10 Must Visit Attractions In Alor Setar

Magnificent architecture, paddy fields and hardly any tourists are three ways to describe Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah. The few visitors on a stopover between Langkawi and Penang want a whirlwind tour. Culture Trip uncovers the must-visit attractions in Alor Setar, including both the nationally famous Zahir Mosque and Alor Setar Tower, and the family homes of two of Malaysia’s most renowned leaders.

1. Zahir Mosque: Alor Setar’s architectural masterpiece

Mosque

The landmark featured in tourism promotions around Malaysia is our favourite must-visit attraction in Alor Setar. Moorish Zahir Mosque exhibits decorations and intricacies even the most complex Gothic Cathedrals of Europe would be proud of. After opening in 1912, Kedah’s National Mosque served as Alor Setar’s central hub for local Muslims. Sat on the eastern flank of Dataran Alor Setar (Alor Setar’s square), we recommend coming during both daylight and after sunset. This is the highlight for those with 24 hours in Alor Setar.

2. Alor Setar’s spaceship-like centrepiece

Building

Alor Setar Tower along with Zahir Mosque rate as the top two must-visit attractions in Alor Setar. The telecommunications tower reaches 165.5 metres (543 feet), forming the city’s central focal point. For RM6 ($1.50 USD), visitors can go to the observation deck halfway up the tower. We recommend this on a cloudless day for views of Alor Setar and the surrounding paddy fields. Alor Setar Tower also features a rooftop revolving restaurant and a banquet hall.

3. Royal weddings and coronations at the Royal Hall

Building

The Royal Hall or locally known as ‘Balai Besar’ is the grand traditional-kampong style building opposite Zahir Mosque. In the past, state events such as royal weddings and coronations took place inside. It was painstakingly rebuilt after almost complete destruction from the invading Siamese (today’s Thailand) in the early 19th century. Check out the distinct rows of patterns and designs decorating the roof.

5. Birthplace of Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohammad

Building

Alor Setar-born Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohammad served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister for 22 years between 1981 and 2003. In 2018, Malaysians re-elected him as their leader for the second time at the age of 93. This makes Dr Mahathir Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister and the world’s oldest leader. The city proudly proclaims his family home as one of their must-visit attractions, which has transformed into a mini-museum cum shrine. Galleries and exhibits inside range from his possessions and memorabilia to photos and documents on Dr Mahathir’s childhood and life.

6. Nobat Tower: Hall of Drums

Building

Nobat Tower is another historical landmark inside Dataran Alor Setar. The three-tiered circular structure rises 18 metres (59 feet) and is crowned by a yellow dome. Dating back to 1906, the yellow and white building once stored instruments used during royal visits. This ranks as one of our must-visit attractions in Alor Setar for its majestic appearance and photogenic nature. Pro tip: combine Nobat Tower with photographing the Big Clock Tower, Zahir Mosque and the Royal Hall.

7. A replica of a royal gate

Building

The white-washed gate directly behind Nobat Tower sits in front of Kota Tengah Palace. Replica Archway rises three levels with arched windows and a curved doorway. Take note of the intricate carvings and decorations. Pro tip: Use the arched doorway to produce a framed backdrop for photographs. The original was demolished to create space for the nearby Wisma Negeri (the white building with golden windows) in 1973.

8. Stand in the exact spot Kedah was born

Building

In the middle of the 18th century, the Sultan of Kedah moved to the present day city where he later commissioned a palace. A plaque near Dataran Alor Setar by the stream commemorates the exact spot where the city was founded. Setar trees grew on either side of the stream (called Alor), giving rise to the city’s name today. While this isn’t a must-visit for everyone, it does provide a sense of the city’s origins.

9. Malaysia’s first prime minister’s family home

Building

Travellers with a keen eye might notice the name Tunku Abdul Rahman on street names and marine parks. Malaysia’s first Prime Minister grew up in Alor Setar, and his two-storied family home is now a free museum. Located on a side street off the road with the same namesake, the two-storied Rumah Merdeka (Independence House) is a must-visit attraction in Alor Setar for visitors with an interest in local history. Inside, find furniture and relics from the former leader’s life.

10. Natural trails and bats at a mountain that looks like an elephant

Hiking Trail, Natural Feature

Gunung Keriang, or Elephant Mountain, is a vast limestone lump some eight kilometres (five miles) from the city centre. Rampant quarrying eroded the original resemblance of this 218-metre (715-foot) hill to an elephant. From the front, it doesn’t look like much. But look closer and find geological wonders and various ecological habitats covering this 250 million-year-old lump. Several caves bursting with squeaking bats penetrate the interior while rare birds sing from the tree branches. Head around the back to the Gunung Keriang Recreational Park. Follow the light walking trails to the summit for views of the surrounding paddy fields.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.