PULAU DAYANG BUNTING - PART TWO

OVERVIEW

On the island, the panoramic view is so beautiful that it is capable in mesmerizing the tourists and locals.There are uncountable mangrove swamps around the island. There are multiple species of birds and insects to be seen and found on the island. Over 90 species of birds are stated to be seen around including hornbill, woodpecker and kingfisher, just to name a few. Other than the island itself it is too famous for its lake, with the name of Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden).

The lake is located right in the centre of the island and this is the main attraction of the whole Bunting Island. The lake is believed that woman who is not capable in conceiving can be then blessed with a child if she drank the water from the lake. This belief is too tried out by some locals and it actually works. You can swim around in the lake and also dip your feet into the mini pond around to feed the catfishes who feed on your dead skin. There is a nearby attraction which is the Pulau Bunting Bridge. The bridge connects Bunting Island to the mainland Kedah. The arch cable bridge's design is what attracts the tourist.

Accommodation in Langkawi Island will not be a problem as there are many options ready to be selected. There are many popular hotels and resorts located on the island. The Sheraton Langkawi Resort is one of the renowned 5 stars hotels there. Popular four stars hotels are offered too including Holiday Villa Beach Resort and Langkawi Lagoon Resort. Of course, there are budget hotels and resorts up for all backpackers. You can pick your own hotel or resorts all depending on your own preferances.

Apart from the beautiful environment and sea in Langkawi, it is also known as the shopping heaven for duty free goods. A wide range of goods can be obtained including wine, liquor, perfume, branded sport shoes and chocolates, just to name a few, all with discounted prices. The place to go for duty free shopping is the Jetty Poing Duty Free Complex.

PULAU DAYANG BUNTING LANGKAWI

LOCATION 

Bunting Island or Pulau Bunting is better known as Pulau Dayang Bunting. It is the second largest island within the Langkawi archipelago. It is located an estimated distance of 17.6km from Kuah. It is situated just next to Pulau Tuba (Tuba Island). Translating its name to English, it brings the meaning of 'Island of the Pregnant Maiden"

Pulau Dayang Bunting, Geoforest Park

Pulau Dayang Bunting

TRANSPORT

To get to Langkawi, you can either go by air or by ferry. Daily flights are available by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Air Asia from the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The ferry operates only four routes from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and also Satun, in Thailand. However, it is usually packed with crowds during the ride. Once you stepped foot in Langkawi, you can hire a boat from one of the many boat operations to get to Bunting Island. The ride will take a short 15minutes.

Air Asia Travel

SUNGAI PETANI - Where To Stay

When you come to Sungai Petani, of course you will looking for a place to rest yourself. Here are some of hotel at Sungai Petani.

WHERE TO STAY IN SP

Hotels in Sungai Petani

Cinta Sayang Chalet, Taman Ria Jaya, Tel: 04-441 4666;

Cinta Sayang Chalet

Duta Hotel , Jalan Petri; Tel:04-421 2040

Duta Hotel

Emerald Puteri, Taman Sejati; Tel: 04-431 5555

Emerald Puteri

Hotel Seri Malaysia, Jalan Pasar; Tel: 04-423 4060;

Hotel Seri Malaysia 

Northern Lodge, Taman Sejati; Tel: 04-431 2323

Northern Hotel

Park Avenue Sg Petani, Taman Sejati Indah; Tel: 04-431 7777;

Park Avenue

Sungai Petani Inn, Jalan Kolam Air; Tel: 04-421 3411

SP Inn

Swiss Inn, Jalan Pahlawan; Tel: 04-422 3333

Swiss Inn

SUNGAI PETANI - Where To Go

Sungai Petani is the best place you can travel after Alor Star. Here are some of the best place you can visit. 

The Carnivall, Water and Land Theme Park

Latest attraction of SP that opened on 29 December (Water park only) 2006. This boutique theme park is designed by Whitewater West Industries Ltd from Vancouver, Canada, and is located on the grounds of the Cinta Sayang Golf and Country Resort, Sungai Petani. The wet park has a water coaster and a 140m open waterslide. There are many attractions within, including a jungle playground, daily shows and games.

The Carnivall

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Carnivall/172385051123

Sungai Petani Clock Tower

Built in 1920, this is the most prominent landmark in Sungai Petani. The SP Clock Tower stands majestically at Jalan Ibrahim, in the town centre. It was presented by Lim Lean Teng to the people of the town to commemorate the reign of King George V (1910-1935) of England.

Taman Jubilee Perak (Silver Jubilee Park)

The park, which opened in 1983, is located just at the edge of the town centre. This is the only park in town and is immensely popular with local residents.

Sungai Petani Clock Tower

Pasar Tani (Farmer’s Market

Is held every Sunday, Monday and Thursday in the centre of town. The market starts at around 7:30 am and ends by midday. Its a great place to shop for fresh fish or local products. Get cheap local tropical fruits such as rambutan, langsat, chiku and bananas at open markets here and all over Kedah.

Farmer's Market

Gunung Jerai (Kedah Peak)

Is near Gurun which is about 15km from Sungai Petani.

Gunung Jerai from far

Bujang Valley

Site of an ancient civilization, only 20 minutes drive from SP. The best way to get there is by car or taxi. Learn more about Bujang Valley archaeological site here.

Bujang Valley

SUNGAI PETANI - Background

Tonight, I will share with you about another town at Kedah which is Sungai Petani.

Sungai Petani also known as SP by the citizens is the second largest town in Kedah after Alor Setar. From a small urban centre in the 1970’s Sungai Petani grew rapidly in the 1980’s and 90’s from expansion of the manufacturing sector. Today Sungai Petani is the second fastest growing town in Malaysia, after Johor Bahru.

Sungai Petani Town

      Sungai Petani in the Malay language literally means Farmer’s River. There are several versions as to how the town got its name. The simplistic version says that the name is derived from the geographical position bounded by two parallel rivers, Sungai Petani and Sungai Pasir. The rivers are said to ‘bertanding’ (in Malay ) or to compete, thus rivers competing is said as ‘sungai bertanding’ or pronounced in local Malay as ‘sungai pataning’. Eventually it became ‘sungai patani’.

      Historians prefer the version that suggests this settlement grew along the trade route from Pattani (Kingdom of Langkasuka) in southern Thailand. The ancient trade route followed the Patani River, across the hilly region of Kedah and eventually follow Sungai Kuala Ketil towards the Merbok estuary (near Bujang Valley).

Sungai Petani at night

It is believed that the town derives its name from the Patani traders who travelled by these rivers to the Merbok estuary. Many Patani inhabitants came down through this river and eventually settled near the estuary. Sungai Petani had been called Sungai Patani for years before it was changed in the 1980’s when language experts insisted on the use of correct Malay spelling, perhaps changing the historical significance as well.

     In the 1920’s to the 60’s, Sungai Petani was the backdrop of the rubber industry. With the fall of rubber prices in the 1980’s, the State setup the industrial hub in Sungai Petani. Growth today is centred on the diverse industries established - from electronics to wood-base products. From a population of about 36,000 in 1970, it has grown to 250,000. Sungai Petani is about 30 km from Butterworth, and is about 48 minutes drive from Penang island by the toll expressway.

Toll Expressway Sungai Petani

ALOR SETAR/ALOR STAR - Where To Go

I will proceed to the next part of Alor Setar/Alor Star. I will share to you the best place you can visit here.

Balai Besar (Grand Audience Hall)

This stylish traditional building which served as a royal palace and venue of ceremonies of the Kedah Sultanate. Built in 1898, it embodies certain aspects of Thai architecture. This 'great hall' is used frequently for royal and state functions.

Balai Besar

Balai Nobat (Nobat Hall)

This octagonal-shaped tower houses the nobat, the instruments of the state royal orchestra.

Nobat Hall

Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery)

State Art Gallery

Dr. Mahathir’s Place of Birth

This simple wooden house was the birthplace of the former Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Dr. Mahatir Mohammad.

Dr. Mahathir's Place of Birth

Masjid Zahir

One of the most beautiful mosques in the country, Masjid Zahir was officially opened in 1912.

Masjid Zahir

Menara Alor Star (Alor Star Tower)

At 165.5 meters, the Alor Star Tower is the second tallest communications tower in Malaysia. There is also a restaurant above.

Alor Star Tower

Muzium Di Raja (Kedah Royal Museum)

Eight Hindu Maharajas is believed to have ruled Kedah from the 4th century AD before the ninth maharaja who converted to Islam in 1136 and ruled as Sultan Muzaffar Shah. The Sultanate of Kedah is usually traced back to this first sultan and the royal line has been intact for more than eight centuries.

The Kedah Royal Museum (Muzium Di Raja) located in Alor Setar has a mixed of Thai and local architectural design. The original wooden building of the museum was a palace built during the 18th century. In 1983 the palace was converted to the Kedah Royal Museum. The museum houses many interesting collection of objects and artifacts of Kedah's royal and cultural heritage.

Kedah Royal Museum

Muzium Negeri (State Museum)

The State Museum holds many of the state’s historical treasures some donated by the people of Kedah.

State Museum

Nikradharam Buddhist Temple

Located in the centre of the city is of typical Siamese architecture.

Nikradharam Buddhist Temple

Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial

Tunku Abdul Rahman was the first prime Minister of Malaysia. This memorial is a sign to appreciate him.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial

Wan Mat Saman Canal

This was longest and most renowned canal built in Kedah by Wan Mat Saman. 

Wan Mat Saman Canal

Pekan Rabu Bazaar

The most renowned bazaar in the state. In the Malay language, Pekan Rabu name means ‘Wednesday Market’, but this bazaar opens throughout the week from morning till midnight. The bazaar sell clothing, Asian and local handicraft, and typically Kedah local foodstuff.

Pekan Rabu

ALOR SETAR/ALOR STAR - Background

Today I will share about Alor Star or sometimes wrongly spelt as Alor Setar which is the one of  two largest towns in Kedah. 

Alor Star / Alor Setar is located in the Kota Setar District, northern Kedah and is the capital of the state. This settlement became the capital in 18th century under the reign of 19th sultan, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah .

Alor Star City

(note: in 2009 - the Kedah State government decided to change the name of Alor Star back to to Alor Setar)

 The town was originally called Kota Setar until 1943 when it was changed to Alor Star. Alor Star is the administrative capital and seat of the state government and legislative assembly. Located here are the government departments, royal palaces, many heritage buildings, museums and cultural centres. Alor Star is the historical enclave of Kedah. 

Alor Star City

 Alor Star is said to be derived from the words ‘alor’ which mean river channel and ‘setar’, a tree called pohon setar (Bouea macrophylla). The pohon setar grew along the river banks that flows pass the settlement of Alor Star. In the old days, visitors travelling by boat to the settlement would rest under these trees along the riverbanks. Thus the resting place became known as Alor Star. The local Chinese population refers to the town simply as ‘Ketah’ (Kedah).

Pokok Setar

 Alor Setar is located on the northern part of Kedah, about 90km from Butterworth, 60 KM from Sungai Petani and over 250km from Kuala Lumpur. A short drive from Alor Star takes you to Kuala Kedah, where you can take a boat to Langkawi island. There is a domestic airport nearby.

Langkawi International Airport

ATTRACTIONS *OTHERS*

Gunung Jerai

(Kedah Peak) at 1,217 m above sea level, is the highest peak in Kedah and is accessible by road. It is advisable to take the official jeep up the very narrow, steep road leading to the peak. If you choose to drive, official permission is required from the ground station. Gunung Jerai is very popular with the local hikers, trekkers and school kids. Titi Hayun Recreation Forest, Seri Perigi Recreation Forest and Sungai Teroi Recreation Forest are located in the area.

View from Gunung Jerai

Gunung Keriang

Is located in Anak Bukit about 5km from Alor Star, this is the largest limestone hill in Kedah. This huge outcrop, comprising of two hills, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding paddy fields and kampongs.

Gunung Keriang

Kedah Padi Museum

Opened in 2004, is a place to visit in Kedah to learn about rice and paddy production. It is located near Gunong Keriang, Anak Bukit.

Paddy Museum

Agro-tourism.  

Besides the padi museum, visitors can visit fruit farms to see how plant propagation and sample local fruits. Check out the Kedah Agro-tourism link http://www.keda.gov.my/web/guest/projek-agro-pelancongan

View at Agro Tourism Kedah

Lye Huat Garden

Is a small Chinese-styled garden, located just besides the toll expressway, after Jitra. It is very popular with locals.

Lye Huat Garden

Merbok River

Embark on a mangrove forest tour on the Merbok river from Semeling, 10 minutes drive from Sungai Petani. Boats can be hired at the Semeling jetty or Tanjung Dawai Jetty.

View at Merbok River

Homestay programmes

Tourists (in groups) can enjoy a stay in a kampong and participate in kampong activities at these places:

Homestay

1. Kampung Relau, Persatuan Homestay Relau, Lot 1064 Sri Impian Relau, Kedah; Tel: 04-585 5858, 04-5824122; http://www.homestayrelau.cjb.net

2. Kampung Raga, 06900 Yan, Kedah; Tel : 04-465 6391

3. Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM); Lot 552 Jalan Kuala Kedah, Kuala Kedah; Tel: 04-762 3566/ 67

4. Kampung Yan, Yan, Kedah; Tel : 04-4655439

5. Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan Langkawi (Langkawi Fisherman Association), Kuah, Langkawi; Tel: 04-966 6102

6. Pengerusi Homestay, Pejabat KEDA Langkawi, Kuah, Langkawi; Tel: 04-966 6334, 012-4242144

(For information, contact Tourism Malaysia at tel. 04-7312322 / 04-7301322)

ATTRACTIONS *RECREACTION AND FOREST PARK*

I think, there are over  10 recreation forest or forest parks in Kedah.

Visitors can visit the designated park areas but to go into the forest reserves, permission is required from the Forestry department of Kedah.

 It is advisable to get a local tourist guide if you want to travel to forest parks or venture into the forest. 

Bukit Hijau Forest Recreation Park 

The Bukit Hijau waterfall is familiar to many in Kedah but less known to tourists from outside the state. This park, located in the Gunong Inas Forest Reserve, boasts some beautiful waterfalls along Sungai Mempelam (Mempelam River).

The recreational park spreads over 2,100 hectares, with seven waterfalls and natural pools at each 

fall.

Bukit Hijau Forest

It is an ideal for a cool dip or swim but be careful when swimming here as some pools are very dangerous (advisable to ask the locals where to swim)

Pedu Lake (or Tasik Pedu)

Located in the midst of a dense rainforest, approximately 5 km from the Malaysian-Thai border. The magnificent Tasik Pedu (Pedu Lake) is flanked by low undulating hills and offers a breathtaking view and mountain fresh air. The lake is an ideal place for fishing and a great venue for water sports such as canoeing and boating. The natural surroundings offer nature lovers a multitude of adventure opportunities - hiking, bird watching and jungle trekking.

Tasik Pedu

Sungei Sedim, river and rapid, Kedah, MalaysiaSungai Sedim Forest Recreation park

Is a popular destination for the adventurous, white-water enthusiasts and nature lovers. The river is one of the best white-water destinations in the Asia. The area has the world’s longest canopy walk (of reinforced steel) that spans 950 meter above the lush green rainforest trees and Sedim River.

Sungai Sedim

Ulu Muda Forest Reserve

Is a area covering over 100,000 hectares around Ulu Muda forest. The forest reserve is rich in wildlife, one of the richest in Malaysia, with over 100 species of mammals and over 50 reptilian species. A visit here is only for the rugged intrepid adventurer.

Ulu Muda Forest

Hire an experienced guide and a permit is required from the Kedah State Forestry Department to go in. The forestry department can help arrange boats and an authorised guide for you.

Lata Bayu Forest Park - a waterfall located 30 km from Baling, south-eastern Kedah.

Lata Bayu

Bukit Wang Recreation Forest - 12 km from Jitra, 40 km from Alor Star, northern Kedah. 

Puncak Janing Recreation Forest - 14 km from Kuala Nerang, 50 km from Alor Star, northern Kedah.

Puncak Janing

Ulu Legong Hot Spring Recreation Park 

Ulu Legong, hot spring, Kedah, Malaysia Baling, southern Kedah is a popular spot for those who what to enjoy the hot mineral waters of this hot spring. Many visitors go the place at night. The hot spring is accessible by well paved road, about 6km from the town of Ulu Legong which is more than 10km from Baling.

Ulu Legong