KEDAH:

 Kedah at a glance | Kedah History | Kedah Attractions

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KEDAH AT A GLANCE:

Kedah, together with Perlis, Perak, and Kelantan, shares a common border with Thailand in the north.  Known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia", the Kedah-Perlis rice plains produce more than half of the country's home grown rice supply.  It is a land of unique natural beauty, surrounded by much greenery.  The terrain of Kedah is considered 'flat' with "kampungs" (villages) scattered over "paddy" (rice) fields.  One will be able to feast their eyes on lush green padi fields enhanced by traditional Malay houses, coconut palms, local fruit trees, and rolling hills.  The people of Kedah are generally paddy planters with most living in kampungs next to their fields.  As one of the oldest states in Malaysia, Kedah has a population of approximately 1 million people, which is made up of various races.  Kedah is very much a Malay state although traces of Thai or Achinese ancestry can still be seen.  It has different business hours than most of the other states.  Banks and government offices are closed on Friday.  Saturday is a half-day and Sunday is a working day.  Although Kedah is Malaysia's "rice bowl", the state is currently undertaking new fields, mainly industrial and tourism.  Industrial estates have sprung up in Alor Setar, Kuala Kedah, and Sungai Petani while the government has started developing and promoting tourist facilities.  

HISTORY:
Modern Kedah begins with the Hindu-Buddhist era in the 5th Century.  Even the current royal family's past can be traced to that century.  Other findings also show that Kedah was the cradle of Hindu-Buddhist civilization in the Peninsula and one of the first places to come into contact with Indian traders.  These archeological findings show that the state was once a prosperous center for trade.  However, the history of Kedah is marked by successive periods of foreign influence due to its vulnerable position - it was located on one of the main transit routes across the Peninsula on the great east-west trade route.  It first came under the influence of the Sriwijaya Empire of Sumatra during the 7th and 8th Century.  Later, it fell under the influence of the Thais until the 15th Century when the rise of Melaka led to the Islamization of the area.  The Portuguese later attacked Kedah in the 17th Century.  The British held power in the 18th Century and the Siamese again in the 19th Century.  Kedah remained under the Siamese control until early 20th Century when they were passed to the British.  It finally became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1948.

ATTRACTIONS:
Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah is approachable from all parts of the Peninsula by all transport means.  Alor Setar has many modern structures and shopping complexes of historical significance.  Its long association with Thailand is evident in the Thai temples around the city.  Nonetheless, it is still very much a Malay city with fewer Chinese and Indians than other west coast cities.  Menara Alor Setar is located in the heart of Alor Setar.  This tower is a prominent and modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in the state of Kedah.  It functions as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction.  From the top, one can enjoy the sensational view of Alor Setar.  Officially opened in 1912, Masjid Zahir (Zahir Mosque) is an architectural landmark as it is one of the largest and grandest mosques in Malaysia.  Built in the tradition of the Moorish architecture, it has numerous arches and columns that are an epitome of grandeur.  The state of Kedah's annual Koran reading competition is held in the premises of the Mosque. 

Gunung Jerai - Formerly known as "Kedah Peak", this forest-clad Gunung Jerai is a massive limestone outcrop that rises 1200m above sea level.  As the highest peak in the state, it adds a touch of variety to the scenic flat plains seen throughout the area.  There are a number of legends and historical facts attached to this mountain.  During the Hindu-Buddhist era, it was a sacred mountain.  Ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples were discovered at the foot of the hills.  Varied tales of a "Raja Bersiong" (the King with Fangs) also abound.  He had once held power over an ancient kingdom near the mountains.  Recent archeological findings revealed the existence of the "Temple of the Ninth Water Pool"; many believe that it was Raja Bersiong's private pool.  Amidst such majestic surroundings, it is indeed difficult to separate fact from fiction.  Today, its cool fresh mountain air is matched by the quiet serenity of its natural surroundings.  On clear days, different vantage points on this mountain offer breathtaking views of Kedah's padi fields, which stretches to Perlis in the north, the emerald seas surrounding Penang in the southwest, and the legendary island of Langkawi in the northwest.  The mountain also offers a unique selection of plants, which make it even more intriguing for the botanist.  The Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation Park houses an endless variety of herbs, ferns, flowering plants, and climbers.  Picnic sites are scattered all over the park, offering sweeping views of lowland plains and padi fields.  Hiking trails that are interspersed with flowerbeds of vivid hues provide opportunities for leisurely strolls.  Trees along the path are labeled for easy identification.  Part of the mountain stream has even been dammed to provide cool clear pools for swimming.  For the more adventurous, overnight shelters have also been provided.  At the peak of the mountain, the Museum of Forestry houses a wealth of information and artifacts on Malaysian forestry.  Pedu Lake, located approximately 5km from the Malaysian-Thai border, Pedu Lake is an ideal vacation spot for both young and old.  A massive development plan has changed this 12km-long lake into a premier holiday resort, which is second to none in the world.  Settled in the midst of the dense rainforest of Gunung Fakir Terbang and surrounded by an undulating terrain, this magnificent lake offers a serenity that is unmatched, a landscape that is beautiful beyond words, and a refreshingly cool environment.  With its peaceful and tranquil environment, Pedu Lake is an ideal location for unwinding even under the midday sun.  Just by reading your favorite novel under swaying coconut palm trees in the cool breezy mountain air can bring such simple pleasure.  Pedu Lake has the ability to bring peace and quiet in one's life.  Imagine getting away from traffic jams or air and noise pollution.  The entire world is at your feet.  Furthermore, the crystal clear waters offer an ideal venue for water sports' lovers.  One can jet ski, canoe, water-ski, or even windsurf.  Apart from water sports, one can also golf, fish, camp, watch birds, and jungle trek.  For those interested in jungle trekking, it can be done by going into the inner depths of the jungle around Pedu Lake.  One can discover and admire its well-protected flora and fauna.  The lush jungle is home to a large population of wild animals, which includes elephants, deer, wild boar, leopards, birds, bats, flying foxes, and not forgetting the different types of insects.  The jungle is also a sanctuary for a special breed of "albino snakes" although it takes a lot of patience and luck to come across one.  The rich wildlife in Pedu Lake's jungle has prompted the Kedah Government to designate part of Pedu Lake and its surrounding areas as a wildlife sanctuary.  This has opened a new dimension in eco-tourism, which is uniquely special to the Pedu Lake region.  Hides and canopy walks have also been created to enable tourists and nature lovers to have a taste of adventure in the wilds.  Another unique natural attraction offered is "swarm" hunting as the jungle is home to millions of giant honeybees called "Appis Dorsata".  The honeybees have a particular tree in the jungle called the "Tualang Tree", which happens to be their favorite tree for setting up home.  Hundreds of hives can sometimes be found on the tree.  Watching these honeybees swarming back to their hives at sundown is a thrilling experience that is too good to be missed.  However, it would be wise to engage in the services of special guides to go on this "swarm" hunting adventure, as well as to see the natives in the jungle collecting wild honey from the honeybees.  Visitors should also not limit their adventures to daytime alone.  When night falls and silence descends, one can hear the crackling calls of jungle insects, the occasional hooting of night owls, and the strange cries of wild animals.  It is a world where the nocturnal animals dominate.  Yet the moon high above the lake and the shimmering surface of the lake provides such peaceful and romantic feelings.   For the more pampered tourists, there are two superb holiday resorts to cater to their needs.  Pedu Golf and Lake Resort and the Desa Utara Pedu Lake are two international resorts, which have laid claim to the fringes of Pedu Lake.  Both provide beautifully structured chalets for visitors' perusal.  They also provide all the modern facilities and amenities that are normally associated with top-class international resorts, including an 18-hole golf course.  The Kedah State Economic Planning Unit and Berjaya Pedu Lake Resort are also planning to develop more chalets in Pedu Lake.  Pedu Lake has so much more to offer to us.  Nature lovers have the entire jungle at their disposal to discover the hidden secrets of the tropical forests.  Vacationers have the beauty all to themselves.  One can never tire of this place.