Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)
This statue of an eagle taking flight welcomes visitors to Langkawi.
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.
Know Before You Go
A visit to the plaza is free of charge, and it is open 24/7. It's best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. Another alternative is to visit at night and when the statue is illuminated with colorful lights.
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