Langkawi comprises a group of 99 tropical islands lying off the
north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30km from Kuala
Perlis and 51km from Kuala Kedah on the mainland.
The island are blessed with an intriguing heritage of fabulous
myths and legends of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy
princesses, battles and romance.
Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the
eagle or "helang" as it is known in the Malay language. "Lang" for
short and in old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown; hence, Langkawi
simply means reddish brown eagle. Where once, a group of 99 islands
lay under a curse of a wrongly accused princess, there is today
a new beginning, a new light, and as result a new budding and thriving
holiday hideaway.
The Langkawi you see today has been transformed almost beyond
recognition. This is the legendary island where now major international
businessmen meet to form new ventures and conclude deals whilst
relaxing. The curse that lasted for seven generations can surely
be said to have been lifted.