Langkawi has a legendary reputation - literally! The island is steeped in legends, which are made all the more real because its people truly believe in them!

Most people who come to Langkawi soon learn of the legend of legends, 'The Curse of Mahsuri'. In the eighteenth century, it was arranged according to custom that Mahsuri married the Chieftain's son. It was a happy union until her husband had to go away on a long journey, and she went home to her parents' village with their son to stay until he returned.

However, Mahsuri's happiness was overshadowed by the fact that her mother-in-law did not like her. She was jealous of her beauty and popularity.

The old lady's hatred was so strong that Mahsuri was accused of adultery, an allegation so preposterous that it horrified every islander. The chief, goaded by his jealous wife, ordered her execution. (No protest forms then!!)

Her pleas of innocence fell on deaf ears. Mahsuri was speared repeatedly until not red but white blood flowed out of her - a sign that she was indeed innocent! With her dying breath, Mahsuri lay a curse on Langkawi proclaiming that its inhabitants would suffer and not prosper for the next seven generations!

How true was the curse? Shortly after her death the island fell into the hands of Siamese invaders, traces which are still evident at Beras Terbaker (The Field of Burnt Rice). Countless other misfortunes plagued the island, and it remained a backwater until its recent development as a duty free zone. The curse at long last had been lifted.

Mahsuri's family left Langkawi and settled in Thailand. In 2002 the Kedah government located them in Phuket, and they were invited to Langkawi. For Malaysians, the legend of Mahsuri shows that truth and goodness prevail!

Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum) is a shrine erected in her honor, marking the spot where the fair maiden was buried. There is a museum there worth a visit, which includes a very impressive recorded interpretation of the legend.

Open daily: 7.30am - 6.00pm Entrance Fee RM 3