Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)

This 39 foot (12 meters)

tall statue cannot be missed when arriving at the island of Langkawi by ferry or cruise ship. The magnificent sculpture is constructed as though the eagle is preparing to take flight and stands in the center of a gorgeously decorated plaza.

From the tip of the plaza, there is an excellent view of the Kuha bay. Dataran Lang is decorated with miniature fountains, terraces, and bridges, making it the ideal spot to take a couple of photos.

The eagle was constructed to serve as a symbol for the island. According to local legends, the name of the island came from two Malay words –

helang

(Eagle) and

kawi

(reddish-brown), hence the name

lang-kawi.

The island is the largest of those that make up the Langkawi archipelago and is situated less than 20 miles from the coast of

Malaysia

, very near its border with

Thailand

.

In 2007, Langkawi Island was given a World Geopark status by UNESCO.