Malaysia: Kedah Darul Aman

Located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia, Kedah Darul Aman (Abode of Peace) where its mainland is popular for growing rice."As I go through life, I want to learn to age gracefully and accumulate wisdom born from experience.

Alor Setar
Menara Alor Setar is actually a telecommunication tower in Alor Setar. (Traveled once to this city with Kenny, Ai Wah & Wei Shwu). We did not visit the observation deck. It is difficult to shoot the photo for the main tower however there is a mini tower for our photo shooting. We lingered around the Istana Kuning and headed to Nasi Lemak Ong at Jalan Putra. It’s a mixed twist of Nasi Kandar ala Nasi Lemak Chinese Style. My Love for Spicy Food! Just to be safe I am asking for a Less Spicy Curry Rice. Price: Medium range depending on the dishes you ordered. Taste: Good.

The Rice Plant Museum is worth a visit. There is a revolving platform equipped with cinema seats which allows visitors to admire a 360 degree panorama mural of the rice plantation across Kedah.  The air conditioned museum is a great way to escape the sun heat. We spent around 1 and a half hour in the museum photo snapping with the statues.

We continue driving around to Kuala Kedah’s Fort. The beautiful paddy field view caught my heart. The fishing boats, buffalo and the hot sun made photography outing day a fun one. Finally, we reach the Kuala Kedah’s Fort (known as Kota Kuala Kedah). The fort was once built with assistance from the Portuguese. What a beautiful architecture. Watching the sunsets with the local folks picnicking by the field, the feeling is a loved one as I am able to spend this moment with my best friends.

  

Before ending the journey for Alor Setar, we decided to drive back to the city’s heart. The colorful lighting captures our interest. What a simple journey.

Pulau Langkawi
Langkawi is the jewel of Kedah or better known as a duty free island. Upon landed, we rent a car and drove to Langkawi Eagle Square located at the southeast corner of Pulau Langkawi. It is a must to visit as besides offering beautiful views of Kuah Bay which also known as Dataran Lang, the square is also a good place to watch sunset and ferries in Langkawi. Along there, is a walking distance to the CHOGM Park and Taman Lagenda Dalam Langkawi.

The hotels in Langkawi boast spacious and well-appointed accommodations as well as top-notch facilities and services that are above industry standards. Be aware! The hotels recommend to stay in are Sunset Beach Resort Hotel and Berjaya Langkawi Resort. However there are a few bad hotels such as Paradise Inn Langkawi.

We had our diner at Orchid Intan Seafood Restaurant (Kuala Kuah instead of the tourist spot in Pantai Cenang). The price is still expensive. The taste is good though. Love the "salted vege toufu soup". We are able to get a lot of cheap beers in the island. We bought a few beers and choose to relax in our hotel’s balcony- drinking.

Upon waking up, we waste no time and headed to Langkawi Cable Car and Oriental Village. The cable car ride to the top of Mount Mat Chinchang indeed has breathtaking views. We had our lunch at Japanese Food in the Oriental Village – Mizumi Japanese Restaurant. Choices are less but the taste is good. Price is expensive compare to the fast food sushi franchises in Malaysia.  

 

We continue to drive around and visited Makam Mahsuri. Makam Mahsuri is a mausoleum of a woman whom is believed in causing the fall-and-rise of Langkawi. It is not worth to visit as it is not well maintained but a good spot to learn about the legend of the island.

We spent our last night walking around in Pantai Cenang. We found a small reggae pub and it is a cool place to hangout for some drinks- Babylon. Pantai Cenang is suppose to attract tourist like me for their handicraft souvenirs but I am more attracted to the foods varieties that we can choose along the road despite being pricey.

Before checking out from the island, we swim a little bit more and rest in our resort. Grab a quick lunch at the sea-view restaurant for my CheeseBurger in the resort. Langkawi is indeed a good place for relaxing. On the way to the airport we drop by the Telaga Harbour Park. We loved the slow pace lifestyle in the island.

Gunung Jerai
As the highest peak of the state, Gunung Jerai is located near Sungei Petani, not far from the island of Penang. A one day trip will be sufficient. There is nothing much in the mountain except a few newly-renovated chalets. We are unable to find a place to grab our lunch. We are thankful that we have our heavy breakfast at Sungai Petani before we drove up the hill. However the peaceful environment is worth the visit. A 4 hours visit is sufficient unless we intend to do so hiking and trekking.