Alor Setar Weekend Escape: Royal Heritage & Rustic Charms of Kedah🌾🏰

#springitinerary **Why You MUST Visit:** As the royal capital of Kedah, Alor Setar blends **Malay heritage, golden rice fields, and majestic architecture**. From the tallest mosque in Malaysia to nostalgic street food, this underrated gem offers culture without the crowds! --- ## **📅 2-Day Alor Setar Itinerary** ### **Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Local Flavors** **🌅 Morning: Majestic Architecture** - **Zahir Mosque** (One of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques, with black domes and intricate carvings) - **Alor Setar Tower** (Menara Alor Setar) – Climb for 360° views of rice fields and Mount Keriang - **Balai Nobat** (Royal Drum Tower) – See the sacred *nobat* instruments (outside only) **🍜 Midday: Kedahan Food Adventure** - Lunch at **Nasi Lemak Ong** (Try *nasi lemak kukus* with spicy *sambal*) - Dessert at **Kedai Kopi Sin Heong** (Famous *cendol pulut* and *rojak*) **🏛️ Afternoon: Royal & Cultural Gems** - **Kedah Royal Museum** (Istana Kota Star) – Former palace with royal artifacts - **Pekan Rabu Market** – Buy local snacks like *dodol*, *laksa Kedah*, and *kuih karas* **🌙 Evening: Sunset & Street Eats** - Walk along **Tanjung Chali Waterfront** - Dinner at **Medan Selera Stadium** (*Ikan bakar*, *laksa*, and *murtabak*) --- ### **Day 2: Countryside Escape & Hidden Gems** **🌾 Morning: Rural Kedah Adventure** - **Paddy Museum (Muzium Padi)** – Walk through immersive rice-field dioramas - **Drive through Kubang Pasu** – Stop at scenic *bendang* (paddy fields) for photos **🚲 Midday: Cycling & Local Crafts** - Rent bikes at **Anak Bukit Village** (Cycle past traditional wooden houses) - Visit **Ubudiah Cottage** – Handmade *batik* and pottery workshop **🕌 Afternoon: Offbeat Mosques** - **Masjid Al-Hussain** (Floating mosque on Kuala Kedah’s river) - **Kuala Kedah Fort** – Historic fort with sea views (entrance RM3) **🍢 Evening: Seafood Feast** - Dinner at **Kuala Kedah Seafood** (Butter prawns, grilled fish, and *sotong celup tepung*) --- ## **💡 Insider Tips** ✔ **Best Time to Visit:** Nov-Feb (harvest season = lush green fields) ✔ **Transport:** Grab taxis or rent a car (public buses are limited) ✔ **Must-Try:** *Laksa Kedah* (sour fish broth noodles) and *pulut mangga* ✔ **Hidden Gem:** **Gunung Keriang** – Limestone hill with caves and durian orchards --- ## **🚆 Getting There** - **From KL:** 4h drive or 5h ETS train (RM50-80) to Alor Setar Station - **From Penang:** 1.5h drive or bus (RM15) --- ### **🌴 Why You’ll Love Alor Setar:** This is **old Malaysia at its most authentic**—where royal traditions meet village life, and every meal tells a story. Perfect for culture lovers and foodies seeking the road less traveled!