Where to buy cheap goods in Alor Setar

Local foodstuff that shows off the rich food heritage of Alor Setar

What’s great with travel is that you get to explore different cultures and heritage. In Alor Setar, after going the rounds of the temples both buddhist and muslim like Masjids Zahir and Albukhary and other cultural sites, there’s another place that is a must visit: Pekan Rabu Complex.

Literally Wednesday Market, Pekan Rabu started as a market near the docks open only on that day which was established by YTM Tunku Yaacob, a member of the royal family in Kedah, for villagers to sell their local wares. In 1932, it transferred to its present location. It is also where the former Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamed, used to sell fried bananas when he was a child.

The market complex has lots of stalls that sell almost anything Malaysian. From traditional wear, utensils, to handicrafts, metalware, Malay ingredients as well as different foodstuffs ranging from canned goods to delicacies. At the ground floor, there are several small restaurants that offer Malay cuisine.

Like any other traditional markets, if you want a good deal, haggle.

There are local handicraft products of all sizes, shapes and use

Pekan Rabu is a great place to buy cheap goods

Pekan Rabu, literally, Wednesday Market, is actually an all week market open for visitors

To get to the Pekan Rabu Complex, just take a taxi. Or from the back of the State Art Gallery at the center of town, walk to the tall UMNO building. The market is just opposite it.

This trip made possible by Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia Zest.