History
Langkawi, the beautiful archipelago off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is steeped in myth, legend, and layered history. Much of its early origin has faded with time, yet historical references and oral traditions point to Langkawi’s long-standing significance in regional trade and culture. According to legend, the name Langkawi may be linked to the ancient kingdom of Langkasuka, believed to have been centred in present-day Kedah. Early Chinese records from the Liang Dynasty (circa 500 AD) refer to a kingdom known as “Langgasu,” thought to have been established as early as the first century AD.
Another interpretation of the island’s name is documented in The Legends of Langkawi by Tun Mohamed Zahir. The book suggests that “Langkawi” is derived from two Sanskrit words: Langka (beauty) and Wi (innumerable), meaning “a place of immense beauty.” As noted in the book, this poetic meaning reflects the island’s striking landscapes and natural abundance. A more commonly accepted local explanation connects the name to the Malay words helang (eagle) and kawi (reddish-brown). As eagles and marble are both abundant on the island, Langkawi is often referred to as the “Island of the Eagle,” a legacy commemorated today by the iconic Eagle Square.
Langkawi’s folklore is inseparable from the legend of Mahsuri, a young woman falsely accused of adultery and executed despite her innocence. According to local belief, as she died she cursed the island to suffer seven generations of hardship and barrenness. This story forms a central part of the mythological history of Langkawi and continues to shape local identity and storytelling.
Historically, Langkawi fell under the rule of the Sultanate of Kedah. In the early 19th century, Siam (Thailand) took control of Kedah and Langkawi, before the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred authority to the British. British rule lasted until Malaya’s independence, apart from a brief period of Thai administration during the Japanese occupation in World War II. These transitions left lasting cultural influences, particularly Thai elements that remain visible today in Langkawi’s food, customs, and language, which many locals still understand.
Langkawi is also believed to be one of the last surviving references to the ancient kingdom of Langkasuka. Chinese accounts dating back to 500 AD describe the kingdom and its Hindu rulers, whose names reappear in Malay legends and folklore. Over centuries, invasions and conflicts—including Thai attacks that destroyed settlements—shaped the island’s turbulent past and reinforced the narratives of curse and resilience that still surround it.
Modern Langkawi began its transformation in 1986, when it was granted duty-free status following Penang’s loss of that designation. Tourism investment flowed rapidly into the island, reshaping its economy and landscape. Former fishing villages and paddy fields gradually gave way to marinas, resorts, and tourism infrastructure of international standard.
Today, most development is concentrated around Kuah Town and selected beaches along the west and northern coasts. Beyond these areas, Langkawi remains largely rural, with quiet villages, secondary forests, and open landscapes still defining much of the island. Some paddy fields are now left to wandering buffalo, as livelihoods have shifted from farming to tourism for many local ex-farmers.
The Langkawi of today is a striking blend of legend and modernity. Once perceived as a cursed island, it has emerged as a destination where international travelers, conservationists, and business leaders converge. With prosperity evident across the island, many locals believe that Mahsuri’s seven-generation curse has finally been lifted—leaving behind an island that honors its past while confidently embracing its future.