The capital city of Kedah, Malaysia and the second largest city in the state. Alor Setar, lying on the west bank of the Kedah River in northwestern, West Malaysia, it is the major distribution centre for the north Kedah plain, a region where paddy rice is grown. It is a main transportation hub in the northern Malay Peninsula due to its location along the main travel corridor from Malysia to Thailand. It homes the third-tallest tower in Malaysia the Alor Setar Tower and is regarded as one of the core cultural centres for the Kedahan Malays
Alor Setar is a vibrant city brimming with centuries of history and culture. known for its majestic mosques, historical forts and lively marketplaces, Alor Setar invites travellers to unravel layers of cultural heritage and take a trip down memory lane to discover Malaysia's historical legacies. The city offers its historical values, architecture, and common traditional Malay charm, from the nation's history down to its rice fields, imposing landmarks, and many more.
Alor Setar, is a city with a strong Malay identity, making it a good destination for those interested in understanding Malaysian culture beyond the typical tourist trail. It is a royal city with a history that is primarily Malay, with fewer colonial influences compared to other major Malaysian cities. Kedah as the "rice bowl of Malaysia," its surrounding areas offer insight into the country's agricultural landscape. It is less frequented by mass tourism, making it a more relaxed destination for travellers seeking a different pace.
It offers attractions like the stunning Zahir Mosque, the Alor Setar Tower, and various historical and cultural sites like the Mahathir's Birthplace and Balai Besar. While not as frequented by international tourists as places like Langkawi or Kuala Lumpur, Alor Setar is a gateway to the "rice bowl of Malaysia" and can appeal to travellers interested in local culture and history.
One of the oldest and grandest mosques in Malaysia is the Zahir Mosque. This famous and beautiful mosque is considered as one of the 10 most beautiful mosques in the world. It is also regarded as an architectural gem whose history dates back to the early 1900s, spanning an area of about 1,15,000 square meters. And built in the honour of Kedah warriors who fought against the Siamese invaders. This Mosque with its five black domes, unique colour combinations and intricate carvings make it a true sight to behold.
The Kedah State Museum, Alor Setar that opens daily with free entry. This museum is a storehouse of the state’s history, from the Bujang Valley civilization to colonial times. On display are artefacts that are of ancient ceramic and porcelain and items belonging to the royal family. There is also a small gold sculpture of a tree, gifted as a tribute to Siam by the Kedah Sultanate.
The Kedah State Art Gallery, Alor Setar displays heritage of the state of Kedah. There is exhibition of antique weapons, jewellery, furniture, and even early Chinese porcelain collections. This three floors gallery shows the paintings, photographs, calligraphy exhibits and woodcarving exhibits on display. The building itself was built as a state court in 1912 and opened to the public as a gallery in 1983. The building’s pillars feature vertical carvings, with an emblem of the state of Kedah on each door.
Other key tourist attractions include the Alor Setar Tower, that provides panoramic views of the city, Nobat Tower, that is associated with the royal family, Balai Besar, a key sightseeing location, Kedah Paddy Museum, that shows the history and importance of rice farming in the region, Gunung Keriang, Mahathir's Birthplace and Fort Kuala Kedah. Alor Setar and its historical landmarks are easily accessible by train or bus, or a picturesque drive along the North-South Expressway.
Alor Setar Tower -
Established in 1997, in the heart of Alor Setar, this 165.5-metre-tall (543 ft) tower is the second-tallest telecommunication tower and third tallest tower in Malaysia. It is a prominent modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in Kedah. Though the main purpose of the tower is to provide broadcasting and telecommunication services, but it also serves as a tourist attraction, offering a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The Alor Setar Tower comprises of a mega view banquet hall, a revolving restaurant, and an open deck at a height of 105 m. The structure of this beautiful tower represents clusters of tied rice. The large pillar that supports this sky-high tower represents the strength of the people of Kedah. Alor Setar Tower is mostly visited by the people to look for the crescent moon in the sky, during the holy months of Ramadhan, Shawwal, and Zulhijjah. Government-body meets, NGO meets, seminars and luncheons are also often conducted at the tower.
Paddy Museum -
The first paddy museum in Malaysia, and the fourth in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines. It was established in 2004, dedicated to the rice and paddy crop situated in the Alor Setar, Kedah. The museum is sprawled over an area of 12000 square meters in a three-storey space exhibiting the rice cultivation process in Malaysia. The museum also showcases the tools and equipment used in rice cultivation and the harvested rice stalks, motifs, rice murals, etc. This museum is a one stop destination to learn all about the paddy cultivation, its history and processing in an engrossing manner.
The entrance staircase of the museum is made in the cave shape inspired by the Gunung Keriang caves giving a beautiful view. The must-see part of the museum lies on the first floor which has a 360-degree revolving platform with forty cinema seats to explore the panoramic view of the wall murals. All painted by 60 North Korean artists, that give you a realistic feel of paddy fields and landscapes situated on the land of Kedah.
Pekan Rabu Mall -
Pekan Rabu meaning “Wednesday Market” is a shopping complex located in Alor Setar, Kedah. Started as a flea market, now it has grown into a multi-storey shopping arcade with nearly 400 shops and food stalls across four floors. known as a cultural and business landmark, the complex features an array of shops selling traditional handicrafts, local food, textiles, souvenirs and local delicacies. The mall also has its historically significant as a Malay business-cultural centre. It is an ideal spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. The complex is also a food paradise for food lovers, with variety of local dishes to try such as serunding, Kuah rojak, garam belacan, Nasi Kandar, Roti Canai, and delectable desserts like Cendol. The food court is perfect place to take a break from shopping and indulge in a culinary adventure with lively atmosphere and the enticing aromas wafting through the air. The complex is a source of pride for the local economy, as everything sold here is produced locally.
The complex also serves as a social gathering point for locals and tourists alike. Various cultural events and festivals showcasing the rich heritage of Kedah are held throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy traditional performances, art exhibitions, and local craft demonstrations, providing a deeper understanding of the region's traditions.
Aman Central Mall -
Located in the heart of Alor Setar city centre, and strategically in front of the iconic Alor Setar Tower, Aman Central Mall is the perfect reason to indulge in fashion, food and urban leisure. It is a masterpiece of contemporary sophistication distinctly combined to showcase an architectural landmark. Built in an area of 2,000,000 square feet, the mall features 6 levels of 330 retail shops, 80 mini shops, a ten-screen cinema hall, a 30-lane bowling alley, and eateries and also more than 1,700 parking bays. For foreign visitors, the mall also has money changers, metered taxi services and pick-up and drop-off points for tour buses. The Aman Central mall is the largest mall in the state of Kedah, that offers every experience from shopping to dining, entertainment, health and wellness, and feast of thrills and excitement. It also hosts many leading International and regional retail brands, 80% of which are seen for the first time in Alor Setar.
Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum -
The Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum is located in Merbok, Kedah, within the larger Bujang Valley historical complex. The museum showcases the history and cultural heritage of the Bujang Valley, an important archaeological site in Southeast Asia. It features exhibit artifacts and relics discovered in the Bujang Valley, from the 4th to the 14th century AD. The museum also features a variety of exhibits, including sculptures, ceramics, gold ornaments, and ancient inscriptions reflecting the region's rich history. Visitors can learn about the Hindu-Buddhist civilization and enhance their insights into Malaysia's heritage, art, culture, and archaeology. The museum is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists, as it offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of Malaysia along with surrounded lush landscapes.
The Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum have two main galleries which displays archaeological artifacts serving as evidence of Lembah Bujang’s existence. First the Southeast Asia’s central trading port from the 4th to the 14th century AD comprising of goods brought by Arab, Chinese and Indian traders as well as maritime traders from the Malay Archipelago including exotic jungle produce like gaharu, cendana etc. And second, the architecture and materialistic culture leftovers that is connected to religious faith and proving the existence of Hindu/Buddhist faith practiced in a portion of the society. Items displayed are architectural designs of Hindu temples with Hindu/Buddhist features and devices which could be related to the Hindu/Buddhist faith.
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