Alor Star
Encyclopedia
Alor Setar, known as Alor Star between 2004 and 2008, is the state capital of Kedah
, Malaysia, and Kota Setar District's Administrative Centre
. It is also a distribution center for manufacturing and agricultural products such as paddy, and the royal seat of the Kedah
state since the establishment of this city. The city, which has an urban population of approximately more than 300,000, is one of the region’s oldest cities.
It is located 93 kilometers north of Butterworth, Penang
and 45 km south of the Thai border.
It is also the birthplace of two Prime Ministers
, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman
, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, and Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad
, Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister. Alor Setar was granted city status on 21 December 2003.
and is the state’s eighth administrative centre since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136. The earlier administrative centres were located in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.
"Alor" or more correctly, "alur" is Malay
for a groove, furrow or main stream of a channel. In Tamil
"alur" means drain. "Setar" is a tree with small, sour fruit (Bouea macrophylla
) also known as either "kundang" or "remia" in Malay. The uniqueness of these fruits is that when you split the seed, each part is purple in colour.
The city had been sacked twice when Kedah
was attacked by the Bugis
in 1770 and the Siamese in 1821.
Significant events held here included the handing back of Perlis
and Setul (now Satun
) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both provinces were separated from Kedah
since 1821) and a 90-day festival from June to September 1904 to celebrate the wedding of the five children of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.
Alor Setar had been officially granted as a city – the ninth in Malaysia, on 21 December 2003, during which the spelling of its name was officially changed to Alor Star from the prior Alor Setar. The proclamation ceremony to declare the Kedah
capital a city was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar. Among those present at the historic ceremony were the Kedah's Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah
and his consort Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Raja Puan Muda (Heir Apparent
of Kedah
State and his consort), members of the Kedah
royalty, parliament members and state exco members. The ceremony was also witnessed by civilians and tourists. The name was returned back to Alor Setar on January 15, 2009.
under the Köppen climate classification. Alor Setar has a very lengthy wet season
. In fact, only February can be considered a true dry season
month in the city. As is common in several regions with this climate, precipitation is seen even during the short dry season. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the course of the year, with average high temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius and average low temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. Alor Setar sees on average roughly 2400 mm of precipitation per year.
List of Kota Setar district representatives in the State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri
)
Initially the function of the building was as the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (audience hall), that was situated at the back area of the Kota Setar Palace complex (Istana Kota Setar). The original building was built in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
, the 19th Sultan of Kedah
). The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.
Two Kedah Sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar:
Balai Nobat
This 18 metre-tall and 5 metre-wide three-tiered octagonal tower sole purpose is to keep all the royal musical instruments including the serunai (wooden flute), nafiri, gendang (drum) and gong, which is known as nobat
.
Upon the official opening of the Alor Setar town in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
, the 19th Sultan of Kedah
), a number of early buildings had been completed including the Kota Setar Palace, the Balai Besar, the Balai Nobat and the State Mosque. The original design of the Balai Nobat could not be ascertained but certainly it was built using wood.
During the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah
, the 23rd Sultan of Kedah), the new Balai Nobat consisting of five-story building was built. The building was totally built of wood with zinc roofing. During the reign of the HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 25th Sultan of Kedah), a new building was built using concrete and metal. The architecture is the same as the previous wooden building. The height was three-story and the dome at its apex represents the Islamic element such as those found on mosques. This new building was built in 1906.
Kota Kuala Kedah (Kuala Kedah Fort)
Kota Kuala Kedah is the remains of a fort, which for centuries protected the Kuala Kedah
Kingdom from naval attacks, on the bank of the Sungai Kedah (Kedah River).
Also known as Kota Kuala Bahang, the fort was originally constructed to provide protection against the Portuguese invaders. However, the fort had to stand againse attacks from the Achenese from Sumatra and the Bugis as well. The fort was rebuilt in 1771 and was completed nine years later.
As a state museum, it houses a large collection of Kedah's historical, culture, and royal heritages. The collection includes early Chinese porcelain, artefacts from the archaeological excavations in Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley) and a fabulous pokok bunga emas or 'gold tree' produced as a tribute to the Thais.
The museum is also a research centre on Kedah's civilisation. Before the present premise was built in 1936, the museum - officially opened by the then Kedah Mentri Besar Tan Sri Tunku Ismail Tunku Yahya (Tunku indera Setia), on February 3, 1957 - was located in the Balai Besar (Grand Hall).
Pusat Sains Negara(National Science Center)
Located at Gunung Keriang next to Alor Setar Aquatic Centre and Paddy Museum, the center is the first science center built in northern Malaysia region.
Muzium Padi (Paddy Museum)
The museum is the first paddy museum in Malaysia, and the fourth to be opened in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines.
The museum showcases the paddy cultivation process in Malaysia and displays tools and equipment which are used in the trade over the years. Through beautiful murals, the art work of 60 artists from North Korea, the history of paddy cultivation in Malaysia is revealed.
Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery)
The Kedah State Art Gallery was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts.
This building was the earliest modern government office that was built in the town of Alor Setar. Its construction was spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect from the Kedah State Public Works Department. The construction of the building began on 21 January 1893, and he was also responsible for the restoration of the Balai Besar building.
Galeria Sultan Abdul Halim
This building formerly was the Alor Setar High Court, before it was moved to Kompleks Mahkamah Alor Setar in Suka Menanti. This building is located at the junction of Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat. Initially, this building was the place for the existing Balai Seni. This building was built on Rabiulawal 1341 Hijrah equivalent to November 1922.
Muzium Diraja Kedah (Royal Kedah Museum)
This building which originated from the Kota Setar Palace is a wooden building that was built by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
, the 19th Sultan of Kedah), who was the founder of Alor Setar town in 1735. This building had undergone demolitions several times due to attacks by the Bugis
(1770) and Siamese (1821).
The concrete building was completed during the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah
). His Royal Highness had once stayed in this palace with his queen, Wan Hajar Wan Ismail who was also known as "Mak Wan Besar". Therefore, this palace is also known as the "Mak Wan Besar Palace".
YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman
Putra was also born adjacent to this palace (the Pagoda building, which no longer exist today) on 8 February 1903 and once grew up in this palace while his father the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid and his mother Mak Che Manjalara resided there.
This palace is also renowned as the "Pelamin Palace" when the space of the palace was extended to as a pavilion and additional rooms when HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah wanted to marry off his five princes and princesses. This grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, this palace was used as a school and an office for several organizations including the office for the St. John Ambulance and the Scout movements
. On 25 July 1983, this palace was declared the "Kedah Royal Museum".
.
This is a popular spot amongst tourists and locals and is a source of pride for Kedahans. Even former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad
was once a trader at Pekan Rabu.
. It functions as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction.
in Alor Setar to Gurun at the south. This aqueduct was made so that farmers can enables Kedah to boost its rice production and through it, enables Kedah to earn the nick "Malaysia's rice bowl"
, from his school days to his success as a doctor
. He was born in Alor Star on Dec 20, 1925 at No 18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai. His home has seen been designated a historical building and was restored by the National Archives in 1992.
was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia
. This house view Tunku's collection and memorial.Now it was restored and owned by National Archives as a historical building
near the city.
Istana Anak Bukit is the birthplace of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, the current Sultan of Kedah. The palace served as the Sultan's royal palace
. Sungai Anak Bukit which is situated behind the royal palace, flows through Alor Setar and is connected by Sungai Kedah (Kedah River
) which flows until Kuala Kedah.
(Zahir State Mosque) is the state mosque of Kedah
and enjoys a royal history and patronage. Built in 1912, its official opening ceremony was held on Friday, 15 October 1915 by the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the Azizi Mosque in Tanjung Pura, Langkat Sultanate
(present-day North Sumatra
). This mosque is enhanced with five prime large domes symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam
. Behind Zahir Mosque is the Syariah Court building complex and a Pre-School for Children aged below 6 years old.
Wat Nikrodharam is a significant Buddhist shrine in the city. It is located at Jalan Teluk Wan Jah, just next to the city's primary roundabout. Its architecture reflects strong Thai elements with minor Chinese motifs. It is also a sanctuary and an oasis in the city centre with trees and shades providing spiritual shelter to Buddhists from the city and abroad. Both Theravada
and Mahayana
Buddhist traditions are cherished here.
made up the majority in Alor Setar, followed by Chinese
, Indian
, and Thai
. Other Malays include Pattani Malay.
Kolej Universiti Insaniah Malaysia (KUIN, formerly known as Kolej Insaniah or INSANIAH) is located in Mergong.
Albukhary International University (AIU) will be the newest private institution of higher learning in this city and located in the Albukhary Complex.
Other institutions of higher learning in Alor Setar include Kolej Poly-Tech MARA Alor Setar, also locate in Mergong which is owned by Majlis Amanah Rakyat
or MARA.Alor Setar is served by many primary and secondary schools.Kolej Tentera Udara (Royal Air Force College) also located in Kepala Batas, Alor Setar.
Notable secondary schools include:
TECHNICAL SCHOOL
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
SPECIALIST SCHOOL
Souq Al-Bukhary is one of the most recently built malls in Alor Setar, Kedah
. Souq Al-Bukhary employs Islamic motifs in its design with elements borrowed from Mughal as well as Moorish architectural styles. Souq Al-Bukhary consists of a three-story air conditioned mall with Giant Hypermarket.
Alor Star Mall
The mall is located near North-South Expressway
South Alor Setar EXIT. It is one of the newest malls in Alor Setar, in which the anchor tenant is Pacific Store. In addition, the mall also has "Big Cinema" and "E-Box" as the main entertainment attraction for the locals.
Star Parade
Star Parade is the major shopping complex in Alor Setar. It has Malaysia's very own Pacific Departmental Store.
City Plaza Alor Setar
Sitting together with Holiday Villa Hotel, the complex offers entertainment, shopping and food. It has restaurants, bowling alleys, arcade center, Cineplex and shops.
Tesco
There are 2 Tesco
which are Tesco Mergong in Bandar Baru Mergong and Tesco Stargate in Bandar Stargate.
Aman Central
Aman Central will have a supermarket, a major department store spread over four levels, a branded fashion retail, food and beverage outlets, a 36-lane bowling alley and eight cineplexes. .
Mydin Hypermarket
This hypermarket is located at Taman Saga, Jalan Alor Mengkudu. It is set to serve the housing and residential area of Alor Mengkudu.
In conclusion, hypermarket available in Alor Setar include Pacific, Tesco, Mydin, Giant and Billion. There are also incoming malls such as AEON Alor Star City in Starcity .
It is currently used mostly for football
matches and is the official stadium for Malaysian Super League
's club Kedah FA
and Malaysian Premier League
's club Kuala Muda NAZA FC
.. The stadium was built in 1967 and has a capacity of 32,387 seats after the expansion in 1997. It was one of the venues for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship
. It
Other facilities are Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim, Pusat Akuatik Alor Setar, Kompleks Belia & Sukan.
Kedah hosted the Sukma Games in 2006.
is approachable from all parts of the Peninsular Malaysia
by all transport means.
(Malaysia-Thai border town) until Singapore
, has made it easy for any traveller to drive up to Kedah. Roads are accessible from and to major towns and cities in Peninsula Malaysia. It is a 5–7 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur
and 1.5 hour drive from Butterworth
via North-South Expressway. From major towns, such as Kuala Lumpur
and Penang
, air-conditioned express buses are also available.
Travellers can drive to Alor Setar by car from south and north via North-South Expressway, from east coast via East-West Expressway (Lebuhraya Timur Barat). Towns such as Butterworth
and Kangar
etc., can also be accessed from Alor Setar. Car rental services are available, which their offices can be found at airport, train station or in the city.
provide air-conditioned express bus services. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals or ticket offices. All buses that arrive in Alor Setar stop at Shahab Perdana Terminal Bus, Alor Setar. Those who wish to travel to other towns, including Thailand
, can catch their bus at this terminal. Local bus services are also available. They serve almost all towns in Kedah
.
(KTMB). The train services are between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar, Butterworth and Alor Setar, Padang Besar and Alor Setar, Hat Yai and Alor Setar, and, Singapore and Alor Setar. Alor Setar railway station
is located near to the CBD.(Will moved to Anak Bukit
International Railway Station when the electrical twin rail (Ipoh
, Perak
to Padang Besar
, Perlis
) project finished.) Tickets can be obtained from train station or online booking.
There is also an international express train service to Bangkok
, Thailand, operated by State Railway of Thailand
.
(Alor Setar Airport, IATA: AOR) is located at Kepala Batas, 15 km north from city. It serves mostly domestic flights. Malaysia Airlines
, Firefly
and AirAsia
fly daily to and from Alor Setar and Kuala Lumpur
.
to Kuah Ferry Service are provided at Jeti Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar. The jetty is located 25 km west from city. Travellers can take bus or taxi from city to the jetty.
According to the Ninth Malaysia Plan
, by the year 2010, Bandar Muadzam Shah in Anak Bukit
will become the new Administrative Centre
after Alor Setar city. Currently, Bandar Muadzam Shah (Anak Bukit
) is going through major development of infrastructures. This includes the new Anak Bukit police station
, new National Registration Department(Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) of Kedah and also new state government
buildings.The new railway station (Anak Bukit International Rail Station) will also be built here when the electrified twin railway project is completed.
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
, Malaysia, and Kota Setar District's Administrative Centre
Administrative Centre
An administrative centre is a term often used in several countries to refer to a county town, or other seat of regional or local government, or the place where the central administration of a commune is located....
. It is also a distribution center for manufacturing and agricultural products such as paddy, and the royal seat of the Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
state since the establishment of this city. The city, which has an urban population of approximately more than 300,000, is one of the region’s oldest cities.
It is located 93 kilometers north of Butterworth, Penang
Butterworth, Penang
Butterworth is the principal town of Seberang Perai in the state of Penang in Malaysia. Named after William John Butterworth, Governor of the Straits Settlements , Butterworth was established in the mid-19th century as a landing place across the channel from the capital of Penang, George Town...
and 45 km south of the Thai border.
It is also the birthplace of two Prime Ministers
Prime Minister of Malaysia
The Prime Minister of Malaysia is the indirectly elected head of government of Malaysia. He is officially appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the head of state, who in HM's judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that House of Representatives , the...
, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman
Tunku Abdul Rahman
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, AC, CH was Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya from 1955, and the country's first Prime Minister from independence in 1957. He remained as the Prime Minister after Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore joined the...
, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, and Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad
Mahathir bin Mohamad
Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad . is a Malaysian politician who was the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysia's longest serving Prime Minister. His political career spanned almost 40 years.Born and raised in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir...
, Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister. Alor Setar was granted city status on 21 December 2003.
History
Alor Setar was founded in 1735 by Kedah’s 19th Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin IISultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II was the 19th Sultan of Kedah. He reign from 1710 - 1778 and is widely known as the founder of Alor Setar and many current landmarks in the city are attributed to him....
and is the state’s eighth administrative centre since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136. The earlier administrative centres were located in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.
"Alor" or more correctly, "alur" is Malay
Malay language
Malay is a major language of the Austronesian family. It is the official language of Malaysia , Indonesia , Brunei and Singapore...
for a groove, furrow or main stream of a channel. In Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
"alur" means drain. "Setar" is a tree with small, sour fruit (Bouea macrophylla
Bouea macrophylla
Bouea macrophylla is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. The tree belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, and is related to the mango.-Description:The evergreen tree grows to height of 25 meters...
) also known as either "kundang" or "remia" in Malay. The uniqueness of these fruits is that when you split the seed, each part is purple in colour.
The city had been sacked twice when Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
was attacked by the Bugis
Bugis
The Bugis are the most numerous of the three major linguistic and ethnic groups of South Sulawesi, the southwestern province of Sulawesi, Indonesia's third largest island. Although many Bugis live in the large port cities of Makassar and Parepare, the majority are farmers who grow wet rice on the...
in 1770 and the Siamese in 1821.
Significant events held here included the handing back of Perlis
Perlis
Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. It is bordered by the state of Kedah to the south...
and Setul (now Satun
Satun Province
Satun is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Trang, Phatthalung and Songkhla...
) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both provinces were separated from Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
since 1821) and a 90-day festival from June to September 1904 to celebrate the wedding of the five children of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.
Alor Setar had been officially granted as a city – the ninth in Malaysia, on 21 December 2003, during which the spelling of its name was officially changed to Alor Star from the prior Alor Setar. The proclamation ceremony to declare the Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
capital a city was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar. Among those present at the historic ceremony were the Kedah's Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah
Tuanku Abdul Halim
Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, GCB KStJ is the designate Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia following his election in 2011, as well as the 27th and current Sultan of Kedah. He previously served as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1970 to 1975...
and his consort Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Raja Puan Muda (Heir Apparent
Heir apparent
An heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by a change in the rules of succession....
of Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
State and his consort), members of the Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
royalty, parliament members and state exco members. The ceremony was also witnessed by civilians and tourists. The name was returned back to Alor Setar on January 15, 2009.
Climate
Alor Setar features a tropical monsoon climateTropical monsoon climate
Tropical monsoon climate, occasionally also known as a tropical wet climate or tropical monsoon and trade-wind littoral climate in climate classification, is a relatively rare type of climate that corresponds to the Köppen climate classification category "Am."Tropical monsoon climates have monthly...
under the Köppen climate classification. Alor Setar has a very lengthy wet season
Wet season
The the wet season, or rainy season, is the time of year, covering one or more months, when most of the average annual rainfall in a region occurs. The term green season is also sometimes used as a euphemism by tourist authorities. Areas with wet seasons are dispersed across portions of the...
. In fact, only February can be considered a true dry season
Dry season
The dry season is a term commonly used when describing the weather in the tropics. The weather in the tropics is dominated by the tropical rain belt, which oscillates from the northern to the southern tropics over the course of the year...
month in the city. As is common in several regions with this climate, precipitation is seen even during the short dry season. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the course of the year, with average high temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius and average low temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. Alor Setar sees on average roughly 2400 mm of precipitation per year.
Politics
List of Kota Setar district representatives in the Federal Parliament (Dewan Rakyat)| Parliament | Seat Name | Member of Parliament | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| P8 | Pokok Sena | Mahfuz Omar | Pakatan Rakyat (PR) |
| P9 | Alor Setar | Chor Chee Heung | Barisan Nasional (BN) |
| P10 | Kuala Kedah | Ahmad Kassim | Pakatan Rakyat (PR) |
List of Kota Setar district representatives in the State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri
Dewan Undangan Negeri
A state legislative assembly is the legislature of each of the 13 Malaysian states. Members of a state legislative assembly comprises elected representatives from single-member constituencies during state elections through the first-past-the-post system....
)
| Parliament | State | Seat Name | State Assemblyman | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P8 | N11 | Derga | Cheah Soon Hai | Barisan Nasional (BN) |
| P9 | N12 | Bakar Bata | Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah | Barisan Nasional (BN) |
| P9 | N13 | Kota Darulaman | Lee Guan Aik | Pakatan Rakyat (PR) |
| P9 | N14 | Alor Mengkudu | Ismail Salleh | Pakatan Rakyat (PR) |
| P10 | N15 | Anak Bukit | Amiruddin Hamzah | Pakatan Rakyat (PR) |
| P10 | N16 | Kubang Rotan | Mohd Nasir Mustafa | Pakatan Rakyat (PR) |
| P10 | N17 | Pengkalan Kundor | Phahrolrazi Zawawi | Pakatan Rakyat (PR) |
Cultural sites
Balai Besar (Grand Audience Hall)Initially the function of the building was as the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (audience hall), that was situated at the back area of the Kota Setar Palace complex (Istana Kota Setar). The original building was built in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II was the 19th Sultan of Kedah. He reign from 1710 - 1778 and is widely known as the founder of Alor Setar and many current landmarks in the city are attributed to him....
, the 19th Sultan of Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
). The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.
Two Kedah Sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar:
- HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah IISultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah IISultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II was the 21st Sultan of Kedah. His reign was from 1797 - 1843.The Sultan's reign was marked by Siamese rule where its army invaded and occupied Kedah between 1821 and 1842. Local Kedahan Arab families supported the Sultan's efforts to lead resistance efforts...
, the 22nd Sultan of Kedah) in 1805 - HRH Sultan Abdul HalimTuanku Abdul HalimSultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, GCB KStJ is the designate Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia following his election in 2011, as well as the 27th and current Sultan of Kedah. He previously served as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1970 to 1975...
on 20 February 1959.
This 18 metre-tall and 5 metre-wide three-tiered octagonal tower sole purpose is to keep all the royal musical instruments including the serunai (wooden flute), nafiri, gendang (drum) and gong, which is known as nobat
Nobat
Nobat is the newspaper published daily in Gujarati language from Jamnagar, Gujarat, India....
.
Upon the official opening of the Alor Setar town in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II was the 19th Sultan of Kedah. He reign from 1710 - 1778 and is widely known as the founder of Alor Setar and many current landmarks in the city are attributed to him....
, the 19th Sultan of Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
), a number of early buildings had been completed including the Kota Setar Palace, the Balai Besar, the Balai Nobat and the State Mosque. The original design of the Balai Nobat could not be ascertained but certainly it was built using wood.
During the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah was the 23rd Sultan of Kedah. He reigned from 1854 - 1879 and it was during this period that the new Balai Nobat consisting of a five-story building was built. The building was totally built of wood with zinc roofing....
, the 23rd Sultan of Kedah), the new Balai Nobat consisting of five-story building was built. The building was totally built of wood with zinc roofing. During the reign of the HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 25th Sultan of Kedah), a new building was built using concrete and metal. The architecture is the same as the previous wooden building. The height was three-story and the dome at its apex represents the Islamic element such as those found on mosques. This new building was built in 1906.
Kota Kuala Kedah is the remains of a fort, which for centuries protected the Kuala Kedah
Kuala Kedah
Kuala Kedah is a town and parliamentary constituency in Kedah, Malaysia. It is a fishing port, located at the mouth of the Kedah River, and serves as a terminus for ferries to the tourist island of Langkawi...
Kingdom from naval attacks, on the bank of the Sungai Kedah (Kedah River).
Also known as Kota Kuala Bahang, the fort was originally constructed to provide protection against the Portuguese invaders. However, the fort had to stand againse attacks from the Achenese from Sumatra and the Bugis as well. The fort was rebuilt in 1771 and was completed nine years later.
Museums and Galleries
Muzium Negeri (State Museum)As a state museum, it houses a large collection of Kedah's historical, culture, and royal heritages. The collection includes early Chinese porcelain, artefacts from the archaeological excavations in Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley) and a fabulous pokok bunga emas or 'gold tree' produced as a tribute to the Thais.
The museum is also a research centre on Kedah's civilisation. Before the present premise was built in 1936, the museum - officially opened by the then Kedah Mentri Besar Tan Sri Tunku Ismail Tunku Yahya (Tunku indera Setia), on February 3, 1957 - was located in the Balai Besar (Grand Hall).
Pusat Sains Negara(National Science Center)
Located at Gunung Keriang next to Alor Setar Aquatic Centre and Paddy Museum, the center is the first science center built in northern Malaysia region.
Muzium Padi (Paddy Museum)
The museum is the first paddy museum in Malaysia, and the fourth to be opened in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines.
The museum showcases the paddy cultivation process in Malaysia and displays tools and equipment which are used in the trade over the years. Through beautiful murals, the art work of 60 artists from North Korea, the history of paddy cultivation in Malaysia is revealed.
Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery)
The Kedah State Art Gallery was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts.
This building was the earliest modern government office that was built in the town of Alor Setar. Its construction was spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect from the Kedah State Public Works Department. The construction of the building began on 21 January 1893, and he was also responsible for the restoration of the Balai Besar building.
Galeria Sultan Abdul Halim
This building formerly was the Alor Setar High Court, before it was moved to Kompleks Mahkamah Alor Setar in Suka Menanti. This building is located at the junction of Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat. Initially, this building was the place for the existing Balai Seni. This building was built on Rabiulawal 1341 Hijrah equivalent to November 1922.
Muzium Diraja Kedah (Royal Kedah Museum)
This building which originated from the Kota Setar Palace is a wooden building that was built by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II
Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin II was the 19th Sultan of Kedah. He reign from 1710 - 1778 and is widely known as the founder of Alor Setar and many current landmarks in the city are attributed to him....
, the 19th Sultan of Kedah), who was the founder of Alor Setar town in 1735. This building had undergone demolitions several times due to attacks by the Bugis
Bugis
The Bugis are the most numerous of the three major linguistic and ethnic groups of South Sulawesi, the southwestern province of Sulawesi, Indonesia's third largest island. Although many Bugis live in the large port cities of Makassar and Parepare, the majority are farmers who grow wet rice on the...
(1770) and Siamese (1821).
The concrete building was completed during the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah was the 23rd Sultan of Kedah. He reigned from 1854 - 1879 and it was during this period that the new Balai Nobat consisting of a five-story building was built. The building was totally built of wood with zinc roofing....
). His Royal Highness had once stayed in this palace with his queen, Wan Hajar Wan Ismail who was also known as "Mak Wan Besar". Therefore, this palace is also known as the "Mak Wan Besar Palace".
YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman
Tunku Abdul Rahman
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, AC, CH was Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya from 1955, and the country's first Prime Minister from independence in 1957. He remained as the Prime Minister after Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore joined the...
Putra was also born adjacent to this palace (the Pagoda building, which no longer exist today) on 8 February 1903 and once grew up in this palace while his father the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid and his mother Mak Che Manjalara resided there.
This palace is also renowned as the "Pelamin Palace" when the space of the palace was extended to as a pavilion and additional rooms when HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah wanted to marry off his five princes and princesses. This grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, this palace was used as a school and an office for several organizations including the office for the St. John Ambulance and the Scout movements
Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia
Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia is an organisation for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 17, based in Malaysia. Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia is part of the global Scouting movement and national member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement...
. On 25 July 1983, this palace was declared the "Kedah Royal Museum".
Pekan Rabu (Wednesday Market)
Pekan Rabu is located near the government offices in Alor Setar. Although the name literally means “Wednesday Market”, this market is open all week long, and sells a variety of items from tidbits to beautiful handicraftHandicraft
Handicraft, more precisely expressed as artisanic handicraft, sometimes also called artisanry, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. It is a traditional main sector of craft. Usually the term is applied to traditional means...
.
This is a popular spot amongst tourists and locals and is a source of pride for Kedahans. Even former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad
Mahathir bin Mohamad
Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad . is a Malaysian politician who was the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysia's longest serving Prime Minister. His political career spanned almost 40 years.Born and raised in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir...
was once a trader at Pekan Rabu.
Menara Alor Setar (Alor Setar Tower)
Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this tower, standing at 165.5 metres tall is a prominent and modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in the state of KedahKedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
. It functions as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction.
Wan Mat Saman Canal
Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct is the longest aqueduct in Malaysia. It connects Kedah RiverKedah River
Kedah River is a river in Kedah, Malaysia. The river passes through Alor Setar and empties into the Straits of Malacca at Kuala Kedah.Its volume is about 3695 km³....
in Alor Setar to Gurun at the south. This aqueduct was made so that farmers can enables Kedah to boost its rice production and through it, enables Kedah to earn the nick "Malaysia's rice bowl"
Tun Dr. Mahathir's Birthplace
Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir which provides an insight into the younger days of the fourth Prime Minister of MalaysiaPrime Minister of Malaysia
The Prime Minister of Malaysia is the indirectly elected head of government of Malaysia. He is officially appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the head of state, who in HM's judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that House of Representatives , the...
, from his school days to his success as a doctor
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
. He was born in Alor Star on Dec 20, 1925 at No 18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai. His home has seen been designated a historical building and was restored by the National Archives in 1992.
Rumah Merdeka (Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial)
Tunku Abdul RahmanTunku Abdul Rahman
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, AC, CH was Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya from 1955, and the country's first Prime Minister from independence in 1957. He remained as the Prime Minister after Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore joined the...
was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia
Prime Minister of Malaysia
The Prime Minister of Malaysia is the indirectly elected head of government of Malaysia. He is officially appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the head of state, who in HM's judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that House of Representatives , the...
. This house view Tunku's collection and memorial.Now it was restored and owned by National Archives as a historical building
Kedah Royal Mausoleum
The Kedah royal mausoleum is located in LanggarLanggar
-See also:*List of towns and villages in Tibet...
near the city.
Istana Anak Bukit (Anak Bukit Palace)
Royal Palace
** Palace of Nakhchivan Khans, Nakhchivan* Belgium: Royal Palace of Brussels* Brazil** Paço Imperial** Paço de São Cristóvão** Summer Palace* Bulgaria: Royal Palace, today housing the National Art Gallery* Cambodia: Royal Palace of Cambodia* China...
. Sungai Anak Bukit which is situated behind the royal palace, flows through Alor Setar and is connected by Sungai Kedah (Kedah River
Kedah River
Kedah River is a river in Kedah, Malaysia. The river passes through Alor Setar and empties into the Straits of Malacca at Kuala Kedah.Its volume is about 3695 km³....
) which flows until Kuala Kedah.
Places of worship
Masjid ZahirMasjid Zahir
The Zahir Mosque is Kedah's state mosque. It is located in the heart of Alor Star, the state capital of Kedah, Malaysia.-History:The mosque was built in 1912, a contributory effort of YTM Tunku Mahmud Ibni Almarhum Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. The site of this mosque was the cemetery of Kedah...
(Zahir State Mosque) is the state mosque of Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
and enjoys a royal history and patronage. Built in 1912, its official opening ceremony was held on Friday, 15 October 1915 by the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the Azizi Mosque in Tanjung Pura, Langkat Sultanate
Sultanate of Langkat
The Sultanate of Langkat was a Muslim state located in modern Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. Although dating back to the pre-Islamic age, recorded history is available only from the 17th century.-References:...
(present-day North Sumatra
North Sumatra
North Sumatra is a province of Indonesia on the Sumatra island. Its capital is Medan. It is the most populous Indonesian province outside of Java. It is slightly larger than Sri Lanka in area.- Geography and population :...
). This mosque is enhanced with five prime large domes symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam
Five Pillars of Islam
The Pillars of Islam are basic concepts and duties for accepting the religion for the Muslims.The Shi'i and Sunni both agree on the essential details for the performance of these acts, but the Shi'a do not refer to them by the same name .-Pillars of Shia:According to Shia Islam, the...
. Behind Zahir Mosque is the Syariah Court building complex and a Pre-School for Children aged below 6 years old.
Wat Nikrodharam is a significant Buddhist shrine in the city. It is located at Jalan Teluk Wan Jah, just next to the city's primary roundabout. Its architecture reflects strong Thai elements with minor Chinese motifs. It is also a sanctuary and an oasis in the city centre with trees and shades providing spiritual shelter to Buddhists from the city and abroad. Both Theravada
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
and Mahayana
Mahayana
Mahāyāna is one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice...
Buddhist traditions are cherished here.
Demographics
Kedahan MalayKedahan Malay
Kedahan Malay is one of the largest Malay subethnic group. They are among the earliest settler in Malay Peninsular. This group comprised at least 15% of the total ethnic Malay population.- History :...
made up the majority in Alor Setar, followed by Chinese
Chinese people
The term Chinese people may refer to any of the following:*People with Han Chinese ethnicity ....
, Indian
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, and Thai
Thai people
The Thai people, or Siamese, are the main ethnic group of Thailand and are part of the larger Tai ethnolinguistic peoples found in Thailand and adjacent countries in Southeast Asia as well as southern China. Their language is the Thai language, which is classified as part of the Kradai family of...
. Other Malays include Pattani Malay.
Education
HIGHER EDUCATIONKolej Universiti Insaniah Malaysia (KUIN, formerly known as Kolej Insaniah or INSANIAH) is located in Mergong.
Albukhary International University (AIU) will be the newest private institution of higher learning in this city and located in the Albukhary Complex.
Other institutions of higher learning in Alor Setar include Kolej Poly-Tech MARA Alor Setar, also locate in Mergong which is owned by Majlis Amanah Rakyat
Majlis Amanah Rakyat
The Majlis Amanah Rakyat is a Malaysian government agency. It was formed to aid, train, and guide Bumiputra in the areas of business and industry. MARA was formed on March 1, 1966 under the Rural and National Development Ministry...
or MARA.Alor Setar is served by many primary and secondary schools.Kolej Tentera Udara (Royal Air Force College) also located in Kepala Batas, Alor Setar.
Notable secondary schools include:
- Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid
- Sekolah Menengah St. Nicholas Convent
- Keat Hwa Secondary SchoolKeat Hwa Secondary SchoolKeat Hwa Secondary School is a cluster high school in Alor Setar, Kedah DA, Malaysia. It was founded in 1911, making it one of the oldest schools in Malaysia. Keat Hwa Secondary School is widely known as Keat Hwa...
- Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultanah Asma
TECHNICAL SCHOOL
- Sekolah Menengah Teknik Alor SetarSekolah Menengah Teknik Alor SetarSekolah Menengah Teknik Alor Setar, or Alor Setar Technical School , is located in Bandar Simpang Kuala, Alor Setar and may be the oldest and controlled technical school in Malaysia. ASTECH is better known by local people as "Sekolah Teknik Lebuhraya" due to be confused with Sekolah Menengah Teknik...
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
- Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Jalan Stadium
SPECIALIST SCHOOL
- Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Alor Setar
Healthcare
The government hospital, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah is located in Jalan Langgar. The hospital was officially opened in the year 2007 and is one of the most higly equipped hospital in Malaysia with a Total Hospital Information System. It can accommodate up to 300 beds at a time.Shopping Malls
Souq Al-BukharySouq Al-Bukhary is one of the most recently built malls in Alor Setar, Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
. Souq Al-Bukhary employs Islamic motifs in its design with elements borrowed from Mughal as well as Moorish architectural styles. Souq Al-Bukhary consists of a three-story air conditioned mall with Giant Hypermarket.
Alor Star Mall
The mall is located near North-South Expressway
North-South Expressway
The North–South Expressway is the longest expressway in Malaysia with the total length of running from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah near the Malaysian-Thai border to Johor Bahru at the southern portion of Peninsular Malaysia and to Singapore...
South Alor Setar EXIT. It is one of the newest malls in Alor Setar, in which the anchor tenant is Pacific Store. In addition, the mall also has "Big Cinema" and "E-Box" as the main entertainment attraction for the locals.
Star Parade
Star Parade is the major shopping complex in Alor Setar. It has Malaysia's very own Pacific Departmental Store.
City Plaza Alor Setar
Sitting together with Holiday Villa Hotel, the complex offers entertainment, shopping and food. It has restaurants, bowling alleys, arcade center, Cineplex and shops.
Tesco
There are 2 Tesco
Tesco
Tesco plc is a global grocery and general merchandise retailer headquartered in Cheshunt, United Kingdom. It is the third-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues and the second-largest measured by profits...
which are Tesco Mergong in Bandar Baru Mergong and Tesco Stargate in Bandar Stargate.
Aman Central
Aman Central will have a supermarket, a major department store spread over four levels, a branded fashion retail, food and beverage outlets, a 36-lane bowling alley and eight cineplexes. .
Mydin Hypermarket
This hypermarket is located at Taman Saga, Jalan Alor Mengkudu. It is set to serve the housing and residential area of Alor Mengkudu.
In conclusion, hypermarket available in Alor Setar include Pacific, Tesco, Mydin, Giant and Billion. There are also incoming malls such as AEON Alor Star City in Starcity .
Sports
Alor Setar have many sport facilities that are open to public. The facilities includes Stadium Darulaman which is located in Jalan Stadium and Lebuhraya Darul Aman.It is currently used mostly for football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
matches and is the official stadium for Malaysian Super League
Malaysian Super League
The Malaysia Super League is a Malaysian professional league for association football. At the top flight of the Malaysian football league system and it is managed by the Malaysia Super League Sdn Bhd, under supervision of the Football Association of Malaysia...
's club Kedah FA
Kedah FA
The Kedah FA are a Malaysian professional football association team based in Kedah, Malaysia also enters a team in Malaysian football competitions to represent the state of Kedah...
and Malaysian Premier League
Malaysian Premier League
Malaysia Premier League is the second-tier football league in Malaysia. The league is currently named Astro Premier League Malaysia...
's club Kuala Muda NAZA FC
Kuala Muda Naza FC
Naza Football Club was a Malaysian football club based in Kuala Muda, Kedah. The team last competes in the first tier of the Malaysian football league, the Super League Malaysia. The team is a product of a Malaysian car company Naza. The group is a well known Malaysian based motor trading and...
.. The stadium was built in 1967 and has a capacity of 32,387 seats after the expansion in 1997. It was one of the venues for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship
1997 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship was the 11th staging of the FIFA World Youth Championship. It was held from June 16 to July 5, 1997 in Malaysia.-Venues:-Qualification:The following 24 teams qualified for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship...
. It
Kedah hosted the Sukma Games in 2006.
Transportation
The capital of KedahKedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
is approachable from all parts of the Peninsular Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia , also known as West Malaysia , is the part of Malaysia which lies on the Malay Peninsula. Its area is . It shares a land border with Thailand in the north. To the south is the island of Singapore. Across the Strait of Malacca to the west lies the island of Sumatra...
by all transport means.
By Road
The North-South Expressway, which starts from Bukit Kayu HitamBukit Kayu Hitam
Bukit Kayu Hitam is Kedah's main border town on the Malaysia-Thailand Border. It marks the end of the North-South Expressway and Malaysia Federal Route 1, the longest Malaysian road which runs from Johor Bahru, Johor in the south till the border at Bukit Kayu Hitam pass. The checkpoint and duty...
(Malaysia-Thai border town) until Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, has made it easy for any traveller to drive up to Kedah. Roads are accessible from and to major towns and cities in Peninsula Malaysia. It is a 5–7 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the second largest city in Malaysia by population. The city proper, making up an area of , has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million...
and 1.5 hour drive from Butterworth
Butterworth, Penang
Butterworth is the principal town of Seberang Perai in the state of Penang in Malaysia. Named after William John Butterworth, Governor of the Straits Settlements , Butterworth was established in the mid-19th century as a landing place across the channel from the capital of Penang, George Town...
via North-South Expressway. From major towns, such as Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the second largest city in Malaysia by population. The city proper, making up an area of , has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million...
and Penang
Penang
Penang is a state in Malaysia and the name of its constituent island, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. It is bordered by Kedah in the north and east, and Perak in the south. Penang is the second smallest Malaysian state in area after Perlis, and the...
, air-conditioned express buses are also available.
Travellers can drive to Alor Setar by car from south and north via North-South Expressway, from east coast via East-West Expressway (Lebuhraya Timur Barat). Towns such as Butterworth
Butterworth, Penang
Butterworth is the principal town of Seberang Perai in the state of Penang in Malaysia. Named after William John Butterworth, Governor of the Straits Settlements , Butterworth was established in the mid-19th century as a landing place across the channel from the capital of Penang, George Town...
and Kangar
Kangar
Kangar is the state capital of Perlis, Malaysia. It has a population of 48,898 and an area of 2,619.4 ha. It is located in the northern most point of Peninsular Malaysia and is situated by the Perlis River. The center of Kangar is Sena Province, which is referred to by few locals as 'Uptown Sena'...
etc., can also be accessed from Alor Setar. Car rental services are available, which their offices can be found at airport, train station or in the city.
Bus
Most of bus companies in Peninsular MalaysiaPeninsular Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia , also known as West Malaysia , is the part of Malaysia which lies on the Malay Peninsula. Its area is . It shares a land border with Thailand in the north. To the south is the island of Singapore. Across the Strait of Malacca to the west lies the island of Sumatra...
provide air-conditioned express bus services. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals or ticket offices. All buses that arrive in Alor Setar stop at Shahab Perdana Terminal Bus, Alor Setar. Those who wish to travel to other towns, including Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, can catch their bus at this terminal. Local bus services are also available. They serve almost all towns in Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
.
By Rail
Train services are provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu BerhadKeretapi Tanah Melayu
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad or Malayan Railways Limited is the main rail operator in Peninsular Malaysia. The railway system dates back to the British colonial era, when it was first built to transport tin...
(KTMB). The train services are between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar, Butterworth and Alor Setar, Padang Besar and Alor Setar, Hat Yai and Alor Setar, and, Singapore and Alor Setar. Alor Setar railway station
Alor Setar railway station
The Alor Setar railway station is a Malaysian train station located at and named after the state capital city of Alor Setar, Kedah....
is located near to the CBD.(Will moved to Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit is the royal town of the northern state of Kedah, Malaysia. It is also the name of one of the state assembly constituencies in the Kedah State Assembly...
International Railway Station when the electrical twin rail (Ipoh
Ipoh
Ipoh is the capital city of Perak state, Malaysia. It is approximately 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur on the North-South Expressway....
, Perak
Perak
Perak , one of the 13 states of Malaysia, is the second largest state in the Peninsular Malaysia bordering Kedah and Yala Province of Thailand to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east, Selangor the Strait of Malacca to the south and west.Perak means silver in Malay...
to Padang Besar
Padang Besar
Padang Besar is a border town located in the northern part of Perlis state in Malaysia. It is situated on the border with Songkhla province, Thailand, 35 kilometers northeast of Kangar and about 70 km southwest of Hat Yai...
, Perlis
Perlis
Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. It is bordered by the state of Kedah to the south...
) project finished.) Tickets can be obtained from train station or online booking.
There is also an international express train service to Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand, operated by State Railway of Thailand
State Railway of Thailand
The State Railway of Thailand is the state-owned rail operator in Thailand. The network sees around 50 million passengers per annum.-History:SRT was founded as the Royal State Railways of Siam in 1890...
.
By Air
The newly-built state-of-the-art Sultan Abdul Halim AirportSultan Abdul Halim Airport
Sultan Abdul Halim Airport is an airport that serves Alor Setar, a city in the state of Kedah in Malaysia.The airport, located in Kepala Batas, 13 km away from town, can handle up to 800,000 ppa. The new terminal is already operational by 5 May 2006 to cater for future traffic growth...
(Alor Setar Airport, IATA: AOR) is located at Kepala Batas, 15 km north from city. It serves mostly domestic flights. Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysian Airline System Berhad , DBA Malaysia Airlines , is the government-owned flag carrier of Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines operates flights from its home base, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and its eastern hub in Kota Kinabalu. It has its headquarters on the grounds of Sultan Abdul Aziz...
, Firefly
Firefly (airline)
FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd, operating as Firefly, is a full service point to point carrier and a full subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines. Its head office is located on the grounds of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor. It claims to be the first community airline in Malaysia...
and AirAsia
AirAsia
AirAsia Berhad is a Malaysian-based low-cost airline. AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia group operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 400 destinations spanning 25 countries. Its main hub is the Low-Cost...
fly daily to and from Alor Setar and Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the second largest city in Malaysia by population. The city proper, making up an area of , has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million...
.
By Sea
Passenger ferry services to and from LangkawiLangkawi
Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border...
to Kuah Ferry Service are provided at Jeti Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar. The jetty is located 25 km west from city. Travellers can take bus or taxi from city to the jetty.
Notable People from Alor Setar
- Singer: CocoCocoCoco, CoCo, Co-Co or similar can mean:*Co-Co locomotives, a code for a locomotive wheel arrangement with two six-wheeled bogies with all axles powered, with a separate motor per axle*Co-Co , a British pop group...
, Yunalis Zarai, Shanon ShahShanon ShahShanon Shah , is a singer-songwriter from Malaysia. He has released an album Dilanda Cinta on the InterGlobal Music Malaysia independent label... - Actors: Bront PalaraeBront PalaraeBront Palarae , fondly known as 'Napron' in his youth, is a Malaysian actor, screenwriter, director and producer.-Biography:...
, Angelica LeeAngelica LeeAngelica Lee Sin-Jie is a Malaysian Chinese film actress and pop singer. She started her career in singing and later moved on to acting in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Lee starred in The Eye, the hit Asian horror film by the Pang Brothers, winning her the Golden Horse Award for Best Actress, Best Actress...
, Farid KamilFarid KamilFarid Kamil is a Malaysian actor. He is a well known known male model turned actor and is arguably one of the most famous male actor in Malaysia as of current. Kamil had also been dubbed as "Hero Melayu" for several of his outstanding performances in drama series and movies alike... - Sports: Dato' Paduka Ahmad Basri Akil, Mohd Helmi Eliza EliasMohd Helmi Eliza EliasMohd Helmi Eliza Elias is a Malaysian footballer currently playing as a goalkeeper for Kedah FA and the former Malaysia national team.-Club career:...
, Mohd Khyril Muhymeen ZambriMohd Khyril Muhymeen ZambriMohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambri is a Malaysian footballer who plays as a striker for Kedah. He also a winger for Malaysia national, Malaysia U-23 and former Malaysia U-20 squad...
, Tan Boon HeongTan Boon HeongTan Boon Heong is a professional badminton player representing Malaysia in the men's doubles event. He and his current doubles partner—Koo Kien Keat—are ranked 3rd in men's doubles in the world.-Career:... - Politics: Tunku Abdul RahmanTunku Abdul RahmanTunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, AC, CH was Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya from 1955, and the country's first Prime Minister from independence in 1957. He remained as the Prime Minister after Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore joined the...
, Tun Mahathir bin MohamadMahathir bin MohamadTun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad . is a Malaysian politician who was the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysia's longest serving Prime Minister. His political career spanned almost 40 years.Born and raised in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir...
, Daim ZainuddinDaim ZainuddinTun Daim bin Zainuddin is a Malaysian economist, businessman, politician and a former Finance Minister of Malaysia from 1984 to 1991.-Early life:...
, Dato' Fadzil NoorFadzil NoorDato' Ustaz Hajji Fadzil bin Muhammad Noor was a Malaysian politician and religious teacher. He was the president of Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party , and was the parliamentary opposition leader....
, Dato' Seri Wan Azizah Wan IsmailWan Azizah Wan IsmailYang Berbahagia Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is a Malaysian politician. She is currently the president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat and she was the Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh from 1999 to 2008. She was also the Leader of Opposition in Dewan Rakyat from March 2008 until 31 July 2008... - Judges: Tan Sri Zaki Tun AzmiZaki Tun AzmiTun Zaki bin Tun Azmi is the sixth and current Chief Justice of Malaysia. He was appointed by the King on October 21, 2008 after his predecessor, Abdul Hamid Mohamed, retired from office....
, Tun Ahmad Fairuz Abdul HalimAhmad Fairuz Abdul HalimTun Ahmad Fairuz bin Sheikh Abdul Halim is the former Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Malaysia. A controversial figure, he held that position from 2003 to 2007. In August 2007, he courted controversy by suggesting the abolishment of English Common Law to be replaced by Islamic Syariah Law....
, Tun Mohamed Azmi MohamedMohamed Azmi Mohamed- References :...
, Tun Syed Sheh Hassan BarakbahSyed Sheh Hassan BarakbahTun Syed Sheh Al-Haj bin Syed Hassan Barakbah was a prominent Malaysian judge. He was the second Lord President of the Federal Court, and the first Malaysian to hold that office... - Writers and Arts: Dato' Abdullah HussainAbdullah HussainDatuk Abdullah Hussain is a Malaysian novelist and writer. He received the Malaysian National Laureate in 1996 which makes him the 8th recipient of the award.-Early years:Hussain was born on 25 March 1920 in Sungai Limau Dalam, Yan, Kedah...
, Dato' Shahnon AhmadShahnon AhmadDato' Haji Shahnon bin Ahmad is a Malaysian writer, a National Laureate, and a former Member of Parliament. He was awarded with the National Literary Award in 1982... - Business: Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary
Developments
Ninth Malaysia Plan
Ninth Malaysian Plan abbreviated as '9MP', is a comprehensive blueprint prepared by the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister's Department and the Finance Ministry of Malaysia with approval by the Cabinet of Malaysia to allocate the national budget from the year 2006 to 2010 to all...
, by the year 2010, Bandar Muadzam Shah in Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit is the royal town of the northern state of Kedah, Malaysia. It is also the name of one of the state assembly constituencies in the Kedah State Assembly...
will become the new Administrative Centre
Administrative Centre
An administrative centre is a term often used in several countries to refer to a county town, or other seat of regional or local government, or the place where the central administration of a commune is located....
after Alor Setar city. Currently, Bandar Muadzam Shah (Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit is the royal town of the northern state of Kedah, Malaysia. It is also the name of one of the state assembly constituencies in the Kedah State Assembly...
) is going through major development of infrastructures. This includes the new Anak Bukit police station
Police station
A police station or station house is a building which serves to accommodate police officers and other members of staff. These buildings often contain offices and accommodation for personnel and vehicles, along with locker rooms, temporary holding cells and interview/interrogation rooms.- Facilities...
, new National Registration Department(Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) of Kedah and also new state government
State government
A state government is the government of a subnational entity in a federal form of government, which shares political power with the federal or national government. A state government may have some level of political autonomy, or be subject to the direct control of the federal government...
buildings.The new railway station (Anak Bukit International Rail Station) will also be built here when the electrified twin railway project is completed.