Langkawi, is an archipelago of a hundred and four islands scattered in the Andaman Sea, about thirty kilometres off the northwest coast of Malaysia’s mainland. The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa offers a truly luxurious experience in a stunning natural setting. The picturesque islands are one of the most sought after tropical getaways in South East Asia.
Despite the indisputable beauty of the location, the history of Langkawi Island is shrouded in myth and legend. Gungung Raya is Langkawi’s highest peak, standing tall at around two thousand eight hundred and sixty feet. The mountain has a tale of its own. The locals believe the two soaring peaks Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Cincang were once two giants named Mat Raya and Mat Cincang who ruled the land. Legend goes on to explain that Mat Raya’s son was to marry Mat Cincang’s daughter. A fight broke out between the giants on the wedding day and a large gravy pot that was thrown, overturned and is now Langkawi’s main town named Kuah, which means gravy. The two giants turned into two mountains facing each other; while a neighbour who came to settle the dispute also became a peak, Bukit Sawar, standing between them.
The mountain is located towards the centre of the Langkawi. Gunung Raya’s summit is accessible by car or foot and boasts breath taking views of the rest of the island and the surrounding seas. Visitors can buy a ticket for ten Malaysian Ringgits to climb to the top deck of an observation tower. The deck has a lounge which sells drinks though the ticket price includes a cup of ginger tea. A government complex is located at the top along with the MEASAT Satellite Control Centre, neither is open to the public.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.