Kedah

Kedah map.jpg

Situated in the far north of Penisular Malaysia, Kedah is an alluring destination with vast expanses of paddy fields, charming towns, imposing limestone outcrops, jungle-clad hills and picturesque views. As Malaysia's main rice producing state. Kedah's panaromic rural landscape is dominated by paddy fields and dotted with traditional Malay wooden homes.

Must See

islands

beaches

  • Pantai Merdeka

White water rafting in Malaysia

white water rafting

  • Pedu Lake
  • Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest
  • Bujang Valley
  • Gunung Jerai
  • Pekan Rabu

Attraction

Padi Museum
Padi Museum Building
Padi Museum Level 3
Inside Padi Museum
  • Museum Padi Kedah Darul Aman is situated at Gunung Keriang, 8km from the city of Alor Setar. It was officially opened by KDYMM Tuanku Sultan Haju Abdul Halim Muadsam Shah, the Sultan of Kedah on 12th October 2004 or equivalent to 27 Syaaban 1425.
  • The building which is structured after 'gemai padi' which looks like a bundle of paddy stalks consists of the main building and six other secondary building surrounding it.
  • The museum with the Gunung Keriang backdrop seems to be in the middle of lush greeneries if you were to visit during paddy planting period and it turn golden if you happend to here during ripening stage. The main objective of building this museum is to establish the formost museum that exhibits materials and item related to paddy that included the culture, researh and development as well as the extension of paddy technology. The museum covers an area of 12,000 square meters and has three levels.
  • Level 1

At the level the visitors can have an insight into the history of paddy planting in Kedah, to observe the various varieties of paddy and to witness the traditional equipments used in paddy planting such as 'anok', renggam', 'kepok','tenggiling' and others. For the fish lovers you can observe the equipments that nearly extinct used in catching fish such as 'sepila' 'tuar', 'bubu' and 'tangkul'. Those equipments are used to catch the fishes in the paddy fields such as 'sepat', 'keli' and others fresh water fishes.

  • Level 2

This level has six galleries. These galleries exhibit drawings that depict the agricultural activities starting from the olden days to now. There is a drawing here which uses the technique of crystals spray that will captivate you and your creativity. For those who wish deepen their knowledge on methods of paddy planting you can always view a documentary which is being screened everyday. From this level 2 the visitors can view the daily activities of seeding, replacement, fertilizing and harvesting.

  • Level 3

By Climbing 59 steps, visitors can reach the peak of Gunung Keriang, From here visitors can watch the panaramic view of the traditional village and lush paddy fields. Visitor will he definitely enthralled by the panoramic view the process of paddy planting from land preparation up to harvesting in the form of mural and landscape. The mural is 8 meters high and length is 103 meters and it is the biggest and the most beutiful mural in Malaysia. The observatory at this level can accommodate -40 people in a time and is situated on a revolving platform.

  • Souvenir Shop

Varios types of 'T'-Shirt, stationeries, handicrafs that are related to paddy are available as souvenir. Or you can just choose the varieties of snaks the traditional Kedah biscuits and tidbits as 'karas', 'sagon', 'emping', 'kuih loyang' etc. That definitely are produced by the people of Kedah themselves. All above are available very reasonable and affordable prices.

  • Open hours:

The musuem padi is open daily. Saturday - Thursday: 9am - 5.00pm Friday : 9am - 12.30pm

  • Admission fees:

Adult : RM3.00 Children : RM1.00 Group from school : RM1.00 Camera or Handphone camera: RM2.00

Menara Alor Setar
Menara Alor Setar from far view
Alor Setar view from Menara Alor Setar
Night View

The Alor Setar Tower is the world's 19th tallest telecomunication tower and also the 2nd tallest in Malaysia. It stands at a height of 165.5 metre and involved a construction cost of RM40 million. This landmark of the state will not only serve as a Telecommunications Tower but also as a tourist attraction as well as a recreational centre for arts and cultural activities.

  • Facilities

Observation area - Observation area on the 88 Metre Level will enable visitors to enjoy the panaromic view of Alor Setar. In this area there are 5 sets of automatic binaculars and souvenir shop.

Amphitheatre - This open-air theatre caters specially for cultural arts activists, leisure activities and knowledgeable preachings where visitors can enjoy and participate freely.

Restaurant - The Revolving Restaurant on the 94 metre level will present visitors views of Alor Setar, without having to move, while enjoyed the delicious serving.

Conference and serminar rooms - Experience the joy of conducting meetings and seminars at height of 100 metre above sea level with pleasing panoramic surroundings of Kedah Darul Aman. For reservation/retals, please contact the Marketing Divistion, Menara Alor Setar.

Cities

  • Alor Star

Alor Star, the state capital of Kedah, delights visitors with an assortment of attractions. Here, quaint historical buildings stand proudly alongside impressive modern landmarks. The city's main heritage square is known as Medan Bandar, situated along Lebuhraya Darul Aman. Places of interest in the vicinity include Masjid Zahir, Balai Nobat, Big Clock Building and Balai Besar. They are all situated within walking distance.

  • Sungai Petani - second largest town in the state.
  • Kulim
  • Yan
  • Bukit Kayu Hitam - Malaysia's main road crossing into Thailand
  • Padang Serai
  • Lunas
  • Kuala Kedah - ferry point to Langkawi

Shopping and Dining

Shopping is a popular activity for visitor to Kedah. Avid collectors will enjoy a visit to Pekan Rabu in Alor Star. This bazaar-style complex offers a range of traditional attire, prayer mats, fabrics, scarves, luggages, bags and foodstuff. Modern shopping malls in the capital city include City Plaza(situated adjacent to the Holiday Villa Alor Star), Star Parade, Alor Star Mall and Souq Albukhary. Most malls are aquipped with departmental stores, boutiques, cafes, pharmacies and entertaiment outlets.