Where Has Good Ol’ Langkawi Gone?

Missing the vibes, still loving the views

The last time I was in Langkawi, was 2019.

The world was a little less intense, with fewer rules and more fun. And the same can be said for Langkawi.

Pre-COVID, the island of Langkawi was a blend of chill and vibrancy. I enjoyed sitting back on one of the lounge chairs right in front of the beach, admiring the views of the Andaman Sea. When the sun got too hot, I would make my way to the beach bars around the corner, with (arguably) the cheapest and most heavenly cocktails you could get in Malaysia.

Fast forward to 2024, things are a little bit more chill, perhaps a little bit too chill? In the past, one of my favourites was watching the spectacular sunsets on Cenang Beach, but this time around, I was disappointed. Something was a little off, and I couldn’t put a finger on it.

Has the Jewel of Kedah, lost its lustre? Could it be the curse of COVID, still lingering on the island, just as the curse of Mahsuri did for seven generations?

The Legend of Mahsuri

A famous legend, Mahsuri was a beautiful and virtuous woman who was falsely accused of adultery by a jealous village chief’s wife while her warrior husband was away. Despite her innocence, she was executed, but not before cursing Langkawi for seven generations of misfortune.

According to legend, Mahsuri bled white blood as she died, symbolising her purity. Interestingly, the island faced invasions and hardships until the late 20th century, which is believed to mark the end of her curse.

Coming back to the 21st century…

During my three-day stay in Langkawi, humidity was at its peak, and the breeze that I had grown to love (and look forward to) when I was there was missing. I tried my luck and asked the Universe for a little breeze, but sadly my pleas went unanswered.

While it was evident that Langkawi was not the same ol’ island as it was before, there was one element that stayed the same — its mesmerising views.

My friend and I drove around the island, and had the opportunity to glimpse beautiful views of the sea and frankly, that made up for the missing vibes. Mother Nature’s vibes are always on and at 100 percent!

Other than the gorgeous views, another highlight of the trip was the food in Langkawi. We had an assortment of cuisines including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western — and all of the meals were delicious, even the hotel breakfast was one the best I’ve had in many years!

While my trip to the island was not exactly how I hoped it would pan out, it was still a good, well-deserved break for me. I just hope that the next time I visit Langkawi, the fun vibes will be back again, and that Langkawi will once again be an unforgettable island adventure. *Keeping fingers crossed*