About Kedah
In Malaysia, even parts of the people do not really know that Kedah is one of the oldest states here in Peninsular Malaysia. Talking about Kedah, the first thing that will strike one’s mind is the golden yellow colored padi (rice) fields that are spread endlessly all across Kedah. In addition to that, the lush green forest and the misty mountain also make Kedah as one of the best destinations for a traveler to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded urban life. With a land area of 9425 square kilometers, Kedah is the perfect spot for holiday as there are many activities for a traveler to enjoy, ranging from jungle trekking to scuba diving.
As mentioned earlier, Kedah is one of the oldest states here in Peninsular Malaysia; therefore, it is not absurd to claim that Kedah inherited a very rich cultural heritage and as well as many valuable relics from the early years. For a certain minority of people, they might have a misconception that Kedah is an under developed state due to the reason where there are many padi fields scattered around. However, the actual truth is, Kedah is a rapidly growing state here in Malaysia. With the newly built Alor Setar Tower as Kedah’s landmark, located in the heart of the city under looking the whole area , this misconception is proven wrong as the Alor Setar tower is one of the major attractions here in Kedah.
With Alor Setar as Kedah’s capital and also with11 main administrative districts (Baling, Bandar Baharu, Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Kulim, Pulau Langkawi, Padang Terap, Pendang, Sik, Yan), Kedah, which also fondly known as the “Rice Bowl” of Malaysia, is a beautiful multi racial state with many historical cultures and destinations. For any traveler who wishes to enjoy a rich and diverse holiday, Kedah is definitely the place worth visiting here in Malaysia.
About Alor Setar
Alor Setar was founded in 1735 by Kedah’s 19th Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Mu’azzam Shah and is the state’s eighth administrative centre since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136. The earlier administrative centres were located in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.
"Alor" or more correctly, "alur" is Malay for a groove, furrow or main stream of a channel. In Tamil "alur" means drain. "Setar" is a tree with small, sour fruit (Bouea macrophylla) also known as either "kundang" or "remia" in Malay. The uniqueness of these fruits is that when you split the seed, each part is purple in colour.
The city had been sacked twice when Kedah was attacked by the Bugis in 1770 and the Siamese in 1821.
Significant events held here included the handing back of Perlis and Setul (now Satun) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both provinces were separated from Kedah since 1821) and a 90-day festival from June to September 1904 to celebrate the wedding of the five children of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.
Alor Setar had been officially granted as a city – the ninth in Malaysia, on 21 December 2003, during which the spelling of its name was officially changed to Alor Star from the prior Alor Setar. The proclamation ceremony to declare the Kedah capital a city was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar. Among those present at the historic ceremony were the Kedah's Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and his consort Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Raja Puan Muda (Heir Apparent of Kedah State and his consort), members of the Kedah royalty, parliament members and state exco members. The ceremony was also witnessed by civilians and tourists. The name was returned back to Alor Setar on January 15, 2009.
Langkawi Island
Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah) is an archipelago of 99 islands (an extra 5 temporary islands are revealed at low tide in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 45,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as the capital and largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island.
On June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Three of its main conservation area in Langkawi Geopark;Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park.(Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake). These three parks are the most popular tourism area within Langkawi Geopark.
Langkawi is particularly known for its beaches which are among the best in Malaysia. Some of the most popular are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok, and Datai Bay. Pantai Cenang is a picturesque beach with seemingly unending stretches of fine white sand. The beach is contoured by tall coconuts and casuarinas. Pantai Tengah is separated from Cenang by a small cape. Burau Bay, fringed by rocky outcrops, is the favorite place of migratory birds in Langkawi. Pantai Kok is a peaceful beach with the backdrop of limestone hills. Datai Bay has wonderful combination of forests and sea.The milky beach is backed by lush forest.
Sea around Langkawi is perfect to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Marine life in Langkawi waters is prolific, thanks to strict enforcement of environmental laws. Fish like black tip sharks, barracudas and giant groupers are regularly sighted. Coral life is rich, consisting both soft and hard corals. Pulau Payar Marine Park, located near Langkawi, is tailormade for scuba diving and snorkeling. Apart from these two sports; angling, fishing, and swimming can also be enjoyed in Langkawi.
The Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors up to the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang, where the Langkawi Sky Bridge is located.
In August 2009 based on the tied agreements between official representatives from Iran and Malaysia, Langkawi and Kish Island (free zone in Persian Gulf) announced to be sisters.