Pulau Dayang Bunting
The Legendary Pulau Dayang Bunting Every beautiful place seems to have a legend behind, which makes it more interesting and memorable. Literally, the name of the island means "Island of the Pregnant Maiden". It has a touching and fairy-tale-like legend, making the island seems to be more mystical and amazing at the same time. The story of this island began when a beautiful fairy princess – Mambang Sari and Mat Teja, a man who fell in love with the princess from the moment he saw her. Mat Teja met Mambang Sari at the lake and he was attracted by her beauty. Getting advices from a wise old man, Mat Teja finally managed to win the heart of Mambang Sari. Living happily on earth, Mambang Sari bore Mat Teja a son. However, their happy moment did not last any longer as their baby died after a short while. Undergoing such a traumatic and tremendous pain, Mambang Sari decided to lay her child to rest in peace in the lake. At the same time, she blessed all the childless and infertile women to be conceivable after bathing themselves in the lake.
This is how the island got her name and believe it or not, there are some proofs on the story. At a certain angle, you will be able to see the island, resembling a 6-to-7-month pregnant lady, lying on her back. Some people might take it as a coincidence or the act of nature, but it somehow creates an amazing linkage between the island and her name.
Getting to Pulau Dayang Bunting is not a difficult activity to be arranged in Langkawi. All you need to do is just basically make some phone calls to make a reservation for an island hopping tour, or alternatively, you may request your hotel to arrange the tour for you. Island hopping tour is one of the most popular activities organized by the local agent. In Langkawi, travel agents such as the Langkasia Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd, the Esteem Lane Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd and the Sala Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd do make arrangement for such tour. Basically there are plenty of travel agents available in Langkawi. However, you do not have to visit each of them. Just call the agents to make booking 1 day in advanced, and they will arrange transportation and the tour package for you. The price for an island hopping tour costs about RM 35 to RM 60 per person. For those who travel in a group, you can choose to rent the boat for 8 persons at RM 280 or RM 300 for a 12-person boat. The tour usually starts at 10 am and the boat will depart from Awana Porta Malai terminal. Some agents do offer complimentary pickup from hotel to the terminal, especially for guests staying in Pantai Cenang. From the terminal (which is located at Pantai Tengah), it takes about 20 minutes to reach Pulau Dayang Bunting by boat. There will be a small jetty for drop-off purpose and merely a 2-minute walking distance from the jetty, you will be able to see the entrance to the Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnanat Maiden) Marble Geoforest Park. While walking, take your time to enjoy the wonderful scenery as the sea in turquoise is surrounded by thick and lush forest.
From the entrance, you will have to walk for another 15 minutes to reach the lake. Concrete walking path has been built all along the way thus making walking in the forest easier. The main things that you have to beware off are the monkeys around. They might be swaying from trees to trees or merely staring at you. Basically, they will not attack you but it is advisable to take good care of your own belongings, especially bags. Nearby the lake, there is a small shop selling some souvenirs and providing paddle boat and life jacket rental service. There is a small separated area beside the stall where hundreds of catfishes live there. You can put your feet into the pool and enjoy the natural fish spa. Besides, swimming is also allowed in the lake or you can just lay on the wooden platform, enjoy a sunbath under the wonderful lake view.
Tasik Dayang Bunting is yet another magical place formed under the Pulau Dayang Bunting. Take a walk around the lake and you will see the ‘Miracle Border”. A narrow wooden bridge will lead you there. It is called “Miracle Border” because it signifies the slim borderline between the lake and the sea. Surprisingly, the lake is not salty even though the distance from the sea is merely 30 meter. Isn’t that a miracle? Pulau Dayang Bunting is a place filled with love, magnificence, mystery and miracle. It is no doubt, an attraction not to be missed in Langkawi.
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