Colors of Langkawi - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Exploration of traditions and culture of local people can turn into a fascinating process. They observe a lot of interesting old customs; they have their own character and colorful celebrations, which are conducted the same way as they were centuries ago. The hibiscus flower is considered the local symbol. Most of the indigenous people are adherents of Muslimism, for them five bright hibiscus petals symbolize five precepts of Islam. However, there are also followers of other religions. Aborigines also treat hibiscus as their national symbol, and gardeners carefully plant it on their grounds.

It is notable that the hibiscus is not a typical local plant. Today, no one can say certainly when and why it was imported into the territory of Langkawi. According to the most common version, Chinese traders were pioneers that brought a flower. They have brought flower seeds together with outlandish goods.

The hibiscus found widespread use not only as a decorative plant, but also as a drug. A lot of healing blends and concoctions are prepared from its petals, which, according to locals, are best medicine against various diseases. Going for a walk to local markets, you should pay attention to the variety of herbal preparations; Chinese rose or hibiscus would be one of the most important component of them. Go for a walk through the city streets and you’ll see a flower literally everywhere, but for medical purposes flowers grown on special plantations are used. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The name of the island is literally translated as ‘brown eagle,’ this rare bird with wings of brick color is one of the main representatives of the local fauna. Eagle is also an important national symbol; a monument to the eagle can be seen in the capital.

Shamanism remains a common, but unusual for foreign travelers phenomenon. Despite the fact that many cities of the archipelago are highly competitive with modern cities in other countries, shamans still remain the most revered and respected people. Not only locals, but also visitors address to shamans. Usually rituals performed by shamans are closed to outsiders, but sometimes curious tourists are allowed to watch those mysterious rites. Eyewitnesses claim that healing from a painful disease often occurs almost instantaneously, once the shaman ritual was completed. Local shamans help not only in getting rid of the disease, but also in looking into the future and getting a wise advice.

Langkawi often celebrates colorful festivals, the most famous of which are sports events. So, the most popular one is Ironman Langkawi Malaysia that falls at the beginning of February. It is a 3.2 km swimming race, as well as a 42 km cycling race. Another equally significant sports festival is called the International Water Festival. The event takes place in mid-April and involves water sports competitions (rowing, swimming, beach sports). No less interesting is the regatta held in January. Yachtsmen compete in nine categories and come from all over the world to demonstrate their skills.

In April, a biennale known as the Langkawi International Festival of Art (or LIFA) is held for ten days, the venue is the Muzium Ibrahim Hussien, as well as some other cultural institutions where one can see artworks from artists, sculptors, musicians, writers and poets coming from all continents. This is one of the most essential events in the cultural life of the Malaysian city, which many craftsmen dream to attend as participants.

The following month (May) is marked by such a gastronomic festival as the Langkawi International Laksa Carnival. Laksa is a spicy noodle soup popular in Malaysia and some other Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia and Singapore). At this time, eminent chefs show all their skills to make visitors say wow. It is never complete without competitions between chefs, as well as competitive eating. Besides the gastronomic program, the festival hosts live music concerts.

The Langkawi Geopark Carnival that is held in June is one of those holidays, through which one can get acquainted with the many-sided Malaysian culture. The event lasts for four days, during which on the central streets of the island's cities one can see colorful costumed parades of children, musical and theatrical performances reflecting the traditions of Malaysia. A gastronomic program is also available to visitors - at this time, they can taste local dishes, thereby getting into the Malaysian spirit. Apart from that, the festival is an excellent opportunity to explore city attractions through themed tours and treasure hunting quests.

No less interesting for tourists is another holiday - namely, the Langkawi Nature Festival. It is held in November and offers a program in the form of an exhibition of animals, insects, and birds living across the globe (among them, by the way, there are many unique species). The venues are picturesque city parks and mountains. Besides the exhibition, tourists can participate in seminars if they want to learn a lot of interesting information about certain fauna species Some animals are allowed to be held on hands and played with.