Mahsuri Mausoleum

1485 Jln Kisap off Jln Air Hangat

3.6

Introduction

Mahsuri Mausoleum, located approximately 12 kilometers from the town of Kuah, is a tomb built to commemorate the beautiful Princess Mahsuri who lived here over 200 years ago. The cemetery features a pool, tombstone, and tomb mound all made of white marble produced on the island, with elegant designs. There is also a Malay handicraft cultural village underneath the high-footed architectural structure, showcasing agricultural tools, traditional rice utensils, and traditional music performances. On the way from Kuah to the Princess Mahsuri Cemetery, there is also a sculptural monument depicting the process of her demise. Legend has it that in the 19th century, the enchanting beauty Mahsuri was a princess on Langkawi Island. Her husband often went out to sea for business, and one day a young Malay wandering poet came to her home to tell stories of the wanderers. Jealous of her beauty, the chief's wife falsely accused her of having an affair with the poet. Several months later, Mahsuri gave birth to a son. She was sentenced to death by stabbing with a Malay curved knife for adultery. Surprisingly, white blood flowed from her body, as if proclaiming her innocence. Before she died, she made a solemn vow, cursing that Langkawi would decline for seven generations, and only castor oil plants that were inedible would grow on the island. Soon after, Langkawi suffered a massive invasion by the Siamese (Thai) people, and a long period of economic decline forced the island to rely on imports, seemingly validating the truth of the legend.