After a short rest at the secluded Pantai Kok, we went to the Beras Terbakar or The Field of Burnt Rice. It was a tricky place to find. Located within a small kampung opposite a high school in Padang Matsirat, we almost missed it because the big yellow signboard was nearly hidden by some souvenier shops.
The path leading to the Burnt Rice site was covered with zink roof and lined by various souvenier shops, selling t-shirts, gamat products and lots of batik!
The Legend Of Beras Terbakar
So, what's the Field of Burnt Rice is all about?
Soon after legendary Mahsuri’s death, the Siamese army made an attack on the Langkawi island. In desperation, the chief ordered the all the rice in the island to be burnt down to prevent it falling into Siamese hands. The remnants of burnt rice can still be seen at this spot known as the Field of Burnt Rice especially after a heavy downfall.
The curse is believed to have been the cause of the island’s lack of development which lasted until the birth of Aishah Nawawi in 1980 , a direct descendant of Mahsuri, after seven generations.
Zaly @Beras Terbakar, Langkawi
This was the inscription written on the board in front of the gated spot of the burnt rice.
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The Field of Burnt Rice is located in the compound of a house belonging to Ku Halim bin Ku Hassan, Kampung Raja, Mukim Padang Mat Sirat, 17km from Kuah town.
When a battle broke put between Siam and Langkawi at Pancur Straits, Dato Kemboja as chief of the Langkawi army felt that they might fall into the enemy's hands. Immediately he sent a messenger to Padang Mat Sirat to get all the kampung folks to collect all their harvests to a place and burn them.
The kampung folks dug a big hole in the ground and put all the collected padi into it. This was done so that the Siamese would not be able to have the padi which would be their main source of of supply to get a foothold on Langkawi island.
From this incident, until now, there were still traces of burnt rice which can be clearly seen near Ku Halim bin Ku Hassan's house.
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Well, that day we didn't see any burnt rice. Not to our naked eyes. Grasses were seen grown inside the fence which was said to be the exact location of the burnt rice.
Just next to it, was a lovely traditional Malay house which worth a picture or two. Was that the Ku Halim's house?
Traditional Malay House @Beras Terbakar
In short, there was nothing much to see here but it's worth a visit because the entrance is free. In addition, it is a good place to do some shopping.
We bought a few batik sarongs (really cheap -- 3 sarongs for RM10). I also got two nicer batik for RM24, and a Langkawi t-shirt and this lovely red batik dress!
Nice Red Batik Dress
If you're visiting the Field of Burnt Rice, please remember that it is situated within the compounds of a private residence. The owner has taken it upon himself to maintain the area.
Entrance is free but some donation is most welcome to help pay for the upkeep.
Location: Padang Matsirat
Opens daily : 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Entrance: Free (Donations appreciated for upkeep)
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