Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman, Langkawi, Kedah Malaysia

Located beside the Kuah jetty, Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman is a beautifully landscaped folklore-themed park. Opened in 1996, the open-air ‘garden museum’ faces the Kuah waterfront and colourful statues, with signboards in English detailing the myths associated with specific sculptures are spread out across the park. The 50-hectare compound has a total of 17 colourful sculptures depicting Langkawi legends including legends of heroic giants, mythical birds, evil ogres and beautiful princesses.

400m from the jetty, some of the archipelago’s best-known tales including the story of Mahsuri – an unjustly executed princess – to the dramatic legend of the fight between Mat Raya and Mat Chinchang are displayed here. The beautiful sculpture of Mahsuri has an accompanying sign recounting the story of the maiden’s death – unfairly accused of adultery, with her dying breath the alleged princess cursed Langkawi Island to be barren for seven generations.

Meanwhile, the story of the duel between two giants, Matchinchang and Raya, explains the origins of the names of some of the island’s best-known natural attractions. Legend has it that Matchincang and Raya duelled and overturned a pot of gravy and the resulting spillage led to their incarceration as mountains and Kuah (the Malay word for gravy) was born.

Featuring scenic gardens with bright local flowers and lush plants and fruit trees, the rambling garden is a skilfully landscaped recreational strip where you can find traditional Malaysian handicraft and cultural objects on display. At the entrance of the park is Gondwana Wall – a mountainous formation to the south west of Langkawi, which towers over Burau Bay. A good picnic spot, you can explore the park on foot or hire a buggy to cart you around. The pleasant, well-maintained park is worth a little exploration.

Besides the colourful sculptures depicting Langkawi’s fables, in the compound are four manmade lakes as well as a narrow strip of beach and walking trails that make it a popular spot for local joggers. The park is situated within walking distance of most of the island’s duty-free stores in Kuah – good bargains include chocolate and alcohol.