The state of Kedah excuses rustic charm and is characterized by vast paddy plains. It also lays claim to Bujang Valley, once the cradle of ancient civilization 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.
Place of Interest
Pekan Rabu
This bustling bazaar offers a smorgasbord of northern delicacies and produce, handcrafts, 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
Balai Besar was built in 1898 and is occasionally used for royal ceremonies and state functions.
Balai Nobat
Balai Nobat is where instruments of the Royal Orchestra are stoned. 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.
Tree Top Walk
Immerse in the serene surroundings at Sedim River as you gaze from the lofty Tree Top Walk, Kulim’s newest attraction. This impressive steel structure spans 950 metres among lush treetops and is currently the world’s longest canopy walkway.
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 civilization 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 (more detail..)
Kuah
This lively town has numerous duty-free outlets, handcraft centres as well as restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Located nearby are Dataran Lang and Taman Legenda.
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 handcrafts 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 ois Oriental Village, a themed shopping centre.
Underwarer 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 snorkeling 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, Detai 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 Harbou 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, snorkeling, white water rafting, river cruises or relaxing spa treatments at international-class resorts located in the state.
Getting There
Daily flights to the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kepala Batas, are available from the Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA). 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 KLIA and Change Airport in Singapore are available while travelers who prefer to drive will need to drive to the jetty in Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, the main take-off points by ferry to Langkawi. Ferries to Langkawi can also be boarded at Port Swettenham in Penang.
* Maps sourced from : www.tourism.gov.my (Tourism Malaysia Official Website )