With the everyday hustle and bustle of the city, there are times when you just want to be in a place where you can find peace of mind. No, you don’t have to get out of the country, a domestic trip would be fine. But, WHERE? Penang, Malacca, and Ipoh are good choices, but we can’t deny the fact that these places are a bit crowded for there are quite popular. Thanks, Malaysia has plenty of places to offer for those who want to enjoy a low-key travel experience! Presenting…
Alor Setar: Rice town in Kedah
Alor Setar, formerly known as Alor Star, is the state capital of Kedah located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia which is the richest in Malay culture. The said town is also the jump-off point to Langkawi or southern Malaysia.
Aside from being a rice town, Alor Setar is also known for its telecommunication tower, which serves as its popular landmark. In addition, it is also the 9th largest communications tower in the world which was completed in 1997.
Attractions
1. Alor Setar Tower
Alor Setar Tower, a 165.5 meters (543 ft.) telecommunication tower built mainly for communication purposes is also open for tourists. In fact, it serves one of the tourist destinations in town, featuring a 360-degree revolving restaurant where guests can enjoy sumptuous cuisine and a spectacular view as well.
Observation Desk Fare: RM6, Adults; RM4, Children (prices may change from time to time)
Location: Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah
Hours: 8:00am – 10:30pm
2. Zahir Mosque
Set in the heart of Alor Setar is one of the grandest and oldest mosques in Malaysia built in 1912—Zahir Mosque. The spectacular architectural design of the mosque is inspired by the vision of the late Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Abidin II.
Location: Jalan Kampung Perak, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah
3. Muzium Padi
Since Alor Setar is a rice town, the place, of course, boasts of the Muzium Padi, which the first rice museum in Malaysia and the fourth in the world next to Japan, Germany, and the Philippines. The museum describes the rice cultivation process, displays different rice varieties and equipment and tools used in rice cultivation. In addition, it offers beautiful murals in tribute to the history and culture of rice cultivation in Kedah.
Location: Gunung Keriang Alor Setar, Kedah, 05150, Alor Setar, Kedah
Hours: Sat-Thu, 9:00am – 5:00pm; Fri, 9:00am – 12:30pm, 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Entrance Tickets: Adults, RM5; Kids, RM2
4. Gunung Keriang
An elephant-shaped mountain located in the midst of paddy field of the state of Kedah. Gunung Keriang features a cave, Gua Keriang, which is rich in crystal formation.
Due to its lush green rice fields, many tourists have been going here to enjoy the pleasant natural scenery.
5. Tanjung Chali Square
A historical site famed for its scenic watchtower, which serves as the main attraction, especially by many photographers, at night. The square also houses hawker stalls selling a wide range of delicious local food.
Must-eat food
1. Nasi Lemak @ Nasi Lemak Ong Alor Setar
Obvious by the name, the stall owned by a Chinese hawker offers sumptuous Nasi Lemak dish—so delicious that the shop has even been featured on many TV shows. Aside from the owner’s homemade curry sauce, there are also other ingredients that customers can choose from, like beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables and more.
Location: 24, Ground Floor, Jalan Putra, Alor Setar
Hours: 10:30am – 3:30pm; Closed on Wednesdays
2. Curry Noodles @ 新翠峯茶室Sin Chooi Hong Kopitiam
An old Chinese kopitiam in Alor Setar famed for selling curry mee and Sumatera Nasi Padang. Besides, the stall is also offering Chinese style breakfast.
Location: 926, Jalan Sultan Badlishah, Alor Malai, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah
Hours: 8:00am – 11:30am
3. Bak Kut Teh @ 知味肉骨茶@Chia Bee Bah Kut Teh
One of the most famous local Bak Kut Teh restaurants which have been running for more than 30 years since 1981. With the aromatic soup and tenderized meat of their BKT, you’ll surely love this shop!
Location: 42-A, Jalan Putra, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah D.Aman
Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
4. Nasi Lemak @ 亚清七爷咖喱饭 Ah Ching Nasi Lemak
Ah Ching Nasi Lemak is a small stall behind the garage, also known as 7 Grandpa. The store offers 7 to 8 flavors of curry rice in order to cater to the increasing needs of the customers. Flavors include curry chicken, curry shrimp, curry pork ribs, triple curry rice and more.
Location: Plot 4402, Jalan Gangsa, Kedah, 05150 Alor Setar
Hours: 7:00am – 11:00am (while stocks last); Closed on Fridays
5. Wonton Mee @ Noodle History 尹面之家
For travelers who want to warm their tummies with savory wonton mee, Noodle History 尹面之家 is a perfect choice. The stall offers mouthwatering noodle dish with no preservatives and additives. In addition to noodles, there are also other snacks to enjoy.
Location: 294, Jalan BSG11, Bandar STARGATE, Titi Keliling, 05400 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Click: Experience these Awe-inspiring Places at Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Malaysia
