Overview
Alor Setar is a Kedah cultural centre surrounded by rice-growing country. Mosque architecture and museums connect the city with its agricultural hinterland.
Architecture · Museums
Did you know?
- Wat Nikrodharam combines gilded roofs with colourful mosaic walls.
- The Zahir Mosque's prayer hall measures 62 by 62 feet.
- The rice museum uses a rotating deck to reveal a 360-degree mural.
Why go?
Alor Setar is the state capital of Kedah and claims to be the west coast city richest in Malay culture. Despite urban development, tourists can enjoy scenic paddy plantations around the outskirts. The city serves as a gateway to Langkawi island and offers authentic Malaysian experiences away from tourist-heavy areas like Penang.
Get in
Sultan Abdul Halim Airport is the only airport serving Alor Setar, with flights from Kuala Lumpur operated by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly, and Batik Air. AirAsia also operates flights to Johor Bahru. The city lies along the North-South Expressway, making it accessible by car from Butterworth to the south and Hat Yai to the north.
Getting around
Alor Setar is a compact city where major attractions are within downtown area. Local transport options include taxis and buses. The Menara Alor Setar tower stands 165.5 metres tall in the heart of the city and serves as both a telecommunications tower and tourist attraction with a rotating restaurant named Restoran Sri Angkasa.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. The city hosts various royal ceremonies at the Balai Besar where the sacred nobat instruments are played. Alor Setar experiences typical tropical Malaysian weather with hot and humid conditions year-round.
Where to stay
Alor Setar offers several hotels ranging from budget to mid-range. Sentosa Regency Hotel on Jalan Putra offers rooms from RM 118 nett with free WiFi. Grand Continental Hotel is centrally located near Pekan Rabu and Kedah Supermarket, known especially during Ramadan. Holiday Villa adjacent to City Plaza is a 4-star option. Hotel Seri Malaysia near Darulaman track is 10 minutes from the city centre. StarCity Hotel near Jalan Putra commercial area offers complete ported and wireless connectivity.
Food and drink
Alor Setar offers authentic local cuisine. Fishermen's Ikan Kembong is a famous warong on the road to Kuala Kedah, open 11AM-1PM. Laksa Telok Kechai midway on the Alor Setar-Kuala Kedah road serves famous local rice noodles in fish gravy from 7PM until midnight. Jalan Putra area has non-Muslim options including Kuit Tiao Teng and Karipok on 2nd Road. Haddyai Seafoods on Jalan Stadium serves Thai and Chinese style dishes. Jus jambu (guava juice) is a popular local drink.
Things to do
The Zahir State Mosque covers 124,412 square feet with a 62x62 foot prayer hall and is one of Malaysia's grandest and oldest mosques. Wat Nikrodharam is the capital's most architecturally impressive Buddhist temple with gilded roofs and colorful mosaic walls. Muzium Padi teaches about paddy and rice cultivation with a rotating deck showing a 360-degree mural; visitors can ride the traditional cow-caravan (kereta lembu) on weekends. The car tour of Yan takes 6 hours covering Merbok archaeology museum, Tanjong Dawai fishing village for belacan, Yan town, and Kuala Kedah fort.
Safety
Alor Setar is generally a safe city for travelers. Standard urban precautions apply regarding personal belongings in crowded areas. The city is predominantly Muslim, so visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Go next
Penang is a short journey south, featuring a UNESCO World Heritage historic city. Hat Yai in southern Thailand is the largest city in the region, accessible via the North-South Expressway. Langkawi island is a popular getaway known for beaches, duty-free shopping, and natural attractions, easily reached by ferry from Kuala Kedah.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Bee Garden Motel
Or H/P:+60 13 488 7799. Easily accessible. The motel is 1 min from StarCity Hotel.
Sleep
Grand Continental Hotel
In the middle of the city, beside Kedah Supermarket and near Pekan Rabu. The hotel is well-known for its food, especially during Ramadan (fasting) month.
Sleep
Holiday Villa
In the middle of the city, adjacent to City Plaza shopping center. 4-star rating.
Sleep
Hotel Seri Malaysia
10 minutes from the city centre, adjacent to Darulaman track and football stadium (home to the state-owned soccer team, Kedah Football Association). Seri Malaysia is a local hotel chain.
Sleep
Sentosa Regency Hotel
Easily accessible. Free WIFI throughout the hotel, spacious pillerless ballroom and function rooms. One of the famous hawker food streets is within walking distance.
Price when recorded: RM 118 nett
Sleep
Seri Malaysia Alor Setar Hotel
Price when recorded: RM168-208
Sleep
StarCity Hotel
Easily accessible and is near the Jalan Putra commercial area. The hotel has complete ported and wireless connectivity throughout its guest rooms, spacious coffee house, ballrooms and function rooms.
Eat
Fishermen's Ikan Kembong
Famous warong serving fresh fish dishes, popular with locals
Before you go
Accommodation
Hotels include Sentosa Regency (RM 118 nett), Grand Continental near Pekan Rabu, Holiday Villa 4-star near City Plaza, and Hotel Seri Malaysia near Darulaman stadium.
Culture
Alor Setar is known as the state capital richest in Malay culture. The Zahir Mosque is one of Malaysia's grandest mosques. Respectful dress required at religious sites.
Food
Local specialties include ikan kembong at Fishermen's warong (11AM-1PM) and Laksa Telok Kechai (7PM-midnight). Jalan Putra area has non-Muslim dining options.
Money
Currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Cash and card payments widely accepted. Sentosa Restaurant main courses from RM 7; hotel rooms from RM 118-208.
Transport
Sultan Abdul Halim Airport has flights from Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Batik Air. The city is on the North-South Expressway between Butterworth and Hat Yai.