Amazing Tourist Destinations and Things to Do in Kedah
Kedah Darul Aman, popularly known as just Kedah is one of the most popular states in Malaysia for tourists and locals alike. Majority of places to visit in Kedah are concentrated in Langakawi and Kota Setar. There are one or two interesting Kedah tourist attractions in other districts as well.
If you are visiting Kedah for the first time, you would want to start with Langkawi archipelago. Alternatively you can start your tour of Kedah from the capital city of Alor Setar as well.
You can find both historical attractions as well as adventurous things to do in Kedah. The Langkawi island especially is popular for all kinds of water sports. You can also enjoy the same at coastal districts like Kota Setar and Yan. You will get to see some of the most picturesque beaches on Kedah travel. There are also small islands among Kedah attractions accessible from coastal cities.
Kedah destinations are a rich collection of natural wonders including forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. There are numerous hike trails all across the state for Kedah sightseeing.The wilderness expanse at the northwest end of Langkawi mainland is one of the best places to visit in Kedah for hiking, trekking, camping, and nature exploration. The same region also includes several other Kedah tourist attractions like the Skybridge, Datai Bay, Crocodile Adventure Land, and several waterfalls. The region is also home to Mount Machinchang. The sky bridge connects the Oriental Village, another major Kedah attraction, to Mount Machinchang.
If you are more interested in historical things to do in Kedah, then head to Alor Setar. In terms of historical monuments the capital city would be the best place to begin Kedah travel. The city contains some of the most iconic historical monuments for Kedah sightseeing like Masjid Zahir. You can also learn about the history of the state at Kedah State Museum. Alor Setar is also Kedah destination for cultural heritage. The most well known art gallery of the state is located in the capital city. You will also get to see some of the beautiful palaces and museums during Kedah travel, if you begin your journey from Alor Setar.
You would need more than a couple of days to explore the two major districts, if you are looking to venture to other districts with less Kedah tourist attractions, then it would be a really long journey. Those living in Malaysia frequent at many places to visit in Kedah for weekend trips, especially those living in the state or in neighboring states of Penang, Perlis and Perak. So even if you are visiting any of these states you can extend your trip to enjoy some of Kedah attractions as well.
Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Kedah
- Bujang Valley
- Langkawi Underwater World
- Galaria Perdana
- Kilim Geo Forest Park
- Langkawi Wildlife Park
- Istana Kuning Sultan’s Palace
- Mount Jerai
- Langkawi Sky Bridge
- Zahir Mosque
- Alor Setar Heritage Trail
- Pantai Cenang Beach
- Pulau Payar Marine Park
- Eagle Square
- Pulau Beras Basah Island
- Dayang Buting Island
- Langkawi Oriental Village
- Tomb of Mahsuri
- Tanjung Rhu Beach
- Seven Wells Waterfall
- Datai Bay
Districts, Cities, & Places to visit in Kedah
Baling
Baling is located on the southern end of Kedah state. The district has several hike trails in Gunung Baling, Gunung Bayu, and Ulu Muda Forest among places to visit in Kedah. You can also go for cave exploration at Sireh Caves among things to do in Kedah. Baling is Kedah tourist attraction you visit to explore nature.
Bandar Baharu
Bandar Baharu is the southernmost end of the state. The district is squeezed between Penang and Perak state borders. There are not many Kedah attractions in Bandar Baharu district. You can enjoy a recreational forest known as Batu Hampar among Kedah destinations. The hike trail leading to Mountain Peak Bukit Tebuan is also quite good for Kedah sightseeing.
Kota Setar
Kota Setar district is home to Alor Setar, the capital city of Kedah state. Majority of things to do in Kedah are concentrated in Alor Setar. It is the second biggest Kedah tourist attraction after Pulau Langkawi. You will be treated with beautiful architecture, pristine beaches, and unique experiences during Kedah travel through Kota Setar district.
Kuala Muda
One of the biggest Kedah attractions in Kuala Muda is the Sungai Merbok Mangrove Forest. You can also get a house boat ride along the edge of the mangrove forest among things to do in Kedah. Being a coastal district, Kuala Muda also gives you access to wonderful beaches. The district also includes a part of Tupah Recreational Forest which you can explore on foot for Kedah sightseeing.
Kubang Pasu
Kubang Pasu is one of the largest districts of Kedah state. It has the ocean to its each and Thailand to its west. The most popular Kedah destination in Kubang Pasu is the Hutan Lipur Bukit Wang forest. The forest has several hike trails to explore for nature sightseeing in Kedah. It is also popular for bird watching.
Kulim
Kulim is located just above Bandar Baharu. It too is squeezed between Penang and Perak. A popular Kedah destination located in Kulim are the Frog Hills, though located in Penang are easily accessible from the district. Kulim is known for nature exploration hike trails among things to do in Kedah. You will also get to see waterfalls along the trails. A major Kedah attraction in Kulim is the Tree Top Walk in Segai Sedium. The elevated platform gives you a wonderful view of the forest.
Pulau Langkawi
Langkawi is the crown jewel of tourist attractions of Kedah. Some of the most popular places to visit in Kedah are located on this archipelago in the Strait of Malacca. There are several large and small islands to visit for breathtaking views and beautiful beaches in Langkawi among Kedah destinations. The island has several clusters of forests to explore in a variety of ways. You can also enjoy snorkeling, paragliding, sailing, jet ski, scuba diving, and other water sports among things to do in Kedah at Langkawi. The island is the perfect Kedah tourist destination. It also has some of the best spa resorts for health and leisure treatment on Kedah travel. You can easily spend several days in Langkawi and find new places to visit on the island each day.
Padang Terap
Padang Terap is the western most district of Kedah state touching borders with Thailand. Though there are not many places to visit in Padang Terap, it is visited by some people for its large lakes. It is seen more as a weekend or day trip picnic destination for the locals than a Kedah tourist attraction.
Pedang
Pedang is mainly an agricultural district. There are not many Kedah attractions in Pedang. Though it does share parts of Hutan Lipur Bukit Wang Forest with Kubang Pasu. You can visit the forest from either of these districts.
Pokok Sena
There are 3 major Kedah destinations to enjoy in Pokok Sena, namely Bukit Pinang, Bukit Resam and Bukit Hijau. All of these forests are not as large as other jungles in the state, but are good enough for a day hike. The lake in Bukit Pinang known as Tasik Biru is quite popular for photography.
Sik
Lake Beris is the biggest attraction in Sik to visit on Kedah travel. Other than the lake, there aren’t many places to visit in Kedah you would find in Sik district. There is a popular resort which locals visit for a weekend trip at the lake. Another weekend destination in Sik is Tata Bayu chalet. It is riverside picnic spot with a few hiking trails and riverside activities.
Yan
Yan district is located just north of Kota Setar. It faces the Strait of Malacca with incredible beaches. You can also access a few islands from Yan. These are very popular places to visit in Kedah. There are great forest trails and mountain hikes to explore nature among Kedah tourist attractions to enjoy in Yan.
