Kedah and Perlis: Uncovering Malaysia’s Secret Destinations

Looking for that perfect, shareable travel experience in 2025? In recent years, savvy travellers have been discovering the hidden gems of northwestern Malaysia.  Beyond Langkawi’s iconic beaches, Kedah and Perlis are bursting with unique adventures. Explore ancient sites, capture stunning nature shots for your feed, and indulge in local flavours that are quickly becoming Instagram-famous. It’s time to explore Malaysia’s Kedah and Perlis like never before!

Also read: Exploring Kedah: My 4D3N Itinerary to this Underrated Destination in Malaysia

Kedah

Explore Alor Setar

Alor Setar has an illustrious past and a bright future, providing visitors with the best of both worlds. As you arrive in the Kedah capital on Lebuhraya Darul Aman, you’ll be greeted by a cluster of landmarks, including one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques. Completed in 1915, Masjid Zahir was built in the Moorish style, standing out with its five black domes. In the vicinity of the mosque are the Sultan Abdul Halim Gallery, which displays items from the reigning Sultan’s personal collection; Balai Besar, the great hall for royal ceremonies; Balai Nobat, a five-storey tower that houses musical instruments; and Balai Seni Negeri, the Kedah state art gallery.

Menara Alor Setar is a more recent addition to the area, dominating the skyline of the city. The telecommunications tower, which reaches a height of 165.5m, has an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.

Mahathir Mohamad’s birthplace

Two Prime Ministers of Malaysia have called Alor Setar home, and their former residences are open to visitors. The life of the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, is celebrated at Rumah Merdeka while longest-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s birthplace recalls his humble beginnings.

Also read: 7 Must-See Attractions in Perak, Malaysia

Pekan Rabu

Even though it now opens every day of the week, Pekan Rabu – or “Wednesday Market” – has kept its name to remember its traditional roots. Alor Setar’s Wednesday market dates back to the 1920s, once counting Dr Mahathir among its traders. At Pekan Rabu’s 347 stalls, you can buy local snacks, handicrafts and souvenirs.

Pekan Rabu shops

Unearth forgotten stories at the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum

Ancient artefacts, Bujang Valley

Those with a keen interest in history will know that the Malayan Peninsula once belonged to a series of Buddhist and Hindu empires. In Kedah, Malaysia’s oldest state, this distant past truly comes alive with the tales told at the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum. Here, you’ll see artefacts from the 3rd to the 14th centuries AD that show the valley’s importance among Arab, Chinese, Malay and Indian merchants. It also grants a remarkable glimpse at day-to-day life in the era, with its collection of ceramics and a stone tablet commissioned by a 5th century sailor to give thanks for a safe voyage. Outside, you can explore a complex of candis, ancient temples that bear some similarities to Indonesia’s Borobudur and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

Candi, Bujang Valley

Retreat to Gunung Jerai

Gunung Jerai

Rising 1,217m above sea level, Gunung Jerai is Kedah’s tallest mountain and has served as a navigational aid to seafarers for 1,500 years. Ascending to the summit is a popular pursuit for cyclists, and with 8,560 hectares of land around the peak gazetted as a forest reserve, there are many unspoiled trails to traverse. Near the top of the mountain, you’ll find The Regency Jerai Hill Resort, a luxurious hideaway that offers panoramic views of the coastline, Pulau Bunting and Langkawi in the distance.

Explore a “bottle” temple

Nestled in the heart of Sik, Kedah, lies a truly unique and enchanting destination: Wat Bottle, officially known as Wat Charok Padang. This isn’t your typical temple visit; it’s an immersive experience in upcycling artistry. As the name implies, the entire temple complex, from the serene gazebos and practical restrooms to the main Buddhist sanctuary, is adorned with a breathtaking mosaic of hundreds of thousands of green and brown glass bottles.

Beyond its artistic merit, Wat Bottle also serves as a hub of community life. It houses a Siamese school, fostering education and cultural exchange. Visitors are warmly welcomed to interact with the students and experience the local way of life. Adding to the charm are the resident animals, including adorable ducklings and friendly dogs, who roam the grounds, bringing joy to visitors of all ages.

Also read: 9 Obscure Islands in Malaysia for an Exotic Beach Vacation

Pick your own fruits at Bukit Bintang Agriculture Centre

Vineyard, Perlis

Plantations are a common sight in Malaysia, but Perlis specialises in something quite unusual for this part of the world – grapes. You don’t have to go to Australia or France to see sprawling vineyards; grape varieties like Black Opal, Black Queen, Loose Perlette and New White Malaga are grown at Bukit Bintang. The best time to visit is from April to June, during the harvest season for Perlis’ legendary harumanis mangos. Close to the agriculture centre, Anjung Keli restaurant is a reliable place to try specialty dishes, including grilled catfish and laksa Perlis. Thanks to the influence of Thailand, the state’s cuisine has both spicy and sour qualities, not to mention strong herbal flavours not found as prominently in the food of the south.

Also read: Malaysia vs Singapore: Which Southeast Asian Country Should You Visit First?

Grilled catfish

Perlis

Get a taste for caving at Gua Kelam Recreational Park

Gua Kelam, or the Cave of Darkness, is one the unique features of the spectacular range of limestone hills that runs through Perlis. A hanging bridge takes you through the 370m hollow, passing flowstones, limestone straws, gour pools and colonies of resident bats. The remnants of an old tin mining operation can be seen at the entrance.

Shop at Padang Besar and Wang Kelian

At the crossroads of two countries and two cultures, commerce flourishes in the towns of Padang Besar and Wang Kelian. Padang Besar is the busier of the two and is known for the ZON Emas Kerajang Duty Free Complex. Situated between the Thai and Malaysian checkpoints, you can stock up on alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, luxury goods and chocolates whichever way you’re heading. The scene is a lot more rustic at Wang Kelian as the town brims with activity during its Sunday market. The market is spread over both sides of the border, but a special agreement allows visitors to shop freely without the need for passports.

Essentials

Paddy fields outside Alor Setar

During our visit we stayed at TH Hotel & Convention Centre Alor Setar where rooms are available for about $70 a night. Located along tranquil paddy fields 10km outside of town, the hotel overlooks the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport.

Also read: 14 Top Islands in Malaysia for the Perfect Beach Getaway

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Tourism Malaysia and Tigerair made this trip possible.