Top 30 Things To Do In Alor Setar, Malaysia

1. Discover the paintings at Kedah State Art Gallery

Located in the heart of Alor Setar, the Kedah State Art Gallery resides in a building that was built in the late 1800s. It houses exhibits and galleries that include paintings, old photographs, handicrafts, musical instruments, and other artifacts with great relevance to the culture of Malaysia. The interior and exterior design of the building shows a big influence of Thai architecture. You can also find pieces of jewelry, weaponry, and some costumes in the Kedah Art Gallery. It is a fabulous place to go to if you want to learn more about the culture of Malaysia.

Kedah State Art Gallery

Address: Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Kedah State Art Gallery

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

2. Visit the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery

Another fascinating landmark in Alor Setar is the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery. It is a museum that houses artifacts, exhibits, and galleries that explains the life of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah. The building was built in the year 1922. It was designed by the talented architect Sir F. W. Wade with the idea of Neoclassical architecture. In total, there are 2000 artifacts in the museum. All of these once belonged to the late sultan. Transportation to The Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery will not be difficult as it is located within walking distance of Alor Setar railway station.

Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery

Address: Medan Bandar, Jalan Raja, 05100 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 5pm (closed on Fri & Sat)

3. Go shopping at Alor Setar’s Chinatown

Just like every country and city in the world, there is also a Chinatown in Alor Setar. It is a bustling area in the city with lots of excellent restaurants, souvenir shops, drug stores, and local retail shops. If you’re craving for some authentic noodle dish or some dumplings, this is the place to be. A lot of people visit this place for the souvenirs as well. It represents the Chinese heritage of the city. Try to talk to the locals when you visit the area to learn more about their culture, and you might also be able to get useful travel tips for your Alor Setar adventure.

Alor Setar’s Chinatown

Address: Jalan Putra, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

4. Admire the magnificent Zahir Mosque

If you are into sightseeing, museum visits, city walks, and checking out marvelous landmarks, the Zahir Mosque should also be in your list of places to visit. It is a big majestic mosque that is acknowledged as the state mosque of Kedah. It is also the grandest of its kind in the whole of Malaysia, and also the oldest. It was built in 1912. Not to mention, it was recognized as one of the most beautiful mosques in the whole world. The place that the mosque stands was the burial ground of a fallen warrior of Kedah during the Siamese invasion. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit the Zahir Mosque as it is definitely an architectural wonder like no other.

Zahir Mosque

Address: Jalan Kampung Perak, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Price: Free entry

5. Hang out at Art Nature Café

If you get tired from all the city tours and museum visits, pause for a while and refill your energy by treating yourself to a delightful snack at the Art Nature Cafe in Lorong Teratai Merah 1. It is a charming cafe with modern interior design with rustic accents, lots of natural light, and a relaxed ambiance. Adorned with green leafy plants, you will feel at peace while enjoying your food at the restaurant. While in Art Nature Cafe, be sure to try their bestsellers such as Brown Rice Nasi Lemak, Wasabi Sauce Egg Toast, Asam Lemak Laksa, Oyster Mushroom Porridge, Charcoal Black Burger, and a lot more.

Art Nature Café

Address: 158, Lorong Teratai Merah 1, Taman Berjaya, 05050 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Art Nature Café

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

6. Relish Thai food at Medina Thai Palace Alor Setar

If you’re done with the sights and the sounds of Alor Setar, you might want to immerse in its eats. Alor Setar has lots of excellent restaurants that offer mouthwatering dishes. Why not maximize your Malaysia travel experience by trying out some authentic Malaysian food as well as Thai food in Medina Thai Palace Alor Setar? They offer a fusion of both these excellent cuisines that will play with your taste buds. Not to mention, the food they serve is guaranteed fresh, flavorful, and the ingredients are from carefully sourced suppliers.

Medina Thai Palace Alor Setar

Address: Taman Tunku Majid, 05100 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Medina Thai Palace Alor Setar

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 12am; Mon: 9am - 9pm (closed on Sun)

7. Visit the majestic Nobat Tower

One of the most visited tourist attractions in the beautiful Alor Setar is the Nobat Tower in Bandar. It is located in the heart of the city, in the middle of a public park with lots of trees and benches. It is a medium-sized tower with an octagonal shaper and a combination of pale yellow and white colors. A lot of tourists visit this iconic landmark to take souvenir pictures of it. Because it is in the middle of the city, it is also close to excellent restaurants and eateries. local shops, and other well-visited business establishments. It is also a great place to make friends with locals and get tips about getting around the city.

Nobat Tower

Address: Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

8. Pray at Wat Samosornrajanukpradit

If you are into sightseeing, museum visits, fascinating landmarks, and interesting architecture, you should definitely visit the Wat Samorornrajanukpradit in Lorong Wat Siam. It is a charming Buddhist temple in the city that tourists visit to take souvenir pictures of and say a few prayers of thanks and wishes. It is small but lovely and designed in the colors gold, mustard, and white. There are also some excellent eateries nearby if you wish to have some snack after you visit this fantastic Malaysian Landmark.

Wat Samosornrajanukpradit

Address: 100D, Lorong Wat Siam, Bakar Bata, 05100 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

9. Explore the stunning Balai Besar

General Hall in English, Balai Besar is a charming property that was originally built by Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal fair Mu'adzam Shah II in the 1700s. Its main purpose was to unite two kingdoms in Malaysia and serve as an assembly place for Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. It is an important landmark to the culture and heritage of Malaysia. Because it is located in the heart of the city, getting to the Balai Besar wouldn’t cause much of a hassle. Plus, it is also surrounded by other historic buildings in the city, excellent eateries, local shops, retail stores, and other business establishments.

Balai Besar

Address: Alor Setar 05000, Malaysia

10. Tour the ancient Rumah Merdeka

Alor Setar is definitely a stunning city that has a rich heritage and a vibrant culture. One testament to it is the Rumah Merdeka in Jalan Putra. It is a charming heritage home that was preserved by the Malaysian National Archive. The house itself is an architectural gem and its design is what draws tourists to it. The house was once home to Che Manjalara whose son was regarded as the father of Malaysia, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. It has surpassed time from the pre-Japanese occupation to the Japanese occupation to the present time. This stunning house with a rustic interior design accent is also known by the public as the New Street House.

Rumah Merdeka

Address: Jalan Putra, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Opening hours: Tue - Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Fri & Mon)

11. Head to the Alor Setar Tower

Found in the center of Alor Setar, the Alor Setar is an astonishing landmark that you should visit during your Malaysian adventure. Imagine standing in one of the tallest towers in the city, marveling at the majestic city views. This tower started operation in 1997 and since then has been popular to tourists and locals alike. Its inauguration was led by Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad. Its main goal is to be an instrument for better wireless communication in the city. At the present time, it also houses an amphitheater, souvenir shops, outdoor observation deck, and an excellent revolving restaurant. Plus, it has meeting rooms just in case you have an important function to hold.

Alor Setar Tower

Address: Darul Aman Highway, Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Alor Setar Tower

Opening hours: 8:30am - 10:30pm (daily)

Price: From 1.91 USD

12. Eat at Caffe Diem

Thinking of a fantastic place to bring your family or friends for some snacks? If so, you might wanna check out the Caffe Diem in Jalan Penjara Lama. It is a stunning cafe adorned with brick walls and rustic accents. It also showcases fascinating hanging boats as displays. Not to mention, the ambiance is relaxing and the food is mouthwatering. While in Caffe Diem, be sure to try their coffee as a lot of customers swear by it. They also offer delicious cakes and pastries that will make your heart cry happy tears.

Caffe Diem

Address: 44-53, Jalan Penjara Lama, Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Caffe Diem

Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)

13. See the Kota Tinggi Clock Tower

The Kota Tinggi Clock Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Alor Setar. It is located in the Kota Tinggi area of Alor Setar. It features a small simple tower with the Malaysian Flagpole in the middle of the area. A lot of people visit this tower to take souvenir pictures. Also, there are nearby restaurants, shops, and other business establishments from the Kota Tinggi Clock Tower if you want to try out some local delicacies or go shopping.

Kota Tinggi Clock Tower

Address: Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

14. Relish street food at Chinatown Food Court

If you’re craving for some authentic Chinese food, there only one place you should visit in Alor Setar. Located in Jalan Putra, the Chinatown Food Court is a vast establishment that features different eateries. In here, you can enjoy a taste of your favorite noodle dishes, dumplings, spring rolls, and other. Not only that, but the Chinatown Food Court also features stalls that offer authentic Malaysian and Thai dishes. It’s like a paradise of Asian food. So if you are a big food junkie, you can not end your Malaysian adventure without visiting the Chinatown Food Court.

Chinatown Food Court

Address: Jalan Putra, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Opening hours: 4pm - 11pm (daily)

15. Kayak on Kedah River

Want to enjoy some peaceful and quiet time? Do you like natural wonders? If so, you might enjoy kayaking on the Kedah River. Bring your family or friends and together make memories in this calm river with a serene environment. The river is originally n Kedah but Alor Setar is one of the cities that it passes through. Through the kayaking adventure, you will get to marvel at nature and see lovely houses alongside the river as well as charming birds.

Kedah River

Address: Alor Setar, Malaysia

16. Tour the enchanting Istana Kuning

Located opposite of Alor Setar is a charming yellow-colored palace called Istana Kuning. It was a stunning property built by Sultan Muhiyuddin Mansur Syah. It is a venue for the official affairs of the family members of the King of Kedah. For 100 years in the past, it has served as the home of the honorable sultan. At the present time, it is a symbol of the power of the Royal family.

Istana Kuning

Address: Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Istana Kuning

17. Try cocktails at Sky Garden Restro Bar

Planning a delightful get together with friends? Looking for a venue for an adult party? If so, you might consider spending some quality time in Sky Garden Resto Bar. It is a charming rooftop bar with modern interiors and a romantic ambiance. It is ideal for any occasion. The food here is guaranteed delicious and flavorful while the drinks are premium. Not to mention, the professional staff knows how to turn your night into an experience you will never forget.

Sky Garden Restro Bar

Address: 100, Rooftop, Wisma Profit Land, Jalan Kuala Kedah, 05050 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Sky Garden Restro Bar

Opening hours: 5pm - 2am (daily)

18. Dine with water view at Jeragan Waterfront Restaurant

Whether you are planning a delightful dinner with your family or a romantic date with your significant other, the ambiance of Jeragan Waterfront Restaurant will make your dining experience wonderful and memorable. Showcasing a cool and airy atmosphere, you will feel every bit relaxed in this excellent restaurant. Not to mention, the food and drinks are of the highest quality. Plus, the waterfront view will take your breath away.

Jeragan Waterfront Restaurant

Address: No 1, Persiaran Jeragan, Lebuhraya Lencong Barat, Ampang jajar, 05050 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Jeragan Waterfront Restaurant

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 4pm - 12am (closed on Mon)

19. Eat delicious noodles at Mee Abu

Alor Setar has lots of excellent restaurants. One of them is Mee Abu. If you’re craving for some flavorful noodle dishes, you should start your engine and head over Taman Sri Taman. It is a casual restaurant with a very laid back ambiance. This place is popular to locals and a definite must-try for tourists. You can enjoy your food in the establishment or have it to-go.

Mee Abu

Address: Taman Sri Taman 2, 05100 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

20. Visit the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple

If you’re not yet satisfied with all the city tours and landmarks visit, you should add the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in your itinerary. It is a fascinating Murugan temple located in the heart of Alor Setar. A lot of locals and tourists visit this place to say a few words of thanks and wishes. It is a quiet and sacred place that you must see when you visit Alor Setar.

Sri Thandayuthapani Temple

Address: Sri Thandayuthapani Temple, 2A Jalan Putera, Kedah, 05100 Alor Setar, Malaysia

21. Check out interactive exhibits at National Science Centre Northern Region

Located in Jalan Gunung Keriang, the National Science Centre Norther Region is a fascinating museum that houses exhibits, galleries, and significant objects that are relevant to the development of science and technology. There are also activities and events that guests can participate in. It is an ideal place to bring your kids during your Alor Setar visit. Surely, you will bag home important facts and trivia after the experience.

National Science Centre Northern Region

Address: Jalan Gunung Keriang, 06570 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: National Science Centre Northern Region

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

22. Shop at City Plaza Alor Setar

If you are thinking for a place to shop till you drop, gorge on delicious food, and pamper yourself, there is an excellent place in Alor Setar where you can do all those without leaving a single establishment - the City Plaza. It is a popular mall in the city where lots of people go to enjoy themselves. There are lots of restaurants in the City Plaza as well as local and global brands. There are also salons and spa that will help you destress.

City Plaza

Address: Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: City Plaza

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

23. Walk along Taman Jubli Emas

Alor Setar is a vibrant city with lots of fantastic tourist attractions. While in the city, you should not forget visiting the Taman Jubli Emas. It is a lovely recreational area with a relaxing open space setting, lots of trees, and some fascinating structures adorning the place. It is a wonderful place where you can breath fresh air and relax for a while. You can bring some food and enjoy an afternoon picnic with your family or friends. Plus the vast pond in Taman Jubli Emas adds charm to it.

Taman Jubli Emas

Address: Kampung Suka Menanti, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

24. Hike through Mount Keriang Recreational Park

Are you one of those people who like physical activities? Do you like reconnecting with nature once in a while? If so, Alor Setar has a lovely recreational park that you should check out - the Mount Keriang Recreational Park. Adorned with lots of lush greens and exotic flora, you will surely feel one with nature. Plus, it has safe routes where you can hike and have your much-needed cardio. Be sure to bring your camera as this place also has many possible photography subjects.

Mount Keriang Recreational Park

Address: Kampung Gunung Hulu, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Mount Keriang Recreational Park

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

25. Learn about rice cultivation at the Kedah Paddy Museum

One of the many industries that help Alor Setar thrive is the rice industries. To know more about this aspect of the city’s culture, you should definitely visit the Kedah Paddy Museum. It is a charming museum that showcases galleries, murals, and exhibits that show the ancient methods up to the modern system of rice cultivation. It also has seminars and talks that will teach you tips and tricks about these processes.

Kedah Paddy Museum

Address: Gunung Keriang, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

26. Take Instagrammable photos at Blue Lagoon

If you are looking for a fantastic place to go to shoot your Instagram posts or your OOTDs (outfit of the day) while in Alor Setar, the Blue Lagoon is a majestic place in the city which is a beautiful backdrop for your photoshoots. It features a vast lagoon adorned with lovely water lilies. Aside from photoshoots, people come to visit the place to relax and unwind for a while. It is also an ideal place to regain your drained creative juice.

Blue Lagoon

Address: 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

27. Tour the royal Istana Seri Pelangi

Located at Jalan Tunku Bendahara, Istana Seri Pelangi is one of the many palaces owned by the riyal family of the city. It is strategically located within a short distance from the Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra and Taman Jubli Perak. It features a majestic property with white and green colors adorned with perfectly-manicured lawns and towering trees. If you have free time, you might want to tour the palace and learn more about the royal lifestyle.

Istana Seri Pelangi

Address: Taman Lumba Kuda, 05250 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Istana Seri Pelangi

28. Enjoy a game of bowling at Aman Central

Traveling with friends? If so, you should definitely try bowling at Aman Central. It is a fantastic mall with excellent restaurants, retail shops, and a game center. If you’re not into shopping and dining, gaming might pique your interest. Aside from bowling alleys, it has arcade games, darts, basketball area, and other popular games that kids and the kids at heart will surely enjoy.

Aman Central

Address: Lot 6-01, No.1 Aman Central, Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Kampung Lubok Peringgi, 05100 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Aman Central

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 11pm; Mon: 10am - 12am

29. Try Japanese cuisine at Kaede Japanese Restaurant

If you’re thinking of Japanese food all day long and you can’t get it out of your head, you should start your engine and head over the Kaede Japanese Restaurant in Jalan Sultan Badishah and get your hands on those flavorful Karaage, Tempura, Ramen, and Gyoza. The restaurant features a casual interior and a relaxed ambiance that is very Japanese-like. You can enjoy your food at the restaurant or have it to go.

Kaede Japanese Restaurant

Address: 919, Jalan Sultan Badlishah, Alor Malai, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Website: Kaede Japanese Restaurant

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11:45am - 3:30pm, 5:45pm - 9:40pm (closed on Mon)

30. Relax at Persiaran Jeragan

Persiaran Jeragan is a lovely public park located in Kampung Berjaya. It features a vast open space setting and a view of the tranquil lake. It is adorned with towering trees and has a picnic area and a playground for people who want to enjoy some quality time with their families or friends. It is an ideal place to destress for a while and breath fresh air. You can also run around the place for that much-needed cardio.

Persiaran Jeragan

Address: 84, Jln 2, Kampung Berjaya, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Beautiful Alor Setar

Alor Setar is a majestic city with a booming economy. It is a hub for commerce, entertainment, and excellent eats. If you are into city tours and sightseeing, you will definitely love an adventure in this modern metropolis. You can shop til you drop in the city, gorge on exquisite local food, and even visit fascinating museums. If you are planning a vacation to Alor Setar any time soon, use this article as your guide in building an itinerary. May you have a delightful escapade ahead.