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Mountains of Langkawi
Langkawi
Pulau Langkawi's landscape is painted with marbled mountains, vast paddy fields and rural villages, miles and miles of white sandy beaches, secret caves, and pockets of virgin rainforests dating back millions of years.
GUNUNG RAYA
Rising to a height of 881 metres, Mount Raya is the tallest natural feature on Langkawi. The mountain is believed to be the cursed form of a giant, known as Mat Raya, who once lived on the island. Untouched and covered with dense jungle, it has become the favourite destination for the adventurous. Mount Raya is also accessible by road - all the way to the top, the view from the peak is great for sunset photos. Gunung Raya itself is home to the white-bellied sea eagle - circling high round the mountain top. The hornbills also make their home in the forested area of Gunung Raya. If you're driving up the mountain, a charge of 50 sen per car is collected at a makeshift toll located at the base of the mount.
GUNUNG MATCINCANG
Mount MatCincang is open to the public and its peak can be reached via a Cable Car ride all the way up from its base at the Oriental Village. The rides are available from 10.00am till 8.00pm. From the cable car, visitors have a fine view of Langkawi island and beyond. The Telaga Tujuh Waterfall can be seen in full view on the way to the peak. A 7-tiered waterfall, the Telaga Tujuh is a favourite stop for tourists.
BUKIT SAWAR
According to folklore, Bukit Sawar (Sawar Hill), a smaller mountain, was a human beings at one time. Such good friends they were that they all shared the same martial arts 'guru.' As the story goes, Mat Cincang's daughter was engaged to Mat Raya's son. However, due to some differences in opinion, they quarrelled. As the wedding day approached, things became worse between the two childhood friends. Even their fathers fought with each other. Several pots and pans, plus other kitchen utensils were sent flying at each other's family. Eventually, Mat Sawar was able to stop the fight and both Mat Raya and Mat Cincang apologised for the damage incurred. In remorse, they chose to be transformed into mountains, immobile and benign. Soon, Mat Sawar followed suit. If you look at the two mountains today, you will notice that little Mat Sawar Hill is wedged in between, probably to prevent another fight between the two.
