STID (PART 6) – Attractions of Kedah

Today i want to share with you the attractions of Kedah. Explore the towns and villages, explore many of nature's paradises in Kedah and uncover the history of the ancient wonders of Kedah at the Bujang Valley and learn about the oldest Sultanate in Asia by visiting Kedah's capital, Alor Setar. 

Towns and Villages

An excellent way to see all of Kedah is to travel by road, stop by the many towns along the highway and divert to some of the villages located in the hilly terrain or coastal areas. Hop on a ferry or a boat to the many islands off the western coast of Kedah to enjoy the best beaches in Asia .  (Caution: If you drive through the countryside, be extra careful as there are villagers, children and often animals that may suddenly move on to the road.

 

Towns from north to south.

There are many small towns and quaint villages in Kedah. Travel by road or rail to visit some of the towns and villages in Kedah.

Bukit Kayu Hitam - at the Thai-Malaysia border. Malaysian come here to shop for Thai goods.

Kuah - the largest town on Langkawi island. As the island of Langkawi has a tax-free status, this is the place to shop for tax-free items.

Kodiang - located at the Kedah-Perlis border. This quiet, small town is bustles with activity on Saturday market days, where a wide range of local and Thai products are sold. Nearby is Gua Kerbau (Buffalo Cave), an archaeological site where there is evidence of a prehistoric (Neolithic) settlement. 

Kuala Nerang - the town nearest to the Tasik Pudu resort (a holiday resort trapped in the heart of the virgin forest of eastern highlands of Kedah). 

Alor Star (formerly Alor Setar) - the capital of Kedah, is about 90 km from Butterworth (Penang). This old capital is a mixed of old and new architecture with many historical sights. Places to visit here includes Pekan Rabu, Balai Besar, State Museum, Royal Museum and Anak Bukit.

 

Kuala Kedah - located at the mouth of the Kedah River. A historical trading post, it was a transit centre along the India-China route. Today it is a fishing village known for her seafood. A jetty to Langkawi island is located in Kedah.

Tanjung Dawai - a charming fishing village located at the mouth of the Sungai Merbok, facing the Straits of Malacca. The village is located about 20km from Sungai Petani and less than 5 km the rich archaeological site of Bujang Valley.  Its a place to visit if you want to buy local foodstuff such as keropok (Malaysian chips), dried salted fish or belacan. Travel from here by boat to Pantai Merdeka (boats take locals across for RM1.50 per person) 

Merbok and the Bujang Valley. Merbok is a small quite town with just two row of shops. The surrounding areas are small fruit farms and some rubber plantations. However, Merbok is at th centre of the largest archeological finds in Malaysia. Located nearby is the famed Bujang Valley, centre of a Hindu Kingdom that dates back to the 4th century AD/CE.

Sungai Petani is a striving industrial town located in central Kedah, the second largest town in Kedah. In many ways this town is more alive than the capital Alor Star because of the many industries located here and the proximity of the town to the port at Perai and George Town, in Penang. The well-known Bujang Valley archaeological site is only 15km from here. 

Baling - located in the hilly south-western part of Kedah. Baling is famed for  fruits especially durians (king of fruits). Historically Baling is known as the place where the peace talks between the communist party leader Chin Peng and the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman held talks. Nearby are some beautiful forest recreation parks. Read about the legends of Baling and about other interesting  towns in our forthcoming publication. 

Islands of Kedah  Over a hundred island with beautiful secluded beaches and lush tropical forest lies off the coast of Kedah.

- Langkawi district: Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Dayang, Pulau Payar

- Off the coast of Yan, central Kedah: Bunting, Pulau Songsong, Pulau Bidan, Pulau Bunting, Pulau Telor

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Thanks.. sila datang lagi yer (",)

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