Makam Mahsuri

Makam Mahsuri

Mahsuri’s Tomb is the crypt of the legendary Princess Mahsuri. Located in the village of Mawat, 12 km from Kuah Town, it is also known as Makam Mahsuri. Most of the island’s natural attractions have fables attached in true Malay style and Mahsuri’s Tomb is probably its most famous legend.

The story begins with the beautiful Mahsuri, a maiden (or princess by some accounts) born over 200 years ago, who married the love of her life during a time of conflict with the Siamese. Her husband went off to fight in the war and her mother-in-law, jealous of her beauty, vengefully accused Mahsuri of adultery.

Mahsuri protested her innocence but the village elders tried the young girl, found her guilty and sentenced her to death by stabbing.

She was tied to a stake but when she was pierced with the ceremonial dagger she bled white blood, a sign of her innocence. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed the island with seven generations of bad luck. Later the Siamese conquered Kedah and invaded the island – the inhabitants of Langkawi set fire to their staple crop and poisoned their wells in order to halt the advance of the invaders. Legend has it to this day traces of burnt rice can be seen in nearby Padang Matsirat (The Field of Burnt Rice) especially after torrential downpours.

The legend of Mahsuri supposedly accounts for Langkawi’s relatively ‘newfound’ success and judging by its increasing prosperity, the island has survived the curse. Mahsuri’s Tomb (the site where Mahsuri died) was converted into a historical site: it includes Mahsuri’s shrine, a fenced-in white slab of marble that stands alone in a shady garden.

Besides that, there is a reconstruction of a traditional Malay house, a theatre and a ‘diorama museum’ which houses some of Mahsuri’s jewellery and the weapon that killed her. There are also a few food outlets at Mahsuri’s Tomb and a well that is said to bless those who dip their hands into it with beauty.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Location: Kampung Mawat, Mukim Ulu Melaka (17 km northwest of Kuah Town)
Tel: +603 955 6055
 

Getting There

A signpost about 10 km from town directs you to Makam Mahsuri. About 17 km from Langkawi International Airport (LGK), Makam Mahsuri can be reached in less than 20 minutes; heading east. The complex is accessible via the Padang Matsirat Road. Car rental services are available at the Airport.

Once you pass the Tok Senik Resort on your left, there will the junction to Makam Mahsuri Road - turn right and follow the road and you’ll easily be able to find the mausoleum. There are signposts in English and Malay to guide you.

To get to Langkawi, you can either go by air or by ferry. The ferry operates only four routes from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and also Satun, in Thailand. However, it is usually packed with crowds during the ride.

For those looking to fly with a budget airline from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, there are daily flights provided by budget airlines like AirAsia, MYAirline and Batik Air Malaysia. There are daily direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Langkawi operated by Scoot.

There are also full-fledged airlines operating daily direct flights to Langkawi, such as Malaysia Airlines.

Taxi and shuttle services are available at your convenience from respective hotels. Car and motorcycle rentals are recommended for those possessing a valid license. Cars and motorcycles for rent are mostly available at the airport and hotels, all at reasonable and affordable prices.