đź“·
About Kedah
Kedah, known as the 'Rice Bowl of Malaysia,' is a captivating state in the northwest, offering a serene blend of lush paddy fields, ancient history, and island paradise. Its crown jewel is Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands famed for stunning beaches, the SkyCab cable car, and duty-free shopping. On the mainland, explore Alor Setar's majestic Zahir Mosque and the Kedah Royal Museum, delve into the prehistoric mysteries of the Bujang Valley archaeological site, and trek through the pristine rainforests of Gunung Jerai. Kedah's charm lies in its unhurried pace, where you can cycle through emerald-green rice terraces, savor local delicacies like laksa Kedah and nasi ulam, and experience warm Malay hospitality. The state's cultural tapestry is woven with traditional crafts, such as songket weaving, and vibrant festivals, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking an authentic Malaysian escape beyond the usual tourist trails.
Things to do in Kedah
Langkawi Island Hopping Experience by Private Boat with Pickup
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 980
5.0 (3)
Langkawi Panoramic Tour SkyCab SkyBridge SkyGlide OrientalVillage
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 963
5.0 (3)
Langkawi Full Day Tour with Cable Car and Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
Kedah, Malaysia
From GHSÂ 1,110
5.0 (1)
Langkawi Adventure Tour: Mangrove Kayaking with Private Transfers
Langkawi, Kedah
Â
5.0 (1)
Langkawi Private Tour With Driver Include Skybridge and Cable car
Kedah, Malaysia
From GHSÂ 617
5.0 (1)
5 Hours Kilim Mangrove Kayaking Sharing Tour (With Hotel Pickup)
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 897
4.9 (322)
5 Hours Sharing Basis Kilim Mangrove Safari Boat Tour in Langkawi
Langkawi, Kedah
Â
4.8 (568)
Private Batu Cave, Feed Silver Monkeys and Thousands of Fireflies
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Â
4.8 (4)
ATV Jungle Trail & Waterfall Experience with Hotel Transfer
Langkawi, Kedah
Â
4.7 (41)
Langkawi Half Day Mangrove Tour - Sharing Basis
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 466
4.6 (20)
Langkawi Nature & History Tour with Telaga Tujuh & Mahsuri Tomb
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 523
4.5 (2)
Langkawi Private Guided Tour - Top Highlights In a Day
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 2,146
4.5 (40)
Private Langkawi Half-Day City Exploration Tour
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 305
4.3 (4)
Langkawi Tour with SkyBridgewalk,Langkawi Cable Car,Oriental Village pass
Kedah, Malaysia
From GHSÂ 1,065
4.2 (5)
Langkawi History & Legends Tour: Mahsuri Tomb & Beras Terbakar
Langkawi, Kedah
From GHSÂ 480
4.0 (5)Travel Tips for Kedah
Getting Around
In Langkawi, rent cars or scooters (international license required), use taxis (negotiate fares or use meters), or ride-hailing apps like Grab. On the mainland, buses connect major towns, but services can be infrequent. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility to explore rural areas and attractions like Bujang Valley. Trishaws are available for short trips in Alor Setar. Ferries operate to Langkawi from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis. Domestic flights serve Langkawi International Airport.
Best Time To Visit
December to April is the best time, during the dry season with less rainfall, ideal for beach activities in Langkawi and outdoor exploration. Avoid the monsoon season from August to October, which brings heavy rains and potential flooding. Festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri (dates vary) offer cultural experiences but expect crowds. The harvest season around June showcases vibrant green paddy fields.
Local Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas; cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops. Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items. Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist areas; a 10% service charge is often included in bills. Respect Ramadan: avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Greet locals with a smile and a slight nod; handshakes are common, but some Muslim women may avoid physical contact.
Safety Information
Kedah is generally safe for travelers. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious on beaches. In Langkawi, watch for strong currents when swimming. Petty theft like bag-snatching can occur in crowded places. Scams are rare but be wary of overcharging by unofficial taxis; use ride-hailing apps. Road safety: drive carefully, especially on rural roads. No specific areas to avoid, but stay informed about local news. Respect local laws and customs to avoid issues.
Health Information
Medical facilities are adequate in urban areas like Alor Setar and Langkawi, with public hospitals and private clinics. In rural areas, services may be limited. Common health concerns include mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever; use repellent and wear long sleeves. Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or boiled water. Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date; consider hepatitis A and typhoid. Travelers to rural areas may need malaria prophylaxis; consult a doctor. Pharmacies are widely available. Travel insurance with medical coverage is recommended.
Languages Spoken
MalayEnglishChinese dialectsTamil
Quick Facts
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
RM
RM
Timezone
Asia/Kuala_Lumpur +08:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+60
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
2.2 million
Area
9500 km²
Government
Constitutional monarchy with a state government headed by a Menteri Besar (Chief Minister)
ISO Code
2