Kedah

Kedah has the distinction of being the "Rice-bowl of Malaysia" - a term that takes on aesthetic significance when one sees the rice fields for themselves: the flat expanse of padis against a backdrop of rolling hills provides a picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses.

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 A.D.

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.

ATTRACTIONS

Nature and Adventure in Kedah

One of Kedah Darul Aman greatest lure is perhaps its rustic charm and the many exotic natural attractions. Visitors will be taken in by the lush green of tropical rainforests, the misty mountains, the serenity of the rural villages and the endless spread of the padi fields.

Kedah is one of the best destinations for those seeking retreat from urban living as its pristine environment is still intact despite the development taking place in the state.

1.The Pedu Golf & Lake Resort and Desa Utara Pedu Lake Resort, which are located about 90km from Alor Setar, are examples of the peaceful and quiet holiday in store for visitors. Nestled amidst lush tropical greens, the resorts offer tourists “a get back to nature” vacation. A series of activities are there for the taking including jungle walk (day and night), mountain hiking, fishing and a new found nature sport - lake swimming.

Take a boat ride and explore the vast lake or just enjoy the sun. Play golf at one of the best designed golf course around. Also witness the honey gathering process conducted by local bee handlers. Watch how the experts retrieve honey from the 30 metres high Tualang tree in the wilderness of Pedu jungle. This activity is being held once a year ie. in the month of February. Look out for the flora and fauna.

2.Gunung Jerai Resort

Another nature retreat is the Gunung Jerai Resort near Gurun. A hill getaway, it is tucked amidst a green tropical rainforest spread. The crisp clear mountain air is aided by a peaceful tranquility which will easily appeal to any visitor. See the flower garden or explore the nearby waterfall, an ideal location for a picnic as one makes a date with nature.

3.Other idyllic spots are Bukit Hijau (Baling), Bukit Wang (Jitra) Peranginan Sik (Sik), Puncak Janing (near Kuala Nerang), Batu Hampar (Yan) and Gunung Keriang Recreation Park. Each of them has its own unique attraction which beckons visitors.

Kedah’s natural beauty is not only confined to the outdoors. Its wonders are also found in intriguing caves nestled in gigantic limestone outcrops of Kedah. Created over million of years, these fascinating caves are indeed geological masterpieces of nature.

Beaches and Islands in Kedah
Part of the charm of Kedah lies in the blissfully golden beaches and paradise islands. The islands are perfect venues to indulge in water-based recreational pursuits such as wind surfing, canoeing, snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing. There are also island cruises or expeditions and visitors can enjoy the archipelago while sitting back and enjoying the scenic view. You can also explore the marvels of these islands yourself by means of mountain biking or jungle trekking.

If you choose to engage in less vigorous activities, you may also enjoy the wide variety of indoor activities that are offered. For those who want to be pampered after a long day of exciting activities, the service of masseurs is available.

1.Tanjung Rhu
One of Langkawi’s best beaches is Tanjung Rhu which is located 22 km from Kuah.

2.Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang, about 18.4 km from Kuah is the liveliest stretch on the island with restaurants and food outlets offering a wide selection of local treats as well as continental fare. This long stretch of white sandy beach flanked by coconut palms provide ample lodging facilities ranging from simple A - frame huts to five star luxury hotels.

3.Pantai Tengah
Further south of Pantai Cenang is Pantai Tengah with more lodgings and souvenir outlets.

4.Pantai Kok
The most ideal retreat for sunbathing and swimming is Pantai Kok which is 24.8 km away from Kuah. The crystal clear water and the white powdery sand fringed by swaying palms are indeed a natural haven for those seeking solitude.

5.Datai Bay
The 1.5km long stretch of white sandy beach of Datai Bay is another tranquil retreat. The Golf Club, Datai Bay offers players breathtaking beauty as well as a quality golfing experience.

The main island of Pulau Langkawi is no doubt famed for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient myths and legends. Similarly the 104 isles that make up Pulau Langkawi are endowed with unexplored wonders. Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Rebak to name a few are among the most well - known.

6.Pantai Merdeka
The beaches of mainland Kedah are equally spellbinding. Most popular is Pantai Merdeka which has been an ideal tourist venue even long before Langkawi’s fame. Located about 26km from the town of Sungal Petani, there are adequate facilities for water sport activities. The beach is also excellent for swimming at high tide.

Langkawi in Kedah
Langkawi, which has been nicknamed as the “Caribbean of The East”, is a cluster of isles basking languidly in glistening waters. Not many island resorts in the region can boast of such pearls of exotic beauty but Langkawi is all enchantingly white stretches of palm-fringed beaches.

It had often been said that many locations within the group of 104 islands make idle settings for a romance novel or swashbuckling movie. It is hard to imagine that only a decade ago Langkawi was just a cluster of fishing villages surrounded by coconut trees, so this talked about location is something the visitors must see for themselves.

To sum it all, Langkawi is a reclusive retreat for the tired and beaten down corporate executive, an island resort for the entire family, a romantic escapade for honeymooners, a haven for water sports enthusiasts and a sanctuary for sun worshippers. In other words - a haven for all.

1.Pulau Payar Marine Park
The main attraction of Langkawi lies in its undersea treasure of marine life. Pulau Payar Marine Park (Payar Island) which is an hour speedboat ride from Pulau Langkawi is regarded as Malaysia’s best marine park with an abundance of underwater life.

Snorkelling and diving are the most popular pursuits whereby you can appreciate the colourful and spectacular sea life and corals. For those who do not want to get wet can view the kaleidoscope of colour and shapes of the magnificent fishes from an underwater observation chamber.

2.Underwater World Langkawi
Visitors can also view other species of aquatic life at the Underwater World Langkawi, which is one of the largest oceanariums in Asia. Located at Pantai Cenang, it features more than 5000 marine and freshwater fish such as the exotic Jacks, Seaturtles, Triggers and Damsel Fish. You can also walk through a tunnel tank which contains sharks, snappers, moray eels, giant groupers, etc.

3.Mahsuri Mausoleum
A popular tourist spot is the Mahsuri Mausoleum. Located about 12 km from Kuah the Mausoleum marks the spot where Mahsuri was buried. According to legend when Mahsuri lay dying after being executed over a false accusation of adultery, she laid a curse on the island that it would not prosper for seven generations. Whatever the reason, economic or legend, Langkawi’s meteoric success only came around recently.

4.Field of Burnt Rice
The Field of Burnt Rice at Padang Matsirat is another popular tourist venue. According to legend, Langkawi’s supply of rice was buried in order to thwart the invading Thai’s and cause them to starve. Today burnt rice grains still appear whenever there’s a heavy downpour.

5.Lake of the Pregnant Maiden
Another intriguing legend is the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden which is located in the heart of the Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island of Pregnant Maiden), the second largest island after Pulau Langkawi. The lake is a popular place where barren women would come to drink the waters so much so that some people attribute subsequent pregnancy to its mystical powers.

6.Book Village
There are also newly created tourist destinations. One of which is the Book Village Malaysia. Located about 15 minutes drive away from Kuah, it is set amidst the tranquil and lush rainforest at the foot of Gunung Raya. The numerous traditional houses dotting the village are stocked with a great variety of books in various languages.

7.Laman Padi
At Laman Padi or Rice Garden visitors can update their knowledge in all aspects of rice farming.

8.Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation
Langkawi is not only a major leisure destination but also boasts an artistic museum of world class status, i.e the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation. Set in the heart of the lush rainforest atop a cliff overlooking the Datai Bay, the gallery displays fine works of Ibrahim Hussein, Malaysia’s most famous contemporary artist.

9.Langkawi Craft Cultural Complex
The Langkawi Craft Cultural Complex at Teluk Yu, showcases the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will be enthralled by the intricate workmanship on display which includes wood carving, basketry, embroidery as well as ceramics and crystalwares.

10.Air Hangat Village
The Air Hangat Village (Hot Spring Village) a cultural centre, based around natural hot springs is another favourite stopover. Legend or not, the hot spring water is believed to have healing power and can cure ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis as well as rejuvenate the mind and soul.

11.Galeria Perdana
At Galeria Perdana visitors can browse through the display of gifts and souvenirs given to Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad by other world leaders. There are gifts of woodwork, leather, musical instruments, weaponry, Islamic Arts, special awards and a lot more.

12.Langkawi Crystaal
Visitors will be fascinated by the art of crystal making at Langkawi Crystaal. Here you can witness craftsmen create unique designs of crystalware using the traditional glass blowing techniques.

13.Other Langkawi’s tourist venues are the Eagle Square, Legend Park, Crocodile Farm and Kedah Marble. “Island-Hopping” among the 104 isles is another favourite pursuit among tourists. You can explore this maze of islands and be rewarded with secret channels, secluded breathtaking bays and inlets, eerie caves, coves and intriguing legends.

14.Pulau Singa Besar
At Pulau Singa Besar (Singa Besar Island) there’s a wild life sanctuary and the sedimentary rocks, reputed to be amongst the oldest in Malaysia goes back 500 million years.

15.Pulau Rebak
Pulau Rebak is a popular docking place for yachts.

Other islands of interest include Pulau Tuba and Pulau Bumbon which are favourite spots for snorkelling, scuba-diving and fishing.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Kedah, Malaysia offers visitors a rich array of events and festivals throughout the year that highlight its unique cultural identity and history. HotelTravel.com highlights the key events and festivals in Kedah from month to month, providing visitors with a huge choice of possible choice to play that once in a lifetime holiday around. Each one brings to life why Kedah is so representative of people from Malaysia. Click the events and festival links below for further information.

Kedah has a selection of exclusive events, with the vast majority of festivities taking place on Langkawi. The state also enjoys all of the country’s major festivals, which include those of Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist origin. The highlight of the non-religious events is perhaps the Langkawi Water Festival held in April. The weather at this time of the year is hot, making it the ideal time to enjoy water-based fun.

ACTIVITIES
Kedah, Malaysia has a remarkable range of activities catering to almost every market segment. There are plenty of family friendly activities in Kedah, and children are never bored when holidaying anywhere in Malaysia. For young couples and singles, Kedah offers an exciting and diverse nightlife and is considered one of the culinary capitals of Malaysia. Kedah is also a world-class shopping venue for shopaholics.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

The westn Langkawi Resort & Spa Langkawi
Jalan Dato Syed Omar Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Phone: (60)(4) 9608888
Fax: (60)(4) 9666414
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi
Panta Cenang 07000 Langkawi Kedah Darul Aman Malaysia
Phone: (60-4) 952 8888
Fax: (60-4) 952 8899
The Datai Langkawi Resort
Jalan Datai Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Phone: (+60-4) 959-2500
Fax: (+60-4) 959-2600
Tanjung Rhu Resort
Mukim Ayer Hangat 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Phone: +604 959 1033
Fax: +604 959 1899
Bella Vista Resort
Jalan Kuala Muda, 07100 Padang Matsirat
847 00 Langkawi Kedah, Malaysia
Phone : +604-9533000
Star City Hotel Alo Star
No. 88, Jalan Pintu Sepuluh, 05100 Alor Star, Kedah, Malaysia.
Phone: +604 7355888
Fax: +604 7355999
Grand Crystal Hotel
40, Jalan Kampung Perak, 05100 Alor Star, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
Phone: (60 4) 7313 333
Fax: (60 4) 7316 368

RESTAURANTS

Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
Jalan Dato Syed Omar 07000, Kuah Langkawi Kedah Darul Aman Malaysia
Phone: +604 966 4078
Fax: +604 966 5078
Orchid Ria Restaurant
1225 Jalan Pantai Cenang 07000 Langkawi Malaysia
Phone: 604 955 4128
Kampung Siam
2599 Hadapan Best Star Resort, Jalan Pantai Cenang 07100 Langkawi
Phone: 604 955 7830
Fax: 604 955 8048
LH Lucky Seafood Restaurant
Pentai Cenang 07000 Langkawi, Malaysia
Phone: 604 955 3788
Little Mexican Restaurant
Lot 22, Pentai Cenang 07000 Langkawi
Phone: 604 955 5100
Fax: 604 955 5110

GETTING THERE
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.

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

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

By Road
Travellers have a wide range of transportation to choose from. Comfortable air-conditioned express coaches and long distance taxis are readily available thus providing easy connection throughout the countries. Getting around the state too is no hassle. Taxis and hired cars are easily available at reasonable fares.