If was drizzling when we reached the Air Hangat Village (Hot Spring Village), formerly known as Telaga Air Hangat. The previously simple hot springs has become a cultural village with a spa!
The Air Hangat Village is associated with an ancient legend of two feuding families who threw jugs, pots and pans at each other. One of the jugs, filled with boiling water, fell on the ground and immediately a hot spring gushed out of the spot where the village now stands.
Air Hangat Village, Langkawi
Well, that's just a legend. Scientifically, it is the result of water from a spring that become hot due to geothermal heating. The heat beneath the island increases with depth (known as geothermal gradient). As the spring water penetrate deep enough into the crust, it's heated as it comes into contact with the hot rocks. So, that's the facts behind the legend.
Warm, Therapeutic Water
There were no one else around except for some cleaners and the souvenier shop keepers. Perhaps, it was because of the slight rain. But, it was good as we have the place for ourselves to explore!
We entered into the main building, where it has a roofed path leading to the soak poal, Air Hangat garden and the Legends Wall.
The hot spring has been upgraded to a three-tiered fountain. The water was really warm, close to hot. You can soak your feet in the therapeutic water of the hot springs. However, please do not jump right into the shallow pools. For hygenic reasons please use the small plastic pails provided.
Hot Spring
The water from the hot spring is said to have 'rejuvenating' properties. Perhaps, it's due to the fact that heated water can hold more dissolved solids. As such the water at Air Hangat Village would contain a very high mineral content -- everything from simple calcium to lithium, and even radium.
Besides the hot spring, another interesting thing at the Air Hangat Village Langkawi was the 18m-high carved riverstone mural, which depicts the well-known legend of the earth-shattering battle between Mat Cincang and Mat Raya.
Air Hangat Village, Langkawi
Displayed in the center of the mural was "The Legend of Air Hangat", which tells the story of Langkawi and how the Kuah town got its name.
The Wall of Legends
Elsewhere within the complex you will find a few souvenir shops as well as a batik painting demonstration centre on the second floor of the building. You can try your hand at painting your own batik designs.
The entrance is free, so it is a good place to visit in Langkawi. It opens from 10am-10pm daily.
The drizzle seemed to get worse, so we quickly run to our car and drove further north, to the Langkawi Craft Cultural Complex!
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