Top Things to Do and Interesting Places to Visit in Kota Setar

Kota Setar is a coastal district in Kedah, Malaysia. The district includes Kedah’s capital city Alor Setar. The name of the district was derived from Stark or Setar tree which is found in abundance in the region. The word Kota simple means city in Malay language. Hence Kota Setar means city of Setar. It is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Kedah, second only to Langkawi. While other districts of Kedah are known for natural beauty and adventure, places to visit in Kota Setar mainly fall under historical tourist attraction category. Kota Setar is among hidden gems of Malaysia’s tourist attractions. You will definitely enjoy Kota Setar travel if you are interested in history and culture. Owing to its proximity to Thailand, you will see much influence of Thai culture in various aspects of life in Kota Setar.

The most iconic historical place to visit in Kota Setar is Masjid Zahir. It is one of the most beautiful architectural monument in Malaysia. Masjid Zahir has been included among the most wonderful mosques in the world. Another major mosque among Kota Setar tourist attractions is Masjid al Bukhary. This mosque is features one of the most colorful interiors among things to see in Kota Setar. Another major landmark to visit during Kota Setar sightseeing is Balai Nobat also called “Hall of Drums”. The tower was used to accommodate instruments for Royal Ceremonies. The entrance to the complex of Nobat Tower is a replica of the Royal Gate. The gate itself is among popular things to see in Kota Setar.

Though Mosques are not the only religious places to visit in Kota Setar. There are two particular temple well known for ornate architecture among things to see in Kota Setar. Wat Nikrodharam is the biggest buddhist temple of the district. A visit to this temple during the Chinese New Year is among top things to do in Kota Setar. You can see hints of Thai architecture style in the temple. Other temples to visit during Kota Setar travel are Kuan Ying Teng and Tou Mu Kong.

You can further dive into the art and culture of the region at Kedah Art Gallery. The building was once high court. Now this Kota Setar tourist attraction accommodates works of art and antiques collected from across the region. If you are looking for more historical places to visit in Kota Setar, then you can head to Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Gallery. This gallery features several historical things to see in Kota Setar from the collection of the monarch. Kota Setar is also known for remnants of the sultanate in forms of forts and palaces. These regal landmarks are some the best places to visit in Kota Setar. On the stark opposite end of the spectrum, one of the biggest Kota Setar tourist attractions is the paddy museum. The capital city of Alor Setar is surrounded by paddy fields and it is one of the main produce of the region. So it isn’t surprising that the city has a museum dedicated to the magnificent grain.

Though there are several Kota Setar tourist attractions in the urban region. This does not mean that the district is devoid of nature. Mount Keriang is the best place for Kota Setar sightseeing of nature. There are several great hiking trails spread across different entrance points of the preserved forest around the mountain. You can enjoy hiking, trekking, nature exploration, and other adventurous things to do in Kota Setar at this forest. You will come across lakes, rivers, and waterfalls along the hike trails. Kota Setar travel also includes a river cruise along Kedah river. The cruise begins in the city and takes you towards the open ocean and back.

Things to do in Kota Setar

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Kota Setar

1. Menara Alor Setar
2. Kedah Paddy Museum
3. Masjid Zahir
4. Kedah Art Gallery
5. Kedah State Museum
6. Kota Kuala
7. Rumah Kelahiran Tun Dr. Mahathir Museum
8. Rumah Merdeka
9. Nobat Tower
10. Kedah Royal Museum
11. Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Sham Gallery
12. Masjid al Bukhary
13. Wat Nikrodharam Temple
14. Clock Tower
15. Istana Anak Bukit
16. Wat Jitraram
17. Tugu Alor Setar
18. Kuan Ying Teng Temple
19. Balai Besar Royal Hall
20. Kota Kuala Kedah Fort
21. Tou Mu Kong Temple

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Kota Setar

1. Gunung Keriang
2. Taman Jubli Emas
3. Blue Lagoon
4. Tasik Biru Bukit Pinang
5. Bukit Pinang Forest Conservation
6. Bukit Wang
7. Bukit Hijau
8. Bukit Resam
9. Bukit Tunjang

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Kota Setar

1. Keriang Hill Resort
2. National Science Center
3. Darul Aman Stadium

Shopping in Kota Setar

1. Pekan Rabu Complex
2. Aman Central Mall
3. Mee Ca Mee Shopping Center
4. Alor Setar Mall
5. Souq al Bukhary
6. Star Parade Shopping Center
7. City Plaza Shopping Center
8. Plaza Putra
9. Chinatown

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Kota Setar

1. Mahawangsa River Cruise

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kota Setar

1. Sawadee Classic Thai Restaurant
2. Iman Koteow
3. Restoran Cairo
4. Dee Dee Thai Restaurant
5. Hai Kee Kedah Kopi
6. Nasi Lemak Ong
7. Restoran Top
8. Kek Sayang
9. Restoran Mee Derga
10. Terrace Forty Eight
11. Restaurant RT
12. Medina Thai Palace
13. Chinatown Food Court
14. Cup Cafe
15. Salam Nasi Kandar
16. Seol Garden
17. Chia Bee Bak Kut Teh
18. Gemilang Burger
19. Bali Bali Hai Cafe

How to Reach Kota Setar?

By Air

The capital city Alor Setar is endowed with Sultan Abdul Halim airport. It is your best option for Kota Setar travel. You also get flights from Medan in Indonesia. You get direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Subang. The airport is located near the north eastern end of the district. You will get several transport options to go for Kota Setar sightseeing from the airport. You will have to travel 13 kms to reach the capital city of the district from the airport where most of the places to visit in Kota Setar are located. There are buses running between the airport and Alor Setar city center. You can also get a taxi from the airport to continue towards Kota Setar tourist attractions if you so wish.

By Road

Kota Setar has its own central train station as well. You can get direct trains from almost all major cities of Malaysia. There are also smaller train stations in some of the towns of the district. You get direct trains from most other districts of Kedah. If you can’t get a direct train, you will surely find a connecting train for Kota Setar travel. There are a few things to see in Kota Setar near the central train itself. So you can begin Kota Setar sightseeing journey immediately upon reaching the station.

Kota Setar sits on the North South Expressway of Malaysia. It is the best route to take for Kota Setar travel. You will pass by several things to do in Kota Setar along the route. A road trip to Kota Setar would also be fun as it is a coastal district. You will enjoy some great views of the ocean during Kota Setar sightseeing.

By Water

Despite being a coastal district, there aren’t any ferry services for Kota Setar travel. You can enjoy river boat rides within the district as well as water sports at coastal towns of the district. But, you can’t get to any other city from Kota Setar or vice versa via water transport.