LANGKAWIAN

Think freely, Practice patience, Smile often, Savor special moments, Make new friends, Rediscover old ones, Tell those that you love that you do, Forgive an enemy, Keep a promise, Take a chance, Try something new, Have good ideas, Learn from them, Be crazy, Count your blessings, Observe miracles--make them happen, Laugh Heartily, Spread joy, Reminisce, Work hard, Be wise, Try to understand, Cry when you need to, Truth life, Enjoy wonder, Comfort a friend. BELIEVE IN YOUR SELF

Sunday, June 28, 2009

The Legendary Mahsuri

The Legendary Mahsuri

Mahsuri's Tomb

Dioramas at Makam Mahsuri

A Traditional House at Makam Mahsuri

Teratak Seri Tama at Makam Mahsuri

Telaga Mahsuri

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Friday, June 19, 2009

Langkawi Gamat

Langkawi people have long believed that gamat has wonderful healing powers. There are many version of stories on how gamat was discovered.

According to a popular version of the folktale, a fisherman named Gamat discovered the healing properties of gamat by chance more than 300 years ago. The fisherman discovered the strange looking sea creature when he was washed to a coral reef after his boat sank. Clinging to a wooden plank, Gamat drifted in the sea for a long time before reaching the reef.

The sharp edges of the coral further bruised his battered body. Gamat then saw this weird sea creature, caught it and ate it raw as he was very hungry. Then, he rubbed the fluid oozing from the creature onto his wounds. Miraculously his wounds healed fast - leaving no signs at all on his body. After been completely healed and got his energy restored, Gamat swam back to the shore.

His survival stories spread like wildfire throughout the island. Since then, Langkawi folks have been taking gamat for healing wounds and restoring energy.

Gamat population in Langkawi has been declining thus forcing gamat ointment manufacturers to depend on supply from Thailand, Indonesia and Sabah. Gamat is not cheap. The price of dried gamat from Thailand costs between RM80 and RM120 per kg. The raw gamat water from Thailand costs about RM100 per barrel. The life gamat (ibu gamat) can cost up to RM100 per kg.

Villagers in Langkawi have been living with this wonder of nature and reeping its benefits. They believed that it is the perfect remedy for cuts, sores and inflammation.

10 years of research that were jointly conducted by University of Malaya, University of Kyoto and University of Nihan, Tokyo, Japan has successfully discovered the active substances and mechanisms of its actions in gamat.

Gamat is a proven efficacy in enhancing the body's resistance towards various diseases, common flu and more problematic aonditions like cholesterol, meumatoid arthritis, diabetes and cancer. This delicate sea creature also contains a cell growth factor, which has the ability to accelerate the regeneration of biological cells, bone, collagen and rejuvenates the skin.

Langkawi Craft

The Langkawi Craft Complex is located at picturesque Teluk Yu in Mukim Bohor. It is only about 21 kilometres from Kuah town. This is a one-stop arts and crafts centre brimming with much sought-after items of craftwork - from forest-based products, fabrics, ceramics to metal art efacts and beautiful art objects representing the various Malaysian ethnic groups. At the demonstration centre, you can learn from skilled craftsmen, who will demonstrate the intricate techniques of producing local works of art and crafts such as weaving, batik painting, wood carving and plaiting. Also on display are static representations of wedding ceremonies and customs of Malaysians. At the Museum of History and Legends, all the colourful facets of Langkawi's legends and myths are told through dioramas.