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KEDAH DARUL AMAN
Kedah Darul Aman, covers an area of 9,425 sq. km., has a population
of approximately 1.8 million. The state consisted of 12 districts
namely Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Langkawi, Kuala
Muda, Yan, Sik, Baling, Kulim, Bandar Baru, Pendang and Pokok
Sena and its major towns include Alor Star, Langkawi, Sungai Petani,
Baling, kulim, Bukit Kayu Itam, Kuala Kedah, Yan, and Sik. Kedah
together with the neighbouring state Perlis are traditionally
known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia". Vast stretches
of rice fields dominate Kedah's panoramic landscape. Kedah offers
exotic natural attractions, the serenity of rural villages, and
endless spread of paddy fields, golden beaches, tropical rainforests
and tropical islands. Together with Perlis, Perak and Kelantan,
shares a common border with Thailand. It has the distinction of
being the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia" because the Kedah
and Perlis plains produce more than half of the country's home
grown rice supply. Alor Setar being the state capital, is the
seat of Government and the business centre of the state. With
its islands, legends, historical relics, hill stations and scenic
waterfalls, Kedah offers the visitor a variety of sights, sounds
and fun-filled activities - from beach combing to diving, water
skiing, picnicking or merely sightseeing. Kedah State 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 Kulim, Alor
Setar, Kuala Kedah, and Sungai Petani.
History of Kedah Darul Aman
Kedah is the most ancient state in the country. It dated
as far back as the 5th century AD, traders who plied the East-West
trade route stopped at Kuala Muda, using Gunung Jerai as a navigational
point. The center that attracted traders who traveled between
China and India and was an ideal resting destination then while
waiting for the monsoons to change. Early Hindu-Buddhist civilization
also left their marks in the form of temples around Lembah Bujang
(Bujang Valley). The economic abundance of Kedah drew, throughout
its history, the attention of many outside forces. Before coming
under the rule of the Malacca Empire in the 15th century, Kedah
was a reluctant vassal of the Siamese. Achinese attacks in 1618
led Kedah to seek protection from its former Siamese overlords,
causing it to fall under the latter's influence again.
In the 18th century, external pressures from Bugis, Siam and Burma
increasingly weakened Kedah. The situation was exacerbated by
a power struggle that sparked off a civil war in 1724. Raja Haji,
a Bugis leader, took advantage of the internal chaos and invaded
Kedah in 1770. To counter the continuous threat from Siam, Sultan
Abdullah Mukarram Syah appealed to the British for protection.
Sir Francis Light was appointed as his representative to achieve
this, armed with the guarantee of the exclusive leasing of Penang
to the British East Indies Company. On 11 August 1786, Light was
sent to Penang to found the first British settlement there.
In 1788, when it became apparent that the British had no intentions
of aiding him, Abdullah tried to expel Light from Penang. Light,
anticipating such a move, managed to repel this challenge and
consequently forced Abdullah to sign over Penang on 11 May 1791.
In 1800, a tract of land on the peninsula mainland, Butterworth,
was signed over to the British as well. In 1821, the Siamese conquered
Kedah and ruled it for the next 20 years. Kedah itself remained
a Siamese vassal state until 1909.
On 9 July 1909, the Bangkok Agreement, which was ratified by the
British and Siamese, effectively delivered Kedah to the British.
Upon the appointment of Sir George Maxwell as Kedah’s British
adviser, Kedah officially became a British colony. This lasted
until the Japanese Invasion in 1941. British rule resumed on 1
September 1946 and Kedah was placed under the British Military
Administration.
In London the British formed the Malayan Peninsula Planning Unit
in 1943, and on 10 October 1945, the Malayan Union scheme was
laid out before the British Parliament. A day later, Sir Harold
MacMichael was sent to the Malayan Peninsula to obtain the agreement
of the Malay Rulers. According to this agreement, Penang, Malacca
and nine other Malay states were united under the Malayan Union.
Malay opposition groups derailed the Malayan Union plan, and the
Malays formed the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) under
Dato' Onn Jaafar's leadership on 11 May 1946. The Malay Federation
was founded on 1 February 1948 and on 31 August 1957, independence
was declared.
Places
of Interest
Lembah Bujang
At the foot of the mountain lies Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley),
hailed as the most significant archeological site in Malaysia.
Archeological findings in the Bujang Valley such as the ancient
tomb temples called 'candi' and the statues of Indian deities
similar to those uncovered at the historical cities in India as
well as numerous other artifacts furnish evidence of a Hindu-Buddist
Kingdom dating to the 4th Century AD. Bujang Valley Archaeological
Museum in Pengkalan Bayang Merbok opens from 9.30am-5pm daily.
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LANGKAWI
LAGOON RESORT
Nested
against a dramatic backdrop of mountains are ancient lakes and forests,
waterfalls and beaches, all of which enhance the wonder that is
Langkawi. Blessed with a balmy climate that promises warm temperatures
throughout the year, it beckons visitors that come seeking escape
from the cares of the every day.
CLICK
HERE
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Gunung Jerai
Gunung Jerai (1,206 metres) is the highest spot in the northern
region of Peninsular Malaysia. Myths and legends abound around this
peak, including that of a 'king with fangs' (Raja Bersiong) who
resided at the foothills of the mountain.
The Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation Park, offers jungle
trails, waterfalls and camping spots.
Air Terjun Puncak Janing
Located in Padang Terap, 25 km from Alor Setar. A waterfall
and unspoilt mountain scenery beckons.
Pedu Lake & Golf Resort
Pedu Lake & Golf Resort comprises an expanse of lake framed
by undulating hills. Located near the border of Thailand, it is
90 km from Alor Setar. The lake teems with fresh water fish while
the tropical rainforest nearby offer birdwatching and jungle-trekking.
Balai Nobat (Hall of Drums)
Balai Nobat belongs to the old Sultanate of Kedah. The Hall features
the nobat, the orchestra of royalty. It comprises drums, gongs and
a traditional flute.
Balai Besar
Situated near Balai Nobat and facing Masjid Zahir, Balai Besar is
an impressive wooden edifice built in 1898 embodying certain aspects
of Thai architecture. This 'great hall' is used frequently for royal
and state functions.
Masjid Zahir
Officially opened in 1912, this mosque is an architectural landmark.
With black domes set off against slender minarets, its numerous
arches and columns are an architectural wonder.
Royal Museum
The Royal Museum (Muzium Di Raja) is another fine example of local
architecture hinting strongly of Thai influence in its majestic
design. Built in 1936, it houses a veritable collection of Kedah's
royal and cultural heritage.
Pekan Rabu
Pekan Rabu, translated means 'Wednesday Market' but its popularity
with locals and visitors has made its business hours to be extended
throughout the entire week, from morning till midnight. Stalls sell
handicrafts as well as food. Located in Alor Setar.
Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir
This is the birth place of Malaysia's Prime Minister, Dato' Seri
Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Other places of interest in Kedah includes Menara Alor Star, Royal
Boat House, Balai Seni Negeri ( State Art Gallery), Nikradharam
Buddhist Temple, Kuala Kedah Fort, Bukit Meriam, Gunung Kerian Recreational
Park, Gunung Jerai, Bukit Hijau Recreational Park, Junjung Waterfall,
Janing Peak, White Water Rafting- Sungai Sedim, River Cruise-Sungai
Kedah, Pantai Merdeka Beach, Air Terjun Punchak Janing, Batu Hampar,
Bukit Kayu Hitam, Bukit Pinang, Kota Kuala Kedah, Lata Asam Jawa,
Peranginan Sik, Lata Mengkuang and Sri Perigi.
Getting there
Being a border state with Thailand, Kedah has a border
entry point at Bukit Kayu Hitam. The Malaysian Railway Services
link Alor Setar with various big and small towns along the North
South track across the peninsula. North bound express bus service
and taxis operate daily from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar. The North
South PLUS highway leads visitors from Kuala Lumpur up to Bukit
Kayu Hitam-Hutan Kampung Toll plaza, over a distance of 490.4km
and to Alor Setar at 458.2km or a five hours drive.
The airport is located approximately 11km north of Alor Setar.
Malaysia Airlines flies daily to and from Alor
Setar from Kuala Lumpur via either Penang or Kota Bharu.
This is Malaysia Hotels Dot CC, the premier accomodation
provider in Malaysia. We offer some of the best hotels in Kedah,
Malaysia. We present them here comprehensively with factual information
on all our participating hotels and resorts in Kedah Malaysia.
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