Alor Setar is the state capital of Kedah, on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Some claim that it is the state capital on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia that is richest in Malay culture. Despite its urban development and being the state capital, tourists are able to enjoy the scenic view of paddy plantations around the outskirts of the city.
1 Wat Nikrodharam. The capital's biggest, most prominent, and most architecturally impressive Buddhist temple complex strategically located in downtown Alor Setar. Built in Thai temple architecture with gilded roofs and colourful mosaic walls, it is a peaceful oasis for the city dwellers and caters to the mainly Chinese and Thai Buddhist populations. 2 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. Temporary exhibitions are held at regular intervals. 3 Balai Nobat (Nobat Gallery).
Car tour of Yan. Only if you arrive by car from south, exit North-South Expressway at Sungai Petani (30 km to south), drive to Merbok to see archealogy museum, then to Tanjong Dawai fishing village, buy belacan (shrimp paste used for cooking), then to Yan town, proceed to Kuala Kedah fort then have dinner at Perindu, a seafood place. Then to downtown hotel. This tour takes leisurely 6 hours.
Fishermen's Ikan Kembong, famous warong (roadside eatery) on road to Kuala Kedah, at junction of road to Yan. Place open only from 11AM to 1PM. Real fishermen's cuisine liked by the townfolks. Laksa Telok Kechai, midway on the Alor Setar - Kuala Kedah road. Famous local rice noodle in fish gravy. Inconspicuous shop, ask locals. Open from 7PM until midnight. Haddyai Seafoods, Jalan Stadium - Thai & Chinese style foods. Non Muslim Jalan Putra Kuit Tiao Teng (2nd Road) Karipok (2nd Road) Sentosa Restaurant, 250, Jalan Putra, 05100 (Inside Sentosa Regency Hotel), ☏ +60 4-7303999. 11AM-11PM. Sentosa Restaurant is the top fine dining restaurant in Alor Setar.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Alor Setar typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 25 rainy days.
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