Visitor Guide To Malaysia: Malaysia Hotels, Malaysian, Travel

Langkawi’s name is believed to have originated from the abundance of eagles on the island and the geological wonder of its landscape. In Kuah, the capital of Langkawi, you can see a huge eagle monument in Eagle Square commemorating the origins of its name.

Historical records about the island are limited. A Chinese Liang Dynastry record makes reference to the kingdom of ‘Langgasu’ as being founded in the 1st century AD. More records are available of when Langkawi came under the Sultanate of Kedah. Langkawi’s fate was therefore tied to that of Kedah and it too came under Siamese rule before being transferred to the British. During World War II the Japanese had control of the island together with a brief period of Thai control. Following the end of the war, Langkawi together with Kedah became part of Malaysia.