28 Beautiful Places in Kedah Perfect for a Visit

Kedah. Oh, Kedah. Nestled in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, it’s one of those spots that often gets overlooked, but once you know what it has to offer, you’ll be booking your tickets faster than you can say “nasi lemak.” If you’re ready for adventure, culture, and a whole lotta beautiful scenery, here’s a rundown of 28 Beautiful Places in Kedah that will make you fall in love with this charming state. Pack your bags, y’all. Let’s dive in.

1. Langkawi Island

First off, let’s talk about Langkawi. Sigh. It’s the most iconic of all Beautiful Places in Kedah and honestly, who can blame it? With its laid-back vibe, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches, Langkawi’s got the whole tropical island thing down to a science.

Why Go:

• Pantai Cenang: Picture this—white sands, clear blue waters, and enough beachside bars to make you forget your phone charger. Go for the water sports or just chill. Either way, it’s a vibe. 
• Langkawi Sky Bridge: Imagine dangling 700 meters above ground, swinging with the breeze. Yeah, it’s as awesome as it sounds. 
• Eagle Square: Not only does it have the giant eagle statue (symbolizing Langkawi), but the square has one of the best sunset views. 

2. Gunung Jerai

Gunung Jerai is one of those spots that you don’t hear about often but should be on every adventurer’s radar. At 1,217 meters, it’s the highest point in Kedah, and the view? Well, it’ll knock your socks off.

What’s Cool:

• Hiking Trails: If you’re into hiking (and I’m talking sweat and sore calves), this one’s for you. There are trails for every level, but trust me, they’ll leave you breathless—not just because of the view but also because, well, it’s steep. 
• Panoramic Views: Seriously, I could’ve stood at the top of this mountain all day. It’s that good. You can see the entire coastline of Kedah and Penang. 

3. Taman Rimba Bukit Bintang

I remember the first time I stumbled upon Taman Rimba Bukit Bintang—it was during a random “let’s explore Kedah” day. And lemme tell you, this place is one of those hidden gems that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something magical. This is where the locals go to escape the chaos.

Highlights:

• Nature Trails: These trails are like walking through a jungle adventure movie. And the best part? It’s actual nature. No fake trees, no fake birds. 
• Bird Watching: I spotted a hornbill here once (I think it was a hornbill—don’t quote me), and honestly, it was cooler than the time I met a celebrity at a coffee shop. But whatever. 

4. Alor Setar Tower

I’ll admit, I didn’t really expect much when I visited the Alor Setar Tower. But wow. Talk about views for days. At 165 meters tall, it’s the tallest structure in Alor Setar, and the observation deck is a killer way to see the whole city in one sweep.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Revolving Restaurant: I know, it sounds fancy. But you get to eat delicious food while the restaurant slowly spins, so your meal becomes an all-day activity. Highly recommend. 
• City Views: If you’ve ever wondered what a 360-degree view of Alor Setar looks like, this is the place. Spoiler: It’s as good as it sounds.

5. Paddy Fields of Kubang Pasu

Okay, I gotta admit—paddy fields aren’t usually my idea of fun. But after visiting Kubang Pasu, I get it. Kedah’s rice fields are more than just the backdrop to a farm. They’re beautiful. Especially when you catch them during harvest season.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Peaceful Vibes: No tourist crowds, no loud music. Just you, the field, and maybe a passing tractor. (Don’t worry, it’s actually quite calming.)
• Golden Fields: Seriously, these golden fields at sunset? Makes you want to pack up and move to the country.

6. Pantai Merdeka

Pantai Merdeka is one of those spots where you can just unplug and forget the world exists. Tucked away in the southern part of Kedah, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy peace and quiet without the hustle of big touristy beaches.

Highlights:

• Quiet, Peaceful Beach: You’ll find yourself wondering why more people don’t know about this place. It’s one of the less commercialized beaches in Malaysia—thankfully.
• Perfect for Picnic: I’ve spent a whole afternoon here, complete with snacks and a hammock. (Don’t ask about the hammock incident. It didn’t end well.)

7. Bukit Kayu Hitam

This border town between Malaysia and Thailand is full of life—and bargains. Bukit Kayu Hitam is where you go if you want to experience both cultures without crossing an actual border.

Why It’s Special:

• Shopping: It’s a duty-free shopping haven. You’ll find everything from cheap watches to spices, and don’t even get me started on the cheap alcohol.
• Cultural Mix: You’ll find local Thai food joints and Malaysian delicacies. It’s a blend that works—trust me.

8. Pulau Payar Marine Park

Ever wanted to swim with colorful fish? Well, Pulau Payar Marine Park is the place to make it happen. Just a short boat ride from Langkawi, it’s home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs you’ll ever see.

Top Activities:

• Snorkeling: If you’re a newbie, no worries. The waters are calm and clear, making it the perfect beginner’s paradise.
• Scuba Diving: For the more advanced among us (I still can’t get my ears to pop), diving here is a dream.

9. Pantai Tanjung Rhu

Pantai Tanjung Rhu feels like it was pulled out of a postcard. It’s got the white sand, the crystal-clear water, and that calm, deserted vibe that makes you feel like you’re the only one on the planet.

What’s Cool:

• Serenity: If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, this is where you wanna be.
• Scenic Beauty: The backdrop of limestone cliffs and lush greenery just makes everything feel… perfect. If you’re into nature, you’ll love this spot.

10. Kedah Paddy Museum

Okay, this one might sound a little dorky, but if you want to truly understand Kedah’s rice culture (hey, it’s a big deal), the Kedah Paddy Museum is a quirky must-visit.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Learn About Rice: I was surprised by how much I learned about rice cultivation (I thought it was just, you know, dirt, water, and rice plants).
• Interactive: There’s something strangely satisfying about seeing the old-school methods of rice farming.

11. Mount Keriang

Mount Keriang isn’t a towering giant like Gunung Jerai, but don’t let that fool you. This limestone hill is one of the coolest spots in Kedah. Perfect for hiking, photography, or just hanging out with a bunch of your friends.

Why Visit:

• Easy Hike: No need to be a pro. The trails here are manageable but still give you that sense of achievement.
• Caves: If you’re into exploring, there are some pretty cool caves under the hill. No bats… hopefully.

12. Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum

For anyone even remotely into history, Bujang Valley is a must. It’s one of the oldest and most important archaeological sites in Malaysia, and the museum here does a great job of bringing that history to life.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Historical Artifacts: I saw ancient pots, tools, and even some pretty wild old-school relics. It’s like stepping into another world. 
• Megalithic Stones: These ancient stones are scattered across the valley, and they’ve been here for thousands of years.

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