Kedah Darul Aman: There is more to this Rice Bowl State than just paddy fields…

The house where Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s Fourth Prime Minister, was born

No doubt, Kedah’s main attraction is its green landscape of the vast paddy fields. Depending on the season, the colour might change to gold when it is harvesting season. This scenery is difficult to find in other states, made possible by the levelled topography just inches above sea level.

Kedah is also well known for its historical vestiges besides the birthplace of a number of well-known political leaders who laid the foundation of the country to what it is today. Visitors to the state will have the opportunity to get to know Malaysia’s Fourth Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir Mohammad closer when they visit the house he was born in and grew up, situated at Jalan Kilang Ais (Ice Factory Road), Alor Setar. The house is a must visit spot to visitors to the Kedah.

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Another must-visit is Rumah Merdeka, a half-wood and half-bricks bungalow with western influence belonging to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s First Prime Minister and the Father of Independence.

The interior decoration of the house has been kept intact in its original condition and visitors who step into the house would quickly feel how Tunku’s lived. Born into a royal family, the Tunku was able to build the house at the cost of RM200,000 (almost worth RM1 million in today’s value). Most of the things in the house were imported from foreign countries.

For those who want to learn more about paddy and rice, the Muzium Padi located at Gunung Keriang is the right destination to visit. Information pertaining to paddy, from seedlings right to the downstream product, which is rice, is presented to visitors in the most comprehensible manner that when they step out of the museum they may understand the whole process and appreciate. Visitors will have the opportunity to view a 3,600 scenery paintings of Kedah painted by 60 artists from Korea.

For visitors who want to sample a different experience of Kedah, the Hotel Regency Gunung Jerai, located about 40 minutes from Alor Setar is the right place to check into. The 30-minute journey from the foot of Gunung Jerai to the peak where the hotel is located seemed short as visitors will spend time enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.

At 986 metres above sea level, The Hotel Regency Gunung Jerai provides they caught at the chalets. Though the chalets privide basic amenities, they are comfortable, able to make our visit to Kedah memorable.

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However, our visit to Kedah this time was to participate in yet another new attraction: the Alor Setar Nite Fun Ride. The event that was organised by Tourism Malaysia Kedah office was targetted to attract local and foreign visitors to visit places of interest via cycling. The Nite Fun Ride, held on the third Friday nite of every month, provides participants with the opportunity to see historical and not only comfortable accommodation but privacy too.

Visitors are able to enjoy not only breathtaking scenery but also the cool and fresh mountain atmosphere. Apart from the lush natural surroundings, visitors can indulge themselves in physical activities in the vicinity of the hotel.

Tauted as the starting point of civilisation in Kedah, Sungai Merbok offers yet another kind of experience to through its floating chalets. The tranquility of the river accentuated by the calmness of the chalets is a sure antidote for visitors to escape from their hectic lifestyle. The floating chalets are also havens for anglers.

Visitors are provided with fishing facilities and can cook the fish interesting buildings in Alor Setar, while at the same time promoting healthy lifestyle by cycling. Prizes for various categories such as “Most Beautiful Bicycle”, “Most Romantic Couple”, “Best Dressed” and many others were also given out to the winners that night.

A visit to Kedah is not complete without a visit to Pekan Rabu, renowned for traditional local delicacies sold at very reasonable and attractive prices. With all of its interesting offerings, make your way to Kedah now!

Things belongs to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Participants dress up for the Alor Setar Nite Fun Ride

Various types of paddy displayed at the Paddy Museum located at Gunung Keriang

Part of Malaysia’s Father of Independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, camera collection displayed at his house

One of the orchids found at the Gunung Jerai Flora Sanctuary managed by The Regency Jerai Hill Resort