Makam Mahsuri
Mahsuri’s Tomb is the crypt of the legendary Princess Mahsuri. Located in the
village of Mawat, 12 km from Kuah Town, it is also known as Makam Mahsuri. Most of the
island’s natural attractions have fables attached in true Malay style and
Mahsuri’s Tomb is probably its most famous legend.
The story begins with the beautiful Mahsuri, a maiden (or princess by some
accounts) born over 200 years ago, who married the love of her life during a
time of conflict with the Siamese. Her husband went off to fight in the war and
her mother-in-law, jealous of her beauty, vengefully accused Mahsuri of
adultery.
Mahsuri protested her innocence but the village elders tried the young girl,
found her guilty and sentenced her to death by stabbing.
She was tied to a stake but when she was pierced with the ceremonial dagger she
bled white blood, a sign of her innocence. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed
the island with seven generations of bad luck. Later the Siamese conquered Kedah
and invaded the island – the inhabitants of Langkawi 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 legend of Mahsuri supposedly accounts for Langkawi’s relatively ‘newfound’
success and judging by its increasing prosperity, the island has survived the
curse. 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. There are also a few food outlets at Mahsuri’s Tomb and a well
that is said to bless those who dip their hands into it with beauty.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Location: Kampung Mawat, Mukim Ulu Melaka (17 km northwest of Kuah Town)
Tel: +603 955 6055
Getting There
A signpost about 10 km from town directs you to Makam Mahsuri. About 17 km from
Langkawi International
Airport (LGK), Makam Mahsuri can be reached in less than 20 minutes; heading
east. The complex is accessible via the Padang Matsirat Road. Car rental
services are available at the Airport.
Once you pass the Tok Senik Resort on your left, there will the junction to
Makam Mahsuri Road - turn right and follow the road and you’ll easily be able to
find the mausoleum. There are signposts in English and Malay to guide you.
To get to Langkawi, you can either go by air or by ferry. The ferry operates
only four routes from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and also Satun, in
Thailand. However, it is usually packed with crowds during the ride.
For those looking to fly with a budget airline from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi,
there are daily flights provided by budget airlines like
AirAsia, Firefly
and Malindo Air. There are
also full-fledge airlines such as
Malaysia Airlines.
There are daily direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Langkawi. Taxi
and car
rental services are available at the
Langkawi International
Airport (LGK).
Taxi and shuttle bus from respective hotels are available at your conveniences. Car
and motorcycles rental are recommended for those possesses valid license. Car
and motorcycles rental are mostly placed at the airport and hotels. All are at
reasonable and affordable price.
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