The State of Kedah is located on the Northwestern part of the Malaysian Peninsula and is the 8th most populated state in Malaysia.
Geographically Kedah borders the State of Perak to the south and Penang to the southwest. The state also shares an international boundary with Songkla and Yala provinces of Thailand. Kedah is steeped in history and is renound for its historical relics and extensive fascinating ruins. Archeological discoveries in the Bujang valley showed evidence of an early civilization dating back to the 6th Century AD. Double click the map to zoom in on Kedah!
Popularly known in Malaysia by its Arabic name Darul Aman, meaning “Abode of peace”, Kedah is undoubtedly the Rice bowl of Malaysia with its 9000 square metres of sprawling paddy fields.
The state capital is Alor Setar, recently coined as Alor Star. It has a domestic airport that connects to many parts of Peninsular Malaysia and is also conveniently accessible by road and sea. The city is situated 45 km south of the Thai border and is an easy access point to popular Thai tourist attractions like Phuket. Alor Setar’s association with Thailand since the early days is evident in the many Thai temples still visible in the city.
The biggest attraction in Alor Setar is the Alor Setar Tower, located at the heart of the city. Just like the Kuala Lumpur Tower, this tower also doubles up as a telecommunications link and is a Kedah landmark.
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The State mosque of Kedah, Masjid Zahir is another major attraction of the city. The magnificent structure with its countless arches and columns is a standing example of Moorish grandeur.
Besides the state mosque, the Balai Nobat, which houses the Royal Orchestra’s sacred musical instruments and the Balai Besar or the Great Hall are worth seeing. The Balai Besar, which was built in 1898, is solid proof of the cultural and historical relationship between Kedah and Thailand.
25kms from Alor Setar is Air Terjun Puncak Janing in Padang Terap. Situated in the Janing Peak, this is an ideal picnic area with its refreshing waterfall that comes directly from the mountain.
Though steeped in history and culture, Kedah and specifically the capital city also has many modern architectures and shopping complexes. Tourists can also experience various flavours of accommodation, from seaside chalets to the royal suites in 5 star hotels.
A holiday in Kedah cannot be complete without a visit to its tourist hot spots, including (just off the coastline), the legendary crystal clear waters of Langkawi Isles. Langkawi is an archipelago of many islands most of which are uninhabited to date.
Langkawi like the rest of Kedah also has its share of legends and myths. The largest lake within the isle, Tasik Dayang Bunting is called the Lake of the Pregnant Woman. The outline of the rocky outcrops and the hill surrounding the lake resemble that of a pregnant woman lying down. Legend has it that a fairy princess fell in love with a mortal and bore his child in this very spot. Relaxing at the side of the lake under a tall coconut tree or enjoying a swim or riding a banana boat, whatever catches your fancy the lake promises a refreshing and relaxing holiday.
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Kuah, the main town of Langkawi is shopper’s paradise with its endless array of shops selling a great variety of goods. Most importantly all the duty free shops on the isle are also located here.
Pulau Singa Besar, located at the southwest of Langkawi is a feast for the adventurous camper with its abundance of nature and wildlife such as deer, monkeys and iguanas. Other attractions in the isle are the Underwater World Langkawi, Dataran Lang and of course, the paradise of golfers, Langkawi Golf Club.
There is quite a choice of accommodations here in Langkawi for a luxurious holiday like the Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa Resort, The Awana Porto Malai and the Sheraton Langkawi Resort. You can strike some fantastic deals on these accommodations in off-peak seasons.
Langkawi has an international airport that connects to most parts of Asia and Australia. There are daily ferries from the Kedah mainland, Kuala Perlis and Penang Island.
The western shoreline of Kedah has its highest peak, Gunung Jerai, soaring high in the sky at 1026 meter above sea level. A steep and narrow track leads to the summit for a panoramic and picturesque view of the Kedah coastline. There is also a forestry museum that exhibits the nature of Gunung Jerai. The museum path leads to a scenic waterfall and inviting some mountain rock pools.
For those who are short on time or not able to visit Langkawi, the Pantai Merdeka Kedah which is approximately 60 km from the south of Alor Setar is the perfect alternative. This one kilometer long sandy beach shaded by tall swaying palm trees is the perfect destination for one to relax and laze away or indulge in exciting water sports. Camping enthusiasts can have a spectacular experience on Bidan Island, the one kilometer long and half-kilometer wide coral Island located near Pantai Merdeka Kedah is the perfect answer. There are also other modest accommodations available at the 46 room Pantai Merdeka Resort.
Rich cultural heritage, welcoming people, magnificent waterfalls and beaches make Kedah a paradise for that much needed get-away.
