and was welcomed by YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin bin Abdul Muttalib, Chief Executive Officer of LADA.
Tuan Nasaruddin said that Mahsuri Day is celebrated yearly in Langkawi, and all related industry to play their role and contribute in their own capacity and interpretation. "This is also proof of a good relationship between Langkawi and the Phuket government added Tuan Nasaruddin.
He shared his vision for the celebrations of Mahsuri Day in 2023. "We are expecting more interesting activities all over the island—not just from local authorities, but also from other industry players like hotels—in conjunction with these celebrations," ended him.
Wan Aishah Wan NawawWa
The descendant of Mahsuri reflects a different kind of beauty. Radiant, noble, and feminine. She is the epitome of an ideal woman that is becoming rare in this day and age.
Asians are known for their fair skin, yet this lady has a million dollars smiles. She is determined to be beautiful and she knows that it doesn't come from having fair skin.
Her look is not as perfect as the "superstar-like" beauty that you see on magazine covers. But, when she smiled, you will forget about everything else.
MAHSURI
The story of Mahsuri binti Pandak Mayah can be traced back to the late 18th century when it was said that she was accused of adultery and executed by stabbing. She was only in her early 20s when she died, but her tomb has become a tourist attraction on Pulau Langkawi, an island in northwestern Kedah, Malaysia.
LAGEND
Mahsuri was the daughter of a Siamese who moved from their native Phuket Province to the island of Langkawi in search of a better life. She was the most beautiful woman in all of Langkawi and married the warrior Wan Darus. As was required of him, her husband had to go to war on behalf of Kedah against Thailand, leaving Mahsuri behind to fend for herself. It was during this time that Mahsuri befriended a young traveler named Deraman. The village chief's wife Wan Mahora was jealous of Mahsuri's beauty.
She spread a rumor that Mahsuri was unfaithful and was having an affair with Deramang in the absence of Wan Darus. Eventually, the rumors grew strong enough that the villagers openly accused her of adultery. Mahsuri pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her.
However, these attempts on her life failed miserably each time because white blood flowed from the wound instead of red—signifying her innocence! Some birds flew above her body as if covering it up from view while she lay dying; then they flew away as if taking away with them something precious that belonged only to them…
IMPACTS
The locals believed this to be proof that Mahsuri's spirit had abandoned them. To appease her, they burned a field that still bears her name today: Beras Terbakar, or "burnt rice."
It is only at the end of the 20th century after seven generations have supposedly come to pass that Langkawi began to prosper as a tourist destination.
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