LANGKAWI: “AN EAGLE FLIGHT BUT NOT FLYING”

Neldy Jolo

Langkawi in Bahasa Sug (Sulu Language) means "go step over or go step off". It is from the root word langka and langkaw meaning to step. Langka and Langkaw also means an act of a child who is spoiled or demanding to the parents.

The word “Langkawi” is a phrase in Tausug “asking someone to go step over a thing”. In the “dataran lang” - eagle park found a “helang terbang tidak melayang” – an eagle flight but not flying. That’s a nice thing first to visit.

"an eagle flight but not flying".
This spot could see afar from the sea.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

Indeed a very fascinating place similar to the different islands found in Sulu archipelago. I hope to share more stories about it soon in my incoming memoir in Bahasa Sug, entitled Layag Sug. And I hope to finish it very soon. Insha Allah.

The legend of Langkawi Island of the State of Kedah in Malaysia was from the two words: Lang (helang or eagle) Kawi (brown), meaning brown eagle.

DjSuria Su and Gier Black at Langkawi fm.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

DjSuria Su, the wife of my Tausug friend Gier Black is the native here told me about Lang as Eagle and Kawi as Brown and Kawi Stone. We shall find other interpretations of it. DjSuria Su is working as DJ in the Radio Malaysia Langkawi fm. She who serenades people with her melodious voice on air, indeed a subsequent visit to Langkawi is a must.

But to interpret the character of the eagle that is flying is to step over or flying over the sky is the character of the word “Langkawi” in Bahasa Sug.

Sort like, Langkawi na in dan yan – go step over the street or kiyalangkawan sin manul manuk in langit – the bird has flown over the sky.

One of the lamps at Kampung Tok Senik Resort.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

A spot where people fish.
Photo:Neldy Jolo

Typical Kampung House in Langkawi.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

Langkawi has different legendary story, like beautiful lady Mahsuri daughter of Pandak Mayah, one that was sentence to death charged of adultery who laid a curse on the island that it will remain in chaos for seven generations.

One of the houses inside the compound of Makam Mahsuri.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

Vicinity of Makam Mahsuri
Photo: Neldy Jolo

Another story is of rice burning in Padang Mat Sirat, who directed the villagers to burn that rice they have than to give it to the Siamese who invaded Langkawi in 18^th century. And right now it is still known as beras terbakar or burnt rice for tourist attraction.

Traditional house near Beras Terbakar.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

The Burnt Rice
Photo: Neldy Jolo

The location where rice was burned.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

The cenang beach with its splendid sands and beautiful sunset overlooking the seaside, with its rays touches the sea produces stunning silhouette. Cenang Beach Street is full with colourful souvenir items.

Sunset by the beach of Cenang.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

Langkawi Permata Kedah
(Langkawi Jewel of Kedah).
Photo: Neldy Jolo

The visit was never planned after Gier Black called me to accompany him going back home. I did not say no, since I have been planning to visit the island few years back, as I usually seen it advertise in the Malaysia television and have read some information about it on the internet.

Lovely couple that hosted the stay,
Gier Black and DjSuria Su.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

The Gateway to the city. 
The Sultan of Kedah Welcomes the visitors.
Photo: Neldy Jolo

Serenity of the beach and ambience of this urban-island city is fascinating. Hope to visit to place soon. Thank to DjSuria Su and Gier Black and family for their hospitality. Do not forget to visit Melor Cafe at Kedawang to eat their delicious Nasi Goreng Sambal Telur.