~The Kedah~: 2009

Eagle Square & Lagenda Park

Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is Langkawi's most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea. Situated near the Kuah jetty, the main attraction of the square is the huge eagle statue poised for flight. According to local tales, the name Langkawi is derived from the word "helang". In old Malay, "kawi" denote reddish brown - hence, Langkawi means reddish brown eagle!

This place offers a beautiful surroundings, scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. Since it's close to the sea, one can really enjoy the cool breeze while strolling along the park. Indeed, the gigantic eagle is strategically positioned to welcome visitors to Langkawi.

The Langkawi Lagenda Park is more than just a scenic park with beautiful gardens of local blooms, plants and fruit trees. It is a 50-acre park with 17 story-telling monuments & 4 artifical lakes. This beautiful park highlights the many myths & legends of Langkawi including the legends of the fights of two heroic giants, mythical birds, evil ogres & beautiful princesses.

Lata Mengkuang

Lata Mengkuang is located 11 km from Sik town or 95 km from Alor Setar. Situated nearby to this recreational area is an attractive 20 m waterfall.

There is a wide variety of flora and fauna of lowland dipterocarp forest. A 5 km track that leads to Lata Lembu Recreational Forest which was once used for logs transportation.

There is rock cliff ideal for those who enjoy challenging activities and absailing.
The main recreational activities in this area are family picnics, swimming and summer camps.

This recreational forest is also suitable for educational and research purposes.
The main plants species found here are meranti melantai, meranti langgong, meranti tembaga and palms.

Batu Hampar

You can get to Batu Hampar quite easily from Yan. It is located just 3km from Yan, and 40km from Alor Star. Near this recreational forest is the Royal Cottage of the Sultan of Kedah.

Amongst the special natural features of the area are a waterfall and the Raga River that flows through the forest.

There is also a homestay village called Kampung Sungai Raja found near Batu Hampar. This recreational area has a large variety of flora and fauna and is a great spot for outdoor fun.

Bukit Kayu Hitam

The border town of Bukit Kayu Hitam is located in the northern part of Kedah and is the main entrance to Thailand on the West Coast. Visitors will be able to find a duty-free complex here in the town. For those that love a bit of relaxation, Bukit Kayu Hitam offers a newly constructed golf course of international standard with 36 holes.

Explore and experience the attractions that Kedah has to offer. They’re nothing short of sensational

Air Terjun Puncak Janing

-Air Terjun Puncak Janing in Padang Terap, 25 km from Alor Setar. Situated in the Janing Peak, is the ideal picnic area with its waterfall direct from the mountain.

The 1.5 km stretch of Sungai Janing and its unique landscape of rocks provide an ideal place for swimming, picnics and recreation. A wide variety of flora and fauna that encompassed lowland dipterocarp forest could be found here. There is a 3 km track that surrounds this recreational area and also a 15 km track that leads to Bukit Wang Recreational Forest.

Heritage Of Kedah

Alor Star (sometimes spelt Alor Setar) is located in the Kota Setar District, northern Kedah and is the capital of the state. This settlement became the capital in 18th century under the reign of 19th sultan, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah .

Masjid Zahir, Alor Star, Kedah. The town was originally called Kota Setar until 1943 when it was changed to Alor Star. Alor Star is the administrative capital and seat of the state government and legislative assembly. Located here are the government departments, royal palaces, many heritage buildings, museums and cultural centres. Alor Star is the historical enclave of Kedah.

History Of Kedah

Recorded history of Kedah often starts at the Bujang Valley, located in central Kedah. This maritime kingdom at Bujang was visited by Indian, Persian, Arabs and Chinese traders as far back as the 4th century CE/ AD(CE: Common Era).

For many centuries, the Empires of Sri Vijaya and later the Cholas all exerted their influence and domination over this Kingdom. Kedah Peak (Gunung Jerai), at 1217 metres, provided the navigational landmark for ships in the Malacca Strait. The Bujang Valley was a collecting centre for products of the Malay Peninsular and a transit trading post for ships awaiting the change of currents and monsoon winds of the Indian Ocean. Traders soon propagated Hinduism and Buddhism and their culture, building shrines and temples along the coastal area, evident from artefacts found at the valley.