South East Asian Trips

Kedah-famously known as the "Rice-bowl of Malaysia"-is located on the northwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia. Its landscape is dominated by the flat expanse of paddy fields against a backdrop of rolling hills. The serene environs of Kedah can easily lull one's senses and provide a welcome respite from the fast-paced life of big cities.

Kedah is a site of great archaeological importance. In the Bujang Valley are the sprawling remains of a Hindu kingdom believed to date back to the 4th century A.D. The place is also known for its sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary archipelago of Langkawi. No wonder that Kedah attracts hordes of tourists from all over the world.

Off Kedah's western shores are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary archipelago of Langkawi, easily the most popular resort location in the country. More than a land of mere scenery, however, Kedah is also the site of Malaysia's most extensive ruins. In the Bujang Valley are the sprawling remains of a Hindu kingdom believed to date back to the 6th century AD.

Like Malaysia's other states, Kedah has its share of rich cultural traditions, songs and dances. Due to its close proximity to Thailand, some of these traditions are Thai in influence and origin, and faces of Kehah's people often bear signs of Thai or Achinese ancestry.

Location & Population

Kedah sits in the northwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia. The state is fairly small, covering an area of 9,425 sq km that consists mostly of expansive padi fields and gently rolling hills. Off its coast are the isles of Langkawi, and rising to meet the western shoreline is the mountain of Gunung Jerai (1,200 meters above sea level). Kedah's population of about one million is primarily Malay, though there are significant Chinese and Indian minorities.

History

Kedah is the site of the oldest civilization of Peninsular Malaysia. The Bujang Valley has remains of a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that dates back to the 4th century AD. In the 7th and 8th centuries, Kedah was under the domination of Srivijaya, and was later under Thailand, until the rise of the Malay sultanate of Malacca in the 15th century. The establishment of Islam in Kedah is due to Malacca's influence.

In the 17th century, Kedah was attacked by the Portuguese after their conquest of Melaka, and by Aceh. By the end of the 18th century the Thailand threat arose once more. Fearing renewed domination by its northern neighbors, Kedah appealed to the British for assistance. As inducements to a commitment, Kedah ceded first Penang (1796) and then the adjoining strip of coastal land (1800) to the British. Nonetheless, Kedah fell to the Thais in 1821. Thailand transferred their sovereignty to the British in 1909. With the exception of the period of occupation by the Japanese during World War II, Kedah remained under British influence until independence. Kedah was a reluctant addition to the Federation of Malayasiain 1948.

Climate

Kedah has tropical Monsoon Climate, with temperature varying between 21°C and 32°C. It is generally dry and warm from January to March, and wet from April to December. Humidity is high throughout the year. Annual rainfall varies from 2,032 mm to 2540 mm.

Best Time to Visit

January to March is the best time to go to Kedah, as it is relatively dry during this period. You can also go in August or September at the time of Lumut festival.

Shopping

The duty free island of Langkawi is a major shopping attraction in Kedah. "Pekan Rabu"-literally meaning Wednesday Market- located in the middle of Alor Setar is well-known among the local population and tourists. Most tourists visiting Alor Setar make it a point to shop around at the Pekan Rabu Complex.

How to Reach Kedah

Kedah can be reached by road, rail and sea. The North-South Expressway transverse the State of Kedah, thus enabling just a 5-hour ride from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar. Similarly the national railroad track also passes through the state with various stops along the way.

Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier flies several times a day from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Langkawi. There's also weekly direct flight from Osaka, Japan to Langkawi.

High-speed ferries operate from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi throughout the day. There are also regular ferry services from Penang as well as Saturn, Southern Thailand.

Attractions

Bujang Valley (Lembah Bujang)

The Bujang Valley is a sprawling historical site located in the foothills of Gunung Jerai. It is the richest archaeological area in Malaysia. Archaeological research indicates that an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom ruled here as early as 300 AD. Relics of the kingdom found at the site and now on display at the Archaeological Museum include inscribed stone caskets and tablets, metal tools and ornaments, ceramics, pottery, and Hindu icons. More than fifty ancient tomb temples, called candi, have also been unearthed, many of which were built during the Bujang Valley civilization's heyday. Near the most impressive and well-preserved of these, in Pengkalan Bayang Merbok, is the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum. It is open from 9.30am-5pm daily.

Gunung Jerai

Gunung Jerai (1,200 meters) is the highest spot in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, and as such it has for millennia served as a landmark for seafaring traders. Myths and legends concerning this peak abound. One is of a 'king with fangs' who resided at the foothills of the mountain in the Bujang Valley, now known to be the site of Kedah's ancient kingdom.

The peak of Gunung Jerai offers a breathtaking vista, and can be reached via the nature trail or by road.

Balai Nobat (Hall of Drums)

Balai Nobat belongs to the old Sultanate of Kedah. The Hall features the nobat, the instruments of the royal orchestra. It comprises drums, gongs and a traditional flute. These instruments are played on special ceremonial occasions only. The musical skills of the nobat are generally passed on from father to son.

Pulau Langkawi

Pulau Langkawi is an internationally famous resort destination and an island of exceptional natural beauty. Explore Langkawi in our Islands & Beaches pages.

Balai Besar

Situated near Balai Nobat and facing Masjid Zahir, Balai Besar is an impressive wooden pavilion, built in 1898, which embodies certain aspects of Thai architecture. This 'great hall' is used frequently for royal and state functions.

Masjid Zahir

Officially opened in 1912, this mosque is an architectural landmark. With black domes set off against slender minarets, the Masjid Zahir is one of the most elegant and aesthetically pleasing mosques in Malaysia. The state's Quran reading competition is held annually within the premises of the mosque.

State Museum

Although it is only about fifty years old, the State Museum (Muzium Di Raja) is another fine example of local architectural integration of Thai design characteristics. It houses an interesting collection of objects and artifacts of Kedah's royal and cultural heritage.

Pekan Rabu

In translation Pekan Rabu means "Wednesday Market," but the popularity of this vibrant market has extended its business hours throughout the entire week, from morning till midnight. Its colourful stalls sell handicrafts as well as delicious food. Located near the Government offices in Alor Setar.

Pantai Merdeka

Located 60 km south of Alor Setar, this 1 km beach is a popular day spot for bathing and makes for a refreshing stop after a day of touring around the Bujang Valley area. Pantai Merdeka also offers both diving and sport fishing off its coast. A day trip fishing for mackerel and sailfish runs about RM40 per person, as does a day of diving. Qualified diving guides are available