Welcome to Kedah
Kedah is located in the North-West region of Malaysia. The state covers a total area of 9,400 km˛, and consists mostly of flat areas growing rice, plus the famous island Langkawi.
The state's capital and royal seat is Alor Star. Other major towns in Kedah includes Sungai Petani, and Kulim on the mainland, and Kuah on Pulau Langkawi. Kedah is divided into 11 districts:- Baling, Bandar Baharu, Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu, Kulim, Pulau Langkawi, Padang Terap, Pendang, Sik, and Yan.
As of 2003, the racial distribution of people in Kedah is estimated at;
o Malay 1,300,000
o Chinese 253,000
o Indian 123,000
o Non citizens 35,000
o Others 27,000
Kedah today is a rice-growing area with an entire civilization of farmers and other village-like qualities. The island of Langkawi is also part of Kedah and that famous region is known to many tourists, drawing a significant number of visitors every year. Besides Langkawi, other parts of Kedah consist of big towns like Sungei Petani and Kulim.
Kedah has an Arabic title conferred onto the place namely, Darul Aman or ‘Abode of Peace’.
Kedah and Kelantan were the first parts of Malaya to have come under the domination of Japan during the Second World War. Although the Japanese returned Kedah to the Siamese who were their allies then, when the war ended the place was back to the govern of the British. 1948 marked the joining of Kedah to the Federation of Malaya, although unwillingly.
Today, the ‘rice bowl’ of Malaysia, or the place that feeds the country, produces a third of the total yield of rice. Besides this staple, Kedah also produces rubber, oil palm and tobacco to name a few.
Having all the ingredients that make it an ideal haven for an adventure holiday, varied landscape, superb natural settings, year round sunshine, Kedah is the ultimate destination for the eco-tourists.
Read more about
o Getting to & Around Kedah
o Natural Features and Adventure Spots in Kedah
o Islands & Beaches in Kedah
o Langkawi in Kedah
o Cultural Activities in Kedah
o Sports & Recreation in Kedah
o Food Choices in Kedah
