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This
popular hot springs location was
formerly known as Telaga Air Hangat
(Telaga Ayag Hangat). The
main attractions, albeit man-made,
is the three-tiered hot spring
fountain and the 18-metre long
hand-carved stone mural depicting
the legends relating to the place.
According to one legend, the
spring is the result of a bitter
quarrel. During the ensuing fracas, many
items such as pots, plates and
saucers were smashed, one of which
was a pot of hot water, which
brought forth the hot springs. Well,
it seems that most of Langkawi's
legends are centred around some form
of violence. So, can it be that the
hot temperament of the ancient
people of Langkawi had even affected
its geological make-up? Perhaps,
this can be a basis for a plausible
attempt to connect the colourful
legends to the reality we see before
us?
Well,
that is just a a legend but
scientifically, it is all the result
of water issuing 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 percolates deeply enough into
the crust, it is heated as it comes
into contact with the hot rocks.
Hence, there you are - the facts
behind the legend.
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 buckets provided. The water
from the hot springs is said to have
'rejuvenating' properties. This is
due to the fact that heated water
can hold more dissolved solids. As
such the water at Telaga Air Hangat
would, invariably possess a very
high mineral content -- everything
from simple calcium to lithium, and
even radium. A foot reflexology
service is available.
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.
Address:
16 Jalan Air Hangat,
Mukim Air Hangat,
07000 Langkawi,
Tel :
+60 4 959 1357
Fax :
+60 4 959 1246
Distance : 14km from Kuah town
Opening Hours : Daily: 9.00am -
6.00pm
Admission : Free
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