Lavish liberated leisurely Langkawi
I still remember my visit to Langakawi
I went there with my family
We’re all on leave from lecture and study
UNIMAS provided us with necessary money
It also arranged for our journey
It was really a lavish luxury.
(MMN, NOM, Yupar Nyo and Eisabai Nyo)
We flew from Kuching, our second Alma Mata
It's one of the ten cleanest cities in
First among all the cities of
It has always fresh air and clean water
It also has the Damai Seaside Resort near
We have been there, so for a paid vacation
We chose Langkawi as our destination.
(Scenic spectacular Eagle Square at Langkawi)
Langkawi is a small island on the west coast of
Actually one of 99 islands once controlled by the Sultan of Kedah
So, it now belongs to
And the island has been developed by joint investment and supervision
The Federal Government allows free tax on liquors, cigarettes and others
The Kedah State provides necessary manpower and infrastructure.
(Drs MMN and NOM Posing after Shopping in Langkawi)
Hotels, resort spas and villa are every where on the island
Transport vehicles and taxis are easily available at hand
Many shops are selling liquors, cigarettes and furniture
Beautiful bright Batiks and local products are sold every where
The best is to buy Batik shirts, skirts and sarongs as souvenirs
Of course Scotch Whiskey and American cigarettes top the agenda.
(Awana Sea Side Resort Hotel in Langkawi)
We put up in the Awana Hotel
It’s one of the best in the local
Situated on the seaside with scenic sights
Beautiful beach and sea scooters are provided
So were other basic necessities
We enjoyed bed and breakfast, bath and meals.
(Eisabai Nyo, NOM and Yupar Nyo on Seaside Hotel Platform)
Most impressive is the Under Water World
It shows so many animals under the sea water
From sea horse to shark and salamander
One could see clearly separated only by glass
Arrangement and administration was first class
It’s a wonder and most exciting to all of us.
(Under Water Sea World Museum at Langkawi)
Another place of wonder is Mahathir’s Museum
It houses the gifts gotten by the dedicated doctor
He donated all he got as gifts as Malaysian Premier
It ranges from pens to pearls and crockery cups to cars
He was generous in donating to the State these materials
There is another similar museum in federal capital KL.
(Former Premier Mahathir Mohammad Donated all His Gifts for
a Museum in Langkawi; also similar One at Kuala Lumpur)
Mahathir Mohammad was responsible for Langkawi’s success
He initiated the idea to develop it from a pirate nest
The island was once a hideout of the pirates in
It was sparsely populated by poor peasants toiling paddy fields
Eagles and predator birds ruled the sky with ease
Blue sky, cool sea and beautiful beaches were wasted out of reach.
( Bright Boats and Beach at Langkawi)
Dr Mohammad altered those things
He built resorts for government meetings
He encouraged tourism by tax freeing
On liquors, cigarettes and local inventions
Like Batik, furniture and indigenous medicines
He provided international airport and connections
Sponsored national and international meetings
He is a great benefactor of Langkawi and Malaysia Federation.
(Luxurious Lagoon at Langkawi)
We swam in the sea in the morning
We walked on the beach in the evening
We shopped at supermarkets and marts in between
Sometimes we toured the island leisure seeking
We observed Batik making and medicine manufacturing
Indigenous drugs are made with locally produced concoctions.
(Batik Making in Lagkawi)
Once we visited a mourning place
It’s the legendary Mahsuri Grave
She died by killing herself in haste
Bleeding white blood proving her chaste;
(Entrance Gate to Tomb of Mahsuri;Pay Respects by
Taking off Your Shoes)
She denied the Sultan’s chase to marry her
As the fourth wife of the Sultan of Kedah
She in fact married her lover and eloped to
But, she was forcibly taken back to her requiem
So to say as she was killed by the savage Sultan;
(Grave of Mahsuri, Legendary Beauty who Defied the Sultan)
She made a curse Langkawi remain in doldrums
Until her seventh generation of children was born
So, it remained as such until now
Yes, a child of her seventh line was born in
Where her children and husband had all along lived then
It’s a sad story of a valiant woman now becoming a legend.
(Burnt Rice Village at Langkawi)
Connected to Mahsuri legend is the
Father of Sultan burnt the rice when Thais invaded
The whole village suffered then from starvation in the wake
Mahsuri was wrongly accused of adultery she did not make
For Sultan took her after she escaped with her lover
So Sultan took other person’s wife and a wife snatcher
We could still see burnt rice coming out in the fields
It’s still there for all to see.
(Main Gate of Crocodile Farm Village)
There is a crocodile farm on the island
One could see so many reptiles on sand
Crocodile farmers are adept at caring them
They feed closely unprotected with bare hands;
(Crocodiles Swarming in the Crocodile Farm)
Crocodile skin is used as leather
It’s expensive as handbags, belts and footwear.
(Langkawi Sky Bridge at 2000 Feet above Sea Level)
Langkawi is fast developing with government sponsor
A sky bridge has been built as a platform for sightseers
Restaurants, food vendors and eateries abound in the area
We’re once served free of charge one night dinner
It was held on the open platform of hotel on the sea side
We enjoyed the food and fun the whole night.
(Langkawi Sky Bridge for Sight Seeing)
We saw the emblem of Langkawi as an Eagle
It’s perched on a strong concrete table
It’s a scenic sight suitable for swimming
There is also ample place for strolling
The Eagle is great and gracious in the morning
It gives you a nostalgic feeling in the evening.
(Symbol of Langkawi, the Eagle)
My wife and children were very happy
We always talk about it in the family
It was a happy and memorable itinerary
I would call it one of the best in this category
We always cherish its memory
It recurs in our dreams frequently.
(Legendary Mahsuri of Langkawi)
Dr Maung Maung Nyo
14.01.2009 (original)
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