Things To Do
in Alor Setar
Alor Setar is the quiet capital of Kedah, perched on the Kedah River with a backdrop of history and riverfront charm. It blends royal heritage, mosques with blue domes, and traditional markets into a compact city that feels intimate and approachable. The city serves as a gateway to Kedah’s nature, including the famed Gunung Jerai, while offering a relaxed urban pace for wandering and sipping local coffee.
Expect a warm welcome, delicious Kedah specialties, and easy day trips to explore the northern Malay heartland.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Alor Setar, where you can admire colonial architecture and local heritage. Visit the iconic Zahir Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, and take in its majestic minarets. Afterward, explore the nearby Kedah State Art Gallery to see local art and culture on display.
Savor a delicious lunch at a local eatery, trying the famous Nasi Kandar or Laksa Kedah. Post-lunch, visit the Alor Setar Tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Take some time to relax at the nearby Titi Gantung, a beautiful park where you can enjoy the lush greenery.
As the sun sets, head to one of the local markets to experience the vibrant evening atmosphere and sample street food delicacies. After exploring, find a cozy café to enjoy a cup of local coffee while watching the city come to life at night. Conclude your evening by taking a leisurely walk along the banks of the Kedah River.
Start your day by visiting the Kedah Royal Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of the Kedah Sultanate through artifacts and exhibits. Spend time exploring the museum's beautiful grounds, which offer a glimpse into traditional Malay architecture. Afterward, head to the nearby Paddy Museum to discover the significance of rice cultivation in Kedah.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional Malay restaurant, sampling local dishes like Roti Canai and Dhal. In the afternoon, visit the State Archives and Library to delve deeper into the local history and culture. Take your time to browse through historical documents and learn about the state's past.
For dinner, seek out a local seafood restaurant along the waterfront, where you can enjoy fresh catches. Afterward, stroll through the night market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and snacks. Cap off your evening with traditional music performances that often take place in the area.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $15-40 |
| 🍜Local street-food snack | $1-3 |
| 🚌Public transport fare | $0.5-1.5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Good base for exploring Kedah and Gunung Jerai
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Hot and humid climate can be tiring in peak daytime
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Boleh saya minta…?" - Can I have…?
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana tandas?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Anda boleh bercakap bahasa Inggeris?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ya / Tidak" - Yes / No
- "Saya berasal dari Amerika" - I am from the United States
- "Selamat tinggal" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Alor Setar
Visit one of these nice places.
A modern vantage point offering panoramic city views, ideal for sunset and cityscape shots.
A striking blue-domed mosque with elegant minarets, perfect for architectural photography especially at dusk.
Historic buildings and exhibits that provide atmospheric backdrops for cultural photography.
Vibrant market scenes with colorful stalls, textiles, and daily life activity.
Food in Alor Setar
Alor Setar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
River fish cooked with tempoyak (fermented durian) and spices; a Kedah specialty best tried at riverside eateries.
Must-Try!
Steamed rice served with a choice of curries and side dishes; widely available and great for a hearty meal.
A coconut-based noodle soup with fish or prawns, herbs, and a tangy, spicy broth.
Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, typically accompanied by sambal, peanuts, eggs, and a protein.
Spiced curry noodles with a rich, flavorful curry sauce found at local hawker stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market known for handicrafts, batik, songket, and local snacks; best explored in the morning.
Bustling street-food lanes offering local bites, coffee, and snacks around the city center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and temples; remove shoes where required.
Be courteous, queue respectfully, and avoid loud conduct in crowded spaces or sacred places.
Safety
Tipping in Alor Setar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory; rounding up or small tips for good service is appreciated but not expected.
Cash (Malaysian Ringgit) is widely accepted; credit/debit cards common in malls, hotels, and larger restaurants; many markets are cash-based.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically sunnier days with less rainfall, ideal for city sightseeing and outdoor photography.
Afternoon showers and higher humidity; plan indoor activities or morning excursions to maximize outdoor time.
Alor Setar at Night
Hiking in Alor Setar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular trekking destination with forest trails and breathtaking viewpoints; accessible by road with hiking options.
Extensive natural reserve offering trekking and wildlife-spotting opportunities beyond the city.
Airports
How to reach Alor Setar by plane.
Domestic flights and regional connections; about 15–20 minutes by car from central Alor Setar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant group; Malay language and culture shape daily life.
Smaller but active communities contributing to markets, cuisine, and commerce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools and clubs; public courts available for booking.
A common pastime; local leagues and informal matches in parks and fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alor Setar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Opt for vegetable curries, tofu-based dishes, and vegetable main courses; request no fish sauce where possible. Many places can accommodate vegetarian preferences with local vegetable dishes.