Padang Matsirat

Padang Matsirat in Langkawi District

Padang Matsirat is a mukim in Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. It is situated on the western part of the island.

Amenities and tourism

The town has had a Dispensary since at least 1938, when it was a British colony; outside dispensaries were common in Malaysia, and they still exist in Georgetown, Penang and other cities;[1] as of 2024, it is served by a modern, indoor medical clinic.

Tourism in Malaysia has boomed in the 21st century, especially to the islands.[2] Palau Langkawi has numerous ecotourism resorts; the airport near Padang Masirat makes it a transit hub.[3] Legend has it that the area’s prosperity was thwarted by the curse of Mahsuri, a woman who was executed unjustly, for seven generations until the late 20th century.[4]

Lonely Planet recommends visiting the area for their spicy Malaysian cuisine.[5] There is a post office near the airport.[6]

Padang Matsirat’s main mosque is a pilgrimage site.[7] The house and tomb of Mahsuri is another destination.[4][8]

Transportation

Langkawi International Airport is the main access point; there is a tourist agency open until the last arrival.[9]

References

1. Colonial Reports- Annual Issues 1811-1839. 1938. p. 20.
2. Richmond, Simon (2019). Lonely Planet Best of Malaysia & Singapore: Top Sights, Authentic Experiences. Lonely Planet. pp. 7–15. ISBN 9781786574961.
3. Forbes, Andrew; Emmons, Ron (2013). DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Malaysia and Singapore. Dorling Kinersley. p. 112. ISBN 9781465417879.
4. "The Enigmatic Legend of Mahsuri". 23 February 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
5. Richmond, Simon (2022). Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei. Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781838696580.
6. The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia On A Budget. Rough Guides. 2014. ISBN 9780241012727.
7. Ismail, Mohamed Zahir Haji (2000). The Legends of Langkawi. Utusan Publications. p. 10. ISBN 9789676110275.
8. Review and Assessment of the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle Economic Corridors: Malaysia Country Report. Asian Development Bank. 2023. ISBN 9789292697693.
9. Berlitz Pocket Guide Malaysia (Travel Guide EBook). Berlitz. 2019. ISBN 9781785731952.