Welcome to Kedah
The state of Kedah exudes rustic charm and is characterised by vast paddy
plains. It also lays claim to Bujang Valley, once the cradle of ancient
civilisation and offers a captivating variety of natural attractions such as the
famous island getaway of Langkawi, Pulau Payar Marine Park and Lake Pedu.
Explore Alor Star, the capital city, and visit its historic mosque, buzzing
market and stately museums. A microcosm of its multiracial populace, it is
blessed with diverse cultures which are evident in its traditions, architecture
and lifestyle of its people. Travellers to the state can select their
accommodation from among various well-appointed hotels, five-star resorts and
budget inns located in the city, towns and islands.
Places of Interest
Pekan Rabu This bustling bazaar offers a smorgasbord of northern delicacies and
produce, handicrafts, trinkets as well as garments.
State Museum Built in 1936, this majestic building incorporates local
architecture with hints of Thai influence. It features Kedah's royal and
cultural heritage.
Paddy Museum Located in Gunung Keriang, the museum showcases the development of
paddy cultivation methods, traditional paddy planting equipment and different
aspects of paddy cultivation.
Alor Star Tower Towering at a height of 165.5m, it has an observation area which
offers visitors a panoramic view of Alor Star city. It also houses a conference
room and a revolving restaurant.
Tun Dr. Mahathir's Birthplace Furnishing and implements preserved from Tun Dr.
Mahathir's childhood as well as souvenirs and memorabilia are displayed here.
Balai Besar was built in 1898 and is occasionally used for royal
ceremonies and state functions.
Balai Nobat is where instruments of the Royal Orchestra are stored.
They comprise a gong, flute and three drums which are played during royal
ceremonies.
Masjid Zahir A familiar landmark in Alor Star, the mosque was constructed in
1912 and features distinct Moorish architecture.
Kuala Kedah This coastal town is famous for seafood and a local dish known as
laksa kuala kedah. It is also the jumping-off point for Langkawi.
Bukit Kayu Hitam A duty-free complex and an international standard golf course
can be found in this border town which is popular among shopping enthusiasts.
Bujang Valley The valley was the scene of a thriving Hindu-Buddhist civilisation
centuries ago. Visitors can visit the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum which
showcases ancient pottery shards, ceramics, stoneware as well as exhibits from
China and the Middle East.
Gunung Jerai Located 1,200m above sea level, the peak boasts spectacular views
of the valley below as well as a forestry museum. It is an ideal place for
jungle trekking, bird watching and camping.
Langkawi
Kuah This lively town has numerous duty-free outlets, handicraft centres as well
as restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Located
nearby are Dataran Lang and Taman Lagenda.
Kota Mahsuri This memorial was erected in honour of Mahsuri, a maiden unjustly
executed for adultery. Visitors can view a recorded interpretation of the
Mahsuri legend at the museum here.
Craft Cultural Complex Available at this huge complex is a wide array of
Malaysian handicrafts such as hand-drawn batik and silverware.
Langkawi Cable Car Take a cable car ride up to the summit of Gunung Mat Cincang
and enjoy the magnificent view of the island and the Datai Peninsula. Adjacent
to the base station is Oriental Village, a themed shopping centre.
Underwater World Langkawi Visit the largest aquaria in the country and view
4,000 varieties of animals from three different ecosystems. Among the
attractions here are the Harbour Seals, African and Rock Hopper Penguins, Mata-mata
Turtles as well as the Anaconda, Marmoset, Arapaima and Capybara.
Pulau Payar Marine Park The thriving marine life and vegetation here makes for
an exciting snorkelling and diving experience. Visitors can also choose to feed
baby sharks or take a swim by the beach.
Sungai Kilim Embark on an exciting boat cruise through mangrove forests to Kilim
Nature Park and feel the thrill of the eagle feeding experience. Tasik Dayang
Bunting Soak up the tranquil atmosphere at the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, the
largest freshwater lake in Langkawi.Langkawi Bird Paradise Langkawi Bird
Paradise is the first in Asia to have a fully covered walkway. It houses over
2,500 birds including the Myna, Cockatoo, Toucan, Hornbill and Rhea. Galeria
Perdana The gallery exhibits an assortment of more than 2,500 state gifts and
awards presented to Tun Dr. Mahathir, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Pantai Cenang, Kok, Tengah,
Datai and Burau Bay These beautiful beaches cater
for sun-worshippers, beach combers and even adrenaline junkies as they can
choose from several watersports available.Marinas Sailing enthusiasts will love Langkawi as it has excellent sailing
infrastructure at marinas such as the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Rebak Marina
Resort, Telaga Harbour Park and Awana Porto Malai Langkawi.
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
Boasting a wide variety of attractions, Kedah is a holiday paradise with
something for everyone. Shopping enthusiasts will be delighted by the endless
range of duty-frees in Langkawi and Bukit Kayu Hitam while food lovers will be
spoilt for choice with the bewildering array of delectable traditional cakes,
noodles and dishes as well as other local and international cuisines. Travellers
can also look forward to enjoying exciting rounds of golf, snorkelling, white
water rafting, river cruises or relaxing spa treatments at international-class
resorts located in the state.
Getting There
Daily flights to Alor Star are available from Kuala Lumpur via Penang or Kota
Bharu. Travellers can choose to drive along the North-South Expressway which
connects Kuala Lumpur to Bukit Kayu Hitam or take air-conditioned coaches or
taxis to Alor Star. There are also daily train services that link Alor Star to
various towns within the country.
Frequent flights to Langkawi from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
and Changi Airport in Singapore are available while travellers who prefer to
drive will need to drive to the jetty in Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perils, the main
take-off points by ferry to Langkawi. Ferries to Langkawi can also be boarded at
Port Swettenham in Penang.
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