Kedah Overview
Geography, Climate and Weather
Kedah is one of the oldest states in Malaysia and has wonderful history behind
it. Kedah is also known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia", the Kedah rice plains
produce more than half of the country's home grown rice supply. Furthermore,
there is also interesting story behind the rice itself. It is a place unique of
natural beauty surrounded by much greenly like other states of Malaysia. Kedah
experiences tropical monsoon with temperatures ranging from 21'C to 32'C. From
the months of January to April, Kedah is usually hot and dry. On the lowlands,
the humidity levels are high and it ranges from 82-86% per annum. The wettest
period of the year is from May to December where rainfall can be between 2000 to
2500 mm a year.
Activities
Tourists attractions are just too many to count. There are the Pulau Langkawi
Beach, the Menara Alor Setar which is the tallest building in Kedah, State Art
Gallery (Balai Seni Negeri), Royal Boat House, Masjid Zahir, Nikradharam
Buddhist Temple, the Mount Jerai (Gunung Jerai) and Pedu LakeOther places of
attraction are the Lembah Bujang Archaeological Site, Birth House of Tun Dr
Mahathir Mohamad, Paddy Museum, Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja), State Museum (Muzium
Negeri), Makam Mahsuri, Tanjung Tujuh, and Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest
There is so much to see and do in Kedah. The top on the list that you must not
miss is going to Pulau Langkawi as known as 'Jewel of Kedah' and experience the
blue sea water with beautiful scenery. The whole of Langkawi can be view by
getting on the cable car. Eating is a must here in Kedah. Traditional local
dishes which are also favourites among visitors are "gulai nangka" (a jack fruit
curry), "sayur keladi" and "pekasam". "Nasi ulam" is another local food which is
equally tantalising. This is also an activity not to be missed. There are also
plenty of souvenirs and local products for sale in Kedah. Do buy some for your
friends at your hometown. Kedah has many places of worship. They are also worth
the visit.
Accommodation
Kedah offers various hotels and accommodations such as the Grand Alora Hotel, TH
Hotel Alor Setar and even at homestays for those who want to experience the way
of life in Kedah.
Dining
The Kedah cuisine has the Thai and Sumatran influence and most of the dishes are
specially prepared using a combination of spices, herbs and market fresh
ingredients. Rice is the staple food of Kedahans. Traditional local dishes which
is also favourites among visitors is "Nasi ulam" which is equally tantalising.
The laksa is another popular dish among the people of Kedah as well as other
states in Malaysia. The dish consists of thick rice noodles or rice vermicelli
and is eaten with fish curry, cucumber slices and onions. It exudes the rich
fish broth with spices and is slightly spicy and sweet.
Transportation
Kedah rely solely on industrialization and tourism development. Public transport
is available here but it is limited to only taxis and buses. It would be best if
you have your own car to drive around to visit the places of interest. Kedah is
located on the Northwest of Peninsular Malaysia, approximately 400 kilometers
from Kuala Lumpur.
Shopping Guide
The Alor Star Mall is one of the more popular places to shop in Kedah. Other
than the Alor Star Mall, there is also the Thunder Match Sungai Petani Village
Mall and the Central Square are the areas frequently visited by locals as well
as tourists for good buys. For Langkawi, it is most popular for being a place to
do some duty-free shopping.
undo Malaysia Tourist Attractions