langkawi magazine

Pulau Langkawi is the foremost of a group of 104 islands lying off the coast of Kedah, in northwestern Malaysia. Clustered together in a confusing, labyrinthine mass and situated along a major trade route, the Langkawi islands have--like the Islands of the Bahamas--a long history as a refuge of pirates.

Malaysia's gastronomic heritage has drawn from each of the constituent cultures of Malaysia as well as from neighbouring states to produce what many people consider to be the most delicious cuisine in the entire world.

If you are feeling homesick in a foreign land and suddenly you overhear a conversation full of Yes-lahs and No-lahs, your homesickness can be assuaged for it sounds just like home and the speakers can only be Malaysians (or Singaporians, which is close enough when you're homesick!).

Myths, legends and folk tales may not be based on proven facts but they make a good read. While we may be familiar with stories about Robin Hood, Cinderella, Snow White and so on, Langkawi myths and legends don't seem to be as commonly known.

Dato Ibrahim Hussein, the most celebrated Malaysian artist enjoys visitors and shares with them the fruits of his creative endeavors.

Artists from around the globe joined Datuk Ibrahim Hussein for a 10 day festival of non-stop activities on mythical Langkawi Island. Talks by artists, ikebana demonstrations, the GAPENA congress, a photography exhibition led by Eric Peris and more.

I said to myself, maybe I could make use of my situation to help others and create a living centre for the arts. I wanted to show the world that art is the most important and unifying force that there is and that it is a celebration of life that can help nations, races and religions come together as one.

It took Dato Ibrahim Hussein 11 years of hard work and toil -- and RM 5 million -- to manifest his dream of "the art museum within the enchanted forest" in Langkawi.

The tragic tale of beautiful Mahsuri, unjustly accused of adultery and sentenced to die, has leapt out of textbooks, and become almost tangible with her descendant Wan Aishah's presence here last week.

If you look hard at Gunung Mat Cincang located at 700m above sea level, you can actually see it is smiling to its 850m high neighbour, Gunung Raya - the island's highest mountain.

Langkawi's multi-racial population of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other races have each passed on their own favourite recipes, ensuring an interesting and wide range of cuisines to for the discerning diner to choose from.

Langkawi was said to have been used as a hideout by pirates in the days of yore and with so many uninhabited islets located so close to one another, it is easy to imagine how this was possible.

Two Dutch tourists are contemplating a batik painting of two bulls fighting. ``Can we buy this?`` they ask. The price is a bit high for a 70cm square cotton painting, but they know they are buying a painstakingly-made original. ``It's true batik tulis,`` assures the salesgirl, ``the pattern is identical on both sides.``

Lah is used millions of times a day throughout Malaysia - sometimes purposefully, sometimes for no reason at all. When you fail to show up for work on time and the boss chews you out, a typical defence might be "Sorry boss, tired-lah."

Today, Muslims welcome their holy month Ramadan by starting a period of fasting and abstinence.

The legends surrounding the 99 islands of the Langkawi archipelago. Langkawi is now one of the most sought after tropical retreats in South-east Asia. This idyllic island is famous for world class resorts, its tales of giant birds, ogres, princes and princesses, and also for its age-old geological wonders of mysterious caves, mystical lakes and islands, and mist-shrouded mountains each with a timeless legend.

Langkawi is not only a tropical island with the purest white sands, clear tropical waters and sun filled days, the island is also blessed with an intriguing history and stories of ogres and giant birds, warriors, wronged maidens and fairy princesses.

Does Malaysia have a national dish? No authority or national agency has yet come forward to set things in stone, but by default, that honour would have to go to nasi lemak.

Unique to Malaysia is the open house concept where - during the various cultural and religious festivals - friends, families and even strangers would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by their hosts. Definitely something to experience!

Embodying this spirit is the slogan "Malaysia Boleh!" which loosely translated means "Malaysia Can Do It!" How this slogan came to be the "battle cry" of a nation is rather sketchy but the general belief is that it was the slogan used by a health beverage in its marketing campaign in the 80s.

If it's noon in London it must be 8pm in Kuala Lumpur. Yes, to the world Malaysian time is GMT +0800? but to locals and seasoned visitors, "Malaysian time" takes on a whole different meaning.

Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area, peace thrives as the various groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance; complementing one another to enrich the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision of the nation.

Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area peace thrives and the groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance complementing one another to enrich the shared character.

Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area, peace thrives as the various groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance; complementing one another to enrich the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision of the nation.

The kompang is arguably the most popular Malay traditional instrument, for it is widely used for all sorts of social occasions, from National Day parades and official functions to signal the arrival of VIPs to wedding ceremonies and football matches

The lion dance is a vigorous form of dance that is usually performed during Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year.

Yet another dance form that demonstrates the strong traditional influence inherent in Malaysian culture, the Kuda Kepang was first introduced here in the early 20th century when Javanese immigrants, who brought this unique dance, were a regular feature in the southern tip of the peninsula.

Early writings from India speak of a place called Savarnadvipa -- the Land of Gold. This mystical, fantastically wealthly kingdom was said to lie in a far away and unknown land, and legend holds that it was on an odyessy in search of Savarnadvipa that the first Indians were lured to the Malay Peninsula.

Until the 15th century, the Hindu kingdoms of peninsular Malaysia were largely overshadowed by neighboring kingdoms in Cambodia and Indonesia. The strongest of these kingdoms was called Srivijaya, and the records of Chinese, Indian, and Arab traders laud it as the best trading port in the region. It was the first great maritime kingdom in the Malay archipelago, and other ports quickly emulated its success. At some time around the 13th century, as other entrepots emerged, Srivijaya's influence declined. The lack of a strong central power, coupled with the ever-present nuisance of pirates, amplified the need for secure, well-equipped port in the region. Fate would make this port the city of Malacca.

Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners throughout history the Chinese, and the Indians.

Historians often speak of Malaysia's ancient past as something "shrouded in mystery," a kind of black hole in Asian history. The truth is that there is not much archeological evidence or written records from ancient Malaysia, but that may soon change. Many suspect more prehistoric archeological sites along the coasts and in the jungles and hills, but given Malaysia's riotous vegetation it will take time to find them.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the eastern spice trade was routed through Egypt, and no non-Muslim vessel was permitted to dock in Arabian ports. The competing European powers, painfully aware of the need for an open trade route to India and the Far East, sought to establish their own trading ports at the source. In 1511, a Portuguese fleet led by Alfonso de Albuquerque sailed into Malacca's harbor, opened fire with cannon, and captured the city. Malacca's golden age had come to an end.

With 1957`s independence, a new series of difficult decisions lay ahead of Malaya, the first of which was to determine exactly what territories would be included in the new state. In 1961, the term ``Malaysia`` came into being after Tunku convinced Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak to join Malaya in a federal union (Singapore later opted out of the union, peacefully, in 1965). Afraid that the union would interfere with his expansionistic plans, Indonesia`s president Sukharno launched attacks against Malaysia in Borneo and on the peninsula, all of which were unsuccessful.

A brief look at a few of Malaysia's great crafts.

In a world where nature provided for many of humankind's needs, leisure was honed to an art form. Much of Malaysian leisure time is occupied by elaborate competitions. Kite-flying is a favorite among participants and spectators alike. Kites, called waus, are painstakingly designed and crafted in vibrant colors and patterns.

Music and dance are almost inseparable in the Malaysian culture. Where there is one, the other is not far behind. True to Malaysia's heritage, dances vary widely and are, if not imports direct from the source nation, heavily influenced by one or more of Malaysia's cultural components. Much of Malaysian music and dance has evolved from more basic needs into the mesmerizing, complex art forms they are today.

The Malaysian flag or Jalur Gemilang consists of 14 horizontal red and white stripes of equal width; a dark blue canton occupying the upper left quarter of the flag; and within the canton, a crescent, and a 14-pointed star.

The national flower of Malaysia is the hibiscus, or bunga raya. The flower is found in abundance throughout the country, and for this very reason, was chosen to be the national flower (in 1960) by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Malaysia has a number of festivals and celebrations, some of which are celebrated as public holidays, either nationwide or specific to a few states. Most of these festivals are either religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals. However, like everything else in this culturally rich nation, the celebrations of religious or cultural festivals are influenced by the diversity of the people.

A time for family reunions, the lion dance, firecrackers, mahjong, mandarin oranges and giving/collecting ang pow, the Lunar New Year - or Chinese New Year (CNY), as it is more commonly known in Malaysia - highlights some of the most fascinating aspects of Chinese tradition and rituals.

Commonly known as the Festival of Lights, the celebration of Deepavali (or Diwali) marks the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over dark.

Be prepared to go on an endless voyage of gastronomic adventure! Not just Malay, Chinese or Indian cuisines but fusion cuisine, too. The meeting of the world's cultures over the years have merged to produce what is the most diverse culinary scene in the region. Malaysia's culinary heritages can be traced to its historical past.

The observance of the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec 25 is celebrated in Malaysia like everywhere else in the world; it is a time for family and friends; hope and rejoicing; love and understanding; and giving and forgiving.

While its origin is based on a historical event, the annual Mooncake Festival is also associated with fascinating lunar legends and myths. MAJORIE CHIEW finds that though man has long conquered the moon, old traditions die hard.

Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival which draws the largest gathering in multi-racial Malaysia - nearly a million people in 2000.

Nasi Goreng Kampung is a traditional, village style fried rice, usually very spicy. Any extra sambal paste can be kept in the fridge up to one month. You can also use the sambal for fried egg noodles or fried vermicelli.

Stir fried egg noodles with prawn, chilli, vegetable on fritters, potatoes and bean curd.

South Malaysia favourite fish gravy noodles with shredded julienne of cucumber, bean sprouts, bitter and lime leaves accompanied with spiced prawn paste sauce.

"My philosophy about cooking is to share what I know I don't believe in keeping recipes secret. If my bosses hadn't taught me what I know I wouldn't be where I am today, so I am very happy to share these recipes with the world. " Chef Ulie

Langkawi is a feast for the eyes and the soul. The first glimpse of the island from air reveals a tranquil hideaway with shimmering azure waters, sun kissed beaches and swaying casuarinas trees. It is a sight that beckons with the promise of a private haven away from everyday life.

Call it full-flavoured, aromatic, spicy or downright nasty, Malaysian cuisine boasts more pungent varieties than arguably any other country in the world. This piquant character manifests itself in fresh fruits (durian and jackfruit), in condiments (budu), preserves (cincaluk and tempoyak) and the innocuous looking belacan or shrimp paste.

Thanks to its unique cultural mix, food lovers in Malaysia get to enjoy a mouth-watering blend of various flavours in their victuals (or makan-makan in local speak). Think sambal belacan with wantan noodles, Nyonya curries, Malay char koay teow and the ever popular and versatile nasi goreng or fried rice.

Floral baths are traditional in Malaysia's Malay, Chinese, and Indian communites and are used for various reasons. A girl hoping to seek a life partner may resort to a session of mandi bunga while another plagued with misfortune will bath to expel bad mojo (or in local parlance, to buang suey). My mother took floral baths before a game of mahjong!

"Wash your hands water poured from a durian skin to remove the smell from your fingers," urged Mr. Teh, my neighbour who accompanied me on a durian feast at Balik Pulau. We had a satisfying breakfast like no other amidst the natural surrounding of a durian orchard.

Laksa is amongst the best known and loved of hawker fare in Langkawi. A bowl of steamed spaghetti-sized rice vermicelli is first generously garnished with finely sliced vegetables including onions, cucumber, red chillis, pineapple, lettuce, mint and pink bunga kantan (ginger buds).

A crunchy and aromatic dish concocted of mixed vegetables infused in a rich and spicy gravy garnished with crushed groundnuts.

Like other acars, this dish is a combination of sweet and mostly tart flavours.

Otak otak - turmeric floured fish mousse served on banana leaves - is a dish that celebrates the Malay Chinese heritage of Malacca because it features Malay and Chinese ingredients. It combines an aromatic blend of fish, thick coconut milk, chilli paste, turmeric, galangal and herbs. You can either grill this tangy appetizer in the traditional way as we have done - wrapped in banana leaves - or bake it in an oven.

Sutra Dance Theater proudly presents its major production for a Malaysia/Singapore Tour - Spellbound - an extravaganza Odissi production for 2005 under the artistic direction of Ramli Ibrahim.

"When I first arrived in Langkawi, Kedah I had the feeling that this is it. I've arrived at a place that feels like home," smiled Wolfgang Sauer, 47. That first night in Langkawi, 13 years ago, Sauer"s friend proposed a joint venture to start a restaurant and resort in Pantai Cenang. Sauer told his friend he"d think about it and asked to be shown around the island the next day

Our national language is called Bahasa Malaysia. It has a very simple grammatical structure and is very easy to learn. Words are pronounced as they are written - you can use the following basic guide

As Malaysians rejoiced in their independence 48 years ago, Husin Othman was born. The Star finds out what National Day means to him and five others who were also born in 1957.

Fascinated by Malaysia's pretty landscape, a former Belgian banker, Francois Walter, wants to promote this part of the world to his fellow countrymen through his own books. Colourful coffee-table books portraying Malaysia's diverse cultures, its beautiful sandy beaches and monuments is Walter's way of telling the Europeans about the tropical country in Southeast Asia.