Langkawi History

Discover how Langkawi got its name and its rich history.

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Langkawi got its name from the Malay term Helang and Kawi. Helang an eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone (marble). It is said that the island is abundant with eagles and marble stone, and ancient fishermen had seen these eagles carrying the stones, thus coining the name Langkawi. When you arrive at the island via the jetty, you’ll be greeted by a giant monument of a brown eagle clutching a manganese stone. 

Langkawi is heavily influenced by the Thai, although there are many accounts to Langkawi’s origin. It was under the Sultanate of Kedah for a long while, and eventually under the British rule. For a short period during the World War II it was controlled by the Thai monarchy, which resulted in a Thai influence on the island. It can be seen through their numerous Thai restaurants and Siamese-inspired sights.

After the war, the island became the nesting ground of pirates. The many islands and thriving jungle provided a much-needed cover for their activities as it provided an excellent hide-out. Meanwhile, the island folk continued to live a sleepy life in wooden homes and villages, planting and harvesting paddy fields. Life was simple, easy, and too peaceful for modern change. 

Langkawi is also well known for its legends. Also called Pulau Lagenda, which is The Island of Legends, its most famous story depicts a girl named Mahsuri who was said to be the most beautiful girl in the land. Her husband was Wan Darus, a warrior and when he left to war she was left to fend for herself. She then met a young man called Derawan and they struck a close friendship that drew frowns across the faces of her villagers. They accused her of adultery and most of the gossipers who spread the rumours were said to have been envious of her beauty.

When Mahsuri was tied to a tree and stabbed to death, white blood flowed from her body, signifying her innocence. Under her dying breath, she cursed Langkawi to seven generations of bad luck. Many of the locals believe this legend to be true, relating it to the Siamese invasion, and decades of failed crops. Only at the 20th Century was the curse said to have been lifted and Langkawi had began to prosper as a tourist destination.

Mahsuri’s descendents continue to survive in Phuket, Thailand, visiting her tomb on occassion, the Makam Mahsuri, which has become a popular tourist destination.