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Langkawi's Dream Forest: Journey Through Myths and Illuminations
Updated: Feb 19
Dream Forest Langkawi is a brand new immersive multi-sensory experience that takes you on a journey through the lush ancient 100 million year old rainforest of Langkawi. Themed around the island's epic myths and legends, Dream Forest uses interactive digital technology, illuminations, projections and soundscapes to bring these stories to life.
The forest is divided into three zones, each telling a different legend from the history of Langkawi island in Malaysia. The first zone, The Legend of Tasik Dayang Bunting, tells the tale of a fairy princess who falls in love with a mortal prince.
The second zone, The Tale of Merong Mahawangsa, tells the legend of a warrior prince who is ambushed while escorting the Roman emperor's son to meet his betrothed, the Princess of China.
The third zone, Legend of The Langkawi Giants, tells the story of the giants who once roamed the island, now immortalized after being turned into the three main mountains of Langkawi after an epic battle. More on all of these legends later!
The experience spans a total of 1.2km through the forest, weaving through beautiful illuminations and special shows projected into the trees. There is plenty of signage in English too, showcasing the incredible stories that form the backbone of the island traditions and values. It really is a fantastic place to explore and learn, and is well worth a visit in our opinion.
In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual tour of Dream Forest Langkawi and expand on the incredible Langkawi Legends. We will also give you valuable tips to know before you visit including best times, booking information, and how to get there. Read on!
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Introducing Dream Forest - A Cultural Journey
There can be no doubt that the team at Dream Forest have gone to exceptional lengths to preserve and protect the incredible legends that plays such a major part in the culture of Langkawi Island.
We had already touched on some of the tales after visiting Black Sand Beach and learning about the kidnapped Chinese Princess, along with the mountains named after giants. Our research had led us down some cool rabbit holes, so we were ever so keen to come to Dream Forest and learn more about them.
Right at the beginning of the tour we were greeted by a neat animated projection detailing all three legends that the park presents. It was in English and really easy to follow along with. Every step of the way throughout the forest there were signs pertaining to exhibits and their meanings, interactive games for kids and more sit down shows.
We really sensed the pride in these stories and the importance they hold in Langkawi. It was wonderful to strengthen our understanding and Dream Forest should be very proud for how they presented and how informative it all was! We already knew Langkawi was an important place for its incredible landscapes and culture, and after visiting here we know that it is pretty a pretty special place for its history and legends too.
What Are the Three Legends of Dream Forest Langkawi?
There are many legends in Langkawi, that continue to be passed down over generations, keeping these magical stories alive. Locals love to share these tales, and it is wonderful to see them immortalized even further in the magical landscape of Dream Forest.
Sang Gedembai is the fabled storyteller here, who is said to be as old as the forest itself, and also its guardian. The area of the trail depicting the mother of the forest is absolutely beautiful, showcasing her roots and seeds that extend throughout the forest to protect those walking on its winding pathways. Sang Gedembai tells the story of three legends, each one connected to key areas of the island that hold a very special alure.
⪢ The Legend of Tasik Dayang Bunting
In this story of everlasting devotion, fairy princess Mambang Sari and Mat Teja, a mortal prince, fall in love.
The princess loved descending to to earth to play at the Tasik Dayang Bunting lake (in Kedah). A handsome human prince, Mat Teja, was passing by the lake when he heard the
fairy princess singing.
Humans aren't able to see fairies, as according to legend, they reside in the invisible realm ('alarm halus'). This however did not deter Mat Teja, who had fallen in love with Mambang Sari's voice so deeply, that he sought the aid of a wise hermit, Tok Dian, to help him see into the invisible fairy kingdom.
Tok Dian instructed him to wash the tears of a mermaid over his eyelids, and only then would he be able to see Mambang Sari. This indeed worked, and Mat Teja and Mambang Sari fell in love, soon bearing a child too.
This beautiful tale then takes a stark and sad twist, as their new-born son only lived for seven days. A devastated Mambang Sari laid him to rest beneath a lake, and unable to leave his side, she then transformed herself into the hills and valleys that surround the lake. Amidst this eternal embrace between mother and son, the child's spirit was turned into a white crocodile who locals say still lives in the lake to this very day.
Mambang Sari's enduring love is also said to have bestowed a sacred blessing upon the lake, giving birth to the legend the lake possesses the power to bless barren women with children. This is Mambang Sari's enduring gift to all who come to the lake; while her child was short-lived, other women might have the chance at the joys of motherhood.
⪢ The Tale of Merong Mahawangsa
In The Kedah Annals, Merong Mahawangsa is said to be the descendent of Alexander the Great. Mahawangsa was escorting a royal Roman Prince to meet his betrothed, the Princess of China. During this voyage they were ambushed and attacked by Garuda, a giant winged bird creature who is said to be the ruler of the skies.
Mahawangsa, armed with a mighty bow called the Berana Pura, fought gloriously against Garuda as the sea raged around them. Eventually Garuda was wounded by Mahawangsa's magical arrow, the Ayun-Ayunan.
Despite his injuries, Garuda was still able to kidnap the Chinese princess. He whisked her away to the island of Langkawi, hiding her in a cave called Gua Cherita. Mahawangsa bravely ventured to the island and eventually rescued the Princess and reunited her with her Prince.
While on the island, Mahawangsa was impressed by the fertile lands, and also the giants of the island who were skilled warriors. He then decided to stay behind, founding the Kingdom of Langkasuka (now Langkawi).
⪢ Legend of The Langkawi Giants
So who were the giants that Mahawangsa met? Well they were certainly no ordinary giants (if you can call giants ordinary). The Giants of Langkawi were highly skilled Silat (Silat is the collective term for a class of indigenous martial arts) warriors. The most famous were Mat Raya and Mat Chinchang, who engaged in a battle which literally shaped the landscape of the island forever.
When Mat Raya's daughter was engaged to Mat Chinchang's son, a huge wedding
feast was prepared in anticipation. Disaster struck however when Mat Chinchang's son was found flirting with another girl at the feast. The two giant warrior parents faced off in an epic showdown, most notable for pots of gravy and kettles of hot water being thrown as they were evenly matched in Silat prowess.
It is said that where these utensils landed became the Langkawi landmarks of today. Indeed in Malay translation, Kuah means gravy, Air Hangat hot water, and Belanga Pecah broken pots.
Eventually their friend Mat Sawar stopped the fight, acting peacemaker in concern that the entire island would be destroyed. As punishment for their behaviour, the mother and guardian of Langkawi, Sang Gedembai, turned all three giants into the mountains you see today; Gunung Mat Raya and Gunung Mat Chinchang. In between them, lies Bukit Sawar,
forever holding the peace.
Dream Forest Opening Hours & Ticket Prices
⪢ Opening Hours
Dream Forest is open from 7pm to 12am daily, except Wednesdays (closed).
⪢ Ticket Prices
Admission without MyKad (Malaysian Identity Card)
Admission with MyKad
Langkawi Residents
Note: The park operates on timed entry, so you may have to wait when you arrive. Usually each entry point is every 30 minutes.
** Quoted prices are correct at time of writing (Jan 2025). Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
⪢ Your Dream Forest Ticket with Get Your Guide
Get standard admission to Dream Forest Langkawi; Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today with reserve now & pay later.
Best Time to Visit Dream Forest Langkawi
The best time to visit Dream Forest Langkawi is during the week, when it is less crowded. If you are visiting on a weekend, try to book your timeslot closer to opening time to avoid the crowds.
The weather in Langkawi is generally good year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from November to February. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little rain.
Tips for Visiting Dream Forest Langkawi
Here are some tips we have thought of to keep in mind before visiting Dream Forest Langkawi:
⪢ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The paths in Dream Forest can be uneven and slippery, so it's important to wear shoes that you can walk in comfortably.
⪢ Bring Bug Spray
There are mosquitoes in the rainforest, so it's a good idea to bring insect repellent.
⪢ Wear Suitable Clothing
The temperature in the rainforest can vary, so it's a good idea to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as needed.
⪢ Bring a Flashlight
The paths in Dream Forest are not always well-lit (for obvious reasons), so it's a good idea to bring a flashlight if you have one.
⪢ Allow Enough Time
It takes about 2-3 hours to walk through Dream Forest, so be sure to allow enough time to fully embrace and enjoy the experience!
⪢ Sensitivity
If you are sensitive to light or sound, be aware that there are some areas in Dream Forest that are quite bright or loud.
⪢ Food & Refreshments
There is a small shop selling souvenirs and cold drinks at the entrance, and also at the halfway point there is a small 'village' with a couple of stalls selling drinks and snacks. It also has a campfire for roasting marshmallows!
We would highly recommend the Dream Forest Magic Milk Tea; it was superb! Check out our YouTube video to see its magic color changing effects!
How to Get to Dream Forest Langkawi
There are a few ways to get to Dream Forest Langkawi. It is 15 minutes away from Langkawi Airport and 30 minutes away from Kuah Jetty by car. Here are some common options:
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services
By Shuttle Bus
By Car
⪢ Contact Information for Dream Forest Langkawi
● Address: Lubuk Semilang, Mukim, Off, Jalan Padang Gaong, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
● Email: dreamforestlangkawi@enfiniti.com.my
● Phone: (+60) 013-487 3277
● Website: dreamforest.com.my
● Instagram: @dreamforest.langkawi
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Langkawi and Beyond
Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels nearby, sourced from a variety of reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Watch Our Dream Forest Experience on YouTube
In this travel vlog we explore the incredible new attraction Dream Forest in fine detail. We almost felt like we were walking onto the set of the movie AVATAR! This one of a kind experience tells the stories of this very special island of Langkawi, and we learnt as much as we enjoyed!
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures please do like and subscribe! Your support truly is invaluable to us and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Dream Forest Langkawi Experience Rating
We have to admit that we did have some slight reservations prior to coming here, as we were concerned it might be too geared towards kids, and had also heard that there was no signage / information in English. Well neither of those were correct!
We had a lovely time here, and we would definitely suggest giving it a try. The prices are really reasonable, and the experience is immersive and engaging as described. We loved the woodland illuminations the most, and also the small campfire village halfway through.
The only thing we were not fans of was the 'white box' exhibit, which is a great concept but not well done in terms of its construction. That to one side we enjoyed the walk, the stories and the vibes here. Dream Forest is still relatively new but we can totally see why it is fast becoming one of Langkawi's top attractions.
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Your FREE Interactive Map of Malaysia
Check out all of the places we visited in Malaysia courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!
Explore Langkawi with Special Offers from Klook
Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Langkawi, along with great deals on transportation, accommodation, and activities. Klook is a convenient way to book travel experiences and they often offer fantastic discounts helping you to save while you travel!
All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Langkawi. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!
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