To those who like adventures can enjoy the thrill of strolling along the world’s largest Tree Top Walk in Sedim. This 925m walkaway takes you alongside towering tress and vast green canopies. It situated in Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, verdant jungle that home to giant trees and many medical herbs. A thrilling experience here is looking down at the Sedim River flowing rapidly beneath. Visitors can rest assured that the walkaway is built with reinforced steel and equipped with railings. For those who like to stay longer to explore the surrounding attractions, the Sedim Villa nearby provides dormitory-type accommodation. SedimTree Top Walk is situated in Karangan, about 30km from Kulim. It is a 30-minutes drive from Kulim Hi-Tech Park.

Opening Hours: 8.30am-5.30pm daily (Closed during heavy rains and lightning for safety precaution)

Admission fee: RM10 (adults) RM6 (children)

Tel: 04-490 1588/491 0641

White-Water Rafting, Sungai Sedim (SedimRiver)

Sedim River as one Asia Pacific’s to white-water rafting destinations is a popular choice for paddlers around the world. Its has 15km srtetch with 24 challenging rapids along the way, ensuring an adrenalin pumping time for even experienced paddlers. It situated within the Sedim River Recreation Park and just minutes away from the Tree Top Walk. Other activities here include kayaking and tubing. Facilities include modest chalets, changing rooms and restrooms. Visitors are cautioned against swimming during rainy seasons. For white-water rafting, prior arrangements must be made with the operator.

Tel: 012-620 0483/019- 541 3321 (Rapid Fire Adventure Sdn Bhd) or 04-490 1588/491 0641 (Sykt Perusahaan Azam Travel Sdn Bhd)

Gunung Inas Forest Reserve- An Adventure Destination

The Gunung Inas Forest Reserve is an ideal playground for various eco-adventures such as jungle-trekking, mountain-hiking, camping as well as teambuilding programmes. Gunung Inas at 1454m is a favourite among mountaineers for its challenging terrain. Another popular peak is Gunung Bintang, which stands atb 1862m. A trek to its summit will reward climbers with interesting sights such as a bonsai garden, clear streams and exotic plants. Many more thrills await at Gunung Bintang Utara, standing at 1835m. To make travel arrangement, contact the number above.

Ulu Muda Eco Park, Sik

It situated within the Ulu Muda forest, a reserve that sprawls some 120000 ha. The area is haven for nearly 109 species of mammals, 175 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles and 33 species of fish. Elephants, tigers, rhinoceros, seladang (gaur), sun bears and tapirs roam free in the dense wilderness and the nine salt-licks here provide an opportunity for visitors to see their footprints. Careful and patient observers might even catch a glimpse of the wildlife. Ulu Muda Eco Park is situated in the northest of Kedah, bordering Thailand. It is about 1 1/2 hours drive from Alor Star.

Entry permit: RM5

Lasar Eco Park, Baling

Lasor Eco Park beckons four-wheel drive enthusiasts with its rough terrains and challenging conditions. Ideal for jungle-trekking, river-rafting and mountain-climbing. Tembuilding activities such as flying fox, obstacle training, orienteering and map reading can be arranged for groups. Facilities here include dining hall, Muslim prayer room and restrooms. Lasor Eco Park is only accessible via 4WD and prior arrangements must be made with the operator. 4WD transfers can be arranged from Kampung Lubok Pelanduk, situated 30 minutes away from Baling. From here, the park is 11km away.

Tel: 012-464 1113 (Advance Adventure)

Ulu Legong Hot Springs, Baling

Soothed away your stress in natural hot spring with temperatures ranging from 38C -49C. Situated about 120km south of Alor Star, the cooler temperatures at night make it the best time for visit.

Open 24 hours. Pool maintenance is usually done in the mornings.

Admission fee to pools: RM3 (adults) RM1 (children)

Separate charge for parking and accommodation.

Tel: 04-473 2283/4

Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai), Gurun

Standing at 1220m, visitors to the summit can enjoy spectacular views of the valley below, including nearby islands of Pulau Banting, Pulau Songsong, Pulau Telur and Pulau Bidan. Guide services are available at the Gunung Jerai Recreation Centre at the foothills.

Merbok River Cruise, Merbok

The best time to watch flurry of activity that unfolds along the riverbanks are the mornings and evenings. Delight in watching small animals such as monitor lizards, monkeys and squirrels or observe the many species of birds here. Sunset cruises or visits to a fish farm can be arranged.

Tel: 016-482 9309 (PPK Sg Petani) or 019-545 4991/017-555 7718 (Explorer Vacation Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd)

This museum showcase about 1000 artefacts that were recovered from this buried civilisation. Exhibits include earthenware, beads, ceramics, photographs and many other fascinating relics. Visitors can view reconstructed ancient temples at the ground of the Bujang Valley Archaeology Museum. The main structure here is Candi Bukit Batu Pahat. Others are Candi Pengkalan Bujang, Candi Pendiat and Candi Bendang Dalam.

Opening Hours:9.00am-5.00pm daily

Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha

Admission is free

Tel: 04-457 2005

Situated on the Kedah riverbank, Kuala Kedah Historical Complex is the site of an ancient fort known as Kota Kuala Kedah or Kota Kuala Bahang. It was constructed in 1771 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad JIwa, and completed 9 years later. The fort has withstood attacks by the Bugis, Archinese and Siamese. Kuala Kedah is situated about 12km from Alor Star and is the staging point for ferry sevices to Langkawi. This quint town is also famous for its variety of seafood dishes and beautiful views of the sunset.

Opening Hours: 9.00am-6.00pm daily.

Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Closed from 12.30pm-2.30pm on Fridays.

Admission is free.

Tel: 04-731 9297

Sungai Mas Archaeological Museum located at Kota Kuala Muda. This is the oldest historical site in Kedah, 1600 years old. Sg Mas is the centre of the ancient kingdom Katahanagara (old Kedah) which existed during the same time as the Srivijaya empire. Ths museum situated about 21km from Sg Petani.

Opening Hours: 9.00am-6.00pm daily. Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Closed from 12.30pm-2.30pm on Fridays

Admission is free

Tel: 04-437 4780/457 2005

Alor Star, is Kedah capital city. The impressive landmark in its skyline of Alor Star Tower is one of the modern and attractive buildings in Kedah. As the oldest state in the country, its has some outstanding historical attractions like Bujang Valley, the cradle of a thriving ancient civilizations dating back to the 5th century and today one of the most treasure archaeological sites.The city’s main heritage square is known as Medan Bandar, situated along Lebuhraya Darul Aman. Balai Nobat, Masjid Zahir, Big Clock Building and Balai Besar are among the places of interest in the city and they all situated within walking distance.

There are many attraction of the city. For example, Alor Star Tower which soars above the city skyline at a height of 165.5m. This communication tower is the 19th tallest in the world, and the second highest in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur Tower. Its design resembles a huge bunch of paddy stalks that are tied together. If you go there, be sure to visit the Observation Deck at 88m above ground level to enjoy panoramic view of the surroundings, sprawling from Gunung Jerai to the Straits of Malacca. There is Seri Angkasa Restaurant at 94m for a meal.

The Observation Deck is open from 9.00am-10.00pm daily.

Admission fee: RM6 (adults), RM3 (children).

Tel: 04-720 2234

Situated in a stately building, the State Museum is a place where you have a chance to see the beautiful Bunga Emas (a plant with leaves and flowers made of gold) which was sent as an annual tribute to the Siamese King. Other attractions include flora and fauna, early modes of transportation as well as gallery dedicated to the country’s prominent figures who hailed from the state.

Opening Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm daily. Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Admission is free.

Tel: 04-733 1162

Beside that, there is Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, located in Jalan Tunku Bendahara, Alor Star. The late Tunku Abdul Rahman knownly as the ‘Father of Independence’ was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. He is remembered for his role in obtaining independence for the country without any bloodshed. Established in his honour, this memorial showcases photographs and documents on Tunku’s life and family, his struggle which led yto the country’s independence in 1957, and his contribution.

Opening hours: 9.00am-5.00pm daily. Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.

Closed from 12.00pm-3.00pm on Fridays.

Admission is free.

Tel: 04-730 3771.

Rumah Merdeka is located in Jalan Tunku Andul Rahman Putra, Alor Star. This double-storey house was Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra’s private retreat whenever he returned to Kedah. It exhibits the original furniture, photographs, personal effects and souvenirs of the first family.

Opening Hours: 10.00am-5.30pm daily.

Closed form 12.00pm-3.00pm on Fridays. Closed on Monday (except during school holidays season and public holidays)

Admission is free.

Tel: 04-720 4212

If you would like to see Malaysia’s fourth Prime MInister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad birth place, you can go to Persiaran Sultan Abdul Hamid, Alor Star. This traditional wooden house has a lot of nostalgic stories of his simple life under the strict supervision of his father. The well-manicured complex consists of two exhibition halls, an auditorium, office, a souvenir shop and the first ice factory in Alor Star.

Opening Hours: 10.00am-5.00pm daily.

Closed from 12.00pm-3.00pm on Fridays. Closed on Monday (except during school holiday season and public holidays)

Admission is free.

Tel: 04-772 2301

The Traditional Malay Houses: Rumah Tok Su and Rumah Seri Banai, situated at Jalan Lumba Kuda, Alor Star. This house featuring traditional Malay architecture, these heritage buildings were private home which have been restored and relocated. Rumah Tok Su house is 100 years old is supported by 34 pillars and has six main sections. Rumah Seri Banai was built with the local meranti and temak timber, relocated from its original site at Kampung Banai.

Opening Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm daily

Closed on Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Admission is free.

Paddy Museum is tucked away at the foothills of Gunung Keriang, amidst acres of paddy fields, is Malaysia’s only paddy museum. It’s the fourth of its kind in the world after Japan, Germany and Philippines. The museum’s unique architecture resembles bushels of harvested rice stalks. A must visit attraction here is the observatory on the first floor, where a huge three-dimensional mural depicts amazingly lifelike images of an agrarian community. The rotating platform gives a breathtaking 360 view.

Opening Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm daily

Closed from 12.30pm-2.30pm on Fridays.

Admission fee: RM3 (adults), RM1 (children), an additional charge fee of RM2 will be charged for cameras.

Tel:04-733 1162/735 1315

Other than that, there are Masjid AlBukhary at Jalan Langgar, with a beautiful motifs in pleasant hues of blue and white. Its minaret resembles the Nabawi Mosque in Madinah and seven domes are inspired by the Shah Mosque in Isfahan. The largest Buddhist temple in the state, Wat Nikrodharam boasts intricate carvings. For shopping, the bustling bazaar Pekan Rabu at Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Star offers a wide assemblage of textiles, traditional attire and an interesting assortment of local food. Pekan Rabu literally means “Wednesday Market” as it used to operate only once a week.

]]> http://findmyview.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/kedah-city-of-attractions/feed/ 0 baayah 590976591 5038526013 http://findmyview.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/how-to-get-there/ http://findmyview.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/how-to-get-there/#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:32:42 +0000 baayah http://findmyview.wordpress.com/?p=46 ]]> By Ferry

You can get boat to Tioman in Tanjong Gemok in Pahang or Mersing in Johor.

Ferry operator in Tjg Gemok, Rompin Pahang : Fast Ferry Venture

Tel: 609-413 1997/1998

Duration Tg Gemok-Tioman : 1 hour 15 minutes

Distance to Tg Gemok (by Road): From Kuala Lumpur: 320km/4 hours

From Singapore : 170km/3 hours

From Kuantan : 150km/2 hours

Ferry Operator in Mersing Terminal: Blue Water Express

Tel: 607-799 5015

: Seagull Express

Tel: 607-799 4297

Duration Mersing-Tioman : 2 hours

Distance to Mersing Terminal ( by Road): From Kuala Lumpur: 360km/4 ½ hours

From Singapore : 130km/2 ½ hours

From Kuantan : 190km/3 ½ hours

Ferry schedule is subject to sea/tide condition in Mersing

By Air/Flight

Berjaya Air operates daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore using a 48-seater De Havilland Dash 7 aircraft

Subang Airport, Kuala Lumpur Tel: 603-78468228

Duration: 1 Hour

Seletar Airport, Singapore Tel: 65-6227 6698/3688

Duration: 40 minutes

Website: www.berjaya-air.com

Overland Routes to Tg Gemok (by car)

Ø Kuantan-Pekan-Kuala Rompin-Tg Gemok

Ø Kuala Lumpur-Temerloh-Kuantan-Pekan-Kuala Rompin-Tg Gemok

Ø Kuala Lumpur- Karak Highway-LPT- Gambang- Pekan-
Kuala Rompin- Tg Gemok

Ø Kuala Lumpur- Seremban- Bahau- Muadzam Shah- Kuala
Rompin-Tg Gemok

Ø Malacca- Tangkak- Segamat- Muadzam Shah- Kuala Rompin- Tg
Gemok

Ø Singapore- Johor Bahru- Mersing- Tg Gemok

List of Accommodation

Salang

Ella’s Place Tel: 609-419 5004

Salang Beach Resort Tel: 609-419 5002

Pak Long’s Chalet Tel: 609-419 5000

Puteri Salang Inn Tel: 609-799 3592

Air Batang

Bamboo Hill Tel: 609-419 1339

Rinda House H/P: 6013-928 0057

YP Chalet Tel: 609-419 1018

Nazri’s Place Tel: 609-419 1329

Tekek

Peladang Inn Tel: 609-419 1431

Babura Seaview Resort Tel: 609-419 1139

Berjaya Tioman Beach & Spa Resort Tel: 609-419 1000

Paya

Paya Beach Resort Tel: 609-419 7100

Tioman Paya Resort Tel: 609-799 2602

Genting

Melina Beach Resort Tel: 609-419 7070

Sun Beach Resort Tel: 609-419 7069

Lanting and Nipah

Japamala Resort Tel: 609-419 6001

Mukut

Tanjung Adventure H/P: 6013-376 5181

Mukut Harmony Resort Tel: 609-412 0326

Juara

Paradise Point Chalet Tel: 609-419 3145

Mizani’s Place Tel: 609-419 3157

Dive Centres

Dive Asia (Salang) Tel: 609-419 5017

Eco Dive Centre (Air Batang) Tel: 609-419 1794

Tioman Reef Divers (Tekek) Tel: 609-419 1342

Sea Lantis Dive Centre (Paya) Tel: 609-419 7045

Bushman Dive Centre (Juara) Tel: 609-419 3109

Rock Climbing

Blanks Face Adventure H/P: 6012-686 6157

Travel Agents

Zumm Holiday Travel & Tours H/P: 6013-707 1323