Other notable sites in Alor Setar

Balai Nobat is a beautiful tower that is actually where royal musical instruments are kept

At the main city center just within a stone’s throw from the Masjid Zahir and Balai Besar is a beautiful octagonal tower which looks more like a church belfry in the Philippines. The Balai Nobat is actually a storage place for royal musical instruments used in ceremonies. It was first built in 1735.

The State Art Gallery used to be a courthouse built in 1893

Just near the Balai Besar is the beautiful colonial structure of the Balai Seni Negeri, the State Art Museum. Its a stately architecture that used to be a courthouse and now hosts art exhibitions. This was built in 1893.

The city’s clock tower located at the city center is a beautiful structure

The beautiful clock tower of Alor Setar was built in 1912 and is a stunning structure with its blend of Muslim and Hindu architecture. It is just across the Balai Nobat and Masjid Zahir. In the olden times, it was where the muezzin will base the timing for the Muslim prayer times.

Near the Balai Nobat is a white arch that is actually the replica of the original that was demolished

The replica of the archway that used to be located at the Kota Tengah Palace has been rebuilt after the original was demolished and a newer structure was built.

The Galeri Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah , a former High Court, built in 1922 is dedicated to the current sultan of Kedah

At opposite far end where the Balai Seni Negeri stands is another beautiful structure built in 1922, the Galeri Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. This used to be a high court but is now a museum dedicated to the reigning Sultan of Kedah.

Fountain at the center of Alor Setar commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the reign of His Royal Highness Tuanku Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah is 1983

Between Masjid Zahir and Balai Besar, Balai Nobat and Balai Seni Negeri, is a park with a fountain at the center. It was constructed in 1983 for the Golden Jubilee of the Sultan of Kedah’s reign.

The birthplace of Malaysia’s revered visionary leader, Mahathir Mohammad.

Malaysia’s former Prime Minister and visionary leader, Dr. Mahathir Mohammad is from Alor Setar and it is here that his birthplace, the family house has been painstakenly restored and now open to the public. The area not only preserves the old structure but the other buildings within the complex shows his memorabilia and life. He used to sell fried bananas at Pekan Rabu.

Entrance to the royal residence/palace of the reigning Sultan of Kedah

An imposing but beautiful gate, the entrance to the Istana Anak Bukit, or the royal residence of Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah is located around 7 kilometers from the center of Alor Setar.

Muzium Negeri, the state museum of Kedah

The State Museum of Kedah is a repository of artefacts, history and culture and royal heritage of Kedah.  There are also important archaeological materials from the Bujang Valley, an important, UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gunung Keriang (Mount Keriang) is an elephant shaped mountain at the outskirts of Alor Setar and is a popular recreation park.

Located several kilometers from Alor Setar, Gunung Keriang (Mount Keriang) is an imposing, elephant shaped mountain that is 218 meters tall. It is a popular spot for adventures like hiking, trekking and camping. Its numerous caves are sources of crystals of different shapes and colors.

Muzium Padi (Kedah Paddy Museum) is dedicated to everything on the rice plant

Anything about the rice plant, its culture, cultivation and role in the Asian diet is detailed here in Muzium Padi. It’s architecture resembled bushels of rice as well as rice motifs in its many details. Inside is a rotating diorama, facts and all about rice. It’s one of a few museums devoted to rice in the world.

This trip made possible by Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia Zest.