Regardless of whether you are a fellow Malaysian like me, or a foreigner who is acquainted with Malaysia, you’d very likely agree that Kedah is frequently ignored as a travel vacation spot inside of the state. Bordering Thailand, Kedah is one particular of Malaysia’s northernmost states, most frequently acknowledged for its paddy fields, earning it the nickname “rice bowl of Malaysia”! Furthermore, Kedah is dwelling to a considerable Malaysian Siamese inhabitants, with quite a few beautiful Siamese temples, also identified as wats, scattered all through the condition.
A couple of months back again, my pal and I established out on a highway journey to Kedah from Kuala Lumpur by car or truck. Here’s my itinerary for discovering the varied condition, excellent for travellers who take pleasure in both equally city adventures and character escapades. Maintain studying to find out far more!
Exciting point: The well known Langkawi island is also portion of Kedah!
Also read: 12 Dreamy Treehouses in Malaysia You Can Guide on Airbnb
My Kedah itinerary and travel guidelines
Working day 1: Discovering places to eat in Kedah, Malaysia
There are various transportation choices to arrive at Kedah, such as teach and airplane. However, I advise driving here, as it is the most practical. Along the way, you’ll have the prospect to relish the lovely view of paddy fields, as well.
Our to start with quit was McDota in Sungai Petani, Kedah. This is an previous school rapid foods cafe that has been serving fried rooster because the 1980s. I uncovered the notion intriguing although exploring destinations to eat in Kedah, as there are not quite a few longstanding quickly-food items joints in Kuala Lumpur apart from the perfectly-known chains like McDonald’s and KFC.
While the cafe looks a little little bit shabby, the fried rooster and fries in this article are fairly delicious! They remind me of all those canteen foodstuff I experienced back again in elementary college.
We then frequented the foods court just a handful of actions absent from McDota — Medan Selera Jalan Dewa. There are quite a few meals decisions in this article, we finished up possessing the asam laksa (bitter and spicy fish primarily based rice noodle soup) and the wolf herring fish ball noodles. On the way to our hotel, I got myself some grilled corn and nira (palm nectar) from a person of the roadside stalls.
P.S. It is my first time striving palm nectar, it’s sweet and remarkably refreshing!
Later on, we checked into our hotel — The Leverage Lite Lodge, positioned in concerning Kuala Kedah and Alor Setar. The selling price for this two-star resort is roughly RM100 (~S$28) for each night time. We picked this hotel largely for its spot and affordability. Nonetheless, be sure to be mindful that it does not have an escalator, and visitors will will need to use the stairs. Fret not there are numerous other accommodations in the city to take into consideration.
Test Rates & AVAILABILITY
For evening meal, we stumbled upon a hidden gem in Kuala Kedah — Moo Noi. This cafe, nestled in an day-to-day home, served up mouth watering Thai meals with a homey ambiance. Their Thai milk tea, tom yum soup and pad kra pao (basil stir-fry) are ought to-tries! What’s even far better is that the charges are quite acceptable, totaling only RM42(~S$12) for a few dishes and two drinks.
Day 2: Visiting unique temples and continuing our gastronomic journey in Kedah
Following grabbing some kimbap for a fast breakfast from the comfort retail outlet, we went to our 1st desired destination of the day: Wat Bottle, also acknowledged as Wat Charok Padang in Sik. As the title suggests, from the gazebo and rest room to the Buddhist temple by itself, this spot is beautifully decorated with a hundred thousand eco-friendly and brown glass bottles. There is also a bottle-like gate in entrance of the temple, which looks very amazing.
It is also home to a Siamese school, and site visitors can interact with lovable animals like ducklings and dogs. Additionally, entrance to the temple is free!
Then, we proceeded to our next vacation spot: Rock Village, which is also positioned in the Sik district. This spot is a lot more than just a tourist attraction — it is also a tenting web site with a cafe! As we drove into the spot, we passed by rows of para rubber trees, a exceptional sight for metropolis folk like us.
Rock Village is perched atop a hill. To get there, we initially parked at the selected place, then paid RM8 (~S$2) per particular person for a ride up in their four-wheeled vehicle.
The look at from Rock Village is completely breathtaking! For character fanatics, contemplate keeping at the very least a night listed here. In addition to tenting web-sites, they also provide substantial-conclude rooms for a far more magnificent remain. Considering the fact that we didn’t approach to continue to be right away, we departed immediately after having some pics and soaking in the check out for a though.
TripZilla Suggestion: Rock Village is open up day-to-day from 7am to 7pm, so make confident to time your take a look at appropriately!
Next, we had lunch at Reuf Contemporary Eatery, a lesser-known culinary gem in Alor Setar. This cafe is the very first in Kedah that features a dwell kitchen area strategy. Here, you can consider a glimpse at the chefs preparing your dishes from start off to finish. Each individual dish is effectively introduced — very a lot like good dining, but at a additional inexpensive value position.
We indulged in two mocktails, a serving of Wild Herbs Pesto Shrimp (pesto pasta), Braised Lamb Shank with Heritage Nasi Ulam Kedah, Taco Beef, and Truffle Cheese Fries. Our full bill came to close to RM150 (~S$42). For those people trying to get a distinctive and upscale eating expertise, this is the spot to be.
In the night, we frequented Wat Lampam, also identified as the White Temple in Alor Setar. The premises function quite a few properties and are residence to a Siamese inhabitants in the region. The intricate temples, meticulously cared for, have to have people to eliminate their shoes before entering. Similar to Wat Charok Padang, guests can interact with canine, sit in front of the temple, and simply relish the instant. Entry to Wat Lampan is totally free, too.
On the way back again to the town centre, we have been dealt with to an awe-inspiring sight of the sun setting amidst the lush paddy fields. If you are driving in Kedah, this is the amazing landscapes you can count on all through the golden hour!
For Day 2’s evening meal, we opted for a stop by to a renowned nasi kandar eatery in Alor Setar — Nasi Kandar Danial. We have been amazed to obtain a queue forming in front of the stall (it’s common, in fact)! Right here, you can complement your rice with a selection of aspect dishes this sort of as fried chicken, vegetables, seafood, and eggs, together with numerous curries and savoury gravies. Our prime choose was certainly the fried chicken — crispy on the outdoors, tender on the inside of, and bursting with aroma and flavour!
Working day 3: City walking all over Alor Setar
Following possessing breakfast at a Taiwanese restaurant in the vicinity of the resort, we began our journey on Working day 3 in Kedah. Our first quit of the working day was The Blue Lagoon Alor Setar. The Blue Lagoon refers to the picturesque blue pond nestled amidst the paddy fields, generating it a ideal image-having place! Even so, it is essential to observe that there are no fences or protecting actions close to therefore, recall to be further cautious when exploring the region.
TripZilla Idea: Though I’m not sure if this location is at present shut, in accordance to locals, authorities are preparing to assemble a bridge in the vicinity.
We headed to Dataran Alor Setar (Alor Setar square) later on. Here, you are going to be greeted by a perspective of the landmark — Alor Setar Tower or Menara Alor Setar, and Nobat Hall Alor Setar. The former is a 165.5-meter-tall telecommunications tower, and the tallest structure in Kedah. Guests can head up to the observation deck and revel in the panoramic views of the town. Nobat Hall Alor Setar, on the other hand, was created extra than a century ago to keep royal musical instruments.
In addition, a impressive black mosque with Moorish-impressed domes, known as Masjid Zahir, sits right reverse of the square. Aside from that, there are also other attractions like the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Gallery and Kedah Royal Museum nearby, catering to museum lovers.
Following getting photographs of and with the legendary Alor Setar Tower, we explored the Aman Central shopping centre for a little bit. This significant buying haven is just a couple of minutes’ wander away from the aforementioned Dataran Alor Setar.
TripZilla Suggestion: I also propose checking out the Gigi Espresso outlet in the mall, as it presents a immediate check out of the Alor Setar Tower!
If you enjoy images walks, exploring Alor Setar’s Pekan Cina and Pekan Melayu is a ought to! These spots are adorned with a lot of vibrant artwork murals, showcasing figures this sort of as Malaysia’s former Key Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was born in Kedah, and Tunku Abdul Rahman, the country’s 1st prime minister. Not to point out a myriad of delicious meals and dessert selections around the location.
TripZilla Suggestion: For photography enthusiasts, I highly endorse a visit to Pekan Buah, a colourful developing with stalls marketing many fruits and vegetables. A different concealed pictures treasure is the Old Alor Setar Railway Bridge.
When dinner time arrived, we spontaneously chose to dine at Restoran Aminres Ukir Mall. I significantly like how diners can take pleasure in a splendid view of the Alor Setar Tower whilst eating outside in this article. The restaurant delivers a range of neighborhood dishes, ranging from kerabu maggi to satays.
Whilst driving back to the hotel, we chanced upon the Kuala Kedah night time industry (Pasar Malam Kuala Kedah). This bustling market features a huge array of delightful Malay delicacies, with cheerful greetings from the cordial sellers. We content our cravings by shopping for far more food in advance of calling it a day.
Day 4: Savouring our previous bites in Kedah and a serene temple take a look at
In advance of our departure, we liked breakfast at a noodle stall located in Kedai Kopi Town Residence in Alor Setar. The noodle stall is popular for its remarkably inexpensive charges and good flavours. Would you believe that a bowl of their dry wonton noodles fees only RM2.50 (~S$.70)? It’s absolutely outstanding. It’s also most likely the most economical noodles you can come across in city!
Our final place of this journey before heading property is the Temple of Metropolis Deity Sg Petani – East Mountain Wei Yan Altar in Sungai Petani. It was intriguing to see a significant group of statues encompassing a few large Buddha and Guan Yin statues inside of this Buddhist temple. On top of that, the temple features a peaceful zen yard adorned with charming panda statues, as perfectly as a substantial koi pond. Similar to the former temples we frequented, this location exudes each magnificence and tranquillity.
Also read through: Penang vs Langkawi: Which Island Spot in Malaysia Is for You?
So that concludes my highway vacation to Kedah, Malaysia. When it could not be the most extensive and great itinerary covering each and every corner in Kedah, individuals who are new to the region can certainly use it as a helpful reference. For travellers who have by now been to most of the well-liked towns in Malaysia, I remarkably suggest you to check out this quaint condition for a just one-of-a-sort knowledge!
All illustrations or photos are credited to Cecelia Chang.