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State capital of Kedah, Malaysia
Photo: Johnsonooijunsheng at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Alor Setar is the state capital of Kedah, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Some claim that it is the state capital on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia that is richest in Malay culture.
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The capital's biggest, most prominent, and most architecturally impressive Buddhist temple complex strategically located in downtown Alor Setar. Built in Thai temple architecture with gilded roofs and colourful mosaic walls, it is a peaceful oasis for the city dwellers and caters to the mainly Chinese and Thai Buddhist populations.
The Kedah State Art Gallery was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts. Temporary exhibitions are held at regular intervals.
This building houses the sacred instruments of the Royal orchestra, played only during royal ceremonies such as inaugurations, weddings and funerals. The instruments consist of three drums, a gong and a flute, peculiar to the haunting strains of "nobat" music.
Located towards the back of the Kota Star Palace complex is the Balai Besar. It was built as aa Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (audience hall) in 1735 by the 19th Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah. It was a lovely building with wood pillars, roofs and flooring, but the building was badly damaged in 1770 when the Bugis armada attacked the place, and ruined even further by the Siamese in 1821. It was, however, refurbished in 1896 to prepare for the weddings of the reigning Sultan's children. Besides weddings, the Balai Besar was also used for official ceremonies and other royal events.
The fourth Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, was born on 10 July 1925 at the house near the ice factory at Kampung Seberang Perak.
The Zahir Mosque occupies a site of approximately 124,412 square feet. Its center hall (Prayer Hall) measures 62 x 62 feet and is surrounded by verandahs of 8 feet wide with 4 mezzanine areas, each of which has a dome. The main dome is located at the north-east of the mosque building. It is one of the grandest and oldest mosques in Malaysia.
Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this tower, standing at 165.5 metres tall, is a prominent and modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in the state of Kedah. It functions as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction. In the tower is a rotating restaurant named Restoran Sri Angkasa.
Kota Kuala Kedah at the mouth of the Kedah River is also known as Kota Kuala Bahang. Kota means fort and this was actually a fort that was built to ward off Kedah's enemies who came from the sea. It is said to have been built by stone masons especially brought in from India. Today, it is a fishing village, known for the variety of seafood that is served by the numerous restaurants that have since carved their business at the old historic site.
This is a museum that teaches all you need to know about paddy and rice; from the process of planting and harvesting, and all the way to the benefits and the many grades of rice. Entrance fee is applicable. The main attraction within the museum is the rotating deck, showcasing a large 360-degree mural depicting the four phases from planting to harvesting. On weekends, you may also experience riding the Malaysia traditional mode of transportation, the cow-caravan or kereta lembu.
(Palace Beside Kedai Runcit)- 2 km from city, displays the most magnificent contemporary Malaysian housing architecture of the 1980s.
Only if you arrive by car from south, exit North-South Expressway at Sungai Petani (30 km to south), drive to Merbok to see archealogy museum, then to Tanjong Dawai fishing village, buy belacan (shrimp paste used for cooking), then to Yan town, proceed to Kuala Kedah fort then have dinner at Perindu, a seafood place. Then to downtown hotel. This tour takes leisurely 6 hours.
Sentosa Restaurant is the top fine dining restaurant in Alor Setar. It offers a variety of international and local cuisine.
Easily accessible. Free WIFI throughout the hotel, spacious pillerless ballroom and function rooms. One of the famous hawker food streets is within walking distance.
In the middle of the city, beside Kedah Supermarket and near Pekan Rabu. The hotel is well-known for its food, especially during Ramadan (fasting) month.
In the middle of the city, adjacent to City Plaza shopping center. 4-star rating.
10 minutes from the city centre, adjacent to Darulaman track and football stadium (home to the state-owned soccer team, Kedah Football Association). Seri Malaysia is a local hotel chain.
Easily accessible and is near the Jalan Putra commercial area. The hotel has complete ported and wireless connectivity throughout its guest rooms, spacious coffee house, ballrooms and function rooms.
Or H/P:+60 13 488 7799. Easily accessible. The motel is 1 min from StarCity Hotel.
Hotel Seri Malaysia Alor Setar
Located in front of Pekan Rabu's main bus stop. It offers local goods such including traditional food and crafts.
The mall is near the North-South Expressway EXIT Alor Setar Selatan/South. It is one of the newest malls in Alor Setar which has another Pacific Store. Alor Setar Mall's Pacific Store offers a wide range of clothing for men, women and children. The brands include Levi's, Adidas and Diesel.
The newest mall and bazaar in Alor Setar, in which Giant hypermarket, a local hypermarket establishment, is the anchor tenant. It is considered as the modern version of Pekan Rabu.
Located in Jalan Pegawai, it is the best drive in Alor Setar. The drive has spas, boutiques, restaurants, antique shop etc. Anything you can imagine.
The only technology mall that offers the best variety of electronic products in the best price. It was called the "Low Yat" of Alor Setar.
The major shopping complex in Alor Setar. Sitting together with Holiday Villa Hotel, the complex offers entertainment, shopping and food. It has restaurants, bowling alleys, arcade center, cineplexes and shops that sell cloths, shoes, mobile phones and souvenirs.
Another major shopping spot in Alor Setar. It has Malaysia's very own Pacific Departmental Store. The mall offers a wide variety of shops.
By train
The inter-city train station receives trains from all major stations.
By plane
An alternative option for getting to Alor Setar would be to fly into Penang, which has a larger and better served airport, and make your way to Alor Setar overland
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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