Dayang Bunting Island or Pulau Dayang Bunting or Island of the Pregnant Maiden, is situated southwest of Langkawi island, next to Pulau Tuba (Tuba Island). Pulau Dayang Bunting is the second largest island in the Langkawi archipelago, which is made up of 99 tropical islands.
Shrouded in green tropical forest, Pulau Dayang Bunting is a must-stop for an island-hopping excursion around Langkawi. In the centre of the island lies a large and beautiful lake called Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) which is enclosed by forest-covered hills. Several legends surround the origin of this lake. One of the most popular legend tells of how the lake's reputed power to cure infertility came about when it was blessed by a fairy princess. The fairy princess fell in love and married a mortal prince. The couple conceived a child soon after, but lost the child not long after birth. It was believed that the couple chose the lake area to bury their child and the fairy princess blessed the lake so that any woman who has difficulty to conceive will be rewarded and blessed with a child if she drank the water from the lake.
History and Legendary
Another prominent Langkawi legend is a story of a pregnant maiden or Dayang Bunting. The legend is intricately intertwined with the amorous exploit of Mat Teja, a male genie, and Mambang Sari, a beautiful female sprite. Mambang Sari and her maids loved to frolic at a cove called Teluk Lawak. One day, as he was passing through, Mat Teja caught a glimpse of Mambang Sari and was struck by her beauty that he instantaneously fell passionately in love. Fearing his love might not be reciprocated he sought Tok Dian’s advice, the local sage (Dian is old Malay for candle). To win her heart, Tok Dian informed Mat Teja to wipe his face with mermaid tears. After following the instructions diligently, Mat Teja swiftly sought after the love of his life. When Mambang Sari saw him, she fell in love immediately and before long, they were happily married.
During her pregnancy, Mambang Sari sojourned at a serene lake, now famously known as Tasik Dayang Bunting or Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Soon it was time for Mambang Sari to give birth but the baby died seven days later. In intense sorrow, she laid the body to rest in the deep lake. Since then, villagers began to associate the lake with magical powers. They believed the lake’s water possessesed mystical ability of healing
barren women.
As time went on, another legend that is closely connected to the magical powers of the lake emerged. A powerful King came with his hunting entourage. Upon reaching the lake, Dayang Telani, the King’s maid drank from it. Suddenly, tempestuous wind, thunder and lightning raged across the land. Soon after, Dayang
Telani was expecting but the King was furious because her child was not naturally conceived. As a punishment, she was sent to reside alone at the lake and there she gave birth to a handsome boy.
One day, she spotted a boat and as she longingly looked on, her toddler accidentally drowned in the lake. In her distress, Dayang Telani pleaded with the magical force of the lake to save her boy and take her instead. Immediately, at the very spot the boy drowned, emerged a white crocodile and Dayang Telani was instantly transformed into a rock, now known as Batu Dayang or Maiden Stone, which looks like the shape of a maiden lying on her back. Locals also believe the white crocodile occasionally seen guarding the lake is actually Dayang Telani’s son. Though many have allegedly caught sight of the white crocodile, it is held that only the pure and innocent may do so.
Located in an island south of Langkawi, Tasik Dayang Bunting is Langkawi’s largest freshwater lake. Equipped with modern conveniences, the lake is a cool and enjoyable destination for picnics, water biking, swimming, canoeing or just basking in the lushness of its surrounding beauty.
Getting There
By Plane
Langkawi's airport is called the Padang Matsirat airport, located about 20km from Kuah town. Daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur are available via Malaysia Airlines.
By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) connects Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau towns in Kedah. From these towns, you can catch a taxi or a bus easily to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis respectively and catch a ferry to Langkawi.
By Boat
From Kuala Kedah (1 hour 15 minute ride):
Lada Holdings, Nautica Ferries, Samavest, Langkawi Ferry.
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