Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’ on account of being responsible for producing one-third of the country’s rice, Kedah is covered with picturesque rice paddies. Located in the north-western part of Peninsular Malaysia, it’s a destination known also for producing tobacco, rubber and palm oil, as well as for its established tourist infrastructure on the stunning island of Langkawi.
Holidaymakers invariably head for Langkawi, the largest and most populated island in the Langkawi archipelago, where stunningly beautiful tropical beaches can be found as well as a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. The island is well-geared towards receiving tourists, offering an abundance of accommodation options ranging from mid-range bungalows to exclusive five-star hotels.
Langkawi is the place to go for shopping, with some of the best shopping malls in the state situated here as well as a good selection of traditional markets. The island also has excellent dining opportunities, with both local and international cuisine available.
Alor Star, previously known as Alor Setar, is the state capital and one of the oldest cities in the region. As a visitor destination, it comes highly recommended on account of its myriad of sightseeing opportunities comprising of places of historic and architectural interest, as well as some scenic natural destinations. While Alor Star is not as visitor-friendly as Langkawi, it offers plenty of dining and accommodation options all the same.
Sungai Petani is the second-largest town in the state and also popular among visitors. Sightseeing opportunities are plentiful, with the highlight being the historic Bujang Valley, a must for anyone with an interest in the fascinating past of the region.
Travelling to Kedah is easy, with the state featuring an international airport at Langkawi and a domestic airport at Alor Star. Additionally, boats provide access to Langkawi from the mainland while land options to Alor Star include buses, private cars or trains. From Kuala Lumpur to Alor Star, land options are speedy and convenient.
With a total of 12 districts to explore, Kedah has no shortage of destinations for visitors with itchy feet. Transportation to some of the small towns can be problematic, but the majority of places are served by either buses or trains. To get off the beaten track, visitors can make use of a rental vehicle or hire the services of a taxi driver.
Kedah, like much of the rest of the country, experiences a wet season and a dry season. While in theory it’s possible to visit at any time of the year, the period from January through April is the best time to explore Kedah. This is when you’ll find the beaches of Langkawi at their busiest.
Kedah’s history is long, with archaeological evidence suggesting it was the first place on Peninsular Malaysia to see civilised settlers. A Hindu-Buddhist kingdom is believed to have been established in the Bujang Valley as far back as the 4th century. The kingdom became a focus of trade between India and China, and remained a place of considerable significance until the 7th century.
In the 7th and 8th centuries, the region was dominated by Sri Vijaya. Later Sri Vijaya was succeeded by the Siamese, the latter remaining in control until the 15th century, when the Malay sultanate of Melaka came to power. During this period, dominant aspects of Kedah's ancient civilisation began to wane and Melakan influences were introduced, including Islam as the state religion.
The Portuguese, who had already conquered other parts of Malaysia, attacked Kedah in the 17th century. The British later maintained a significant presence in the region. The locals thought they would keep the Siamese from regaining control in Kedah; however, in 1821 the state fell to Siam and remained under Siamese control until the British took over following the signing of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty in 1909.
Kedah established independence along with the rest of Malaysia in 1957, but only after experiencing occupation at the hands of the Japanese during WWII.
Kedah’s climate is tropical and experiences two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from January to March, after which the remainder of the year sees rain in varying intensities. Relative humidity is high throughout the year and temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C, with the hottest days coming towards the end of the dry season.
The beginning of the year is the best time to visit Kedah, between January and March. The chances of rain during this period are slim and temperatures are hot but pleasant.
It’s possible to visit during the rainy season, but visitors will need to pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for unpredictable rain spells which can be very heavy at times.
If you visit at the end of the dry season, then be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen with the appropriate SPF for your skin type. Additionally, be wary of lengthy exposure to the sun, particularly between 11:00 and 15:00.
The hotel physically is grea, and the staff are very helpful and nicet. But the location is a shock -- a long, long way out of town, surrounded by housing developments. Very boring, and worse very i...
