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The Legend of Mahsuri – Langkawi Story

The innocent Mahsuri is forever remembered and cannot be separated from Langkawi, whether as a legend or a myth.

The diverse land and seascapes of Langkawi Islands are not only teeming with a wealth of fascinating wildlife.

Mythical beings in folk storytelling are used in Malaysian culture to depict power, evil, beauty, wisdom, cunning, and many more attributes of humankind.

The oral stories and collective memory from Langkawi’s famous legends help us further understand the nature of humankind.

Of all the many legends and myths surrounding Langkawi, the curse of the innocent Mahsuri is most remarkable.

The Langkawi Story

Myths and Langkawi legends have always held captive the imaginations of the locals on the lush island off the coast of Kedah, Malaysia.

Lagenda Langkawi Park, beside the Kuah Jetty, is a beautifully landscaped folklore-themed park.

The 50-hectare park has a collection of colorful statues, stone carvings, and cultural displays depicting Langkawi’s legendary tales, myths, and folklore.

Lagenda Langkawi Park, beside the Kuah Jetty, is a beautifully landscaped folklore-themed park. Photo: LADA

The Legend of Mahsuri

The best-known legend of Langkawi is of a Malay woman, Mahsuri Binti Pandak Maya, who lived in Langkawi between 1762 and 1800.

The story goes that Mahsuri, the daughter of Pandak Mayah and Cik Alang, grew up to be a beautiful young woman of marrying age.

Mahsuri is also called Puteri Mahsuri and nicknamed Puteri Langkawi.

The most famous story about Mahsuri’s life is during her execution’s last moments, used as material for aristocratic theater performances to children’s stories.

The story of Mahsuri of Langkawi- Truth or Legend?

The facts about Mahsuri are true.

In the late 18th century, Mahsuri Binti Pandak Mayah was a young woman who lived in Pulau Langkawi, an island in Kedah, Malaysia.

Pandak Mayah and Mak Andak, Mahsuri’s parents, migrated initially from a small Muslim village called Prabang, near Phuket, Thailand.

According to folklore, she was accused of adultery and executed by stabbing.

Her tomb, Makam Mahsuri, is a tourist attraction on the island.

VISIT LANGKAWI

The Legends of Mahsuri’s Curse – The Story of Langkawi

We believe the story of Mahsuri to have taken place during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah III (1778-1797) and Sultan Ziyauddin Mukarram Shah II ibni al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Azilin Muadzam Shah (1797-1803).

Mahsuri’s early life began in the 1880s.

During the reign of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ziyauddin Mukarram Shah (1803-1843), Kedah-Siam relations became murky as both kingdoms struggled for power.

There are several versions of Mahsuri’s Curse narrated orally and in writing by the locals.

Mahsuri’s Ancestry on the Island of Langkawi

Mahsuri’s father, Pandak Mayah, is from Indonesia, while her mother, Endak Alang or Mak Yah, is of Chinese descent.

Pandak Mayah and his wife migrated to Tongka in Southern Thailand and later moved to Langkapuri (Langkawi’s old name).

The couple was childless, despite being married for a long time.

One day, as Pandak Mayah was resting in a hut after working in the fields, he found a rice crust that made the sound of a crying baby.

The magical rice crust was bought home by Pandak Mayah and mixed with a bit of water.

After that, he planted the rice crust.

Soon after, his wife Endak Alang became pregnant.

After Mahsuri’s birth, the poor couples’ livelihood increased folds, and the paddy they cultivated grew abundantly.

One day, Pandak Mayah discovers swallows’ nests in some caves and sells these to Chinese traders from Penang.

With this, their livelihood changed and Mahsuri’s father became known as Orang Kaya Pandak Mayah.

According to another story, Pandak Mayah found the Love Snake Mani or Duck Snake. He caught and ate it.

According to the ancients’ beliefs, the snake bestowed luck and wealth on whoever saw and ate it.

Mahsuri’s Fame

Mahsuri was raised as a Malay woman with values and a moral upbringing.

She was also well versed in the martial arts for self-defense.

Mahsuri was a virgin and became a household name because of her exceptional nature and beauty.

Mahsuri’s fame spread in Kampung Mawat and Mukim Ulu Melaka and throughout the island of Langkawi.

Mahsuri Binti Pandak Mayah was a young woman who lived in Pulau Langkawi, an island in Kedah, Malaysia. Photo: iluminasi.com

Apart from being idolized by many, several women were jealous of her beauty.

Among those who paid attention to Mahsuri was the Penghulu of Langkawi, a representative of the Sultan of Kedah, Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya.

Wan Yahya’s wife, Wan Mahora, felt burning anger when she found out that her husband wanted to make Mahsuri his second wife.

Wan Darus, the younger brother of Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya , also desired Mahsuri.

To prevent his household from faltering and maintain his respected name as an elder, Wan Yahya approved Wan Darus’ intention to propose to Mahsuri.

Mahsuri Weds Wan Darus

The wedding ceremony was very lively. However, the men and women of the island were upset.

The men had hopes of marrying Mahsuri, and the women had put their hearts on Wan Darus, said to be a mighty hero and equally handsome.

Mahsuri pregnant with her first child

When Mahsuri became pregnant, relations between Kedah and Siam (Thailand) became increasingly murky.

Siam began to conquer the northern part of Kedah, causing war.

His Majesty, the Sultan of Kedah, ordered his officials to gather commanders to defend the country.

Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya called on the people of Langkawi to help the Kedah army that was at war, including Wan Darus.

Wan Darus left Langkawi to fight against an invading Siamese army in Kuala Kedah.

Mahsuri reluctantly had to let her husband go to fight.

Arrival of Deramang

One day, an immigrant named Deramang anchored on the beach of Langkawi.

There were stories that Deramang was from Batu Bara, Acheh, and some claimed he was from Sumatra.

Deramang stopped in Langkawi and, courtesy of Mahsuri’s parents was allowed to stay at their house.

Pandak Mayah had hired Deramang to help him farm.

Apart from being hardworking and diligent, Deramang had a unique talent for humming and writing poetry.

Deramang stayed at Pandak Mayah’s house to teach poetry

Many villagers will gather every night to listen to the songs and poems delivered by Deramang.

At that time, Pandak Mayah’s family became the talk of the town.

Deramang’s skill in poetry raised Mahsuri’s name as the host, which aroused the jealousy of Wan Mahura, his sister-in-law, as the wife of the Langkawi island chief.

Mahsuri Gives Birth

Mahsuri, who was left behind, moved back to her parent’s house as she was pregnant.

When the time came, Mahsuri’s eldest son, Wan Hakim, was born.

Other stories said the name of Mahsuri’s son was Wan Mat Arus.

Wan Mahora Plotted Against Mahsuri

Wan Mahora did not like the fame gained by Mahsuri.

She felt her position as the wife of the magnate began to be wane in comparison.

Seeing the closeness of Mahsuri and Deramang, Wan Mahora saw it as an opportunity to plot against them.

Wan Mahora incited her husband, Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya, to observe Mahsuri’s actions.

Wan Mahora Began to Slander Mahsuri

Wan Mahora, consumed by jealousy of Mahsuri’s beauty, began to spread malicious gossip that Mahsuri was a cheating wife.

One day, Deramang was seen entering Mahsuri’s house to babysit Wan Hakim while his mother was out in the fields.

Mahsuri soon became a victim of a conspiracy and was falsely accused of committing adultery with the handsome Deramang.

The birth of Mahsuri’s son, Wan Hakim, sparked slander when Wan Mahura accused Mahsuri of adultery (having an affair) with Deramang.

Consumed by slander

The rumors eventually prompted villagers to openly accuse Mahsuri of the crime of adultery, which was punishable by death.

The Sultan’s representative in Langkawi, Datuk Pekerma Jaya, was instigated by his wife, Wan Mahora.

For that reason, Mahsuri and Deramang were accused of adultery were arrested and sentenced to death by Datuk Pekerma Jaya, her brother-in-law.

Mahsuri was sentenced to death.

Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya ordered his men, led by Panglima Hitam, to arrest Mahsuri.

A story said Mahsuri and Deramang were taken to Balai Adat in Padang Matsirat, the center of Langkawi at that time, to be sentenced.

Pandak Mayah and Endak Alang were shocked to hear the news and offered all their wealth to save the life of their only daughter, but Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya rejected this.

Without waiting for Wan Darus to return, Mahsuri was taken to punishment and tied to a tree.

Mahsuri’s Execution

Despite her parents’ pleas and her child’s cries at her skirts, Mahsuri was dragged away and tied to a tree.

Before her execution, Mahsuri told the villagers her blood would turn white if she were innocent.

People who came to witness were shocked by the accusation thrown at Mahsuri.

The crowd was shocked when the spear or dagger used to stab her body failed to pierce her body.

This incident worried Wan Mahora, as it is proof of Mahsuri’s innocence.

Mahsuri continued to be tortured relentlessly by her tormentors.

After every execution attempt failed, Mahsuri finally tells the secret that she can only be killed using her family heirloom spear,

Some stories claimed it was her family’s ceremonial keris (a dagger)

Without wasting time, Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya ordered the weapon taken from Pak Mayah’s house.

After obtaining it, Datuk Pekerma Jaya stabbed Mahsuri.

The sky became overcast, and there was thunder and lightning as Mahsuri was fatally stabbed and killed.

Some birds flew above her to cover her body.

As legend would have it, white blood spilled from her wound, signifying her innocence.

Mahsuri’s Execution Site

Mahsuri was not killed in her hometown, Kampung Mawat in Ulu Melaka, but was taken to Padang Matsirat to be executed.

Taman Tugu Keris in Padang Matsirat is where Mahsuri was sentenced to death.

A tree, allegedly where Mahsuri was tied up and tortured for several days before being sentenced to death, still exists today.

Deramang’s Death

Another story said that Deramang managed to escape but was hunted down.

Despite putting up a brave fight, Deramang was killed in Batu Asah.

The Curse of Mahsuri

Mahsuri is probably best remembered for her curse.

Mahsuri’s last words are very famous when they are often repeated in any performance.

As she lay dying, Mahsuri uttered the words considered a curse and remembered throughout the ages.

With her dying breath, Mahsuri placed a curse on the island of Langkawi by uttering, “For this act of injustice Langkawi shall not prosper for seven generations to come.”

With that, she cursed Langkawi to endure seven generations of misfortune.

The blood that flowed out of Mahsuri’s body was white and not red.

Another story said her blood floated like a cloud and disappeared in the air without dropping to the ground.

Her parents buried Mahsuri next to the ransom they wanted to use to redeem her.

Mahsuri is said to have died in 1819 AD, equivalent to 1235 AH.

7 Days After Mahsuri’s Execution

In 1821, the Siamese army advanced to all parts of Kedah.

Siam invaded Langkawi.

To starve the invading Siamese soldiers, Datuk Pekerma Jaya ordered all the rice fields on the island be collected and burned in Padang Mat Sirat.

The burning of the rice fields proved to be a foolish move, for the residents soon died from starvation.

As a result, of the burning of rice fields, Siam soon took over the kingdom.

In the decades that followed, Langkawi suffered from repeated crop failure and several invasions from the Siamese, encouraging locals to believe in the curse.

To this day, legend has it that r emnants of the burned rice grains can be seen in a cordoned area, Beras Terbakar in Padang Mat Sirat, Kampung Raja, after torrential rains.

Beras Terbakar means ‘the field of burnt rice.’

Legend believes that remnants of the burned rice grains can be seen in a cordoned area, Beras Terbakar in Padang Mat Sirat, Kampung Raja, after torrential rains. Photo Ramlah Arbian Kluang

Exactly seven days after Mahsuri’s death, death and destruction took place everywhere.

The Siamese army killed Datuk Pekerma Jaya, and his body was dumped in the Langkanah River southwest of Kampung Sungai Batu.

Wan Mahora’s End

Meanwhile, Wan Mahora is said to have been raped and enslaved by the Siamese army before being killed.

The crime of envy and slander Langkawi received great consequences.

Wan Darus Return to Langkawi

Wan Darus returned to Langkawi after defeating the Kedah army in Kuala Muda but was bitterly disillusioned to receive the news of Mahsuri’s death.

He took his son Wan Hakim along with Mahsuri’s parents and left Langkawi forever.

Langkawi’s Trials and Period of Tribulations

Decades after Mahsuri’s death, Langkawi experienced a tribulation period, with bad luck and her population dwindling in size.

The island became a derelict place, beset by a series of misfortunes.

Makam Mahsuri Story

Still, the legend of Mahsuri, a beautiful woman, makes for great stories, and a tomb claimed to be hers is located in Kuab, aptly named Makam Mahsuri.

Mahsuri’s Tomb is located in Ulu Melaka, which is in the Kota Mahsuri area.

Mahsuri’s Tomb is located in Ulu Melaka, which is in the Kota Mahsuri area. Photo: percutian budget

The benefits of Telaga Mahsuri

Next to Rumah Mahsuri is Telaga Mahsuri – well-known for its magical healing powers.

Mahsuri is said to bathe often and wash clothes at the well.

It is believed that washing the face with water from Telaga Mahsuri can make the person look young like the beautiful Mahsuri.

The well water is said to be more relaxed than the normal well water found around Langkawi.

The water of this well also never dries, even during the dry season.

With God’s permission, this well water is said to be able to cure skin diseases.

The water of Mahsuri’s well also never dries, even during the dry season.

Mahsuri’s Descendants

As for Mahsuri’s family, they left Langkawi and settled in Thailand.

In 2000, the Kedah government located them on the island of Phuket.

According to Malaysia’s Kedah Historical Society, Wan Aishah Wan Nawawi (Sirintra Yayee) is the seventh-generation descendant of the legendary Mahsuri.

They were invited to Langkawi for a visit and to see if they would like to make the island their new home.

Wan Aishah received a warm welcome from Langkawi residents and was offered a place on the island as the descendant of the Langkawi princess.

However, she declined, choosing instead to continue living in Phuket.

Mahsuri’s tomb is now encased in white marble, quarried from the hills of Langkawi – white, symbolizing her innocence.

Nearby is a well, which Mahsuri used to wash and bathe.

Malay Film Adaptation of The Mahsuri Legend

Mahsuri was a classic Malay film adaptation based on folklore and released on January 01, 1958

Who is Who in The Mahsuri Legend

Pandak Mayah – Mahsuri’s Father

Endak Alang or Mak Yah – Mahsuri’s Mother

Datuk Pekerma Jaya Wan Yahya – Penghulu of Langkawi, a representative of the Sultan of Kedah

Wan Mahora – Wan Yahya’s wife

Wan Darus – Wan Yahya’s brother and Mahsuri’s husband

Wan Hakim – Mahsuri’s son

Deramang – Minstral and Pandak Mayah’s hired hand

Key Takeaway of The Mahsuri Legend

Mahsuri’s parents came to Langkawi Island from a village on the southern coast of Siam (Thailand). Mahsuri’s father, Pandak Mayah and his mother, Cik Alang, live in Kampung Mawat.

Mahsuri was born in the late 18th century and married a warrior, Wan Darus, the younger brother of the Sultan’s representative in Langkawi, Datuk Pekerma Jaya.

Kota Mahsuri in Ulu Melaka is one of the main tourist destinations in Langkawi, which houses the Mahsuri Tomb, site of Mahsuri’s House and Telaga Mahsuri.

The grave of Mahsuri’s son, Wan Hakim, was found in Kampung Kemala, Phuket, Thailand.

For generations, one storyteller after another has passed down the ‘Legend of Mahsuri’ in all its rather shameful glory.

Perhaps to keep oral history alive and remind the islanders that gossip can be newsworthy or just plain hurtful. It was true then, and it’s true now.

There is no denying that, after going through the curse of the seven descendants of Mahsuri, today Langkawi is one of the best international and local tourist and adventure destinations.

Langkawi is ranked among the ten islands and the best eco-tourism destinations in the world.

The physical effects associated with Mahsuri’s story can still be seen, like her residence and her tomb.

Mahsuri’s name will be remembered forever and cannot be separated from Langkawi, whether it is a legend or a myth.

After eight generations, the curse lifted.

Langkawi became prosperous again, hence the vitality of its tourism scene today.

The lure of Langkawi has always been its islands, pristine beaches, overlooking the calm Andaman Sea.

Summary The Legend of Mahsuri

Mahsuri was the daughter of a Thai couple who moved from their native Phuket to the island of Langkawi in search of a better life.

She was the most beautiful in all of Langkawi and married the warrior Wan Darus.

As was required of him, her husband had to go to war, leaving Mahsuri behind to fend for herself.

It was during this time that Mahsuri befriended a young man named Deraman.

The village chief’s wife was jealous of Mahsuri’s beauty.

She spread a rumor that Mahsuri was unfaithful and was having an affair with Deraman 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.

After every execution attempt failed, Mahsuri told them to kill her with her family’s kris.

Mahsuri was tied to a tree (or pole) and stabbed to death, but it didn’t work. When she was pierced, white blood flowed from the wound, signifying her innocence.

Some birds flew above her to cover her body. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi to have seven generations of bad luck.

Siam soon took over the kingdom.

The villagers at Padang Mat Sirat burned their paddy fields rather than let them fall into the hands of the Siamese.

Now, after eight generations, the curse is lifted, and the Island of Langkawi is prospering.

Langkawi Today

The lure of Langkawi has always been its pristine beaches, especially the crowd favorite Pantai Cenang, overlooking the calm Andaman Sea – and of course, that legendary sunset.

As a duty-free island, Langkawi is legendary for shopping.

Some foreign tourists could not resist the shops at the Langkawi International Airport upon setting foot on the island.

This icon of Langkawi, the Eagle Square, is the favorite background for many tourist and Instagram shots. According to local folklore, the eagle – lang or helang – is how it got its name.

Grand wedding for Mahsuri’s descendant

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The Legend of Mahsuri Langkawi: A Tragic, Exciting Story of Love and Justice

The sky of Langkawi island stretches out over a small village surrounded by green rice fields.

The village, with its tropical natural beauty, is witness to a tragic story that has formed a legend among its residents.

Behind the island’s charm lies a folklore known as “Mahsuri,” a story of love, sorrow, and justice.

Langkawi Background and Culture

Langkawi Island, located in northern Malaysia, is known as a stunning tourism destination with white sand beaches, tropical rainforests and stunning sea views.

Besides its natural beauty, Langkawi is also rich in culture and history which creates its unique identity.

The village where Mahsuri lives, surrounded by green trees and mountains, reflects the life of traditional Malaysian society.

The people of Langkawi live in harmony with nature, upholding the values of togetherness and mutual cooperation.

However, in that beauty, there is a shadow of a catastrophe that will change the village forever.

Mahsuri and Village Life

Mahsuri, with her stunning beauty, became the center of attention in the village.

However, her beauty is only in line with her gentle personality and extraordinary manners.

She married Mat Kilau, a handsome young man who loved her very much.

The two lovebirds live happily in the peaceful village of Langkawi.

However, one day, the village was haunted by a series of disasters.

Drought takes away agricultural crops, and attacks from the most evil tribes around the island threaten the village’s peace.

Mat Kilau’s arrival in the midst of the conflict left Mahsuri alone in the village.

Dialogue in the Midst of Chaos

The atmosphere in the village became tense, and the villagers looked for the cause of all the disaster.

They believed that Mahsuri, with her extraordinary charm, was the source of the disaster.

Dialogue and conversations between villagers reflect their tension and confusion.

Village Mother: “Mahsuri, do you know why this village was hit by a disaster?”

Mahsuri: “I don’t know, Mother. I just love my husband and try to help society.”

Village Mother: “But many people believe that you are the cause of all this. What should we do?”

Mahsuri: “I don’t understand why they are accusing me. I just want to live peacefully with my husband and the child who will be born.”

Villager: “But bad things keep happening since your husband left. How can we trust you?”

Mahsuri: “I beg you, believe in my love for this village. We must unite and find a way to overcome this disaster together.”

Even though Mahsuri tried to offer words of comfort, accusations continued to hang in the air.

The village became increasingly divided, between those who believed in Mahsuri and those who believed that he was the cause of the disaster.

Evidence and Accusation

The villagers, in panic and fear, looked for a way to prove whether Mahsuri was guilty or not.

Several people looked for clues around Mahsuri’s residence, looking for signs of strangeness or connections with supernatural forces.

A public figure full of prejudices urges to hold a luck test involving Mahsuri.

The test involved giving Mahsuri a poison drink, and if she survived, it would be proof that she was guilty.

Mahsuri agreed to the test, without doubt that the truth would emerge.

Sentencing Decision

One sunny morning, under a shady pine tree, Mahsuri was brought to the place of luck testing.

In the tense atmosphere, the villagers stared with mixed feelings.

The luck test began, and Mahsuri calmly drank the drink served.

Time passed, and Mahsuri remained standing, unaffected by the poison believed to be in the drink.

The villagers, who were still stunned by this incident, watched Mahsuri in awe.

However, the anxious look on their faces was soon replaced by guilt.

However, justice does not always shine. A village figure who had a grudge against Mahsuri saw an opportunity to manipulate the situation.

He quickly slipped and stabbed a small knife into Mahsuri’s body, attacking her from behind.

Mahsuri, helpless, fell with a fatal wound.

Final Curse

As Mahsuri lay on the ground, her life slowly left her helpless body.

Before breathing his last breath, Mahsuri unleashed his final curse on the village that had accused him cruelly.

“This village will be haunted by misery for seven generations.

This beauty will be lost, and only the tears of justice will restore it.”

Without realizing it, the disaster that had been haunting the village stopped.

However, the village lost one of its best daughters, and Mahsuri’s name became a legend remembered by future generations in Langkawi.

Mahsuri’s legacy

Mahsuri’s story has become a legacy passed down from one generation to the next.

Even though the village tried to correct their mistakes and honor Mahsuri after the truth was revealed, the scar remained in the history of Langkawi village.

On every anniversary of Mahsuri’s death, the villagers gather under the pine tree where the luck test takes place.

They remember Mahsuri as a symbol of justice that was taken away and regret the careless act that sacrificed a kind woman.

Lessons from Mahsuri

The Mahsuri legend, apart from being a tragic story, also contains deep lessons.

This story teaches the importance of justice, solidarity, and not being trapped in prejudice without strong evidence.

Behind every accusation lies a portrait of a society that is easily divided and has difficulty distinguishing between truth and slander.

Langkawi Island remains a beautiful destination, but the shadow of Mahsuri still haunts its history.

The small village, although it has grown and developed, has never forgotten the tragic story of Mahsuri, and this legend serves as a reminder to them of the importance of justice and truth in their peaceful life.

Mahsuri’s Tomb and Kota mahsuri

The Enigmatic Legend of Mahsuri

The legend of Mahsuri is probably the most famous legend of Langkawi, and the Mahsuri’s tomb and museum bring this lore to life. The fable narrates the story of Mahsuri, a beautiful young girl who lived in Langkawi about 200 years ago. She married a warrior named Wan Derus, who left to fight in a war shortly after their wedding.

A Tale of Beauty, Betrayal, and a Curse

While he was away, a travelling poet named Deramang arrived in Langkawi. Mesmerised by his poetry and singing, Mahsuri’s parents asked the poet to train her and allowed him to stay at their home. Wan Mahora, the wife of a high-ranking official, disapproved of this, and she accused Mahsuri of adultery with Deramang. It is said that Wan Mahora did this because of her jealousy towards Mahsuri’s beauty and youth. Wan Mahora’s husband believed the accusations of his wife and sentenced Mahsuri to death by stabbing. On her deathbed, she cursed Langkawi with seven generations of misfortune.

The Echo of Mahsuri’s Curse

This legend’s popularity is partly due to its likeness to the actual history of Langkawi. Soon after her death in the 18th century, Langkawi was occupied by the Siamese army. To discourage the Siamese, the residents of Langkawi burnt their rice fields and poisoned their wells to remove their main source of income therefor becoming less of an attractive bounty, unfortunately their efforts were in vain. Langkawi gained prosperity as a tourist attraction only in the late 20th century, after the passing of seven generations since the curse.

Makam Mahsuri: A Sanctuary of Remembrance

Today, Makam Mahsuri is a poignant reminder of this legend, drawing visitors from afar to delve into the island’s storied past. Situated a mere stone’s throw from Kuah town, this memorial complex offers more than just a glimpse into Mahsuri’s story; it’s a portal to Langkawi’s soul.

Melodies of the Past: The Music Room

Within the hallowed grounds of Makam Mahsuri lies a music room where the strains of traditional Malaysian music breathe life into the legend. This auditory journey transports visitors back in time, offering a sense of connection to Mahsuri’s era and the cultural tapestry of Langkawi.

Relics of a Bygone Era

The museum’s diorama exhibit adds a tangible dimension to Mahsuri’s story, showcasing the very weapons narrating her life’s final chapter. These relics are a stark reminder of the price of beauty and innocence in a world marred by jealousy and deceit.

Journey to Makam Mahsuri

Besides the tomb, the museum has a music room where Malaysian women play traditional music live. The complex also has a diorama exhibit that is said to contain the weapons used to execute the maiden. Also known as Makam Mahsuri, the tomb is located 10 kilometres from Kuah town on the Jalan Makam Mahsuri (Rd 120). It is accessible by a short 20-minute taxi ride.

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Langkawi – the legend of Mahsuri

reconstruction of a traditional Malay house

Langkawi is an island located in the Kedah province of West Malaysia, an island surrounded by other small islands and rich in natural beauties and lovely viewpoints. Most of Langkawi ’s attractions are attached to fables, as the Malay style requires. One of these, and probably the most famous one, is the legend of Mahsuri, a young princess who lived in Langkawi during the 17th century. A tale that has existed since ancient times, a story passed from generation to generation about a curse that was written even before this wonderful island was part of Malaysia.

Cato at the Makan Mahsuri entrance

With this in mind, one of the first thing I did after arriving on Langkawi was to organize a visit to Makam Mahsuri, or Mahsuri Tomb, a tourist attraction on the island. We made our way to Kampung Mawat, the area where the museum is located, paid the 10 Ringgit entry fee and where soon inside the complex where her crypt is, and where we were told the story of Mahsuri with great gamelan music played by the local people in the background.

According to the legend, Mahsuri was the third daughter of Pandak Mayah, a pretty maiden who lived during the Reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah II who ruled what is now Kedah province between 1762 and 1800. She was one of the most beautiful women in all of Langkawi and married a warrior who soon had to depart to fight in the war with Siam. During her husband’s absence, Mahsuri befriended a young man, giving her mother-in-law, jealous of Mahsuri beauty and fame, the chance to conspire against her. She spread the rumour that Mahsuri was unfaithful to her warrior husband and this lead to her being openly accused by all the villagers of adultery and sentenced to death. Mahsuri strongly pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her and was tried and sentenced to death by the village elders. When she was finally executed with the ceremonial dagger, white blood flowed from the wound and birds flew in to cover her whole body, signifying her innocence.

The folklore believes that since she was going to die for a crime she did not commit, with her dying breath Mahsuri cursed Langkawi with seven generations of bad luck: “For this act of injustice, Langkawi shall not prosper for seven generations to come.”

at the Mahsuri gallery

Many locals of Langkawi believe the legend to be true, citing occurrences and tragedies during the decades that followed Mahsuri’s death: the Siamese conquered Kedah and invaded Langkawi , with the villagers setting fire to their crops to halt the advance of the invaders. Still to this day, legend has it that after torrential rains, traces of burned rice can be seen in nearby Padang Matsirat (which means ‘the field of burnt rice’)

It was only after the seven generations passed, at the end of the 20th century, that Langkawi prospered as a tourist destination, and this newfound success was attributed to the end of Mahsuri’s curse. In the year 2000, the Malaysian government managed to trace Mahsuri’s descendants in the Thai island of Phuket – apparently Mahsuri was the daughter of a couple who moved from their native Phuket to Langkawi in search of a better life. Mahsuri latest descendant, Wan Aishah, still occasionally returns to Langkawi to visit Mahsuri tomb. It is popularly believed that the discovery of Wan Aishah officially ended the seven generations curse.

reconstruction of a traditional Malay house

Makam Mahsuri’s historical site includes Mahsuri’s shrine (a white slab of marble that stands in a shady garden), a reconstruction of a traditional Malay house, a theatre and a ‘diorama museum’ which houses some of Mahsuri’s jewellery and the weapon that killed her.

The legend of Mahsuri and of her execution was indeed a tragedy of dramatic proportions and her curse, whether it is myth, real story or fantasy, has had significant importance and consequences in the course of Langkawi ’s history.

Makam Mahsuri

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00

Location: Makam Mahsuri is located at Kampung Mawat (Kampung means village) 12km from Kuah.

Tel: +60 3 955 6055

Getting there: To reach Makam Mahsuri, follow the Padang Matsirat Road until you pass the Tok Senik Resort on your left, where you will cross the junction to Makam Mahsuri Road. There, turn right and follow the road until you reach the mausoleum. The signposts are in both Malay and English.

Facilities: there are food outlets outside the complex.

About the author

Cato is a young woman, passionate writer, and a loving mother from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Cato gained a Master's Degree with honours in Social Science majoring in Communication Studies at the University Malaysia Sarawak - UNIMAS. After a long spell as a full-time reporter writing for TV and Radio news in Borneo and beyond, she is currently a Senior Marketing in a private firm practicing writing, public relations as well as marketing. She is also a regular and passionate contributor at Asian Itinerary. Cato is a dynamic woman with several interests and hobbies such as travelling, listening to music, playing guitar, reading, hiking, kayaking and surfing the Internet. She is a young promise in the travel-writing world, and one of the main exponents of Asian Itinerary.

Kota Mahsuri

Pulau Langkawi

The story of Mahsuri, a Malay princess who was unjustly accused of adultery and put a curse on Langkawi in revenge, is commemorated at this historical complex that includes Mahsuri’s shrine as well as a recreation of a traditional house, a theatre, a ‘diorama museum’ and food outlets. The site is west of Kuah, a few kilometres off the road to the airport.

As the legend goes, Mahsuri’s punishment was to be executed by stabbing. With her dying breath she cursed Langkawi with seven generations of bad luck. This took place in 1819 and not long after, the Siamese invaded the island. However, some 160 years later, Langkawi started to take off as a tourism destination when it was declared a free port in 1987.

Jln Makam Mahsuri. Kampung Mawat

Get In Touch

04-955 6055

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Kota Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Tomb)

One of Langkawi's most revered legends depicts the story of Mahsuri, said to be the most beautiful woman in her village before she was wrongly accused of adultery and sentenced to death. With her last breath, Mahsuri cursed the island with bad luck for 7 generations. The end of the curse coincided with the beginning of Langkawi's tourism boom and economic prosperity.

Kota Mahsuri is a historical and cultural complex dedicated to portraying traditional village life in Mahusri's time. It is the site of her final resting place, located in her former village. Set against thriving rice fields, the complex includes cultural displays, a museum, and a theatre, as well as a reconstruction of Mahsuri's house, the well said to be the source of her beauty, and of course, her tomb.

Start your visit with cultural displays including traditional dance, musical instruments called caklempong , a local game called congkak , live plays, and a batik workshop where you can paint your own batik masterpiece.

Next, visit the Mahsuri museum to read the martyr's tragic story, watch a movie depicting her life, and see the series of disasters that befell Langkawi following her death. The museum houses Mahsuri's original tombstone, as well as jewelry, weapons, and household items belonging to her family.

Finally, wander around the stilted wooden village to see Mahsuri's final resting place and examples of local architecture and farming equipment. You can even draw water from Mahsuri's well which is said to contain healing properties - the supposed source of the heroine's famed beauty.

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Price & Hours

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International: Adult: RM10 (USD$2.12) , Children (3-12): RM5 ($1.06) , Mykad holder: Adult: RM5 ($1.06) , Child: RM2.50 ($0.53)

30-90 minutes

Fitness level: Easy

9 am -5 pm 7 days

website +60 49666560

Who Will Like Kota Mahsuri

Culture Buff

Learn the fascinating legend of Mahsuri at the museum and decide whether you think her curse influenced Langkawi's past. Walk through reconstructed and restored homes from Mahsuri's time and delve into Malay culture by sampling local sweets and having a go at batik painting.

Wellness Pursuer

Buy bottles of water from Mahsuri's well to see if it really was the source of her beauty. Alternatively, visit the onsite shop to purchase sea-cucumber-based beauty products, said to have anti-aging properties.

Bucketlist Bandit

Watch an exhibition of Silat Melayu - an authentic local martial art requiring strength, balance, and control. This is one of the only places it can be found in Langkawi.

Insider Tips For Kota Mahsuri

Read the legend of Mahsuri before your visit to better understand the sights.
Batik painting costs RM20 (USD$4.24) per person to paint a small picture to take home. A professional batik artist will show you what to do.
The museum includes a movie on Mahsuri's life that plays on a loop in a series of languages. Alternate languages show English subtitles.
A live play runs at 11am & 2pm each day and costs RM1 (USD$0.21) per person. Actors wear traditional outfits and depict Mahsuri's story. The play is only in Bahasa Malaysia, not English, but if you read the story and visit the museum beforehand, you should understand what's going on.
Watch your head when entering Mahsuri's house as the doorframe is very low.
There is a small play area for children in the outdoor area with traditional games and hopscotch.

Where Is It

Jalan Makam Mahsuri, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

How To Get There

Free • A large parking lot is available near the main entrance.

Driving directions... Map for car...

Free parking for scooters and motorbikes in the main parking lot.

Drivers pick up and drop off near the main entrance.

What To Bring

Comfortable shoes for walking as the complex is quite large.
Cash to buy snacks, batik, or beauty products.
Clothes that can get dirty if you try batik painting.
Food or drink from outside the premises (water is ok).

Public wifi access: None

Photography

Photography allowed: Yes flash is ok

Tripod allowed: Not encouraged

Selfie sticks allowed: Yes

Best time to shoot: Late Morning

Tips: Photography is not allowed in some areas of the museum - keep an eye out for signage. For fast-paced action shots during the Silat Melayu exhibition, use shutter priority mode at a speed of at least 1/400 sec. Capturing close-up facial expressions of the play is best done with a telephoto zoom lens - 200mm is ideal. All guests are welcome to take photos with the cast at the end of the play.

Drones allowed: No

Backpacks allowed: Yes

Secured bag lockers available: No

There is a small onsite café selling drinks and snacks. Some small food venders selling traditional cakes are located near Mahsuri's house.

"Kekaras" - sweet, crunchy, biscuit-like snack

According to the legend, Mahsuri, was the daughter of Thai immigrants and lived in Langkawi between 1762 and 1800. Due to her great beauty, Mahsuri had many suitors but married Wan Darus, the brother of the village chief. Mahsuri gave birth to a son not long before her husband left to fight against invading Siamese. While he was away, local women jealous of Mahsuri's beauty accused her of being unfaithful to her husband with a traveler named Deraman.

Mahsuri pleaded her innocence while tied to a tree while to await her punishment, but she was sentenced to death. However, knives, daggers, and swords could not penetrate her skin, so she told the villagers to kill her with her family's ceremonial keris. She was stabbed and white blood flowed, signifying her innocence. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi with bad luck for 7 generations.

Following Mahsuri's death, Langkawi did indeed experience bad luck, including invading armies and natural disasters from droughts to floods. The seventh-generation from Mahsuri's curse passed at the same time the island experienced a tourism boom and an end to economic hardships, causing many to believe in Mahsuri's curse.

Kota Mahsuri was founded in 1983 and was one of Langkawi's first tourist attractions.

Remove your shoes before entering the traditional-style houses.
Be quiet and respectful around Mahsuri's gravesite.
Talk during the play, dances, or movie.
Touch exhibits in the museum.
Informative museum with posters and items that portray the story of Mahsuri.
Variety of cultural activities to understand village life in Mahsuri's time.
Exquisite batik paintings and clothing available for sale.
Live play depicting Mahsuri's life is not in English.

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About Langkawi

Legends of Mahsuri

The best known legend of Langkawi is of Mahsuri, a pretty maiden who lived in Langkawi between 1762 and 1800. The story goes that Mahsuri , the daughter of Pandak Mayah and Cik Alang, grew up to be a beautiful young woman of marrying age. From the many suitors, Mahsuri was then betrothed to Wan Darus, the younger brother of the village headman Dato Pekerma Jaya.

Soon their idyllic life was disrupted, when Wan Darus left to fight against the invading Siamese army. It was during this time that Mahsuri befriended a young wandering minstrel named Deraman. The village chief’s wife Wan Mahora, who was always jealous of Mahsuri’s beauty, accused Mahsuri of adultery in the absence of Wan Darus.

Mahsuri was tied to a tree in the scorching sun for days while awaiting her punishment. She pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her. She was finally sentenced to death, but none of their daggers or swords could kill her. Resigned to her fate, Mahsuri told them to kill her with her father’s ceremonial keris. When she was stabbed, white blood flowed from the wound, signifying her innocence.

With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi with seven generations of bad luck. Langkawi then experienced a period of tribulations – from the Siamese invasion to a series of droughts and floods, prompting the populace to believe in the Mahsuri curse.

Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park

Located in an island south of Langkawi, Pulau Dayang Bunting features Langkawi’s largest freshwater lake, Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden). Legend tells the love story between Mat Teja and Mambang Sari, a beautiful female sprite. Struck by Mambang Sari’s beauty, Mat Teja sought the advice of a local sage, who advised him to wipe his face with mermaid tears.

Immediately after doing so, Mambang Sari saw him and fell in love. Before long, they were happily married and soon it was time for Mambang Sari to give birth, but the baby died seven days later. In intense sorrow, she laid the body to rest in the deep waters of a lake.

Looking at the surrounding mountains, you can see Mambang Sari’s outline as a pregnant woman, guarding the watery tomb of her child. Since then, villagers began to associate the lake with magical powers. They believed the lake’s water possessing mystical ability of healing infertile women.

Beras Terbakar

Back in 1821 the formidable Siamese army made an attack on Langkawi. To prevent food from falling into enemy hands, the people of Langkawi led by their chieftain Datuk Panglima Hitam, transferred the content of their grain warehouse and hid it a few metres below ground in an underground cellar.

Then they started strategising about facing an invading army. Thinking ahead and preparing for the onslaught of Siamese troops, Datuk Panglima Hitam ordered the villagers to dig up water wells at strategic locations and laced them with poison. As expected, Siamese troops found the water wells as soon as they landed on Langkawi and drank from it to quench their thirst.

Many Siamese troops died that day. In retaliation, the Siamese commanders launched an attack to kill, pillage and plunder everything in sight. The whole village was set alight and everything burnt away in the fire including the hidden rice cellar. The site was then called Beras Terbakar or Burnt Rice when remnants of blackened rice grains were found every time it rained.

Legend of Mount Machinchang

According to local legends, these two mountains, together with Bukit Sawar (Sawar Hill), a smaller mountain, were all human beings at one time. As the story goes, at the wedding reception of their children, Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya got into a fight and began throwing things at each other.

In the middle of the commotion, a number of famous spots around Langkawi were created. A pot of gravy fell in Kuah (gravy) town, a pot was broken in Belanga Pecah (broken cooking pot) and a pot of hot water fell in Ayer Hangat (hot water) with the pot itself with its ring handles falling into Selat Cincin (the Straits of Rings), separating Langkawi from Terutau Island in Thailand.

Eventually, Mat Sawar was able to stop the fight and in deep remorse both Mat Raya and Mat Chinchang chose to be transformed into mountains with Mat Sawar following suit. If you look at the two mountains today, you will notice that little Mat Sawar Hill is wedged in between, probably to prevent another fight between the two.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfall

The Seven Wells Waterfall is a popular tourist spot in Langkawi. Located deep in an ancient forest, the 90m waterfall greets you with it wondrous sight and sound after an arduous walk up the steep trails and stairs.

Situated near the Telaga Harbour, the Seven Wells Waterfall is considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall on Langkawi. The natural rocks and slopes over which the waters cascade are beautifully crafted as though they were man-made, forming seven natural pools with one pool cascading on top of the other.

According to folklore, the waterfall is believed to have healing properties and used to be a favourite bathing place of seven beautiful, ethereal maidens who would bathe under the moonlight. Once a prince tried to capture the fairies but they vanished into thin air, never to come back.

Gua Langsir

Another place that is equally interesting and mysterious is Gua Langsir (Cave of the Banshee). Located on the western shores of Pulau Dayang Bunting, this cave is said to be haunted by a banshee because of the high-pitched, scream-like sound that flows out from the depths of the cave.

The locals believe that the cave is home to a female vampire or banshee known as Langsiar who sucks human blood from unsuspecting victims. The eerie darkness and the chilling sounds that come from the shadows are enough to make even a strong-hearted adventurer’s blood run cold.

Despite all the superstitions attached to the cave, it is an adventure worth exploring for climbers with perfect physical health and great climbing expertise.

Gua Cerita of the Cave of Legends is located on the shores facing the southern coast of Siam. The cave’s interior is filled with rocks of assorted shapes and sizes resembling beds and mattresses and furniture items. The cave derived its name from the legend of Merong Mahawangsa who was assigned to escort the son of the Roman Emperor to China in a sea voyage. The entire fleet including the ship carrying the prince was said to have been sunk by a Phoenix. The prince was washed ashore and that the legend took place in the Cave of Legends. According to the mythology of the Voyage of Raja Merong Mahawangsa, the great empires of Rome and China were considered the mightiest powers in the world in the 10th century. To ensure continuity of great powers, the rulers of these two empires agreed to a marriage between their children. Their plans to foster close alliance was not favoured by the mythical fire bird, the Phoenix. The Phoenix believed the coalition between Rome and China would signify the end of smaller kingdoms.

The Phoenix sought an audience with King Solomon to seek permission to prevent the royal marriage. Solomon tried to stop the Phoenix by saying that had God willed the union, none can prevent it. But the Phoenix with its supernatural powers was adamant to stop the union. He abducted the daughter of the Chinese Emperor and hid her in a palace on the isle of Langkawi. Meantime, Merong Mahawangsa, who was a good friend of the Roman Emperor, was trusted to sail with the Roman Prince to China. During their voyage with a fleet of ships, they were attacked by the Phoenix. Against the relentless attacks from the Phoenix, Merong Mahawangsa turned one of his arrows into the Jentayu, the mythical bird endowed with the power to call for rain which was no match for mighty Phoenix. Defeated from the relentless attack, Merong Mahawangsa ordered his fleet to seek shelter at a nearby island so repairs on the damaged fleet could be carried out. After a few days, when the clear skies showed no sign of the Phoenix, Merong Mahawangsa ordered the ship carrying the Roman Prince to sail out without him while he stock up food and water in the other ship.

As soon as they crossed the waters of Langkawi, the Phoenix returned and swooped on one of the ships where the Roman Prince happened to be in. The prince fell into the sea and was washed ashore onto a beach in Langkawi. the beach was close to the palace where the Chinese Emperor’s daughter was hidden. One of the Princess’ maids found the Prince and alerted the Princess. They had him carried back to the palace and revived him. When the story of his journey to China to marry the Princess was unveiled, the Princess hid him in a cave, away from the Phoenix which frequents the island.

Thinking that it has succeeded in destroying he fleet of Merong Mahawangsa, the Phoenix sought an audience with Kind Solomon to inform him so. King Solomon then instructed his genie to fetch the Princess from Langkawi. The princess and her entourage as well as the Prince were placed in a chest and taken to Kind Solomon. When the chest was opened, the Phoenix was shocked to see the Princess and her betrothed. The Phoenix, in embarrassment after its failure to separate the Roman Prince and Chinese Emperor’s daughter, banished itself.

Makam Mahsuri: Revealing Langkawi's Timeless Tale

A Brief history of Makam Mahsuri

Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Langkawi lies a cornerstone of its history and a beacon of its soul – Makam Mahsuri . This sacred site stands as a testament to the enduring legend of Mahsuri, whose story of innocence and betrayal resonates deeply within the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Mahsuri's tragic fate has woven itself into the fabric of Langkawi's lore, captivating the imagination of all who hear her story. Delve into the compelling narrative of a woman wrongfully accused, whose innocence was overshadowed by jealousy and deceit. Makam Mahsuri invites you to unravel the mysteries of the past and discover the truth behind this enduring legend.

Makam Mahsuri: Revealing Langkawi's Timeless Tale house

Immersive Cultural Experience at Makam Mahsuri

As you wander through the serene gardens surrounding the traditional Malay tomb, feel yourself enveloped by the spiritual ambiance that permeates the air. Take a moment of quiet contemplation as you pay homage to Mahsuri and reflect on the impact of her story on the island's history and culture.

Makam Mahsuri is more than just a historical site – it's a cultural retreat that celebrates the living traditions and artistic expressions of Langkawi. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of local culture through captivating cultural performances and the display of traditional crafts. Experience firsthand the rich heritage that continues to thrive within the heart of the island.

Makam Mahsuri: Revealing Langkawi's Timeless Tale

What to expect at Makam Mahsuri

Interactive exhibits await to guide you through Mahsuri's legend, offering insights into her life, her trials, and the enduring legacy she left behind. Engage with informative displays that breathe life into the pages of history, allowing you to connect on a deeper level with the story that has shaped Langkawi's identity.

Hoping to Catch The Historical Makam Mahsure?

Langkawi makam mahsuri operating hours:.

9:00 am to 6:00 pm, everyday.

Discover the Legacy of Makam Mahsuri

Whether you're a Malaysian citizen eager to delve into your country's heritage or an international traveler seeking to uncover the secrets of Langkawi, Makam Mahsuri welcomes you with open arms. Choose from our range of packages designed to cater to your needs and preferences, and embark on a journey through time and legend with Langkawibook . Book your Langkawi Makam Mahsuri ticket today and discover the timeless allure of this iconic destination.

Mahsuri's Tomb & Cultural Center, Langkawi

Mahsuri's Legend

Mahsuri's Curse

Mahsoori's tomb.

Attractions & Facilities at Makam Mahsuri

Admission Fee

Location & contacts.

The Island Drum

Southeast Asia based travel blog and information source for Langkawi, Malaysia and the surrounding areas.

Mahsuri of Langkawi- Truth or Legend?

October 30, 2019 by Vanessa Workman Leave a Comment

Myths and legends have always held captive the imaginations of mankind. Some being much more otherwordly than others. When I first visited Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Tomb) and heard the legend of Langkawi’s famous Mahsuri, I had of course taken that story with a big grain of salt. The colorful tale of a beautiful maiden falsely accused of adultery is sentenced to death. She curses an island (in this case Langkawi) with bad luck for a pre-determined number of years (seven generations to be exact). Considering the bad luck would also include her own offspring, well it just seemed a bit over the top to me.

Mahsuri's Tomb in Langkawi- Truth or Legend?

Sure, plenty of bad events occurred on the island of Langkawi, but was it the guilt at the original false accusations or the need to find a scapegoat for the happenstances? Maybe both. Quite possibly those naughty gossips endured plenty of nightmares as a result of their poor judgment and it wouldn’t take much to push someone over to believing the ‘curse’ part. “It was Mahsuri! I heard her with my own ears!”

One storyteller after another has passed down, the ‘Legend of Mahsuri’ in all its rather shameful glory, for generations. Perhaps to keep oral history alive, but also to remind the islanders that gossip can be newsworthy or just plain hurtful. It was true then and it’s true now.

But despite the legend-worthy enhancements, the basic facts about Mahsuri are actually true. Her parents, Pandak Mayah and Mak Andak, originally migrated from a small Muslim village called Prabang, near Phuket, Thailand. Mahsuri was born and raised in Langkawi, in the early 1800s, and later married a local warrior named Wan Darus. Her husband soon left to join the fight against the invading Siamese.

While he was away, Mahsuri innocently befriended a young man who just happened to be traveling through the area (and obviously not a warrior). The village chief’s wife, who was jealous of Mahsuri’s beauty, then spread rumors of Mahsuri being unfaithful to her husband and the rest is history (or legend if you will). She was falsely accused of adultery and sentenced to death. Mahsuri was executed by knife in 1819 and her body was laid to rest in her village, which is now called Kampung Mawat and home to the Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Tomb) ‘tourist’ attraction.

Of course legend has it that Mahsuri cursed the Langkawi archipelago with seven generations of bad luck. And yes, call it what you will, but a lot of ‘nothing good’ happened for a long while. Times must have been difficult indeed, because even the fifth generation of Mahsuri’s family actually moved back to Thailand. And to this day, the Legend of Mahsuri lives on in vivid storytelling as well as a seventh generation family member, named Aishah, who was born in 1985 and closed the book on Langkawi’s curse. Aishah also lives in Thailand and is happily married to a Thai military officer.

But reading the various sensational versions of this part of Langkawi history is not quite the same as visiting Mahsuri’s Tomb for yourself and making your own assessment. Was she indeed guilty of what she was accused of ? Were the people who executed her the same people who later declared her innocent ? The present day Makam Mahsuri is a living museum that embraces many aspects of Mahsuri’s village life in the 1800s through architecture, film, art and a live theater production that will in fact, have you believing the legend, one way or another.

Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Tomb) Kampung Mawat, Ulu Melaka, Langkawi T: +6(04) 955 6055 Hp: 012-418 5346 Open daily: 08:30-18:00 Live theater: Saturday-Sunday 15:00-16:30 Entry: RM10-15 adults/ RM5 Children

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The Tragic Tale of Mahsuri: Beauty Betrayed and a Curse Unleashed

In the enchanting realm of Langkawi, nestled amidst the sparkling Andaman Sea, a tale of love, betrayal, and a curse unfolds. Let us journey back to a bygone era, during the illustrious reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah II, when the mystical island of Langkawi was known as the Kedah province.

Love's Sacrifice: Mahsuri's Solitude

Jealousy's venom: the plot unveiled.

Amidst the tranquility of Langkawi, darkness lurked in the heart of Mahsuri’s mother-in-law. Consumed by envy and spite, she devised a wicked plan to tarnish Mahsuri’s reputation. Spreading venomous lies of her alleged infidelity, an unseen web of deception was spun, poisoning the minds of the villagers. Like wildfire, the whispers of betrayal spread, stirring the ignorant masses into a frenzy of accusation.

The Wounds of Injustice: Mahsuri's Last Plea

With her world crumbling around her, Mahsuri stood before the village elders, her voice trembling with innocence. With every fiber of her being, she pleaded for justice, her heart bleeding for the truth to prevail. But alas, her pleas fell upon deaf ears, as the cruel hands of fate sealed her tragic destiny.

A Sacrificial Tragedy: Mahsuri's Unforgettable End

The air grew heavy with sorrow as Mahsuri, stripped of her innocence, faced her unjust sentence. With a ceremonial dagger raised high, the village elders carried out their duty, oblivious to the impending astonishment. And then, it happened—the impossible. As the dagger pierced Mahsuri’s flesh, a river of white blood flowed, staining the sands of Langkawi. In a surreal display, birds descended from the heavens, covering her lifeless form, as if to shield her from the injustice that had been wrought upon her.

The Curse of Seven Generations: Langkawi's Destiny Altered

Dying but undefeated, Mahsuri’s fleeting breath carried a curse that would echo through the ages. The winds whispered her words across Langkawi’s lush landscapes, foretelling seven generations of misfortune. From that fateful day onwards, the island would bear the burden of Mahsuri’s curse, its prosperity veiled for eons to come.

Alluring yet tragic, the tale of Mahsuri weaves through the very fabric of Langkawi’s rich culture and heritage. As you explore the sun-kissed shores and lush rainforests of this captivating island, may her story serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience that resides within the heart of Langkawi.

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Mahsuri Tomb

₹ 15,539 onwards

Tags : Tombs & Mausoleums

Time Required : 1-2 hours

Timings : 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM every day

Entry Fees : Malaysian Citizens: Adult: RM 5, Child (3 to 12 years): RM 2.5 Non-Malaysian Citizens: Adult: RM 10, Child (3 to 12 years): RM 5

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Kota Mahsuri

Mahsuri tomb, langkawi overview.

Mahsuri Tomb, located 12 km from Kuah town, is the tomb of the legendary Princess Mahsuri. Also called as the Makam Mahsuri, it is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens.

The legend of Mahsuri abounds about 200 years ago when a beautiful and charming village maiden named Mahsuri, who lived in Langkawi, was wrongfully executed to death on grounds of adultery. Mahsuri's Tomb entails a crypt of Princess Mahsuri, along with an outmoded Malay house with a diorama museum and a theatre and a handiworks shop at the monumental compound.

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Live Life Lah…….

Travel, eat and live life to the fullest…., kota mahsuri tour by anytime holidays langkawi.

Mahsuri’s Tomb at Kota Mahsuri is the final resting place of the legendary maiden Mahsuri…

Located in the village of Mawat, 12km from Kuah, it is also known as Makam Mahsuri.

Langkawi is full of interesting legends… and one legend stands out… it is none other then the tale of Mahsuri, a pretty maiden who lived in Langkawi between 1762 and 1800.

So we were at the Kota Mahsuri to learn more about the tragic maiden whose beauty got her accused and murdered just because of another evil and jealous b***h… (sorry about my language)…

Mahsuri who was the daughter of Pandak Mayah and Cik Alang, grew up to be a kind hearted and beautiful young woman of marrying age….

Dato Pekerma Jaya heard about her and wanted her as his sister (yeah right… but who am I to judge, in another tale it was said he wanted to marry her but of course his wife would not allow it… and that would explain her bitter jealousy) ..

Mahsuri was then finally betrothed to Wan Darus, the younger brother of the village headman Dato Pekerma Jaya…

One day when Wan Darus left to fight against the invading Siamese army… Mahsuri was then taking care of her baby when a young wandering minstrel named Deraman came to seek a glass of water, and stayed a while to chit chat and also calm Mahsuri’s baby…

The village headman’s wife Wan Mahora, who was always jealous of Mahsuri’s beauty, took the opportunity to accuse Mahsuri of adultery in the absence of Wan Darus…

Mahsuri protested her innocence but the Dato Pekerma Jaya decided she was guilty and sentenced her to death by stabbing (over jealous? So jealous he cannot even be bothered to give her a fair trial)…

Mahsuri was taken to the forest and tied to a tree… Repeated attempts to kill her failed… until Mahsuri herself offered that she should be stabbed by her father’s keris..

However when she was finally stabbed..white blood oozed out of her body proving her innocence….She died in the year 1819…

With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed the island with seven generations of bad luck.

It began with the Siamese conquering Kedah and invading the island – the inhabitants of Langkawi were forced to set fire to their staple crop and poisoned their wells in order to halt the advance of the invaders… Legend has it to this day traces of burnt rice can be seen in nearby Padang Matsirat (The Field of Burnt Rice) especially after torrential downpours…

The final resting place of a beautiful maiden. Mahsuri’s Tomb or Makam Mahsuri is a shrine to one of the most beautiful women to have ever lived on the island. Legend has it that she was accused of adultery and executed by stabbing. It is then that white blood flowed from her, proving her innocence.

Mashuri’s Tomb is one of the very few that does have deep connection with the historical roots of the island and the owner of the place is believed to be Mahsuri’s descendant…

Mahsuri’s Tomb (the site where Mahsuri died) was converted into a historical site: it includes Mahsuri’s shrine, a fenced-in white slab of marble that stands alone in a shady garden. Besides that, there is a reconstruction of a traditional Malay house, a theatre and a ‘diorama museum’ which houses some of Mahsuri’s jewellery and the weapon that killed her….

At the diorama museum, performers act out parts of the story of Mahsuri…. the temporary stage is kind of ghastly woth disco lights and all (and I really hope the theatre is done with repairs soon and opens up again… but the story is touching and sad and worth a watch)

There is also a mystical well that is said to bless those who dip their hands into it with beauty…. hehehe…

Makam Mahsuri, Kota Mahsuri, 07000 Langkawi

For more info or other kind of tours in Langkawi, check out http://www.anytimeholidays.com .

The Langkawi Travelogue is brought to you in a collaboration between Borakkita Media / Travelogue Malaysia and The Influenzas team .. supported by LADA . Thanks to our main sponsors – Mega Watersports , Umgawa Legendary Adventures , Sea Splash , Crocodile Adventureland , Ombak Villa , Nadias Hotel , Smiling Buffalo , Huggin’ Hippo….

As well as.. The Cliff Langkawi, Anytime Holidays, Sky Trex and the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club

Chronically Ill Kat

The legend of the mahsuri curse – langkawi.

The tomb of Mahsuri, where Mahsuri is buried. it bares the words of the legend of the Mahsuri curse on the tomb.

I have spent a lot of time in my life in Langkawi. Langkawi is a beautiful, tropical island in the North East of Malaysia. It is right on the border with Thailand. Langkawi has beautiful beaches, the oldest rainforest in the world and two tall mountains right in the centre. The tallest of these is called Gunung Raya.

One evening, while sitting on Gunung Raya, watching the sunset with a friend, I asked them to tell me a local story. This is the story that he told me… the legend of Mahsuri.

The Legend of Mahsuri

In the late 17th century, in a small kampung (village) in Langkawi lived a woman named Mahsuri. Mahsuri was famed around the island for her beauty; she had thick, luscious hair, soft skin and a warm, friendly smile. She lived an idyllic life under the palm trees with her husband, Wan Darus (a strong warrior), and their children.

But one day their peaceful life was broken. The Siamese army was invading Kedah, the kingdom that Langkawi was a part of. Wan Darus was sent away to fight, leaving Mahsuri without her husband. But Mahsuri made the best of the situation.

One day, whilst wandering through the village, she came across a young man she had never seen before. So, friendly as she was, Mahsuri greeted him. She soon found out that his name was Demeran. He was a wandering minstrel.

Mahsuri and Demeran hit it off right away. They became firm friends and would sit together in the shade of the palm trees. He would recite poetry for her, regale her with tales from far away and sing for her.

All the time, the eagle-eyed and jealous Wan Mahora, wife of the village chief, was watching. She had always been jealous of Mahsuri’s fame and beauty. So, knowing exactly how villages work, she started talking to her friends about Demeran and Mahsuri. And they started talking to their friends, who started talking to their friends.

Very soon, what had started out as a simple “ don’t you think that Demeran and Mahsuri spend a lot of time together?” became full accusations of adultery from the villagers.

Adultery: a sin punishable by death.

Mahsuri was dragged out of her house by the village elders, where she was tied to a tree and left out in the blazing heat for several days whilst they discussed her punishment. She spent this time crying out and pleading her innocence, desperately trying to make the villagers and the village elders believe her.

But try as she might, the elders and the village chief thought that they knew better and eventually decided that she must be executed. So, on the day of the execution, the villagers all came out to watch. The chief slashed at her with swords and daggers, but try as he might, not one of the swords or daggers from the villagers would pierce her skin.

“That proves it… she’s guilty!”

“A witch, she’s a witch”

“Kill the adulterer”

The village men screamed. And so, resigned to her fate, and knowing that only death would prove her innocence, Mahsuri spoke, “Use my father’s ceremonial dagger”.

Someone was sent for the dagger and it was brought to the chief. He pulled it up high and stabbed Mahsuri through the heart. Sure enough, the dagger went in. As he pulled it back out, white blood poured from the wound. At that moment, white birds from all over the island filled the sky and surrounded her body so the villagers could no longer stare.

At that moment, everybody, from the smallest child in the village to the village chief himself, knew Mahsuri was innocent. But it was too late. Mahsuri was drawing her dying breath. Under her dying breath, she muttered,

“For this injustice, there shall be no peace and prosperity on this island for a period of seven generations” .

The Mahsuri curse.

All the villagers looked at each other with regret, and fled back to their homes, waiting for the Mahsuri curse to come true.

And sure enough, several days later they received the news that Kedah had been conquered. The Siamese army was crossing the water to conquer Langkawi. The villagers burnt their rice fields to keep the army at bay but still, the Siamese conquered. After that, for seven generations long, Langkawi faced misfortune after misfortune, from torrential rains to failed crops and constant invasions. People always knew that this was the Mahsuri curse.

At the end of the 20th century, after seven generations of suffering under the Mahsuri curse, the Langkawi authorities had had enough. And so, they searched across Malaysia and Thailand to find the descendants of Mahsuri. In a small fishing village in Phuket, they came across Wan Aishah Wan Nawawi.

Wan Aishah visited the tomb of Mahsuri in the year 2000, and as she was standing at the marble plaque that marks the tomb, Langkawi felt a little lighter. Afterwards, the grass grew a little greener, the trees a little more luscious and the fish were easier to catch. Finally, visitors came, and tourists and the island finally began to prosper. The Mahsuri curse was finally broken!

If you enjoyed this blog post, feel free to browse the rest of the blog . You can join my mailing list here to receive new blog updates directly to your inbox. You can also buy me a coffee through my Ko-Fi page. If you are feeling fancy you can sign up to be a monthly donor too.

Langkawi Travel Guide: What To Know Before You Go

Table of Content

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi Island is a beautiful destination located in Malaysia, known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant culture. Here’s a travel guide to Langkawi Island to help you plan your trip. Langkawi is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, lush rainforest, and stunning natural landscapes. It’s also a duty-free island, which makes it a great place to shop for souvenirs, alcohol, and tobacco.

Where to Stay

As you would expect from a major travel destination in South Asia, malaysia has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.

Berjaya Langkawi Resort is a luxurious resort located on the western coast of Langkawi Island, Malaysia. The resort is famous for its stunning location, nestled between lush rainforest and the Andaman Sea. It offers guests a range of amenities, including multiple restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, a private beach, and a range of water sports and activities.

The history of Berjaya Langkawi Resort dates back to the 1980s when the Malaysian government granted duty-free status to Langkawi Island. This decision spurred tourism development on the island, and Berjaya Langkawi Resort was one of the first luxury resorts to be built. The resort was initially known as the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort and was later rebranded as the Berjaya Langkawi Resort.

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Booking.com)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Tripadvisor)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Agoda)

Discover affordable hostels in Malaysia here (Hostelworld)

Easily compare prices and book hotels in Malaysia here (Hotellook)

What to know before you go?

How to get to langkawi.

Langkawi has an international airport (International Airport) with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Singapore. You can also take a ferry from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, or Penang to Langkawi Island. If you are coming from Thailand, you can take the ferry from Koh Lanta.

When to Visit Langkawi

The best time to visit Langkawi is during the dry season, which is from November to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The rainy season is from May to October, and the island can experience heavy rain and occasional flooding.

Best things to do in Langkawi:

Visit the Langkawi Sky Bridge: This suspended bridge offers panoramic views of the island and the Andaman Sea. It’s a must-visit attraction for tourists.
Island Hopping: Take a boat tour and explore the nearby islands, including Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Singa Besar, and Pulau Beras Basah. You can also do water sports activities such as snorkelling and swimming.
Visit Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise: This park is home to various species of birds, animals, and reptiles, including flamingos, peacocks, and crocodiles. You can also interact with animals and feed them.
Mangrove Forest Tour: Take a guided tour to the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and explore the mangrove forests, limestone formations, and caves. You can also see eagles and monkeys.
Relax on the Beach: Langkawi Island has some of the best beaches in Malaysia, including Pantai Cenang, Tanjung Rhu, and Pantai Tengah. You can sunbathe, swim, or just relax on the beach.

Best places to visit in Langkawi:

Dataran Lang: This iconic landmark is a giant eagle statue located in the heart of Kuah town. It’s a popular spot for photos and a great place to start your Langkawi tour.
Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls: This seven-tiered waterfall is located in the middle of a lush rainforest. You can hike to the top and swim in the natural pools.
Gunung Raya: This is the highest peak on Langkawi Island and offers breathtaking views of the island. You can take a guided tour or hike to the top.
Mahsuri’s Tomb: This is a historical site located in the village of Kampung Mawar. It’s believed to be the final resting place of Mahsuri, a legendary figure in Langkawi’s history.
Underwater World: This is an aquarium that houses various species of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. You can also walk through a glass tunnel and see the marine life up close.

Beaches and Sunbathing in Langkawi

Some of the best beaches for sunbathing and snorkeling in Langkawi are:

Pantai Cenang: This is one of the most popular beaches in Langkawi and is known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters. It’s a great spot for sunbathing and snorkeling.
Tanjung Rhu: This beach is located on the northern side of the island and is known for its clear waters, fine sand, and beautiful limestone formations. It’s a great spot for sunbathing and kayaking.
Datai Bay: This beach is located on the northwest coast of the island and is surrounded by lush rainforest. It’s a great spot for sunbathing and snorkeling.
Pulau Payar Marine Park: This is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, located just off the coast of Langkawi. The park is home to various species of marine life, including tropical fish, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

Amazing Viewpoints in Langkawi

Langkawi has several amazing viewpoints that offer stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding areas. Some of the best viewpoints are:

Langkawi Sky Bridge: This suspended bridge offers panoramic views of the island and the Andaman Sea.
Gunung Raya: This is the highest peak on Langkawi Island and offers breathtaking views of the island.
Bukit Sawak: This hill is located on the western side of the island and offers beautiful views of the sunset.

Waterfall Hunting

Langkawi has several beautiful waterfalls that are worth visiting. Some of the best waterfalls are:

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls: This seven-tiered waterfall is located in the middle of a lush rainforest.
Temurun Waterfall: This is the tallest waterfall on Langkawi Island, with a height of 200 meters.
Durian Perangin Waterfall: This waterfall is located on the northern side of the island and has a beautiful natural pool at the bottom.

Visit Rebak Island

Rebak Island Resort and Marina is a small, privately owned island located just off the coast of Langkawi, Malaysia. The island is famous for its stunning natural beauty, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It’s also home to the Rebak Island Resort, which is the only resort on the island and is managed by Taj Hotels.

In 2006, the Rebak Island Resort and Marina Development Company was acquired by the Taj Hotels group, which rebranded the resort as the Rebak Island Resort, Taj Langkawi. The resort has since undergone several renovations and upgrades to maintain its reputation as one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts in Langkawi.

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Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Booking.com)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Tripadvisor)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Agoda)
Discover affordable hostels in Malaysia by clicking here (Hostelworld)
Easily compare prices and book hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Hotellook).

Explore Asia

As a trusted platform, 12Go Asia offers convenient booking services for trains, buses, ferries, and flights across multiple Asian countries. 12Go Asia has a user-friendly interface and reliable connections, you can easily plan and book your transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout your Asian adventure .

Malaysia Flights

Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com , a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Malaysia.

Private Airport Transfers

Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi , you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Rental Car in Malaysia

Looking to rent a car in Malaysia? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Malaysia to find you the best price possible.

Malaysia Tours

If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find a wide variety of options to suit every preference. Discover and join fascinating guided tours across Malaysia.

Travel Insurance

When it comes to travel insurance , we understand the importance of finding reliable coverage that suits your needs. That’s why we highly recommend Safety Wing – a trusted provider offering comprehensive travel insurance plans even for digital nomads. Safeguard your travels and gain peace of mind by exploring the excellent coverage options provided by Safety Wing .

Enjoy the day!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that meet our high standards and that we genuinely believe in. The opinions expressed are solely our own and are based on our personal experience.

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Land of Legends: Discover myths and Malaysian wildlife in the archipelago of Langkawi

An hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi's cluster of paradise islands feels blissfully remote, with palm-swaying shores, towering mountain ranges and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife.

Nature has been abundantly kind to Langkawi. Adorning the cerulean Andaman Sea, 18 miles from mainland Malaysia, this 99-island archipelago is blanketed in rainforest, brimming with exotic wildlife and home to picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. Once a haven for pirates, the largest island of Pulau Langkawi (commonly referred to as Langkawi) is now a sought-after location for its wildlife adventures and relaxing beachside stays.

Why should you visit the archipelago?

Langkawi is home to a vast assortment of white-sand beaches — Pantai Cenang is an idyllic spot on the main island's west cost, while Tanjung Rhu on the northern tip is a quaint, more secluded bay. Yet, it’s the sheer diversity of landscapes, from limestone cliffs to mangrove swamps and jungle-tangled mountains, that garnered the entire archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2007 — the first in the whole of Southeast Asia.

Astonishing wildlife and plant species inhabit all corners of the islands, including 226 species of birds and over 500 types of butterflies. Travellers should keep their eyes peeled for Langkawi’s fabulous ‘flying five’ — the red giant flying squirrel, the paradise tree snake, the twin-spotted flying frog, the flying lizard and the fascinating colugo, the world’s only flying primate.

Langkawi is also known as the ‘Land of Legends’ due to the myths attached to various sites and monuments. Mahsuri Museum, located at the southeastern tip of the main island, is worth a visit for its assortment of Malay arts and artefacts. It's also home to the tomb of Mahsuri, a local woman said to have cursed the island for seven generations. As the legend goes, when the curse lifted, Langkawi’s tourism began to thrive.

What are the best outdoor activities to try in Langkawi?

Langkawi has four designated ‘geosites’ — protected areas that have distinct natural wonders. The most striking is the Gunung Machinchang mountain range, Langkawi’s second-highest peak and geologically the oldest mountain in Southeast Asia. A steep cable-car, the Langkawi SkyCab , whisks visitors up to the summit in ultra-modern, glass-bottomed gondolas.

At the top, visitors can walk the 410ft-long SkyBridge , a majestic feat of engineering whose curved footbridge is suspended high above the jungle canopy. After taking in the vistas of the surrounding islands and ocean, stroll down the mountain following one of the Langkawi Sky Trail hiking paths.

On the east side of Langkawi, 38sq miles of colossal limestone cliffs, beaches and caves make up the Kilim Geoforest Park . Its meandering rivers and narrow channels are best explored by boat, where travellers can observe cheeky macaque monkeys, scuttling tree crabs and white-bellied sea eagles. Meanwhile, on the west side of Langkawi, the Bio-Geo Trail in Kubang Badak gives a fascinating insight into the island’s 500-million-year old geology, rich mangrove habitat and 18th century settlements.

Another popular excursion is the 15-minute boat ride from Kuah Jetty, Langkawi’s main ferry terminal, to Pulau Dayang Bunting, the archipelago’s second-largest island. Its name translates to ‘Isle of the Pregnant Maiden’, as its shape resembles an expectant mother, and, legend has it, its freshwater lake has magical properties to help women’s fertility and replenish body and mind. After a refreshing dip, be sure to explore the various other wonders of Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, including Gua Langsir and Gua Kelawar, two remarkable limestone caves, and the surrounding mangrove forest which is accessible via a boardwalk.

What is there to eat and drink?

The stalls across Langkawi’s various night markets are a great place to sample the local fare, which is seafood-rich and infused with herbs and spices. Try the gulai panas , a fragrant, spicy curry, or the kerabu bronok , a seafood salad with an unusual marine creature, similar to a sea cucumber, used as the main ingredient.

Who should visit?

Life is lived outdoors in Langkawi, making it ideal for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The main island makes a great destination for families, too, with its laid-back beachside stays and its small size allowing for easy travel between attractions.

When’s the best time to go?

High season runs from November to April, when Langkawi enjoys clear skies and warm temperatures (between 30°C to 35°C). Showers and storms can be more frequent from May to August, while September to October is rainy season.

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IMAGES

Legendary Langkawi with Makam Mahsuri
The Legend of Mahsuri
Langkawi
The Tomb of Mahsuri in Langkawi Malaysia
Makam Mahsuri, Mahsuri's Tomb and Legend in Langkawi, Malaysia
KOTA MAHSURI (Langkawi): Ce qu'il faut savoir pour votre visite 2022

VIDEO

Langkawi Trip 2023. Langkawi tak dak orang? Iye ke? #langkawi #tourismmalaysia #mahsuri
Travel Langkawi
The Paddy Field Pool Villas Langkawi
Sumpahan Mahsuri Pada Langkawi

COMMENTS

The Legend of Mahsuri
The Legend of Mahsuri. The best-known legend of Langkawi is of a Malay woman, Mahsuri Binti Pandak Maya, who lived in Langkawi between 1762 and 1800. The story goes that Mahsuri, the daughter of Pandak Mayah and Cik Alang, grew up to be a beautiful young woman of marrying age. Mahsuri is also called Puteri Mahsuri and nicknamed Puteri Langkawi.
The Legend of Mahsuri Langkawi: A Tragic, Exciting Story of Love and
The two lovebirds live happily in the peaceful village of Langkawi. However, one day, the village was haunted by a series of disasters. Drought takes away agricultural crops, and attacks from the most evil tribes around the island threaten the village's peace. Mat Kilau's arrival in the midst of the conflict left Mahsuri alone in the village.
Mahsuri's Tomb and Kota mahsuri
The legend of Mahsuri is probably the most famous legend of Langkawi, and the Mahsuri's tomb and museum bring this lore to life. The fable narrates the story of Mahsuri, a beautiful young girl who lived in Langkawi about 200 years ago. She married a warrior named Wan Derus, who left to fight in a war shortly after their wedding.
Langkawi
Langkawi is an island located in the Kedah province of West Malaysia, an island surrounded by other small islands and rich in natural beauties and lovely viewpoints. Most of Langkawi's attractions are attached to fables, as the Malay style requires. One of these, and probably the most famous one, is the legend of Mahsuri, a young princess who lived in Langkawi during the 17th century.
Kota Mahsuri
Kota Mahsuri is a great place to learn about the Langkawi and Malaysian culture. The site is built around the Legend of Mashuri a martirized lady from Langkawi who cast a spell in Langkawi for 7 generations, being broken by the people of Langkawi. Culture, food, music, clothing and architecture combine to offer a pleasent 2 hour visit in the ...
Kota Mahsuri
Kota Mahsuri. The story of Mahsuri, a Malay princess who was unjustly accused of adultery and put a curse on Langkawi in revenge, is commemorated at this historical complex that includes Mahsuri's shrine as well as a recreation of a traditional house, a theatre, a 'diorama museum' and food outlets. The site is west of Kuah, a few ...
Kota Mahsuri, Langkawi, Malaysia
Kota Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Tomb) By Josh Bender & Team. One of Langkawi's most revered legends depicts the story of Mahsuri, said to be the most beautiful woman in her village before she was wrongly accused of adultery and sentenced to death. With her last breath, Mahsuri cursed the island with bad luck for 7 generations.
Myth and Legends
Legends of Mahsuri. The best known legend of Langkawi is of Mahsuri, a pretty maiden who lived in Langkawi between 1762 and 1800. The story goes that Mahsuri , the daughter of Pandak Mayah and Cik Alang, grew up to be a beautiful young woman of marrying age. From the many suitors, Mahsuri was then betrothed to Wan Darus, the younger brother of ...
Langkawi Makam Mahsuri Ticket
Situated amidst picturesque gardens, Makam Mahsuri encapsulates the tale of Mahsuri, a revered figure of the local lore in Langkawi. Get your ticket here! CONTACT +60 12-8084008. ... 07000 LANGKAWI, KEDAH. LB Travel Tech Sdn Bhd 202201002811 (1448508-H) Social Media. Hotline +60 12-8084008
Makam Mahsuri: Revealing Langkawi's Timeless Tale
Discover the legend of Mahsuri and delve into Langkawi's rich heritage at Makam Mahsuri. Book your ticket with Langkawibook today! CONTACT +60 12-8084008. [email protected] ... 07000 LANGKAWI, KEDAH. LB Travel Tech Sdn Bhd 202201002811 (1448508-H) Social Media. Hotline +60 12-8084008
Mahsuri's Tomb & Cultural Center, Langkawi
Phone: +604-955 6055; It is about 17kms from the International Airport at Padang Matsirat and takes about 20 minutes by car from the airport. The road on which Mahsuri's Tomb is located (Jalan Makam Mahsuri) can be accessed from the main road Jalan Padang Matsirat. Map location of Mahsuri's Tomb, Langkawi.
Makam Mahsuri, Mahsuri's Tomb and Legend in Langkawi, Malaysia
Mahsuri was executed by knife in 1819 and her body was laid to rest in her village, which is now called Kampung Mawat and home to the Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Tomb) 'tourist' attraction. The painted version of Mahsuri's life is also very colorful. Of course legend has it that Mahsuri cursed the Langkawi archipelago with seven ...
The Tragic Tale of Mahsuri: Beauty Betrayed and a Curse Unleashed
Amidst the tranquility of Langkawi, darkness lurked in the heart of Mahsuri's mother-in-law. Consumed by envy and spite, she devised a wicked plan to tarnish Mahsuri's reputation. Spreading venomous lies of her alleged infidelity, an unseen web of deception was spun, poisoning the minds of the villagers. Like wildfire, the whispers of ...
Mahsuri's Tomb (Makam Mahsuri), Langkawi
See Langkawi highlights on a half-day tour of historic sites, local handicrafts, and beach-side duty free shopping. You'll stay cool and comfortable in a climate-controlled vehicle as you travel to Eagle Square, Mahsuri's Tomb, Atma Alam Batik Village, and Cenang Street; hotel pickup and drop-off mean you'll be free to shop as much as you'd like, since you and your purchases will ...
Mahsuri
Mahsuri. Mahsuri binti Pandak Mayah was a young woman who lived in Pulau Langkawi, an island in northwestern Kedah, Malaysia, during the late 18th century. According to folklore, she was accused of adultery and executed by stabbing. Her tomb, Makam Mahsuri, has become a tourist attraction on the island.
Mahsuri's Tomb, Langkawi
Langkawi History City Tour with Mahsuri Tomb & Beras Terbakar. Historical Tours. from. $56.00. per adult (price varies by group size) Full Day Private Tour with Sky Bridge and Cable Car in Langkawi. Full-day Tours. from. $85.00.
Mahsuri's Tomb and Museum, Langkawi
Mahsuri Tomb, located 12 km from Kuah town, is the tomb of the legendary Princess Mahsuri. Also called as the Makam Mahsuri, it is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens. The legend of Mahsuri abounds about 200 years ago when a beautiful and charming village maiden named Mahsuri, who lived in Langkawi, was wrongfully executed ...
Private Half Day Langkawi City Tour with Mahsuri Tomb
See Langkawi highlights on a half-day tour of historic sites, local handicrafts, and beach-side duty free shopping. You'll stay cool and comfortable in a climate-controlled vehicle as you travel to Eagle Square, Mahsuri's Tomb, Atma Alam Batik Village, and Cenang Street; hotel pickup and drop-off mean you'll be free to shop as much as you'd like, since you and your purchases will ...
Kota Mahsuri tour by Anytime Holidays Langkawi
Mahsuri's Tomb at Kota Mahsuri is the final resting place of the legendary maiden Mahsuri… Located in the village of Mawat, 12km from Kuah, it is also known as Makam Mahsuri. Langkawi is full of interesting legends… and one legend stands out… it is none other then the tale of Mahsuri, a pretty maiden who lived in Langkawi between 1762 ...
The Legend of the Mahsuri Curse
After that, for seven generations long, Langkawi faced misfortune after misfortune, from torrential rains to failed crops and constant invasions. People always knew that this was the Mahsuri curse. At the end of the 20th century, after seven generations of suffering under the Mahsuri curse, the Langkawi authorities had had enough.
Langkawi Travel Guide: What To Know Before You Go
Gunung Raya: This is the highest peak on Langkawi Island and offers breathtaking views of the island. You can take a guided tour or hike to the top. Mahsuri's Tomb: This is a historical site located in the village of Kampung Mawar. It's believed to be the final resting place of Mahsuri, a legendary figure in Langkawi's history.
Land of Legends: Discover myths and Malaysian wildlife in the
Langkawi is also known as the 'Land of Legends' due to the myths attached to various sites and monuments. Mahsuri Museum, located at the southeastern tip of the main island, is worth a visit ...
️ Travel To Langkawi With Sani Ferry ⛴️
🏝️ Travel To Langkawi With Sani Ferry ⛴️ ... There are lots beautiful places you can visit such as Mahsuri's Tomb (Makam Mahsuri), where this legend place has been build differently and unique following the Malay cultural architecture. Next, Dataran Lang and Sky Bridge Langkawi are the compulsory place to visit for all visitor whenever ...
Langkawi Airport (LGK) to Mahsuri Mausoleum
Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The cheapest way to get from Langkawi Airport (LGK) to Mahsuri Mausoleum costs only $5, and the quickest way takes just 8 mins. Find the travel option that best suits you.

The Legend of Mahsuri – Langkawi Story

The Langkawi Story

The Legend of Mahsuri

The story of Mahsuri of Langkawi- Truth or Legend?

The Legends of Mahsuri’s Curse – The Story of Langkawi

Mahsuri’s Ancestry on the Island of Langkawi

Mahsuri’s Fame

Mahsuri Weds Wan Darus

Mahsuri pregnant with her first child

Arrival of Deramang

Mahsuri Gives Birth

Wan Mahora Plotted Against Mahsuri

Wan Mahora Began to Slander Mahsuri

Consumed by slander

Mahsuri was sentenced to death.

Mahsuri’s Execution

Mahsuri’s Execution Site

Deramang’s Death

The Curse of Mahsuri

7 Days After Mahsuri’s Execution

Wan Mahora’s End

Wan Darus Return to Langkawi

Langkawi’s Trials and Period of Tribulations

Makam Mahsuri Story

The benefits of Telaga Mahsuri

Mahsuri’s Descendants

Malay Film Adaptation of The Mahsuri Legend

Who is Who in The Mahsuri Legend

Key Takeaway of The Mahsuri Legend

Summary The Legend of Mahsuri

Langkawi Today

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The Legend of Mahsuri Langkawi: A Tragic, Exciting Story of Love and Justice

Langkawi Background and Culture

Mahsuri and Village Life

Dialogue in the Midst of Chaos

Evidence and Accusation

Sentencing Decision

Final Curse

Mahsuri’s legacy

Lessons from Mahsuri

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Mahsuri’s Tomb and Kota mahsuri

The Enigmatic Legend of Mahsuri

A Tale of Beauty, Betrayal, and a Curse

The Echo of Mahsuri’s Curse

Makam Mahsuri: A Sanctuary of Remembrance

Melodies of the Past: The Music Room

Relics of a Bygone Era

Journey to Makam Mahsuri

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