Category Archives: Kedah

Kedah, Langkawi, Things to do and see

The Mystical Island of Langkawi, Malaysia

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When you say Langkawi alot comes to mind to different people. Some think of it as the mystical island with the legend of Mahsuri. Some as a Duty Free Shopping haven for liquor, kitchenware and chocolates. Some of its many islands and beautiful beaches. For us one reason we chose Langkawi this holiday was something educational, the Mahsuri Legend. And the what we love most, beaches. But alas it was raining the whole four days, so the beach was out of the question. Maybe next time. Luckily Langkawi is not only about the beach. Here are some of the places we visited during those four days. The flight to Langkawi was about 45 minutes and to move around we rented a car.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

What to do in Langkawi

Underwater World Langkawi

The Underwater World Langkawi (UWL) is located in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi. Its found exactly toward the end of Pantai Cenang Road on the right hand side. Its not hard to miss it. Parking is plentiful, but it was full. Reason being we were there during the Malaysian School Holidays. What’s more, the complex is air-conditioned. An extraordinary spot to get away from the afternoon Langkawi sun.
To know just visit my review, Escaping the Sun at Underwater World Langkawi

Laman Padi, Langkawi

Had mixed sentiments when visiting this place. Saw some incredible reviews on the food and Laman Padi. Yet when we were there, it was something very different. Not certain if we came at a wrong time. Reason being some Tripadvisor reviewers wrote about a café, with pleasant food. Where you could feast in little sheds in padi fields. But when we went there the place looked deserted.
My review of Laman Padi is here, Mixed Feelings at Laman Padi Langkawi

Makam Mahsuri

A must visit place when you are in Langkawi. Here lies the tomb of Mahsuri. Mahsuri was a young lady who lived in Langkawi whose family moved from an island in Thailand during the late eighteenth century. She was believed to be extremely beautiful. Her beauty led her downfall. When she was falsefully accused for adultery. On the day of her execution, she cursed the island of Langkawi to seven generations of misfortune. The curse has now lapsed and that is the reason Langkawi is booming. Google about this old stories, it will most likely make your visit fascinating.

Dataran Lang

Dataran lang is located at the kuah jetty. We first had lunch at the food court at the jetty. Then took a slow walk to the large eagle. Along the way you can see ferriea and boats coming in and out of the jetty.

Where we stayed

Malibest Resort

We chose this place on the day of our arrival as a stopover before we went to Berjaya Langkawi. Sort of a cheap rest place. Reason being its near to the airport, so we won’t be tired after our flight. Took us a long time to locate this place as the main building look like it was undergoing renovation. And there were no visible signages. The lobby is in the main building. Check in was fast and staff were friendly.
Read my review about Malibest on Tripadvisor AzmilK

Berjaya Langkawi

The Berjaya Langkawi Resort is a wonderful retreat which has two very different room atmosphere. You can either stay at the “Rain forest Villas” of which you will be surrounded by rich greenery. Or in “On The Water Villas” which is situated on the ocean. As we have stayed on the water previously. Not in Langkawi but somewhere else. We chose the “Rain forest Villas”. And we were not disappointed.
Read my review on the Berjaya Langkawi Resort here. My Hotel Review – Berjaya Langkawi Resort

We plan to visit Langkawi next year. This time for their beaches and eco parks. When that happens. Will review more interesting places in Langkawi. Till next time

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Kedah, My Hotel Review

Alor Setar Attractions, Kedah. Educational Road Trip

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Alor Setar TowerA Visit to the Rice Bowl of Malaysia

This school holiday, our educational road trip was to Kedah. The state of Kedah is known as the rice bowl of Malaysia. Its where the main supply of rice in Malaysia comes from. I wanted to show my sons the paddy fields and how paddy is cultivated. Most off the journey after you cross the Kedah border, you will see fields of paddy. It absolutely was so beautiful and peaceful. Being a city boy, I’ve always cherished scenes such as this. Some areas were being replanted and some were being harvested.

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Places of Interest Around Alor Setar

Alor Setar Tower

One of the must visit place in Alor Setar is the Alor Setar Tower. The tower is over 500 feet above sea level and gives you a 360° view of the Alor Setar Town. It is really breezy up there. We even bought their tower shaped Mineral Water bottles for souvenirs. The view of the padi fields and Gunung Jerai Mountain was awesome. The read my review on the Alor Setar Tower please click here. Alor Setar Tower – “Alor Setar Landmark”

Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir Mohammed

Another place that I was anticipating to visit was the house that our legendary two time Prime Minister grew up. The house of Doctor Mahathir Mohammed. But alas it was closed for renovation work. Maybe next time. 



Muzium Padi KedahMuzium Padi Kedah – Paddy Museum, Kedah

Being the rice bowl of Malaysia, Kedah has of course a Paddy Museum. Displaying all things related to paddy from planting to production. Right up to the different products derived from rice. When you visit the museum be sure to go up to the second floor first. What beckons you is a 360 degrees auto rotating floor with a 3D mural of the surounding landscape. You will have a view of beautiful paddy fields and the famous Gunung Keriang. This 360 degrees paranomic view mural is the going ons surrounding the Paddy Museum. To see my review on the Paddy Museum, visit Muzium Padi Kedah – Paddy Museum, Kedah

National Science Centre North Regional Branch- Kedah, MalaysiaNational Science Centre North Regional Branch- Kedah, Malaysia

Discovered this place from a Sightseeing Brochure at the Holiday Villa Alor Setar.Another hidden gem in Malaysia. Its not even listed on Tripadvisor’s “Things to do in Kedah”. It is a science centre similar to the Petrosains in Kuala Lumpur only smaller. Its located just next to the Paddy Museum. This kind of place is a great learning experience for kids. Here there is a lot of interactive displays where kids can participate. Click here for my review on National Science Centre North Regional Branch- Kedah, Malaysia

Where to stay in Alor Setar, Kedah

There are alot of accommodation in Alor Setar but I guess most of them are four star and below. There’s the Grand Alora, Royale Signature, Starcity, Holiday Villa and more. We stayed at the Holiday Villa which was in the oldtown of Kedah. The reason we chose Holiday Villa cause the Holiday Villa Subang and Cherating was well maintained. There was nothing much to write about the hotel. The hotel room was clean and sufficient. The deco and furniture was rather dated and old. Check in and out was fast. You will find a mall next door but what I discovered only sell handphones. There is also a McDonalds in the Mall. That’s where we had our breakfast on our first morning in Kedah. For the second day, we had breakfast at Pekan Rabu. In case you are in Alor Setar come here for breakfast, there’s something for everyone. From the local dishes to even egg and sausages. Taste was also nice. Pekan Rabu food court was really busy, so you had to pay immediately when your food or drinks turn up.



Verdict on Holiday Villa Alor Setar.

Rooms were clean and adequate. Its not five star but you cannot expect much for RM150 nett. Check in and out was really quick without much hassle. For food you need to drive out. My advice is avoid eating in the hotel coffee house. Food was rather badly cooked. So after the first day, we opt to eat out. Met some locals they recommended staying at Alora Hotel. According to them its in a modern area with food stuff just walking distance from the hotel.

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Kedah, Langkawi, Things to do and see

Escaping the Sun at Underwater World Langkawi

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The Underwater World Langkawi (UWL) is located in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi. Its found exactly toward the end of Pantai Cenang Road on the right hand side. Its not hard to miss it. Parking is plentiful, but it was full. Reason being we were there during the Malaysian School Holidays. What’s more, the complex is air-conditioned. An extraordinary spot to get away from the afternoon Langkawi sun.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

 
 
The aquarium around 6 acres of land and have various types of marine life including Seals, Penguins, Sharks. We went there to see the penguins, which were the star attraction there. You stroll in a little forest walkways with beautiful flamingos and cute marmosets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other attractions in this aquarium include the Freshwater Fish Section, the Seashell Display, the Koi Pond, the Reptilian Section, Invertebrate Section, and the Poisonous & Venomous Section. Love to see the gracefullness of the sharks and stingray moving around. My eldest had a chance to have a picture opportunity with a large pyton on him.

 

 
 

 

 

 

My Verdict

 
The UWL is a bit smaller than expected if you compare it with the Aquaria KLCC. But its a educational nice place to be, to get out of the sun. The whole place is air conditioned. When we were they, they seem to be doing some renovations. Their exhibits are very nice with great information. And at the end however there is a long line of gift shops and duty free shops with a great variety of goods. Parking is ample and there is some fast food chains nearby.
 
Address :-Pantai Cenang, Pulau Langkawi  Kedah 07000 Malaysia
 
Telephone :- +604 955 6100
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

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Kedah, Langkawi, Things to do and see

Mixed Feelings at Laman Padi Langkawi

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Had mixed sentiments when visiting this place. Saw some incredible reviews on the food and Laman Padi. Yet when we were there, it was something very different. Not certain if we came at a wrong time. Reason being some Tripadvisor reviewers wrote about a café, with pleasant food. Where you could feast in little sheds in padi fields. But when we went there the place looked deserted.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The Laman Padi is a pleasant idea for spreading info and the history of rice. We have been to the Padi Museum in Kedah. Which was somewhat educational. Be that as it may, the Laman Padi was unique. They had they own padi field alongside buffaloes and ducks. Anyway the spot ia poorly maintained. Be that as it may, entrance fee is free. I suppose so, cause there were no one around collecting anything.

When we went there, Langkawi was experiencing a rainy spell. Perhaps the traveler moving around was lesser. So the management felt it was a waste to do the activities. There were no one to welcome us or show us around. We just strolled around looking at the various displays. Looking at the padi fields, we assume that they did some sort of demonstration on methods for gathering padi there. Be that as it may, similar to I mentioned before possibly we came at an wrong time.
There were various displays demonstrating the way toward planting padi till the creation of rice. Which was very informative. With certain diversions side interests that the farmers enjoy. Outside there is likewise a nearby herb garden, diverse hardware utilized. Both generally and present day. What’s more, a padi field total with scarecrow. Extraordinary spot for taking photographs.

My Verdict

A nice informative place to learn about production of rice. But I feel the management should put in more activities to let people feel whats it like to be in a padi field. You can charge a small fee. People like me don’t mind paying if the experience is unique.
Open everyday from 10am to 6pm.
Address: Laman Padi, Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang 
Phone: (+604) 955 4312

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A Glimpse at Langkawi’s Folklore – Makam Mahsuri

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A must visit place when you are in Langkawi. Here lies the tomb of Mahsuri. Mahsuri was a young lady who lived in Langkawi whose family moved from an island in Thailand during the late eighteenth century. She was believed to be extremely beautiful. Her beauty led her downfall. When she was falsefully accused for adultery. On the day of her execution, she cursed the island of Langkawi to seven generations of misfortune. The curse has now lapsed and that is the reason Langkawi is booming. Google about this old stories, it will most likely make your visit fascinating.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

At the entrance there are a traditional band, comprising mainly of woman. Playing soothing traditional music on traditional instruments.

 

 

 
Later you will walk the path to Mahsuri’s tomb. This complex isn’t just about the tomb there are more fascinating things to see. You can stroll through shady trees with seats on the side for you to relax.

 

 

 
There are malay wooden houses which you can go into. Mind you, you have to remove shoes before going into the houses. Most places in Malaysia is this way. Indeed, even in Malaysian homes, we don’t wear shoes in our homes. There are houses with an replica of ancient wood fire kitchen. An replica of the chieftains house. With potrait of the Mahsuri and her seven generations. One even houses a quaint Malay café where you can sit and have beverages and light snacks. All through the complex,there are information on various things around. Which is fairly educational.
 

 

 

My Verdict

 
The whole complexs is well planned out with ample walking space. There’s even a well which locals believe to have medicinal benefits. Along the path to the well, you will come across a shed with local women preparing local sweets. We bought some to eat on our way to the next destination. Below one of the houses, you will find traditional equipments used in the production of rice. There are a parking and modern toilets. A must visit place. Really worth the nominal entrance fee.
 
Opening Hours :- 8am till 6pm
Address :- Kampung Mawat , Mukim Ulu Melaka
Entrance fee :- RM10 adults and RM5 child
 
 

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