The History of Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah

The magnificent name, Langkawi, is believed to have originated from the abundance of eagles found on the island. The Brahminy Kite, a species of eagle fondly known as “Lang Merah” in Malay, and “Kawi”, meaning marble in Sanskrit, is also unique to the island. Another reference states that the name is a combination of two Sanskrit words, “Langka” (beauty) and “Wi” (innumerable), which means ‘The Place of Immense Beauty’. True enough, this island was also once known as the ‘Land of Bliss’ dating back 2,000 years ago.