19 Things To Do In Alor Setar

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Museum (5)
Forts & Palaces (2)
Sightseeing (2)
Historical Site (1)

1. Zahir Mosque

Mosque

Nestled in Kedah, the Zahir Mosque is one of the oldest and grandest mosques in Malaysia. It is also considered as one of the 10 most beautiful mosques in the world. Masjid Zahir is regarded as an architectural gem whose history dates back to the early 1900s. Its five black domes, unique colour combinations and intricate carvings make it a true sight to behold.

17 km from city center

Landmark

Situated in Alor Setar, the Alor Setar Tower is the second-tallest telecommunication tower in Malaysia. The magnificent tower rises to a height of about 165.5 meters. Though the main purpose of the tower is to provide broadcasting and telecommunication services, it houses an observation deck which is a popular tourist spot.

4.3 /5

Museum

Located in Alor Setar, late Prime Minister Mahathir's Birthplace a.k.a. Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir serves as a museum for visitors. This museum provides an insight into the life of the longest-serving Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He was born in a house located in Alor Setar on December 20, 1925.

4.1 /5

Sightseeing

Located beside the Clock Tower in Alor Setar, the octagonal Nobat Tower is a true architectural marvel. The tower is also referred to as Balai Nobat or the Hall of Drums. Nobat Tower rises to a height of about 59 feet and features a unique onion-shaped dome that is painted in yellow.

5. Balai Besar

4.2 /5

Sightseeing

Located in the heart of Alor Setar, Kedah, Balai Besar is a royal audience hall whose history dates back to the 1700s. Balai Besar not only features traditional Malay architectural features but it also showcases Victorian and Thai architectural elements. The roof of the hall is adorned with golden carvings and mirrors whereas the pillars are adorned with iron lacework.

4.5 /5

43 km from city center

Mountain

Gunung Keriang, popularly also known as Mount Keriang is an age old mountain range stretched along a paddy field to the northwest of Alor Setar in the Kedah district of Malaysia. At an elevation of 218 meters, the 250 million year old mountain of Gunung Keriang is shaped like an elephant and is majorly composed of limestone. Gunung Keriang has some distinctive features like the presence of ten dif (Read More)ferent rocks renowned for Fung-Shui at a single place like calcite crystals among others. The place is yet very famous among tourists and is expanding slowly with some inclusions like Water Park, horse riding fields, mini zoo and even a lift to reach the peak easily.

4.1 /5

17 km from city center

Museum

Fourth paddy museum in the world, Kedah Paddy Museum is an enthralling museum dedicated to the rice and paddy crop situated in the Alor Setah Kedar near the entrance of Gunung Keriang. Established in 2004, it is a one stop destination to learn all, from paddy cultivation to its history and processing in an engrossing manner. The museum is sprawled over an area of 12000 square meters in a three sto (Read More)rey space exhibiting harvested rice stalks, motifs, rice murals etc.

4.2 /5

10 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Fort Kuala Kedah, also known as Kuala Bahang Fort, is a historical treasure located at the northern facet of Kedah River. Built in 1771 by Sultan Muhammad, it was initially used as a protection shield for the Kedah state and Alor Star. Rich in history, the fort has survived many battles and has been rebuilt after several destructions by Bugis, Acehnese, and Siamese. The prime entrance of the fort, (Read More) Pintu Gerbang Kadapun is grand and faces towards the north of Alor Melaka on a commanding position and equips some government offices.

4.0 /5

17 km from city center

Art Gallery

The State Art Gallery at Kedah has on display the state of Kedah’s heritage. There are exhibits on antique weapons, jewellery, furniture, and even early Chinese porcelain collections. In addition, there are paintings, photographs, calligraphy exhibits as well as woodcarving exhibits on display in the three floors this gallery spans. The building itself was built as a state court in 1912 and opened (Read More) to the public as a gallery in 1983. The pillars of the building feature vertical carvings, with an emblem of the state of Kedah on each door.

Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery

4.0 /5

17 km from city center

Museum

The Sultan Museum, full name the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Gallery, is located in the same building that used to be the New High Court Building in Alor Setar. The museum offers a glimpse into the life of the former ruler of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim, with artefacts from his life such as official documents, clothing, antique furniture and personal possessions on display.

4.4 /5

Forts & Palaces

The Istana Kuning, or Yellow Palace, used to be the royal palace during the Kutaringin Sultanate. There are four buildings within the palace compound, with yellow, the royal colour, being the colour scheme. With a big chunk of the palace compound being taken over to construct a public garden, the compound is a lot smaller than it used to be.

3.9 /5

17 km from city center

Museum

Open daily and with free entry, the Kedah State Museum is a storehouse of the state’s history, from the Bujang Valley civilization to colonial times. On display are artefacts such as ancient ceramic and porcelain and items belonging to the royal family. There also is a small gold sculpture of a tree, gifted as a tribute to Siam by the Kedah Sultanate.

4.2 /5

17 km from city center

Things To Do

Among the most preserved Chinatowns in Malaysia, Alor Setar’s Chinatown transports visitors to the 1950s. Restored shops line the narrow streets, and houses have their own unique style and decoration. The houses are two-storeyed, with living quarters upstairs and workshops on the ground floor. Occupants of the houses perform their family trades with printing shops, bicycle repair shops and hardwar (Read More)e stores in the area.

4.3 /5

17 km from city center

Waterfront

Stretching for a few hundred metres along the southern part of Chinatown, Alor Setar Waterfront features a park next to the Kedah river. Visitors can spot the Lighthouse Cape Chali from the park and kayakers on the rivers. In addition, there are restaurants at the waterfront, such as Jeragan Waterfront Restaurant, which lets diners enjoy views of the river.

4.0 /5

17 km from city center

Historical Site

The Menara Jam Besar or Big Clock Tower was opened in 1912, with its chimes calling people to prayer. The golden yellow and white exteriors showcase a mix of Islamic and Hindu architecture styles. The upper part of the tower has a crowning dome with a crescent atop it, while in the lower half, Islamic and Hindu styles converge. The tower is located near the Zahir Mosque.

4.3 /5

17 km from city center

Shopping Market

The Pekan Rabu Complex originally started as a flea market but has grown into a multi-storey shopping arcade that sells handicrafts, apparel, and local delicacies. The complex is one of the best places to try local dishes such as serunding, Kuah rojak and garam belacan. Everything on sale is locally produced, and the complex is a source of pride for the local economy.

4.4 /5

17 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Located opposite Alor Setar Tower, Aman Central is the largest mall in the state of Kedah. Spread over six floors, this mall has a ten-screen cinema hall, a 30-lane bowling alley, eateries, and numerous retail outlets. The mall also has money changers for foreign visitors, metered taxi services and pick-up and drop-off points for tour buses. Shopaholics are sure to have fun exploring multiple shop (Read More)s selling clothing, accessories, electronic gadgets and health and wellness products.

4.3 /5

18 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

As one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Alor Setar, Wat Nikrodharam is often visited by locals to pray and visitors to explore its beauty. The outside of the temple has a magnificent fusion of Thai and Chinese architecture with fascinating statues and sculptures. Interiors are well-designed with wonderful art and paintings along with a buddha statue and other religious relics. The temple has a ra (Read More)ther large peaceful area where visitors are free to roam around and admire the general splendour.

4.4 /5

Museum

Also known as the Kedah Royal Museum, it is located next to Balai Besar in Alor Setar. Previously a Royal Palace for the Sultan of Kedah, it now displays a large selection of relics, artifacts and other exhibits that was once the property of Kedah Royalty. The magnificent structure of the building was initially made of wood and then rebuilt in 1856 with a resemblance of Thai architecture.