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Discover Langkawi’s myths and legends on this magical rainforest night walk

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By Going Places

In partnership with Dream Forest Langkawi 

While Langkawi is famed for its beaches, the lush rainforest that skirts the edges of the mighty Gunung Raya mountain is also worthy of exploration – especially for those fascinated by the island’s myths and legends. Sequestered away amid the prehistoric Lubuk Semilang rainforest at the mountain’s base is Dream Forest Langkawi. An attraction like no other, this magical rainforest night walk combines storytelling and nature to bring ancient Langkawi legends to life. Here’s what awaits visitors embarking on this enchanting trail. 

Enter the Portal of Dreams 

At the first zone, you’ll enter through a whimsical, storybook-themed archway before witnessing a wayang kulit (traditional shadow puppet) show projected upon a bamboo-frame screen. This serves as an introduction to the magical realm of the legendary Sang Gedembai, where the subsequent stories take place. 

Discover a world of myth and magic beyond the storybook doors

Discover the Legend of Tasik Dayang Bunting 

The next five zones you’ll travel through will tell the tale of Tasik Dayang Bunting. The lake’s name translates to “Lake of the Pregnant Maiden”. The story in these sections will follow Mat Teja’s path and illustrate his adventures, and the colourful cast of characters he meets. Fragrant bakawali flowers, lalang lights, projection mapping and even artificial glow worms come together to present the tale in a hauntingly beautiful and immersive experience. 

Find the Mother Tree at the heart of the forest 

Experience the soothing sounds of nature at the Mother Tree

By now, you’ll find yourself midway through your journey and in the heart of the forest – the Mother Tree. In this zone, you’ll experience a soothing audiovisual experience that features an ethereal soundscape and projections that illustrate the ebb and flow of life in the forest. 

Take a breather at the Tree Village 

Grab traditional drinks and snacks while exploring the Tree Village

Before continuing your journey, take a break at the Tree Village. Here, you’ll be able to unwind with light refreshments while strolling along the elevated pathway that takes you to the canopy of a giant ficus (fig) and century-old meranti, both tropical trees. The menu here offers a range of authentic local food and drink, as well as the signature bonfire marshmallows and hand-crafted butterfly pea tea. 

Chart the rise of the Kingdom of Langkasuka 

The next series of zones will feature the Tales of Merong Mahawangsa, and begin with an interactive artificial firefly exhibit that glows as visitors sing through traditional horns. You’ll then follow Merong Mahawangsa, a legendary warrior and ruler, as he battles Garuda and heralds the rise of the Kingdom of Langkasuka – now known as the state of Kedah. 

Witness the epic battle of the Giants of Langkawi  

Grab traditional drinks and snacks while exploring the Tree Village

The final part of your journey depicts the legend of Gunung Raya. The mountain that forms the forest’s backdrop was believed to be a giant and guardian of Langkawi. This concluding chapter of the tour tells the exciting tale through a series of interactive floor and light projections. The saga finally culminates in an earth-shattering battle between Gunung Raya and his adversary – a blockbuster finale to this epic tour through Langkawi’s myths and legends. 

Origins of the Dream Forest Langkawi  

Dream Forest Langkawi is the brainchild of actress and entrepeneur Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, president and chief dream maker of the Enfiniti Group. With the help of Malaysian experts in multi-sensory technology, projection mapping and sound production, Jacquelina and her team have created a uniquely Malaysian night attraction that presents Langkawi’s cultural heritage in a truly immersive setting.  

The attraction uses energy-efficient lighting to reduce its carbon footprint; furthermore, not a single tree was cut during the development of the project. 

For more information on Dream Forest Langkawi, visit their website here. 

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