27 Kedah Attractions: Tips From A Local

27 Kedah Attractions: Tips From A Local

Are you interested in visiting all the best Kedah attractions?

Kedah is the 8th largest state in peninsular Malaysia located in the north. It consists of the mainland and Langkawi island. Kedah attractions are what make it a very valuable vacation spot to consider when visiting Malaysia.

Get ready to fill your itinerary with Kedah things to do because out local gal and WWB Writer Elmiah has got you covered.! 

27 Kedah Attractions

• Zahir Mosque
• Al-Bukhary Mosque
• Alor Setar Tower
• Alor Setar Science Centre
• Kedah Paddy Museum
• Kedah Royal Museum
• Kedah State Museum
• Merdeka House
• Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir
• Pekan Rabu Complex
• Chinatown
• Kuala Kedah Fort
• Alor Setar Waterfront
• Paddy Fields
• Kuala Muda Whispering Fish Market
• Sungai Petani Clock Tower and Zero KM Square
• The Carnivall Water Theme Park
• Semeling Jetty, Merbok River
• Arked Tanjung Dawai
• Merdeka Beach
• Pulau Sayak Village
• Mount Jerai
• Seri Perigi Waterfall
• Murni Beach Waterfront
• Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim
• Bukit Hijau Waterfall
• Junjong Waterfall

Kedah is famous for its nature vacation spots and in this article,you will learn about the activities offered at different spots.

You will find that there are a lot of Kedah nature attractions.

From its untouchable forests to waterfalls, you will find visiting Kedah worth it! In this post, I will list Kedah points of interest, places to visit in Kedah, and even things to do in Kedah. Let’s go!

DISCLOSURE

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Alor Setar Attractions

Alor Setar is the state capital of Kedah. It holds a lot of interesting things to offer unique experiences for you. You can visit some interesting places here.

1. Zahir Mosque

Zahir Mosque is the first Kedah tourist attraction. 

What’s so interesting here? 

Zahir Mosque is well-known as one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. It was built in 1912, and has been voted one of the top 10 most beautiful mosques globally. You should come and visit this mosque as it is one of the country’s grandest and oldest mosques.

You can visit the mosque, enjoy the exceptional architecture, and take some awesome pictures for memories. Enjoy yourself by seeping in the beautiful view of the mosque, which is said to have a Moorish architectural style influenced by Masjid Azizi, a mosque in Langkat, North Sumatera.

Note to remember, always wear extra fabric, or a sarong and cover your legs when you visit any mosque, as it is considered a place of religious activity and holy. For woman, you are advised to wear a scarf over your head, just like how most locals look when they come to do their prayers at the mosque.

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2. Al-Bukhary Mosque

Another well-structured mosque in the Alor Setar district is the Al-Bukhary Mosque.

With wonderful and unique architecture from the Uzbekistan’s and Mamluk’s era, you can gaze at the beautiful building and take some nice photos. It is peaceful here, so take the opportunity to rest and free yourself from the hustling busy city life.

Also, remember to cover yourself well before entering the mosque, just to respect the place as a holy religious area.

There is a nearby cafe that you can visit to have simple lunch and desserts. 

3. Alor Setar Tower

This tower is officially the main Alor Setar tourist attraction. 

You can see almost the whole Alor Setar from the bird’s eye view. Although this is a communication tower, there is an observation deck where tourists can go.

Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 10.00 pm

Fees: RM12.00 (USD2.96) – RM18.00 (USD4.44) (Observation Deck); RM48.00 (USD11.85) – RM70.00 (USD17.28) (Star View @ Open Deck)

There are high-quality telescopes to help visitors see the city clearly, and if that doesn’t suffice, getting yourself a pair of High Definition Binoculars will help you see the city in detail.

4. Alor Setar Science Centre

As the name suggests, the Alor Setar Science Centre is mainly a place that is very suitable for children to come and visit.

 There are a lot of interactive displays like a small 3D viewing cinema and themes galleries, and activities like rock climbing, moon-walking, and cycling on a tightrope. If you come without children, it might be a bit boring.

Opening Hours: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm (Sunday -Thursday)

Fees: RM3.00 (USD0.74); Free for children below 7 years old, senior citizen, and the handicapped 

5. Kedah Paddy Museum

Kedah is the “rice bowl” of Malaysia, hence, you can experience and be awed by the rice spirit by visiting this museum. 

This museum holds truths about rice and its cultivation in various stages.

The main highlight of this museum, however, is the architecture; from the building shaped like rice overflowing from a basket and a vast mural showing farmers doing their everyday duties tending their crops!

Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Fees: RM5.00 (USD1.23)

6. Kedah Royal Museum

If you are interested to learn in-depth about the Kedahan royals, this is the best place to visit in Kedah. 

The museum holds many truths about the royal history of Kedah. Not only that, the architecture sure is breath-taking. 

Not to mention, this used to be a real palace back in the day, so you must visit here and see for yourself where the sultans used to live in!

Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Fees: Free

7. Kedah State Museum

Another Kedah tourist spot in Alor Setar is the Kedah State Museum. If you are keen to learn about the history of Kedah, then this is definitely the place to go! 

Although you cannot take pictures in the museum, you can still take a stroll outside the impressive-looking building, and take a cruise along the Kedah river nearby.

Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Fees: Free

8. Merdeka House

This was the first Malaysian Prime Minister’s, Tunku Abdul Rahman’s, house. 

It houses all about the history of the late Prime Minister who was the Father of Independence. It is a must-visit if you are a history nerd. The house architecture is awesome, and you get to learn more about this wonderful person and his family.

Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Fees: Free

9. Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir

Aside from the first Prime Minister, you should definitely take a visit to Malaysia’s fourth and ninth Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad’s birth house. 

This place is well-kept to preserve his birthplace and growing condition. There are a lot of old newspaper cuttings, old photographs and a family tree that will keep you interested the whole visit.

Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Fees: Free

10. Pekan Rabu Complex

There are a lot of things to do in Kedah, and one of the most interesting is visiting Pekan Rabu Complex, a flea market. This place offers you a one-stop shopping centre for traditional gifts and crafts, get local snacks, clothing and souvenirs. 

There is also a food court where you can find a lot of different types of food to fill your hungry tummy.

Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm

11. Chinatown

Alor Setar’s Chinatown is among the most well-preserved in Malaysia since the 1950s.

 The shophouses are mostly restored with each having its own living quarter, style, decoration, and colour. Here, the main business revenues are printing shops, bicycle repairs, and hardware. 

12. Kuala Kedah Fort

This is the oldest northern Malaysia fort since the 1770s. It is one of the remaining defensive units commissioned by a Sultan that protected Kedah from Siam (now Thailand). 

It is situated next to the Kedah River and the Straits of Melaka. The fort now consists of the remnants of defensive walls, cannons, and a lighthouse.

13. Alor Setar Waterfront

The waterfront along the Kedah River creates a peaceful surrounding if you are looking for a little serene break from the busy city life. It is situated near Chinatown. 

Families and local photographers love this spot and it is a popular Kedah tourist spot.

14. Paddy Fields

As the “rice bowl” of Malaysia, you can enjoy the view of paddy fields around the district, and almost throughout the state. 

This offers a great experience and you can snap some really good photos for the memories.

Sungai Petani Attractions

Other than Alor Setar, Sungai Petani attractions are ones you should not miss as well. This district has a lot to offer, specifically the natural attractions.

1. Kuala Muda Whispering Fish Market

If you have the opportunity to be at a homestay here, don’t miss out on joining in at Kuala Muda Whispering Fish Market. Locals whisper while bidding to buy their mixed fish. It has been a tradition for the locals here. 

The buyers will look at the produce brought up fresh from the water and whisper the bidding price that the fishermen desire. They do not seem to want to change this tradition as it is a calm way of doing business and anyone can bid without having to scream their hearts out.

The highest bidder will get to buy the desired fresh mixed fish! It is a unique norm that you might want to delve into and be part of.

Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm

2. Sungai Petani Clock Tower And Zero KM Square

It is not every day that you get to find the Zero Kilometer landmark, and Sungai Petani has one! In addition to that, you can visit the Clock Tower nearby for some great photos and just to chill. This spot is best viewed at night with beautiful and colourful lights.

3. The Carnivall Water Theme Park

This water theme park is situated at Cinta Sayang Resort. 

It has a lot of fun water park activities that you can enjoy with your whole family. This resort is complete with accommodation and restaurants. You just have to book your slot and enjoy playing in the water!

Opening Hours: 11.00 am – 6.00 pm

Fees: RM20.00 (USD4.94) – RM40.00 (USD9.87)

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4. Semeling Jetty, Merbok River

Near the Semeling Jetty, you can find the Mangrove Forest Reserve Museum, auditorium, and tourist information centre. 

You can enjoy looking at the untouched mangrove forest by going on a river cruise through the forest along Merbok River. Enjoy the natural swamp as you cruise along the river away from the city view.

5. Arked Tanjung Dawai

Not far from Semeling Jetty, you can visit Tanjung Dawai, a fisherman village. 

This village is well-known for selling fresh seafood, and you can reach here either from Merbok or from Yan. You can buy various seafood from Arked Tanjung Dawai. 

Opening Hours: 7.00 am – 6.00 pm

6. Merdeka Beach

If you yearn for some very good food, Merdeka Beach has those to offer.

 If you want to just relax and have a breather after a busy working life, try going here. Indulge yourself in various local delicacies perfect with serene beach scenery.

7. Pulau Sayak Village

Situated approximately 30km from Sungai Petani, Pulau Sayak Village is famous for its prawn noodles local cuisine.

It is a must-try in addition to its beautiful panorama. Besides, who doesn’t like nice food accompanied by a nice view, right? I’m all for it!

Yan Attractions

Yan is the smallest municipality of Kedah. Despite that, Yan is famous for its divine nature Kedah attractions. 

1. Mount Jerai

Mount Jerai is the pride of Kedah, the main Yan Kedah attraction, with a height of 1,175 meters, so visiting it is a must! 

Historically, the mountain was once an island called Pulau Serai before the sea levels receded, forming it into a mountain. The Hindus considered this mountain sacred, thus, they built temples from the foothills to the summit. 

2. Seri Perigi Waterfall

If you are into hiking, then, you can check Seri Perigi Waterfall as a hiking destination when you’re in Kedah.

 This waterfall in Kedah is considered one of the tallest, which is more than 100 meters tall. You need to take around 30 minutes to hike to reach the top. 

3. Murni Beach Waterfront

Murni Beach Waterfront is the best Yan Kedah attraction. 

There is nothing much to do here, but if you are looking to just spend some quality time gazing at the beautiful sunset and enjoying good food with your family, this is the place. 

Equipped with complete facilities, you can spend an entire day here. There are food stalls, resting huts, children’s playground, toilets, and changing rooms.

Other Kedah Nature Attractions

1. Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim

The Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim is the longest rainforest canopy walk, with 925 metres long and 26 metres high. 

It is self-supporting and does not damage the trees. Other than walking across the tree top, you can also experience side activities like hiking, white water rafting, and abseiling and paint-balling. 

Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm

Fees: RM10.00 (USD2.47)

2. Bukit Hijau Waterfall

Bukit Hijau Waterfall is well-known for its seven-level waterfall, and it is situated within Gunung Inas Forest Reserve. 

Historically, there is evidence of the ancient geological formation of cascades which could be from the Cambrian age. Aside from enjoying yourself in the cool waters, you can also snap some good photos while you’re at it!

Fees: RM1.00 (USD0.25) – RM8.00 (USD1.97) (parking fees)

3. Junjong Waterfall

This waterfall is well-known among the locals of Kulim, Kedah. 

There are stalls which offer a lot of food and snacks. There is also a landscaped park with pools and bridges. The waterfall is not that high, but the view is still amazing.

What To Eat In Kedah

When you are visiting all the Kedah attractions, you should never go hungry. Kedah has different kinds of local dishes that you can enjoy throughout the state. 

Listed below are the most recommended food you should try to fulfil your tummy when you go on a tour around Kedah:

• Seafood Noodles especially Prawn Noodles: Noodles with sweet and spicy gravy with chosen seafood (prawn, crab, or squid)
• Laksa Kedah: A type of noodle dish (thick rice noodle or rice vermicelli) eaten with fish curry, cucumber slices, and onions.
• Gulai Nangka: Jackfruit curry, commonly served with rice
• Air Nira Nipah: The sweet juice of the Nipah plant
• Kuih Karas: A type of crispy dessert that resembles fried vermicelli
• Serabai: A rice flour pancake served with coconut milk and palm sugar

Unique Tips You Should Know When Visiting Kedah

When visiting Kedah attractions, you might want to learn a few tips to win the hearts of the locals. 

They are a friendly bunch of folks and they have a unique dialect. In Kedah, most words end with ‘…q’ sound, where it is fully emphasized. 

Here are some examples:

• Water = ayaq (as in “are-yak”); should be “air”
• Hungry = lapaq (as in “lar-pak”); should be “lapar”
• Sleep = tidoq (as in “tee-dok”); should be “tidur”
• I/Me = chek (as in “check”); should be “saya”
• Tell = habaq (as in “har-bak”); should be “khabar”

Those are some basic words that could probably help you a bit. The dialect might sound harsh for some, but the people sure are not! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope you find the list of best places to visit in Kedah and things to do above useful. 

There are a lot of Kedah attractions related to nature which you can enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan the best trip to Kedah!

27 Kedah Attractions: Tips From A Local