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

ATTRACTIONS*TOWNS AND VILLAGES* - Part Two

There are another attraction that you can found at Kedah Darul Aman.

Kuala Kedah – it is 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.

Jetty at Kuala 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.  It is 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)

Jetty at Tanjung Dawai 

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. 

Archeological Museum

Sungai Petani – it 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.

Sungai Petani Town 

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. 

Baling, Kedah

ATTRACTIONS *TOWNS AND VILLAGES* - Part One

In my opinon, an excellent way for all of you 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. More safety tips here)

There are some examples of towns and villages at Kedah Darul Aman

Bukit Kayu Hitam – it is located at the Thai-Malaysia border. Almost all Malaysian come here to shop for Thai goods.  You can also get something here with affordable price. I think this is the right place for those who love shopping.

Duty Free Complex at Bukit Kayu Hitam

Kuah – it is 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.

Kuah Town

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.

Buffalo Cave

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

Tasik Pudu Resort

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.

Pekan Rabu

HOW TO COME

Do not worry to come here. You can arrive to Kedah Darul Aman by using many ways, for example

By Air   

Kedah has two airports which is Langkawi International Airport on Langkawi island and Sultan Abdul Halim (Alor Star) Airport, a domestic airport, near Alor Star. You can fly to these two places if you want to go to the northern part of Kedah. The nearest airport to central and south Kedah is the Penang International Airport (State of Pulau Pinang or Penang). 

     Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Firefly (from April 2007) and Thai International are some of the airlines that  fly to Langkawi or Penang. If you fly to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you can also get a connecting flight on Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia to Alor Star, Penang or Langkawi island.

Air Asia Airlines

By Road

  The north-south expressway (toll motorway/ plus expressway) cuts through the State to the Thai-Malaysian border at Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. Note that the Malaysia-Thai border opens at 6am Malaysia and closes at 12 midnight Malaysia (11pm Thai). (Read details on - how to travel from Thailand to Malaysia). The system of trunk roads links you to all parts of the state - to the villages and forest parks at the fringe of the virgin jungle.

   From Kuala Lumpur, catch an express coach from Hentian Duta or Pudu. From Singapore or Thailand or other states in Malaysia, most express coaches stops at Alor Star (Alor Setar) or Sungai Petani.

Here i give you some Express Bus Companiess in Kedah

Transnasional;  website: www.nadi.com - Alor Star Tel: 04-7203300, 04-7203303;  Sungai Petani, Tel:  04-4214346, 04-4221186

 Plusliner;  website: www.plusliner.com - Alor Star, Tel: 04-7325842; Sungai Petani, Tel:  04-4217343 

The North-South Expressway

By Train   

You can take keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) or the Malayan Railways. it will takes you through the state of Kedah. You can stop at Sungai Petani or Alor Star. However you have only 2 train services (twice a day only) going up north. So, you need to manage your time wisely

KTMB

By Sea

At Kedah Darul Aman,daily ferry from Satun, South Thailand will takes you to Langkawi Island. There are also daily ferries from Kuala Perlis (Perlis), Kuala Kedah (Kedah) and Pennag island (Pulau Pinang). Langkawi is also a great destination for private yachts. you may check the schedule of ferry at this link. https://langkawi-ferry.com/home/schedule.aspx

Ferries at Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis

BACKGROUND OF KEDAH DARUL AMAN

 For your infromation. Kedah Darul Aman is located in the northern part of peninsular Malaysia same as Perlis and Pulau Pinang and is often referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’. As you travel round Kedah, you will see stretches of paddy fields (padi in Malay) and lush green rainforests on highland. Virtually two third of the state is still forested with some opened to the public as forest recreational parks. Undulating hills at the forest edge are covered with rubber, oil palm and fruit plantations.  Kedah offers a mix of kampongs, fishing villages, small urban centres and many nature parks.

Villages at Kedah Darul Aman

  Be sure to savour the array of tropical fruits in Kedah. The area around Baling and Changloon in Kedah are famed for local fruits: durians, rambutans, langsat, dukong, cempedak, nangka and even pomelos. 


 Over 100 magnificent tropical islands are scattered off the west coast of the state. Some, like the Langkawi islands (or Pulau Langkawi)- isle of myths and legends, is one of Asia’s best tropical island destination - a paradise for sun, sea and nature lovers. The beauty of the islands are as spell-binding as the legends that surrounds them Don't leave langkawi without exploring her mangrove forests and her rainforests.

Pulau Langkawi

The prominence of Kedah as a maritime Kingdom dates back as early as the 1st Century AD. History enthusiast should not miss a visit to the Bujang Valley, the Ancient wonders of Kedah, where historical evidence of the place gives an insight to the state's rich historical heritage - the Kingdom of Kedah, which was once part of the fabled Kingdom of Langkasuka. Learn about the rich history of the state in Alor Star/ Alor Setar, the capital. The Royal Museum in Alor Star chronicles the history of the Kedah Sultanate - the oldest sultanate in the world! The Kedah sultanate is the 2nd continuous line of monarchy in the world, second to Japan.

Royal Museum Alor Star

INTRODUCTION

My name is Wafaa Atikah binti Ismail, 21 years old and come from Kedah Darul Aman.

I had fallen in love with my state. It's peace, tranquility and greenery in the state makes me proud to be one of the citizens and of course I will share about my birth country to another and share the beauty of the state

The opening of this blog is to share experiences, beauty and a place in the country. Kedah Darul Aman have a variety of interesting places but there are still a number of people do not know about its existence. This blog is a stepping for me to tell you a bit about the state with more relaxed and closer.

'Wafaadamy' was chosen because it combines my name and the name of Kedah Darul Aman. 'DA' here is mean Darul Aman and 'MY' mean I or me. Moreover, in the Malay language, 'da.my' also be referred to as 'peaceful' or 'damai'. Therefore I choose 'da.my' as the name of this blog to be easily remembered by others besides referring to the state and as the main focus of this blog.