Pedu Lake

Settled in the midst of the dense rainforest of Gunung Fakir Terbang and surrounded by an undulating terrain, this magnificent lake offers a serenity that is unmatched, a landscape that is beautiful beyond words, and a refreshing cool environment.

Pulau Langkawi

A true tropical paradise, Langkawi is steeped in history. Its past is full of legends of wronged maidens and lovelorn princesses, all of whom have left their mark for prosperity.

Payar Island

About one hour's travel by boat from Kuala Kedah, Payar Island is part of a four-island group, which consists of Sagantang Island, Kala Island, and Lembu Island. Payar Island, in particular, is noted for its white sandy beaches and colorful marine life. It is a great place to enjoy water sports. A fascinating array of hard and soft corals and multicolored tropical fishes can be seen in the crystal clear waters. There are no accommodation facilities on these islands. Camping is only allowed after obtaining permission from the Fisheries Department at Alor Setar or Kuala Lumpur.

Waterfalls

There are a few parks in Kedah that are blessed with magnificent waterfalls. One favorite weekend retreat is Batu Kampar. Picnickers can revel in the cool depths of rocky pools while enjoying the thundering roars of the waterfall. Peranginan Bukit Hijau in the district of Baling offers another park, which features a waterfall amidst lush greenery. Other waterfalls include Puncak Janing and Seri Perigi

Bukit Kayu Hitam

This border town acts as the main entrance to Thailand. Most of the traffic between these two countries and all the buses to Hat Yai in Thailand come through this way. Apart from that, the Duty Free Shopping Annex offers shopping at bargain prices. For those who want some relaxation, there is a newly constructed golf course of international standard.

Kuala Kedah

Located about 12km from Alor Setar, this town is home to Kota Kuala Kedah. It is a fort that was built around 1770 to protect Kedah from enemies who came in from the sea. It is said that stone masons were specially brought in from India to build the fort. Today, it is a busy fishing village and a paradise for seafood.

Pantai Merdeka

Located approximately 60km south of Alor Setar, Pantai Merdeka is endowed with a stretch of white sunny beaches that are shaded with tall swaying palms. Water skiing and sailing are popular along this stretch of coastal water. One can also choose to have picnics here or just laze around. Pantai Merdeka makes a great place to relax and unwind

Alor Setar

The capital of Kedah state is approachable from all parts of the Peninsula by all transport means. Alor Setar has many modern structures and shopping complexes of historical significance.

Gunung Jerai

Formerly known as "Kedah Peak", this forest-clad Gunung Jerai is a massive limestone outcrop that rises 1200m above sea level. As the highest peak in the state, it adds a touch of variety to the scenic flat plains seen throughout the area.

Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley)

Home to the most important Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in the Malay Peninsula, Lembah Bujang dates as far back as the 5th Century. By the 7th Century, it had become part of the huge Sriwijaya Empire of Sumatra. Lembah Bujang reached its architectural peak in the 9th and 10th Century; Hindu and Buddhist temples were scattered all over the area. Archeologists have unearthed more than 53 temples or "candis" (shrines). The kingdom had traded with India, Khmer, and Sriwijaya. It was a kingdom that was rich in history, culture, and trade. Nonetheless, the kingdom crumbled and temples were deserted with the coming of Islam in the 14th Century. These temples remained buried in the jungle until British archeologist Quatrich-Wales first excavated them in 1936. The Muzium Arkeologi Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley Archeological Museum) chronicles these excavations. It also displays stone carvings, pottery shards, and other findings. Behind the museum, visitors will be treated to the sight of temples or "candis". The most significant and largest temple would be the 1000-year-old Candi Bukit Batu Pahat.

Kedah

Together with Perlis, Perak, and Kelantan, this northwest state shares a common border with Thailand in the north. Known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia", the Kedah-Perlis rice plains produce more than half of the country's home grown rice supply. It is a land of unique natural beauty, surrounded by much greenery. The terrain of Kedah is considered 'flat' with "kampungs" (villages) scattered over "padi" (rice) fields. One will be able to feast their eyes on lush green padi fields enhanced by traditional Malay houses, coconut palms, local fruit trees, and rolling hills. The people of Kedah are generally padi planters with most living in kampungs next to their fields. As one of the oldest states in Malaysia, Kedah has a population of approximately 1 million people, which is made up of various races. Kedah is very much a Malay state although traces of Thai or Achinese ancestry can still be seen. It has different business hours than most of the other states. Banks and government offices are closed on Friday. Saturday is a half-day and Sunday is a working day. Although Kedah is Malaysia's "rice bowl", the state is currently undertaking new fields, mainly industrial and tourism. Industrial estates have sprung up in Alor Setar, Kuala Kedah, and Sungai Petani while the government has started developing and promoting tourist facilities.
Modern Kedah begins with the Hindu-Buddhist era in the 5th Century. Even the current royal family's past can be traced to that century. Other findings also show that Kedah was the cradle of Hindu-Buddhist civilization in the Peninsula and one of the first places to come into contact with Indian traders. These archeological findings show that the state was once a prosperous center for trade. However, the history of Kedah is marked by successive periods of foreign influence due to its vulnerable position - it was located on one of the main transit routes across the Peninsula on the great east-west trade route. It first came under the influence of the Sriwijaya Empire of Sumatra during the 7th and 8th Century. Later, it fell under the influence of the Thais until the 15th Century when the rise of Melaka led to the Islamization of the area. The Portuguese later attacked Kedah in the 17th Century. The British held power in the 18th Century and the Siamese again in the 19th Century. Kedah remained under the Siamese control until early 20th Century when they were passed to the British. It finally became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1948.
Getting there
By Road : The north-south expressway has made it easy for any traveler to drive up to Kedah. Roads are accessible from major towns and cities in the Peninsula. It is a 7-8 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. From major towns, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, air-conditioned express buses are also available. They service almost all towns in Kedah.
From Alor Setar, the capital city of Kedah, one can even take the bus up to the border of Thailand.
By Rail : The Malaysian railway (KTM) services major towns in Kedah.
By Air : The airport is located approximately 11km north of Alor Setar. Malaysia Airlines flies daily to and from Alor Setar from Kuala Lumpur via either Penang or Kota Bharu.