JC. Princen The state of Kedah, located in the northwest corner of the peninsula of Malaysia, covers an area of around 9425 square kilometers and is home to 1.5 million people. Kedah and the neighboring state of Perlis in the north are traditionally referred to as “Malaysia’s rice bowl”, as a large part of Malaysia’s rice cultivation is concentrated here. Kedah offers visitors an appearance of peaceful scenic charm, which, depending on the season, is dominated by either the green tones of young rice plants or the rich gold of the harvest season.
Kedah is one of the federal states with the highest growth rates on the peninsula. Numerous industrial, business and tourism projects are in various stages of completion.
The state capital Alor Setar is the seat of the state government and the commercial center of Kedah. However, the city also has numerous old buildings and other historical remains.
The border town of Bukit Kayu Hitam in the north of Kedah is the most important border crossing point to Thailand. The duty-free complex, the main attraction of this place, is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A place of great historical importance is Kota Kuala Kedah, in the southwest of Kedah, where a fortress was built to repel enemies advancing from the sea.
Further to the south are the beaches of Sungai Petani and Kulim, which are currently catching up with developments in the rest of the country with the establishment of industrial and high-tech parks.
The enchanting charm of the Langkawi archipelago off the coast of Kedah attracts an ever-increasing number of visitors.
Tourist Attractions
The Bujang Valley
The Bujang Valley, located at the foot of the mountain, is currently known as the most important archaeological site in Malaysia. The archaeological finds of this place include old “Kandi” burial temples and statues of Indian deities, which are similar to those in the historical sites of India, as well as numerous other objects that prove the existence of a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that dates back to the 4th century AD. Goes back to BC.
To learn more about this area, visit the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, located in Pengkalan Bayang Merbok. The daily opening times are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Gunung Jerai
At 1206 meters, Gunung Jerai is the highest peak in the northern part of the Malaysian Peninsula. Its peaks are entwined with countless myths and legends, including the legend of a “Raja Bersiong”, a king with predatory teeth who had his residence in the foothills of this mountain.
The Sungai Teroi Recreational Forest in this area offers jungle trekking, waterfalls and camping.
The waterfall of “Puncak Janing”
This waterfall, which invites you to visit in the midst of an undisturbed mountain landscape, is around 25 km from Alor Setar, the state capital of Kedah.
Pudu Lake & Golf Resort
The Pudu Lake & Golf Resort includes a lake that is embedded in a rolling hilly landscape. The resort is close to the border with Thailand and 90 km from Alor Setar.
The lake is teeming with freshwater fish and the nearby jungle is ideal for bird watching and jungle trekking. Golf is of course the main sport here. Several of the 18 holes of this golf course, which was built on the shore of the lake, extend into the jungle.
Alor Setar
Menara Alor Setar is Alor Setar’s television tower. This telecommunications tower, Kedah’s newest landmark, is the largest of its kind in the northern part of the country. It is located in the center of Alor Setar and offers a breathtaking view of the city from its two observation decks and its revolving restaurant at the top of the tower, day and night.
“Balai Nobar”, the hall of the drums
The “Balai Nobar”, an ancient piece of cultural heritage of the Sultanate of Kedah, is the hall of the royal “Nobat” ensemble of gongs, drums and a traditional type of flute. The “Nobat” ensemble only plays on special ceremonial occasions, and mastery of these instruments is passed on from father to son.
The “Zahir” mosque
This mosque, which was officially inaugurated in 1912, is an important architectural monument. With its black domes that stand out against the slender minarets and its numerous arches and columns, it is an architectural rarity. The national competitions for reading the Koran take place here every year.
The Royal Museum
The Royal Museum is another fine example of local architecture. The stately design shows strong Thai influences. It was built in 1936 and houses an extensive collection of items from the cultural and dynastic heritage of Kedah.
Pekan Rabu
Translated, Pekan Rabu simply means “Wednesday market”. Thanks to the great popularity that this institution enjoys with locals and visitors, the opening times have been extended to every day of the week, from ten in the morning to midnight. Vendors offer handicrafts and local dishes. The market is located in Alor Setar, next to the state government offices.
Mahathir’s birthplace
It was in this house that Malaysia’s current Prime Minister Dato ‘Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was born. Inside the house, visitors get a glimpse into the prime minister’s childhood and youth, from his school days to his successful work as a doctor. Visitors look at photos, furniture and household items, even the beloved bicycle of the young Mahathir with interest.
Pantai Merdeka, the beach of independence
The one kilometer long beach of Pantai Merdeka, located around 60 km south of Alor Setar, is an ideal destination for a day in the sun.
A trip to the coast for fishing, diving or snorkeling can be organized through your travel agent. Qualified instructors are also available. If your dream vacation is camping on a coral island, Pulau Bidan is for you. The island is only 1 km long and 0.5 km wide.
Langkawi Island
The island group Langkawi off the northwest coast near Kedah consists of about 99 islands, the main island Langkawi gave its name. The shortest ferry connection is from Kuala Perlis, from there it is only 30 km, another from Kuala Kedah and from both there are regular ferries to and from Kuah, the capital of Langkawi. There are daily flight connections to the island from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and also Singapore.
The island is also known by its nickname “Island of Legends”. The islands as a whole are relatively untouched except for the main island, which has long since become a well-known holiday destination because it now has an excellent infrastructure. It has been a duty-free area since 1987 and is also popular for its good shopping opportunities.
The accommodations on Langkawi offer something for every requirement: From beach hotels with high international standards to beach bungalows with simple comfort, you will find everything here.
There are some beautiful beaches in Langkawi: Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok, Pantai Rhu and Pantai Pasir Hitam.
Tourist Attractions
Kuah
The main town of Langkawi, which lives quite well from tourism, now has more than 11,000 inhabitants. The ferry port is also located here. Many restaurants, shops, banks and small hotels can be found on the long main street of Kuah and the new lake promenade invites you to stroll. You can shop duty-free, the wide range of goods ranges from textiles to all kinds of handicrafts to the latest electronics.
Mahsuri mausoleum
The tomb of what is probably Langkawi’s most legendary person is located about 12 km outside of Kuah. It is a well-kept complex that tourists like to visit. A museum village right next to it is an additional attraction, especially for visitors from abroad. More than 150 years ago, the island-beautiful Mahsuri was badly slandered by an evil relative, who was then innocently convicted and executed. Before that she cursed the island for seven generations that have now passed and now Langkawi is flourishing again.
The village of Air Hangat
There are real hot springs here, the Telaga Air Hangat. The village next to it will delight tourists because it is a completely new concept that was created here for the guests. Not only have the springs been re-framed on one hectare, traditional activities are also revived here.
Air Hangat is an adventure village with many interesting possibilities. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Singa Besar island
The small island is only 40 minutes by boat to the south of Kuah and is a small nature park. The island is a nature reserve with remarkable flora and fauna, tropical birds and other animals. It also has a research station and a museum.
Kampung Buku
The first and only village of books just 10 minutes from the airport in the middle of the tropical rainforest. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Taman Lagenda
This picturesque park with wonderful gardens shows the visitor the variety of flowers, plants and fruits that form the perfect backdrop for the buildings that tell of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Craft Cultural Complex
Here you can buy Malaysian handicrafts, batik fabrics and silver items. The complex is located on the north coast at Teluk Yu, about 30 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from Kuah. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Langkawi Crystal
5 km north of Kuah and 20 km from the airport, you will find a rich selection of exquisite glass products. You can watch the glassblowers at work or try it yourself. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Taman Buaya Langkawi
This crocodile farm is 20 miles from Kuah and is home to more than 1000 crocodiles. Here you can observe and photograph the animals in a species-appropriate environment. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Underwater World Langkawi
This aquarium, which opened in March 1996, is located on Patai Cenang Beach and is the largest of its kind in all of Asia. It is home to more than 5000 salt and freshwater fish as well as numerous genera of living corals.
“Galleria Perdana”
This gallery, located in Kilim, around 15 km from Kuah, is home to collections of souvenirs and official gifts from the incumbent Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato ‘Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad.
Source: www.tourismmalaysia.de
