Kedah

The state of Kedah spans approximately 9, 425 sq. km in the northern part of the Peninsular and together with Perlis, Perak and Kelantan, shares a common border with neighbouring Thailand. It has the distinction of being the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia", the Kedah-Perlis rice plains produce more than half of the country's home grown rice supply. Alor Setar, the state capital, is the seat of Government and the business centre of the state.

The flat expanse of padi fields against a backdrop of rolling hills provides a picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses. Off its western shore, are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary islands of Langkawi. Kedah also owes its fame to the archeological discoveries at the Bujang Valley, which furnished evidence of the existence of an early civilisation dating back to the 6th cebtury A.D. With its islands, legends, historical relics, hill stations and scenic aterfalls, Kedah offers the visitor a variety of sights, sounds and fun-filled activities - from beach combing to diving, water skiing, picnicking or merely to take in the sights.

Interesting Place

Seri Perigi

Seri Perigi is located 5 km from Yan or 35 km from Alor Setar.
This recreational forest is particularly unique because it has the highest waterfall in the state of Kedah. The pounding and splashing of water over 100 m of steep slopes seems endless.

This splendid waterfall can be observed from the road as you travel from Guar Chempedak to Yan Kecil. Along the journey to this recreational forest you will be able to behold the scenic views of paddy fields, fruit orchards and traditional Malay Villages. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna of lowland dipterocarp forest.
There is also a solid rock cliff that provides entertainment for those who enjoys tough and challenging activities. The main plant species found here are meranti melantai, meranti langgong, meranti tembaga and palms.

Pantai Merdeka

Kedah is also endowed with a beautiful 1 km stretch of white sandy beach known as Pantai Merdeka, approximately 60 km south of Alor Setar. This enchanting beach is shaded by tall swaying palms, under which one may spend leisurely hours - picnicking or just lazing the hours away, Water skiing and sailing are also popular along this stretch of coastal water. The mountains and hills of Kedah offer a number of lovely picnic spots set within verdant greenery, cool mountain streams and the invigorating freshness of the mountain air.

Batu Hampar

You can get to Batu Hampar quite easily from Yan. It is located just 3km from Yan, and 40km from Alor Star. Near this recreational forest is the Royal Cottage of the Sultan of Kedah.
Amongst the special natural features of the area are a waterfall and the Raga River that flows through the forest.

There is also a homestay village called Kampung Sungai Raja found near Batu Hampar. This recreational area has a large variety of flora and fauna and is a great spot for outdoor fun.

Kota Kuala Kedah

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 was reportedly 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.

Island and Beach

Langkawi Island / Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas.

The largest of these islands is called Langkawi Island and is bigger than the Penang Island.The other islands in this group are Island of Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting), Lion Island (Pulau Singa Besar) and Beras Basah Island.The smallest of these islands are atolls roughly the size of an ordinary house!

Langkawi is coined from the Malay words Lang and Kawi. Lang is a brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone.The ancient fishermen must have seen eagles flying clutching the manganese stones! A giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah Jetty.

The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.

This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legendsand myths associated with it.Langkawi Island is therefore also called Pulau Lagenda or Legendary Island.

The most talked about legend is that of Mahsuri who is said to have laid a curse on this island for seven generations.Luckily the period of this curse is over now and Langkawi Island is fast becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination.

The government of Malaysia has declared the entire Langkawi Island as a duty free zone. Hence this island is also termed Duty Free Island.All goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax.Therefore this Legendary Island is a haven for the shoppers.You only need to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 48 hours to take back home a reasonable amount of tax free goods.

Pulau Payar Marine Park

The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation.

Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2km long and 1/4 km wide, Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.

There are several sandy beaches on Pulau Payar island for picnics as well as hiking trails for those who wish to explore the island. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks. Facilities include gazebos, picnic tables, barbecue pits and restrooms at selected areas. There is also a Visitors' Centre that provides information about the marine park.

Visitors can get to Pulau Payar from the Kuah jetty point by catamaran or speed boat. The catamaran services operated by Langkawi Coral, takes about 45 minutes to get to Pulau Payar while the speed boat takes an hour. It is advisable to book the catamaran service a day before the trip. Enquiries can be made with any travel agent in Kuah or at the jetty point for those intending to travel by speed boat. Apart from the fare, a levy of RM5.00 for adults and RM2.50 for children is charged for entry to the marine park.