The common, but stunningly attractive Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus with its contrasting white head and breast and brown wings lends Langkawi part of its name. Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang" as it is known in the Malay language. "Lang" for short and in old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown; hence, Langkawi simply means reddish brown eagle.
@ The Eagle Square, Kuah Town.
The 12 metres tall statue of the bird about to take flight can be seen clearly from air or sea.
Much local literature has been written based on the legends of Langkawi. The Hikayat Merong Mahawanga tells a story about Garuda (a giant eagle taking a half-human form) and a princess from China. One variation of this tale involves the emperors of Rome and China who planned to marry off their children. Garuda felt that this union would threaten the smaller kingdoms and his power over the islands, so he flew to China, kidnapped the Chinese princess and her maid and hid them in a cave believed to be Gua Cerita. In a battle against Garuda, the Roman prince was swept ashore on Langkawi and finally reunited with the Chinese princess. When Garuda learnt the truth he disappeared, never to return.
The boatman or tour guide will first switch off the motor of the speedboat and throw pieces of chicken to the middle of the sea during the eagle feeding session.
White-bellied Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (top).
Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus (bottom).
Being my first time, I was just too fascinated by the birds to realize that the boat was soon speeding away before I started snapping photos. The sea water splashing, the boat jumping up and down breaking the waves made it even more difficult. It was not like the eagles was staying put for us to capture the moments. I shall always remember it. The boatmen were racing away too. There’s really no way to be standing like that when it’s moving. One might end up swimming instead!
For me, it was the safety of the camera that I fear most..
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