Alor Setar, Malaysia: travel guide
Kedah's royal capital set among paddy fields and old landmarks
State capital of Kedah, the "rice bowl of Malaysia", known for its royal heritage, paddy fields, and as birthplace of two Malaysian prime ministers.
About Alor Setar
Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah, a state often called the rice bowl of Malaysia for the paddy fields that spread across the surrounding plain. The city is small and unhurried, with royal heritage visible in its centre.
The Zahir Mosque is the best known landmark, and the Alor Setar Tower offers a view over the town and fields. The Kedah Royal Museum and the Paddy Museum explain the area's history and its relationship to rice, and Pekan Rabu is a market for local snacks and crafts.
It suits travellers heading north towards Langkawi or the Thai border, and those curious about everyday Malay life. The weather is warm all year, with the drier months of about December to March the most comfortable.
- Country
- Malaysia
- Currency
- MYR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
- Nearest airport
- AOR
Last updated
Top places to visit in Alor Setar
Kedah Royal Museum
Museum · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Former Kota Setar palace converted to a museum in 1983 with over 2,000 artifacts of the Kedah Sultanate.
Alor Setar Tower
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · entry RM 10 (≈ ₹230)
165.5m telecommunications tower, third tallest in Malaysia, with an 88m observation deck.
Zahir Mosque
Mosque · 4.8 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
State mosque of Kedah, built 1912 and opened 1915, with five black domes inspired by the Azizi Mosque in Sumatra.
Paddy Museum
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
First rice museum in Malaysia, shaped like a bundle of harvested rice stalks; murals by 60 North Korean artists.
Pekan Rabu (Wednesday Market)
Market · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic market open daily; Tun Dr Mahathir reportedly sold cendol here as a teenager.
Al-Bukhary Mosque
Mosque · 4.8 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Large mosque completed 1999-2001, design inspired by Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina.
Kedah State Museum
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Kedah's main state museum, opened 1957, covering the state's history and royal heritage.
Wat Nikrodharam
Temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Buddhist temple established 1968, blending Thai and Chinese architectural styles.
Balai Nobat
Heritage · 4.2 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
18m three-tiered octagonal tower housing the royal nobat instruments of the Kedah Sultanate.
Rumah Tok Su
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Restored traditional Kedah-style Malay wooden house in the Malay Heritage Village.
Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam
Temple · 4.6 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Hindu temple on Jalan Bakar Bata, one of Alor Setar's minority-faith religious landmarks.
Istana Kuning (Yellow Palace)
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Palace completed 1904, birthplace of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first Prime Minister.
Things to do
- Mahawangsa River Cruise Sightseeing · 3 h · from MYR 60 per person
- Gunung Keriang Hike Nature · 1 h
- JK PaddyView Homestay Experience Cultural · 12 h
- Merbok Mangrove River Cruise Nature · 3 h
- Alor Setar Tower Observation Deck Visit Sightseeing · 1 h · from MYR 10 per person
Where to stay in Alor Setar
Hotels
- Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Alor Setar 4-star · MYR 150 to MYR 280 per night
- Holiday Villa City Centre Alor Setar 4-star · MYR 160 to MYR 290 per night
- Hotel Grand Crystal Kedah 3-star · MYR 100 to MYR 180 per night
- Hotel Samila Alor Setar 3-star · MYR 90 to MYR 170 per night
- Sentosa Regency Hotel Alor Setar 3-star · MYR 90 to MYR 170 per night
- Grand Alora Hotel 4-star · MYR 200 to MYR 350 per night
Where to eat
- Restoran Mee Udang Pinggan Besar Kedah, Mee Udang · about MYR 20 per person
- Mee Udang Mak Teh Kedah, Mee Udang · about MYR 15 per person
- Mee Udang Berasap @ Lepai Kedah, Mee Udang · about MYR 20 per person
- Mee Udang Kola Kuaq Kedah, Mee Udang · about MYR 20 per person
- AH Cheng Laksa Kedah Laksa · about MYR 10 per person
- Lean Huat Laksa Asam Laksa · about MYR 8 per person
- Khunthai Thai Seafood Thai, Seafood · about MYR 40 per person
- Sawadee Thai Restaurant Halal Thai · about MYR 30 per person
Getting to Alor Setar
Airport: Alor Setar (AOR)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Ride Hail
- Walking