Asia Beauty Spot – Asia Scenery

Kedah Darul Aman (Kedah’s official name) lies between Perlis in the north and Perak to the south and forms one of the northern states of Peninsula Malaysia. It’s a small state but you would never know by the surprising variety of attractions on offer here.

Primarily agricultural, Kedah offers a pleasant rural landscape which can take on different hues depending on the seasons of the paddy (rice).

The countryside is greenest when the newly planted paddy is sprouting, turns a golden yellow at harvest time and turns into a brown, earthy hue after the harvest.

It appears that much may lie hidden under the rolling plains of rice, for Kedah was once the cradle of an ancient civilization, the threads of which are just beginning to emerge from slow excavations of various historical sites found in the state.

Alor Star is the capital of Kedah and the seat of government and royalty. It is also the main commercial centre of the state. Langkawi, the most well-known cluster of islands on the peninsula, and a huge tourist draw, falls under Kedah’s jurisdiction.

1. Pulau Beras Basah

Pulau Beras Basah is blessed with crystal clear waters and pure white sandy beaches. It’s a favourite spot for swimming and sunbathing. Besides the inviting powdery-white sandy beach and the lush verdant backdrop, the waters around Pulau Beras Basah also offer other interesting propositions. A good way to see this island and also Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Dayang Bunting is with an “island hopping” boat tour. Just make your own way to Pantai Cenang and there are boats ready to take you there. Boats also operate from other locations, including the Awana Porto Malai Resort.

2. Pekan Rabu

Pekan Rabu is now open not just on Wednesday, but every day. Its well known among the local population and tourists from outside Kedah. From is humble beginning weekly market operating from an attap roofed shack, it has since expanded into a multistory arcade selling a wide range of from traditional delicacies like dodol durian to mengkuang mats and apparel.

Various types of commercial activities are conducted in Pekan Rabu, ranging from local products to international commence. Opening hours are from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm daily and stalls remain open even on public holidays and festivals.

One of the famous places to get the Malay traditional foods in Kedah such as serunding, dodol and kuah rojak or garam belacan. The business complex is not only the pride of Malay entreprenuers in Kedah but also the pride of all Malay’s in Kedah.

3. Bujang Valley

Archeology Museum Bujang Valley (Museum Arkeologi Lembah Bujang) that sits on Batu Pahat Hill was officially opened by His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Kedah 23rd January 1980. This museum is the first archeology museum built in Malaysia, under the Museum and Antiquity Department.

Bujang Valley was the oldest centre of international and entrepot trade for Malaysia. The numerous artefacts uncovered in the Bujang Valley -celedon, porcelain, stoneware, clay, pottery, fragments of glass, beads and Persian ceramics – are some proofs that support the observation.

4. Langkawi

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands with the best of many worlds; beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends. Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone in Langkawi about the tragic legend of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you’ll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by the her for seven generations.

Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi’s inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is not a pure coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Mausoleum) where the famous legendary figure is said to be buried.

Langkawi is not only geared towards tourism. Many of the islanders are farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and the peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi’s most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island.

You’ll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang – Langkawi’s second highest mountain – for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond.

You can also visit the Field of Burnt Rice, the Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting, (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and the Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave).

And if you’re more outdoorsy, why not go trekking through the pristine rainforest that blankets most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves, go diving, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts. Langkawi also has an underwater world, containing an underground tunnel that runs though a giant aquarium, that has gotten rave reviews.

Beautiful scenery, great adventures, five-star conveniences and an international airport make Langkawi a great place for a holiday.

5. Tree Top Walk

The 950m-long Tree Top Walk in the Sedim River Recreation Park is the longest canopy walk in the world. The Tree Top Walk Sedim River was built within the low land of dipterocarp compartment 15 of Gunung Inas Forest Reserve.

The spectacular view you get when you stroll through the jungle canopy is the main draw for visitors from far and wide to this quiet, all-natural corner of Kedah.

Strolling high above the ground of this primeval rainforest affords visitors an unexpected and exciting perspective.

Call it a ‘monkey’s eye view’. Visitors will enjoy the fabulous sight of rushing streams and truly fascinating flora and fauna – all from 50m up!

6. Mahathir’s Birth Place or ‘Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir’

Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir which provides an insight into the younger days of the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, from his school days to his success as a doctor.

He was born in Alor Star on Dec 20, 1925 at No 18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai. His home has seen been designated a historical building and was restored by the National Archives in 1992.

Getting the full list of Kedah Attractions (Part 2)

Courtesy of Malaysia Tourism Board