Also known by its honorific Darul Aman and Queda, Kedah is one of Malaysia states located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It covers over 9,000 km2 total area, consisting of a mainland and the Langkawi islands. The islands are where tourism is mainly concentrated, yet there are also other places of interest on the mainland.
Kedah is a heterogeneous state with native Kedahan Malay, along with Chinese, Indian, Siamese, and Semang. Consequently, this state is also a home to various languages and dialects. People in Kedah experience high temperatures all year round, with the coldest weather in December, while the rainy season takes place from April to November. Hence, if Kedah is your next trip destination, it’s advisable to visit between December to February.
Kedah is also considered the “rice bowl” of Malaysia, since it produces about half of Malaysia’s total production of rice. The mainland of the state has relatively flat terrain, used to grow rice. Therefore, the most famous dish in Kedah is pulut: glutinous rice paired with fruits, such as mango, durian, and banana. However, it’s nearly impossible to have a trip in this culturally-vibrant state without allocating some time for other destinations. Take a look at several info on how to fully enjoy Kedah, including its popular tourist attractions, public transports, and recommended accommodations, below:
While in Kedah, make sure to give yourself time to explore its highlighted attractions, since you haven’t visited Kedah yet if you miss some of them below:
Operational hours: 9.30 am to 6 pm daily
Attracted to experience a bird’s eye view of the Langkawi islands? Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car is the answer. Located at the oldest part of Southeast Asia, ancient sea, and estuary, you would have a goose bump as you fly across the panoramic views of the islands with a cable car. To enhance the moment, opt for bottom glass, 360°, or private gondola for the finest appreciation of the islands’ beauty.
Operational hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily
Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and freshwater aquaria in Southeast Asia. It has become a must-see attraction in Langkawi and attracted both domestic and global tourists. Focusing on research, development, education, and entertainment, the park consisting of The Tropical Rainforest and River Ecosystem, Freshwater Fish Section, Seashell Display, Koi Pond, and more are worth exploring for both pleasure and knowledge.
Compared to other big cities, like Kuala Lumpur, Kedah may have limited public transports. However, there are still some ways to cater your explorations in Kedah:
There are 2 train services in Kedah: KTM Intercity and KTM Komuter Northern Line. KTM Intercity offers several major stops, like Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, and Gurun. It also connects Kedah to other parts of Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Meanwhile, the KTM Komuter Northern Line serves towns like Padang Besar (on the Thailand border) to Butterworth (Penang).
The main bus service in Kedah is MyBas, a government-run bus operating in and around Alor Setar. It connects various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are also some other bus operators serving major towns in Kedah, such as Sungai Petani and Kulim, and to other states.
While the tourism in Kedah is mainly focused in Langkawi, ferries are also popular public transports in Kedah. From Kuala Kedah or Penang, you can hop on a ferry to head to Langkawi Island. This is the major mode of transport to reach Langkawi from the mainland.
The first best area to stay in Kedah is, of course, Langkawi islands. As the largest island in the archipelago and tourism center of Kedah, Langkawi would welcome you with pristine beaches and spectacular vistas. Various accommodations, ranging from budget to luxury beach resorts and hotels are available along the coastline. The second best area to stay in Kedah is the capital, Alor Setar. As the state’s cultural and historical hub, Alor Setar is a haven for historical landmarks: Zahir Mosque, Kedah Royal Museum, etc. Many convenient amenities: shopping malls and restaurants, as well as transport facilities are other reasons why Alor Setar is an ideal place to lodge in Kedah.
You’re a budget-conscious traveler? Don’t worry–we got you! Here are some budget hotels for you to stay during your visit in Kedah:
Check-in and check-out times: check-in from 3 to 10 pm, check-out from 7 am to 12 pm
The Cottage Langkawi is an ordinary budget hotel in Jalan Pantai Cenang featuring basic but comfortable accommodation. Refrigerator, shower, TV, AC, and WiFi are in-room facilities available in this hotel. For outdoor leisure, it gives you easier access to Rice Garden Langkawi and Cenang Beach only a couple of meters away from the property.
Check-in and check-out times: from 2 pm, before 12 pm
Another economical hotel in Kedah, especially in Sungai Petani is SP Golden Star Hotel. This 3-star accommodation features rooms equipped with TV, hairdryer, shower, AC, and heater. This is a perfect place to stay for golf addicts because Cinta Sayang Golf Club is only a kilometer away from the hotel. There’s also a shopping center nearby.
If you take your family to Kedah’s trip and look for hotels that can accommodate your family, including your younger ones, here are the options:
Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 12 pm
There are so many luxury hotels for families with high popularity in Langkawi; one of them is Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi. Nestled between award winning landscape gardens and the famous Cenang Beach, this property is a tropical oasis where a lifetime of remarkable memories is created. In addition to extravagant rooms and suites overlooking the lush green gardens and various exciting dining options, the hotel provides lots of pleasures for both parents and children: spa and massage, pools, children play area, fitness center, poolside bar, and more.
Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 12 pm
As the first ACCOR hotel in Langkawi, Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang is another opulent accommodation in the island. This is a hidden jewel amidst the busy street of Cenang Beach, featuring convenient and fully-furnished rooms and dining. During your stay at this hotel, you would have various kinds of sport and recreation areas, like golf, bowling alley, fishing, pools, and a playground.
In Kedah, you can have other options of accommodation instead of just hotels. It allows you to have more exciting staycations. Check out some choices below:
Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 12 pm
PARKROYAL Langkawi is an upscale resort situated near Cenang Beach. The guest rooms and suites offer romantic getaway, featuring well-appointed in-room facilities. Get ready for the sumptuous breakfast at Cassia right after you open your eyes in the morning, a complimentary wine bottle, and a three-course set dinner at Lancava Restaurant in the evening.
Check-in and check-out times: check-in from 3 to 10 pm, check-out before 12 pm
If you prefer a villa to stay in, look no further than Sembilan Langkawi. Built in serene fields, this villa is where nature lovers should belong to. Not only does it provide favorable and fully-furnished villas, Sembilan Langkawi features a golf course for golfers, cycling tracks, glamping sites, bird-watching spots, and jungle-trekking trails. Here, you can find peace and tranquility, as well as deeper appreciation for nature.
Check-in and check-out times: from 2 pm, before 12 pm
For a long stay with families, you can consider a homestay to lodge in Kedah, such as LIM HOMESTAY Taman Saga Alor Setar. Staying here, you would be near the city's conveniences, like shopping malls and popular tourist landmarks: Kedah Royal Museum. TV and a restaurant are the property’s main amenities for the guests, in addition to other available ones.
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Total Accommodation | 635 Properties |
Popular City | Langkawi, Alor Setar |
Popular Hotel | PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi |
Popular Landmark | Mount Jerai, Cenang Beach |