Kedah: Malaysia’s Rice Bowl

Picturesque green and gold paddy fields, traditional Malay village houses, green fields, trees and rolling hills are the endearing sights which greet visitors to this ‘Ricebowl of Malaysia’, the state of Kedah. Huge limestone outcrops loom majestically within the state while offshore beautiful island getaways which include the famed isles of Langkawi shimmer invitingly. Its calm and tranquil beauty soothes jangled nerves and invites you to draw a deep breadth, relax and enjoy the laid back charms of Kedah. In 2008 visitors will be feted with more than the tranquillity of the state as being the ‘Visit Kedah Year’ the focus of celebrations and activities will be on the golden jubilee celebrations of the reign of the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, which falls this year.It will be a good time to catch a glimpse of other aspects of the state.

Geography
Kedah which sits up high in the northwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia is a fairly small state covering an area of 9,425 sq km. This encompasses paddy fields and rolling hills and beautiful offshore islands which include the isles of Langkawi (detailed in separate section). The highest point in the state, Gunung Jerai or Mount Jerai which stands at 1,200 meters above sea level, lies along the western shoreline,

Kedah has eleven main districts which include Kota Setar, Baling, Kubang Pasu, Kuala Muda, Bandar Bharu, Kulim, Langkawi, Padang Terap, Sik, Yan and Pendang. The royal town of Alor Setar, the capital, is the center of administration as well as commerce. It is a city is rich in interesting history and culture and the place to view marvelous local and regional architecture.

History & Culture
The historical past of Kedah and its royalty is gradually being unveiled in the Bujang Valley (Lembah Bujang) where the remains of ancient shrines bear testimony to the importance of Hindu and Buddhist cultures in the past. A popular stop for Chinese and Indian traders in the past, Kedah was a flourishing trading point. Between the 7th and 8th century Kedah was part of the Sumatran Srivijaya Kingdom and subsequently the Siamese empire. It became part of the Melaka Sultanate in the 15th century during which time Islam flourished and gained a strong foothold in Kedah. It subsequently faced attacks by the Portuguese and the Achehnese and fell under the Siamese and subsequently British control. During World War II, Kedah, like the rest of Malaya, was occupied by the invading Japanese. Following the surrender of the Japanese and the end of war, Kedah joined the Federation of Malaya.

Among the illustrious personalities of Kedah are two Prime Ministers of Malaysia, i.e. the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister and the enigmatic Tun Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister.

Kedah's population today comprises about 1.8 million, comprising primarily Malays and significant Chinese and Indian minorities. Given its remarkable history it comes as no surprise that Kedah enjoys a wealth of cultural traditions, songs and dances.

Getting There & About
Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia offer daily return flights between Kuala Lumpur and the airport at Kepala Batas in Kedah. You can also get to Alor Setar, the capital, by train, bus or taxi from most parts of the country. If you wish to drive to Kedah, the North-South Expressway (NSE) is a safe and convenient route to take.

Within Kedah you can move around easily with the ample bus and taxi services available. There are also regular boat (ferry) services from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Penang to Langkawi.

Heritage Discovery
State Museum (Muzium Negeri)
The majestic State Museum situated at Lebuhraya Darulaman is a fine example of local architecture with strong Thai influence. It has three levels filled with antique weapons, jewellery, costumes and furniture.

Royal Museum(Muzium Diraja)
The Royal Museum is located right opposite Balai Besar. Previously the site for royal wedding ceremonies and to house royal guests, today it is a museum featuring Royal regalia and cultural heritage. It also holds displays and memorabilia related to Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who comes from royal Kedah lineage.

Paddy Museum
The Paddy Museum, located at the foot of Gunung Keriang, is the first paddy museum in Malaysia. The unique architecture of the Museum represents bushels of harvested rice stalks and rice motifs are seen throughout the building. The museum which sits on a vast piece of paddy field fringed with traditional Malay homes showcases the paddy cultivation process in Malaysia and tools and equipment which have been used in the trade over the years.

Birth House of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
The humble traditional abode at 18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai is the birthplace of Malaysia’s 4th Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The National Archives restored and gazetted the house as a historical building in 1992. The simple furnishing and implements from his childhood have been preserved and it also displays souvenirs and memorabilia related to his student days, and his time as a Prime Minister.

Lembah Bujang Archaeological Site
Lembah Bujang, considered Malaysia’s richest archaeological site, stretches between Gunung Jerai in the north and Sungai Muda in the south. Many Hindu and Buddhist temples have been unearthed along the Bujang River and some have since been restored to their original glory. The Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Pengkalan Bujang, Merbok, displays numerous artefacts, stone caskets, gemstones, beads and photographs. The Candi Bukit Batu Pahat believed to have been built in the 17th Century on the summit of the small hill behind the main building is one of the main attractions.

Kuala Kedah
Kuala Kedah located on the outskirts of the town at the mouth of the Kedah River is where you will find Kota Kuala Kedah, a fort built to ward off Kedah’s enemies from the North, the Siamese.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Balai Bobat (Nobat Hall)
The sole purpose of this octagonal shaped tower is to house the sacred instruments of the Royal Orchestra known as the Nobat. The instruments used to play the haunting strains of the “nobat” during royal ceremonies comprise three drums, a gong, two flutes, two instruments called the cheng-cheng and a trumpet-like instrument called the Nafiri which carry great historical significance. Though it is closed to the public you can take pictures of the building from the outside. A special permit from the authorities may permit you to gain access to the interior.

Balai Besar (Grand Hall)
The Balai Besar is used for royal ceremonies and state functions. The original Balai Besar building built in 1735 by Kedah’s 19th Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Adilin Muazzaman Shah, was a lovely building with wood pillars, roofs and flooring. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged in 1770 in a Bugis armada attack and again in 1821 during an attack by the Siamese. It was rebuilt in 1896 with the great hall supported by tall pillars and decorated with Victorian wrought-iron designs and Thai influenced wood carvings.

State Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negeri)
Balai Seni Negeri Kedah Darul Aman (Kedah Darul Aman State Art Gallery), houses paintings, antiques and historical relics. Built in 1912, the architectural design of the Balai Seni Negeri, with its strong Roman influence is unusual in this traditional state. It is an ideal place for visitors to gain an understanding of Kedah’s historical background and rich cultural heritage.

Royal Boat House
Situated near the banks of Sungai Anak Bukit, the Royal Boat House contains several boats used by the former rulers of Kedah and includes descriptions of their origins and usage. The boats are still in very good condition.

Masjid Zahir
This mosque was officially opened in I912 and like many places of worship of the time, was inspired by Moorish architecture. An annual Quran-reading competition is held here.

Nikradharam Buddhist Temple
This Siamese inspired temple is decorated with statues, paintings and colourful mosaic. A golden Garuda guards the main entrance while the outer walls contain inscriptions of Buddha’s teachings in three languages.

Homestay Programmes
Among the locations which you could visit to participate in homestay programmes in the state are Kampung Relau, (Bandar Baharu District), Kampung Raga (Yan) and Tuba Island and Kampung KEDA, both in Langkawi

Great City Destinations
Menara alor Setar
The 19th tallest telecommunications tower in the world, Menara Alor Setar, stands proudly at 165.5 metres. It has a revolving restaurant, an amphitheatre, a conference room, a viewing gallery and a cafeteria (on the ground floor). The viewing gallery affords a grand view of the beautiful surrounding Kedah countryside while dining at the revolving restaurant, 94 meter above sea level, can be an interesting experience. The Menara Alor Star is now the focal point of most activities in the city, particularly activities related to arts and culture.

Coasts & Beaches
Patai Merdeka
Pantai Merdeka (Merdeka Beach), one of the most popular beaches in Kedah, is located in Kuala Muda. The beautiful white sandy beach fringed with tall palm trees is ideal for picnics and relaxation. Water skiing and sailing are popular sports here. Nearby islands like Pulau Bidan, Pulau Telur and Pulau Song are easily accessible by boat. You can also explore a cave with historical artefacts close to the beach area. Located close by are fishing villages which include Tanjung Dawai, Telok Nipah and Kampung Pulau Sayak.

Pulau Langkawi
Situated within the Straits of Malacca and the Andaman Sea, Pulau Langkawi is the largest island in the cluster of 99 islands. Its enthralling legends and scenic environment make the island an idyllic tropical paradise offering a variety of activities for relaxation and recreation. (More on Langkawi in the following section)

Cool Retreats
Mount Jerai (Gunung Jerai)
Rising 1,206 metres above sea level, Gunung Jerai is a huge forested limestone outcrop and Kedah’s highest peak as well as the highest point in this northern part of the peninsula. It was a landmark of significance for seafaring merchants of the past. You can either drive up a 13 km winding road leading to the peak or hike to the top where there is also a resort. On clear days you will be rewarded with stunning views of the countryside and the sea. At its base is the Sungai Teroi Forest Park which offers good camping spots. About 3 km beyond the park lays the ruins of a 6th century Hindu shrine.

Eco-Adventures
Waterfalls
Kedah’s waterfalls make lovely picnic spots amidst greenery and clear, crisp mountain air. Among the well known waterfalls are Puteri Mandi in Yan (32 km south of Alor Setar), Puncak Janing (25 km northeast of Alor Setar in the Padang Terap district), the Junjung Waterfalls in Kulim and Lata Mengkuang (Menkuang Rapids) in Sik, about 72 km north of Alor Setar.

Pedu Lake
Pedu Lake, located 80 km from Alor Setar, offers a serene environment in the midst of lush rainforests. You can indulge in activities such as water skiing, canoeing and wind surfing among others. Bird watching and fishing are also popular, as is spotting other wildlife such as bears, elephants, deer and wild boar. There is even an 18-hole golf course for avid golfers. Comfortable village-style accommodation is available at the Lake.

Gunung Keriang Recreational Park (Taman Rekreasi Gunung Keriang)
The Gunung Keriang Recreational Park, a natural habitat for hundreds of tree and plants species, is a great retreat from city life. It offers a wonderful panoramic view and activities like jungle trekking and camping. Gua Keriang (Keriang Cave) is also interesting to explore.

Bukit Hijau Recreatinal Forest
Located in Baling, 120 km southeast of Alor Setar, this park offers a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forest, which is classified as an Educational and Research Forest, is in the heart of a virgin jungle reserve. Elephants, tigers, tapirs, barking dears, grey long-tailed monkeys, squirrels, birds and wild fowls are among its residents. It is also famous for its seven-tier crystal waterfall with its cool, clear waters.

Sedim River Recreatinal Park
The fast-flowing rapids at Sedim River Recreation Park, while not advisable for swimming, is ideal for white water rafting, kayaking or canoeing. For less strenuous activities bird-watching is recommended especially along one of the world’s longest 950m-long “Tree Top Walk”.  The canopy walk promises visitors a breathtaking aerial view of the rapids which is about 50m below. 

Culinary Delights
The cuisine of Kedah uses a combination of spices, herbs and other fresh ingredients. As with most of Malaysia, Rice is a staple. In Kedah the ‘pulut’ or steamed glutinous variety is more popular and is usually accompanied by fruits such as mango, durian or banana. It is also taken in other forms, which include ‘pulut sambal’, ‘pulut inti’, and ‘tapai pulut’. ‘Nasi ulam’ is another local favourite where rice is served with a variety of fresh vegetables and spices. Traditional local dishes include ‘gulai nangka’ - a spicy dish of jackfruit, ‘sayur keladi’ and ‘pekasam’.

In Kuala Kedah you can savour the local ‘Laksa kuala kedah’ a dish of rice vermicelli, fresh cucumbers and onions served in spicy fish gravy while at the Pantai Murni Esplanade you find a wide-range of local foods particularly fresh seafood. Pekan Rabu in Alor Setar is the best place for delicacies such as baulu(a traditional steamed cake) and dodol (dessert traditionally made using coconut or durians).

Shopping
Pekan Rabu
Pekan Rabu (Wednesday Market) is a famed shopping destination in Kedah. While its name originated due to it being held solely on Wednesdays, these days it is open everyday. Located at Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, the stalls offer lots of variety from fresh farm products to local handicrafts and delicacies.

Bukit Kayu Hitam
Another favourite shopping destination is Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah’s northernmost border town. The duty-free shopping plaza housed in a modern three-storey building offers a wealth of selections and even dining opportunities.

Nightlife
Nighlife in Alor Star is quite quiet and wholesome. While there are a number of pubs, bars and clubs in the city areas most locals prefer to patronise the hawker centres which provide cheap and good food and, of course, live telecast of football matches.

Tourist Information Centre

Tourist Information Centre Bukit Kayu Hitam
Bukit Kayu Hitam Tourist Information Centre
06050 Changlun,
KEDAH
Tel : 604-9222078

Website : http://www.tourismkedah.gov.my