KEDAH STATE
Kedah state is located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Nicknamed Malaysia’s rice bowl because of its vast paddy fields, it is home to around 2 million people, covers an area of 9,500 square kilometers and has a population density of 199 people per square kilometer. The state consists of the mainland and the Langkawi islands. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice, while Langkawi is an archipelago, most of which are uninhabited islands.
Kedah was previously known as Kadaram by the ancient and medieval Tamil people, Kataha or Kalahbar by the Arabs, and Syburi by the Siamese when it was under their influence. To the north, Kedah borders the state of Perlis and shares an international boundary with the Songkhla and Yala provinces of Thailand. It borders the states of Perak to the south and Penang to the southwest. The state's capital is Alor Setar and the royal seat is in Anak Bukit. Other major towns include Sungai Petani, and Kulim on the mainland, and Kuah on Langkawi. [Source: Wikipedia]
Kedah is the 8th largest state by land area and 8th most populated state in Malaysia Kedah has a relatively heterogeneous populace constituted by three major ethnic groups; the Malays, Chinese and Indians as well as some Malaysian Siamese ethnic groups, similar to most of the other Malaysian states. Prior to the formation of the Federation of Malaya, there was an ethnic group known as the Sam Sam people. They are culturally Malay Muslim but speak Siamese language. Most of these communities are almost extinct due to assimilation with the Malays. In some places in Kedah, the Sam Sam people still retain their Siamese language as their mother tongue. These communities can be found in Pendang District, Kuala Nerang District and Kubang Pasu District (Changlun, Kodiang, Jitra, Wang Tepus, Guar Napai, Malau, Ason and Napoh). Kedah has a very small Orang Asli community. Orang Asli only can be found in the Baling district.
Alor Setar and Its Really Tall Tower
Alor Setar (about 80 kilometers north of George Town) is the capital of Kedah State. Also spelled Alor Star, it has a population of around 135,000 and lies near the Kedah River. A railway links Alor Setar with Kuala Lumpur to the south and the Thai railroad system to the north. Once a bustling inland port, the city is now known mainly as a shopping and trading center. The Zahir Mosque in Alor Setar is one of the most beautiful in the country. The city also has a state museum that houses some ancient artifacts, and has an interesting section on early Chinese porcelain ware. [Source: Cities of the World, Gale Group Inc., 2002, adapted from a October 1994 U.S. State Department report]
Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this 165.5-meter tower is one of the tallest telecommunications tower in the world. It is a prominent and modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in the state of Kedah. At its top is the Seri Angkasa Revolving Restaurant.From here, one can enjoy a spectacular view of Alor Setar and nearby Butterworth. On clear days, you can even spot Thailand! Besides landmark-spotting, the tower also serves as an observatory tower from which to look for the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Muslim months. The observation deck stands at a height of 88 meters from the base of the structure.Tickets to the observation deck are MYR 6 for adults and MYR 3 for children (prices subject to change). A souvenir shop at this level ensures that breathtaking views are cemented as little trinkets for your trip home.
Getting There: By Road: From Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway (PLUS), heading north towards Kedah. Take the Alor Setar Selatan exit into Alor Setar which is about 4 kilometers from this PLUS exit. The Alor Setar Tower is located in the middle of downtown Alor Setar, at the main junction of Lebuhraya Darul Aman and the Historical Palace. By Rail: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) runs regular train services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar in Kedah. For further details, please visit ; website: ktmb.com.my or contact KTMB at +603-2274 7435. Local Tourism Office:, Kompleks Pelancongan Negeri Kedah, Seksyen 20, Jalan Raja,, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, Tel: 604-731 2322/ 730 1322, Fax: 604-734 0322, Contact: Menara Alor Setar Office, Tel: 604-720 2234/ 2075
Mahathir’s Birthplace and Other Sights in Alor Setar
Mahathir's Birthplace, or "Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir", is in Alor Setar. It provides an insight into the younger days of the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, from his school days to his success as a doctor. Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad was born in Alor Setar on Dec 20, 1925 at No. 18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai. A humble wooden home with the roof made of nipah palm, the single room house was designated a historical building and restored by the National Archives in 1992. Admission is free for all visitors. Contact: National Archives Malaysia Kedah Branch, Tel: 604-772 2319
Zahir Mosque (Masjid Zahir) is one of Kedah's most distinctive architectural landmarks and is an elegant example of Malay- Islamic architecture. Built in 1912, it is one of the oldest mosques in the country. The design was inspired by the vision of the late Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Abidin II. Its five large, black domes symbolise the Five Pillars of Islam. Located in central Alor Setar, it is the official mosque for the state as well as the main mosque for local Muslims and the venue for the annual Koran reading competition. It is also the burial site of Kedah warriors who died while defending the state from the Siamese in 1821.
Pekan Rabu, literally translated “Wednesday Market”, is a well-known attraction among both the locals and tourists from outside Kedah. From its humble beginnings as a weekly market operating from an attap-roofed shack, it has since expanded into a multi- storey arcade selling a wide range of traditional delicacies, handicraft products and apparel. It is one of the best places to get traditional Malay foods such as serunding, dodol durian, kuah rojak and garam belacan. For its success, the business complex has become a source of pride among the Malay community in Kedah for helping encourage Malays to take an active role in commerce.Opening hours are from 8:00am to 9:00pm daily. Stalls remain open even on public holidays and festivals. Contact: Koperasi Pekan Rabu, Tel: 604-735 5523/731 3846
The Paddy Museum is the first of its kind in Malaysia, and the fourth to be opened in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines. The unique architecture of the Paddy Museum represents bushels of harvested rice stalks. Rice motifs are repeated throughout the building, on staircase banisters, the museum gates and the fence surrounding it. The museum showcases the paddy cultivation process in Malaysia and displays all kinds of tools and equipment which have been used in the trade over the years. Through beautiful murals, the artwork of 60 artists from North Korea, the history of paddy cultivation in Malaysia is revealed. Contact: Paddy Museum, Tel: 604-735 1315, Lembaga Muzium Negeri Kedah (Kedah Museum Board), Tel: 604-733 1162
Longest Rain Forest Canopy Walk and Other Sights Near Alor Setar
Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim is a 950-meter-long tree top walk in the Sedim River Recreation Park. The longest rain forest canopy walk in the world, it was built within the low land of dipterocarp compartment 15 of Gunung Inas Forest Reserve. The spectacular view that you get when you stroll through the rain forest canopy is the main draw for visitors coming to this quiet, all-natural corner of Kedah. The walk-way reaches a height of 50 meters from which you get a "monkey's eye view" of rushing streams and fascinating flora and fauna. Getting There: By Car: From Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and take the exit at Seberang Jaya, into the Butterworth– Kulim Expressway (BKE) and heading to Kulim Hi-Tech Park. Next, proceed to Karangan town. Contact: Syarikat Perusaahan Azam Travel Sdn. Bhd., Tel: 604-490 1588/491 0641
The Ulu Legong Hot Spring Recreational Centre (10 kilometers from Baling) is a popular spot for those wanting to enjoy a therapeutic soak in its hot mineral waters. As the only hot spring in operation 24 hours, a hot dip is particularly gratifying when the temperature decreases at night. Apart from those seeking relaxation, people with ailments and skin problems go there to seek therapeutic treatment by immersing themselves in the five hot spring pools which contain high sulphuric content and water temperatures between 30ºC and 60ºC. Getting There: By Car: From the North-South Expressway (PLUS), take the exit at Sungai Petani Selatan, then follow the signboard heading to Baling town. Ulu Legong Hot Spring is located about a 15 minute drive from Baling town. Contact: Ulu Legong Hot Spring Office, Tel: 604-473 2284
Sungai Petani
Sungai Petani (55 kilometers south of Alor Setar and 33 kilometers northeast of George Town) is is Kedah's largest town Due to its close proximity to Penang, Sungai Petani is also part of Greater Penang, Malaysia's second largest conurbation, with the town's logistical needs being served by Penang's well developed transportation infrastructure. Sungai Petani has experienced heavy industrialisation since the 1990s, when Japanese and other international firms began to set up manufacturing plants around the town.
The district of Kuala Muda, in which Sungai Petani is located in, has the 2nd largest mangrove area in the country. From Sungai Emas to Bukit Meriam, Bujang/Merbok, Pulau Tiga and Kota Kuala Muda one can trace the path of Kedah ancient capitals. Pulau Tiga, near Laguna Merbok was once the location of His Highness Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin's palace and his headquarters after being defeated and drove away by the Siamese in the Battle for Kuala Kedah Fort in the 18th. century. For not so long after, the Siamese attacked the new palace and razed it down. The Sultan escaped to Penang and then Malacca. Kedah was then broken into several administrative territories and ruled by respective Siamese Military Governors.
Getting There: By Road: Use the North-South Expressway. If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, follow the route to the Kedah in the north. If you are driving from Perlis or Alor Setar, follow the road leading south. This site is situated 10 kilometers from Sungai Petani and 80 kilometers from Alor Setar. By Rail: Trains stop at Sungai Petani and Alor Setar. For rates and time, please visit ; website: ktmb.com.my
Buyang Valley Archaeological Site
The Bujang Valley (in Merbok, 17 kilometers from Sungai Petani) sometimes referred to as the Ancient Wonder of Kedah, is a rich, sprawling historical site covering an area of about 400 square kilometers and bounded by Bukit Coras (Choras Hill) and Gunung Jerai. This archaeological area was the site of an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that ruled the region from the A.D. 4th century. The valley is located near Merbok in the state of Kedah, bounded by Mount Jerai (1,217 meters) to the north and the Muda River to the south. It is regarded as the richest archaeological region in Malaysia.
The Bujang Valley, or Lembah Bujang, was once the site of a major center of the Srivijaya Empire, an ancient Malay kingdom based in Sumatra dating back from the first few centuries to the 12th century, and kingdoms before that. it is the richest archaeological area in Malaysia. Over the years, numerous artefacts have been uncovered in the Bujang Valley — celadon, porcelain, stoneware, clay, pottery, fragments of glass, beads and Persian ceramics — evidences that Bujang Valley was once a centre of international and entrepot trade in the region. More than 50 ancient Hindu or Buddhist temples, called candi, have also been unearthed, adding to the spirituality of the place. The most well-preserved of these is located in Pengkalan Bayang Merbok, which is also where the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum is located.
Marley Brown wrote in Archaeology Magazine: More than 30 temple ruin sites dot the roughly 90-square-mile Bujang Valley, clustered mainly along its waterways. Along the Batu River, archaeologists have discovered remnants of a possible jetty dating to as early as the second century A.D., as well as evidence of iron smelting operations. The Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in the town of Merbok exhibits artifacts uncovered at sites around the Bujang Valley and offers guided tours of temples. The museum was constructed next to Site 8, also known as Candi Bukit Batu Pahat, a granite temple that was first excavated in the 1930s by English archaeologists H.G. and Dorothy Quaritch Wales. At the temple, which is believed to have been Hindu, the archaeologists discovered two nine-chambered stone reliquaries, as well as gold foil pressed with the image of Nandi, a bull figure associated with the god Shiva. Along the Bujang River, Dorothy Quaritch Wales excavated a Buddhist temple and a bronze Buddha statuette that likely date to the seventh century A.D. [Source: Marley Brown, Archaeology Magazine, November/December 2022]
Research and excavation at the archaeological site in Sungai Batu, Bujang Valley started in February 2009. This site has been identified as the civilisation complex at Bujang Valley with an area more than three square kilometers, with 90 small hills. Its location by the Sungai Batu river and its tributaries, made it unique in that each separate tributary formed its own island. Hence, the location of Sungai Batu was important due to its strategic location for trading and defense activities.
The Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum displays more than 2,500 artifacts from Malaysia's earliest civilization that have been unearthed from the surrounding excavation sites. Gold, gems, ceramics, Hindu gods and beautiful Buddha stone statues dating from the third to 14th centuries are all on display, though its main feature is Chandi Bukit Batu Pahat, a reconstructed temple built to worship the Hindu god Shiva. This museum is the first archaeology museum built in Malaysia, under the Museum and Antiquity Department.
Getting There: Bujang Valley is 17 kilometers from Sungai Petani and 80 kilometers from Alor Setar. Some parts are on an oil palm estate, near the Merbok-Semeling road. By Road: Use the PLUS-North-South Expressway. If you're driving from Kuala Lumpur, head north for Kedah, and if you are driving from Perlis or Alor Setar, head south. Take the Sungai Petani exit. From the exit, follow directions towards Merbok. When you get to Merbok, look out for signs to the Lembah Bujang Archaeology Museum. Contact: Lembah Bujang National History Park Office, Tel: 604-457 2005
See Separate Article: EARLY KINGDOMS, EMPIRES AND THE ARRIVAL OF ISLAM IN MALAYSIA factsanddetails.com
Ancient Archaeological Sites in Kendah
Candi Bendang Dalam (Site 50 in Bukit Batu Pahat) is a structure estimated to have been built during the 12th to 13th century. There are Hindu influences prevalent throughout the temple. The the Vimana (6.75 meters x 6.25 meters) and the Mandapa (6.75 meters x 6.20 meters) were built using laterite without a foundation. Discovered at Kampung Bendang Dalam Merbok in the 1960s, this temple structure is situated to the west of Sungai Bujang. Research and excavation works were later carried out in 1974, 1976 and 1981 by the Department of Museum and Antiquities. Getting There: By Bus/TaxiVisitors can use public transportation, buses and taxis, to get to Sungai Petani. Contact: Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, Tel: 04-457 2005, Fax: 04-457 4635 Jabatan Warisan Negara Zon Utara, Tel: 04-7353643, Fax: 04-7353649
Candi Pengkalan Bujang (Site 19, 22 dan 23), Pengkalan Bujang is believed to have built in the 10th to 14th century, and has been identified as a port. The site contains of six stupas in an area of 3.5 hectares. The architecture of the stupas has both Hindu and Buddhist influences. The site was identified by Dr. Quaritch Wales during scouting trips carried out in 1936 — 1937. Excavations started in 1974 and were carried out by the Department of Museum and Antiquities. From 1986 to 1991, the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in collaboration with professors and students from the History Faculty, Universiti Kebangsaan malaysia carried out and excavation project at the complex in Mukim Bujang, especially at Site 23.
Getting There: By Road: Use the North-South Expressway. If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, follow the route to the Kedah in the north. If you are driving from Perlis or Alor Setar, follow the road leading south. Take the exit to Sungai Petani, and take the road to Merbok. At Merbok, follow the signage leading to the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum. By Rail: Trains stop at Sungai Petani and Alor Setar. For rates and time, please visit website: ktmb.com.my. Contact: Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, Tel: 04-457 2005, Fax: 04-457 4635 Jabatan Warisan Negara Zon Utara, Tel: 04-7353643, Fax: 04-7353649
Gok/Bau, Jeniang, Kampung Gading are ancient kilns. Research carried out at Sungai Batu uncovered a complete kiln, with it base intact. Sediments and traces of coal discovered in the kiln date from 1600 years ago to 800 years ago. Although the distance between Sungai Batu is Jeniang 40 kilometers apart both appear to have been involved in the smelting industries which occurred around the same time. Getting There: By Road: Use the North-South Expressway. If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, follow the route to the Kedah in the north. If you are driving from Perlis or Alor Setar, follow the road leading south. This site is situated 10 kilometers from Sungai Petani and 80 kilometers from Alor Setar. It is situated in an oil palm estate near the Merbok –Semeling road. Contact: Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, Tel: 04-457 2005, Fax: 04-457 4635, Jabatan Warisan Negara Zon UtaraTel: 04-7353643, Fax: 04-7353649
See Separate Article: EARLY KINGDOMS, EMPIRES AND THE ARRIVAL OF ISLAM IN MALAYSIA factsanddetails.com
Perlis State
Perlisis the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has the Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. Home to 227,025 people it covers an area of 821 square kilometers and has a population density of 277 people per square kilometer. Bordered by the state of Kedah to the south, it was called Palit by the Siamese when it was under their influence. [Source: Wikipedia]
The capital of Perlis is Kangar, and the royal capital is Arau. Kangar is located in the “rice bowl” area, It main landmark is the state mosque Masjid Alwi Other important towns are Padang Besar, at the Malaysia–Thailand border and Kuala Perlis. There is a famous snake farm and research centre at Sungai Batu Pahat. Among the main tourist attractions are Perlis State Park and Gua Kelam.
Kuala Perlis is where you catch the ferry to Langkawi. It is a small village with a port and ferry terminal. The major activity found here is fishing. There are some good seafood restaurants here. Not only is seafood fresh in Perlis, but it significantly cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur. At many places you can select the seafood you want from a tank and specify how you want it want seasoned and cooked: fried, barbequed, grilled, or sauted. Contact: Tourism Malaysia Perlis Office, Tel: 604-978 1235/ 1213. Getting There: By Road: From the North-South (PLUS) Highway, take the exit via Changlun and take the Changlun- Kuala Perlis highway.
Local Tourism Office:
19, Tingkat Bawah,
Jalan Pengkalan Indah,
Pengkalan Asam,
Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia,
Tel: 604-978 1235/ 1213, Fax: 604-978 1143
Lumut
Tourist Information Centre
Pusat Penerangan Pelancongan Lumut,
Kompleks Pelancongan Lumut Waterfront,
Jalan Titi Panjang,
32200 Lumut,
Perak, Malaysia, Tel: 605-683-4057, Fax: 605-683-8443
Padang Besar at the Thailand-Malaysia Border
Padang Besar is the border town at the Thailand-Malaysia. Many Malaysians travel up to Thailand through this point and likewise for their Thai counterparts, on shopping, business or recreational trips. The main Bangkok-Singapore railroad passes this way. The railway station has a long platform, manned by Malaysians on one side and the Thais on the other. Besides the Immigration checkpoints and some signs, it is hard to distinguish where the border actually lies because culturally, both sides are so enmeshed.
Beyond the rail tracks on the Malaysia side is Pekan Siam, bargain-hunters' paradise. The town is filled with textiles, clothing, handicraft, foodstuff, fruits and souvenirs. Mnay Thais come here load up on stuffer that is cheaper in Malaysia than in Thailand and an headd back to Thailand.
Getting There: By Rail: The easiest way to get to Padang Besar is to take KTM's overnight Express Langkawi coach from Kuala Lumpur's Sentral Station. This coach departs daily at about 8:00pm heading towards Padang Besar, a journey that takes about 10 hours. By Road: From the North-South (PLUS) Highway, take the exit via Changlun and take the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to Kangar. From Kangar, continue on route heading towards Padang Besar. Contact: For more information, Tel: 604-976 6722 Tourism Malaysia Perlis Office, Tel: 604-978 1235/1213
Gua Kelam (Kelam Cave)
Gua Kelam(33 kilometers north of Kangar) is one of the most distinctive caves in Malaysia. It is a 370-meter long limestone cave near the small town of Kaki Bukit (literally 'foot hill'). Gua Kelam means “Cave of Darkness.” Gua Kelam Recreational Park is popular for its enchanting 'cave walk' where you can enter from one end of the cave and come out at a different location.
The only path to the cave is via an eight-foot wide wooden suspension bridge. This bridge links Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley, a valley on the opposite end of Gua Kelam. Back in 1935, an Englishman saw the water pathway as a brilliant method to transport tin ore from a mine located near the stream entrance through the underground cavern to Kaki Bukit.
Now, locals and tourists make their way through the cave via a brightly lit wooden walkway inside the cave. You can still find remnants of the tin mine operation within the cave. As you make your way through the cave, the whispers of a swirling dark subterranean stream, together with the squeaking bats and dripping water from the stalactites, form a concerto of natural sounds.
Getting There: By Bus: Take a bus going to Kaki Bukit at the Kangar's main bus station. Then, take a walk of 10 minutes. By Road: From the North-South (PLUS) Highway, take the exit via Changlun and take the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to Kangar. From Kangar, continue on route heading towards Padang Besar and you follow the signboard to Kaki Bukit or Wang Kelian. Contact: Perlis Forestry Office, Tel: 604-938 4466
Perlis State Park
Perlis State Park is situated on Malaysia’s longest continuous range of limestone hills, called the Nakawan Range. The Nakawan Range has beautiful, heavily forested slopes, sheer cliff faces, streams and extensive cave systems.
Some of the major attractions in Perlis State Park includes caves such as Gua Kelam and Gua Wang Burma which is located within the 500 year-old Setul limestone formation. The Park consists of Mata Ayer Forest Reserve and Wang Mu Forest Reserve with a total area of about 5000 hectares.
The park provides the perfect setting for activities such as looking for the ttump-tail macaques and plants like wild ginger, ferns and balsams endemic to the state are found here. Visitor can stay in hostels and chalets or camp at the designated site. Those intending to visit are required to obtain permission from the Perlis State Park management and engage the services of a ranger or qualified guide.
Contact: Perlis State Park Visitor's Centre, Tel: 604-977 7578/7898 Getting There: By Road From the North-South (PLUS) Highway, take the exit via Changlun and take the Changlun-Kuala Perlis highway to Kangar. From Kangar, continue on route heading towards Padang Besar-Wang Kelian. Continue your journey heading to Kaki Bukit Town and you will see Visitor Park Centre.
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons
Text Sources: Malaysia Tourism websites, Malaysia government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Japan News, Yomiuri Shimbun, Compton's Encyclopedia and various books and other publications.
Updated in January 2026