Alor Setar

Alor Setar
City and Masjid Zahir Mosque view from Alor Setar Tower
Nickname(s):  AS, Bandaraya Bertamadun
Country	Malaysia
State	Kedah
Establishment	1735
Granted city status	2003
Government
• Mayor (Datuk Bandar)	Dato’ Haji Khazali bin Haji Din
Area
• City	160 km2 (60 sq mi)
Population  (2005)[1]
• City	217,368
• Density	590/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
• Metro	0.6 million
• Demonym	Alor Setarian
Time zone	UTC+8 (MST)
• Summer (DST)	Not observed
Postal code	05xxx
International dialling code prefix	+6047 (landline only)
Website	http://www.mbas.gov.my/

Alor Setar, known as Alor Star between 2004 and 2008, is the state capital of Kedah, Malaysia, and Kota Setar District's Administrative Centre. It is also a distribution center for manufacturing and agricultural products such as paddy, and the royal seat of the Kedah state since the establishment of this city. The city, which has an urban population of approximately more than 300,000, is one of the region’s oldest cities.

It is located 93 kilometers north of Butterworth, Penang and 45 km south of the Thai-Malaysia border, with the latitude of 6°7' 0N and longitude of 100°22' 0E. Its time zone is UTC+8. As a transportation hub in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, many places can be easily reached from Alor Setar, such as Phuket, Kota Bahru, Langkawi and etc., either by air, rail, road or sea.

It is also the birth place of a few famous personalities in Malaysia, including two former Prime Ministers, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, and Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister. Alor Setar was granted city status on 21 December 2003.

History

Alor Setar was founded in 1735 by Kedah’s 19th Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Mu’azzam Shah and is the state’s eighth administrative centre since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136. The earlier administrative centres were located in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.

"Alor" or more correctly, "alur" is Malay for a groove, furrow or main stream of a channel. In Tamil "alur" means drain. "Setar" is a tree with small, sour fruit (Bouea macrophylla) also known as either "kundang" or "remia" in Malay. The uniqueness of these fruits is that when you split the seed, each part is purple in colour.

The city had been sacked twice when Kedah was attacked by the Bugis in 1770 and the Siamese in 1821.

Significant events held here included the handing back of Perlis and Setul (now Satun) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both provinces were separated from Kedah since 1821) and a 90-day festival from June to September 1904 to celebrate the wedding of the five children of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.

Alor Setar had been officially granted as a city – the ninth in Malaysia, on 21 December 2003, during which the spelling of its name was officially changed to Alor Star from the prior Alor Setar. The proclamation ceremony to declare the Kedah capital a city was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Setar. Among those present at the historic ceremony were the Kedah's Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and his consort Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Raja Puan Muda (Heir Apparent of Kedah State and his consort), members of the Kedah royalty, parliament members and state exco members. The ceremony was also witnessed by civilians and tourists. The name was returned back to Alor Setar on January 15, 2009.

Politics

List of Kota Setar district representatives in the Federal Parliament (Dewan Rakyat)

Parliament	Seat Name	Member of Parliament	Party
P8	Pokok Sena	Mahfuz Omar	Pakatan Rakyat (PR)
P9	Alor Setar	Chor Chee Heung	Barisan Nasional (BN)
P10	Kuala Kedah	Ahmad Kassim	Pakatan Rakyat (PR)

List of Kota Setar district representatives in the State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri)

Parliament	State	Seat Name	State Assemblyman	Party
P8	N11	Derga	Cheah Soon Hai	Barisan Nasional (BN)
P9	N12	Bakar Bata	Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah	Barisan Nasional (BN)
P9	N13	Kota Darulaman	Lee Guan Aik	Pakatan Rakyat (PR)
P9	N14	Alor Mengkudu	Ismail Salleh	Pakatan Rakyat (PR)
P10	N15	Anak Bukit	Amiruddin Hamzah	Pakatan Rakyat (PR)
P10	N16	Kubang Rotan	Mohd Nasir Mustafa	Pakatan Rakyat (PR)
P10	N17	Pengkalan Kundor	Phahrolrazi Zawawi	Pakatan Rakyat (PR)

Places of Attraction

Alor Setar Tower

Balai Besar (Grand Audience Hall)

Initially the function of the building was as the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (audience hall), that was situated at the back area of the Kota Setar Palace complex (Istana Kota Setar). The original building was built in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah). The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.

This building was destroyed due to attacks by the Bugis armada (1770) and Siamese (1821). During the reign of HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah), this building was refurbished (1896) spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect with the Public Works Department of Kedah State for the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses (1904).Besides the wedding ceremony, the Balai Besar was used for installation ceremonies, official ceremonies, State Council Conferences since 1905 until 1973.

Two Kedah Sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar: HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II, the 22nd Sultan of Kedah) in 1805 and HRH Sultan Abdul Halim on 20 February 1959.

The design of the Balai Besar is of the characteristics of a Malay house with lengthy roof. On the left and right sections of the Balai Besar are the verandahs. The verandah at the right side of the throne was the area for the Ministers' children, warriors and official officers' children as well as the good citizens. The left verandah was the area for the religious men, merchants and the good citizens. The centre area of the balai (hall) was the place for "the children of the palace", those who held the royal regalia together with the ministers and main government officers in accordance to individual status right up to the ordinary people.

The pillars and cross-beams were made of the highest quality of cengal wood from the state of Kedah. The roofs were made of rumbia (a type of palm-tree). Two large staircases were built in front of the Balai Besar, left and right ascending to the grand hall, rumah tangga, right verandah, left verandah as well as the pavilion, the throne and the Balai Siak located at the utmost back section of the building.

Balai Nobat

Balai Nobat

This 18 metre-tall and 5 metre-wide three-tiered octagonal tower sole purpose is to keep all the royal musical instruments including the serunai (wooden flute), nafiri, gendang (drum) and gong, which is known as nobat. This nine-piece musical set is composed of three drums, a gong, two flutes, two instruments called the cheng-cheng, and a trumpet-like instrument called the Nafiri, which produces the haunting strains of nobat music. The skills to play nobat music and these instruments are passed down from father to son, and the person who is incharged to play these instruments called Orang Nobat. Nobat are played for specific ceremonies such as royal installations, deaths and other official ceremonies. It is believed that the Nobat originated from the Hindustani culture centuries ago when one of the brothers of the then ruling Sultan made a visit there.

Upon the official opening of the Alor Setar town in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah), a number of early buildings had been completed including the Kota Setar Palace, the Balai Besar, the Balai Nobat and the State Mosque. The original design of the Balai Nobat could not be ascertained but certainly it was built using wood.

During the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, the 25th Sultan of Kedah), the new Balai Nobat consisting of five-story building was built. The building was totally built of wood with zinc roofing. During the reign of the HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah), a new building was built using concrete and metal. The architecture is the same as the previous wooden building. The height was three-story and the dome at its apex represents the Islamic element such as those found on mosques. This new building was built in 1906.

Right now, there are only a handful of these orchestras left in the country. This tower, however is closed to public. In order to view the nobat, visitors must obtain permission from the State Secretariat first.

Kedah State Art Gallery

Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery)

The Kedah State Art Gallery was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts. Temporary exhibitions are held at regular intervals.

This building was the earliest modern government office that was built in the town of Alor Setar. Its construction was spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect from the Kedah State Public Works Department. The construction of the building began on 21 January 1893, and he was also responsible for the restoration of the Balai Besar building.

This modern building with eastern and western architectural elements was initially the High Court and was officially opened by Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. This building was closed to make way for the special entertainment hall for very important people during the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses which lasted for three months (June until September 1904).

In 1912, a number of offices were located here such as the office of the His Royal Highness's Sultan, the treasury and audit office and the British Adviser. In 1914, most of these offices were relocated to the Wan Muhammad Saman building. The building was later occupied by the Public Works Department and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation. In conjunction with the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of HRH Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, this building was converted to the Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery) which was officiated by His Royal Highness on 25 July 1983.

Kota Kuala Kedah (Kuala Kedah Fort)

Kota Kuala Kedah is the remains of a fort, which for centuries protected the Kuala Kedah Kingdom from naval attacks, on the bank of the Sungai Kedah (Kedah River).

Also known as Kota Kuala Bahang, the fort was originally constructed to provide protection against the Portuguese invaders. However, the fort had to stand againse attacks from the Achenese from Sumatra and the Bugis as well. The fort was rebuilt in 1771 and was completed nine years later.

The fort’s plans was drawn by Sheikh Abd Jalil and includes a moat surrounding the fort and a double brick wall standing 1.8m apart, with the middle space fortified with packed earth. Within the fort, there is a number of buildings including a royal audience hall. The entire fort area was built on an area of about five acres.

It was reported that the stonemasons were specially brought in from India to rebuild the fort and durable British cannons were installed, notably named the Badak Berendam (the Wallowing Rhinoceros) and the Katak Puru (the Toad) cannons. But in 1821, the fort was attacked and conquered by the Thais nevertheless.

Today, Kota Kuala Kedah is popular for the variety of seafood served by the numerous restaurants in the fishing village. While enjoying the food, one will be able to see six cannons still resting on the crumbling walls, facing the river estuary.

Muzium Negeri (State Museum)

As a state museum, it houses a large collection of Kedah's historical, culture, and royal heritages. The collection includes early Chinese porcelain, artefacts from the archaeological excavations in Lembah Bujang (Bujang Valley) and a fabulous pokok bunga emas or 'gold tree' produced as a tribute to the Thais.

The museum is also a research centre on Kedah's civilisation. Before the present premise was built in 1936, the museum - officially opened by the then Kedah Mentri Besar Tan Sri Tunku Ismail Tunku Yahya (Tunku indera Setia), on February 3, 1957 - was located in the Balai Besar (Grand Hall).

Muzium Padi (Paddy Museum)

It is the first paddy museum in Malaysia, and the fourth to be opened in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines.

The unique architecture of the Paddy Museum represents bushels of harvested rice stalks. Rice motifs are repeated throughout the building, on staircase banisters, the museum gates and the fence surrounding it.

The museum showcases the paddy cultivation process in Malaysia and displays all kinds of tools and equipment which have been used in the trade over the years. Through beautiful murals, the art work of 60 artists from North Korea, the history of paddy cultivation in Malaysia is revealed.

It honours the history, culture and significance of paddy farming in Kedah and is dedicated to the hardworking and simple paddy farmers, whose blood, sweat and toil have contributed to the objective of achieving self sufficiency in the rice industry.

Galeria Sultan Abdul Halim

It is former of Alor Setar High Court which transfer to Kompleks Mahkamah Alor Setar in Suka Menanti.This building is located at the junction of the Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat. Initially, this building was the place for the existing Balai Seni.

This building was built on Rabiulawal 1341 Hijrah equivalent to November 1922. Names of those who were responsible for the construction of the building were: HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (Regent), W. Peel Esq (British Adviser), Major W.R. Sanguinetti, O.B.E.M.C (State Engineer), F.W. Wade Esq. A.I.R.B. (Architect) and H.W. Fofden Esq (Contractor).

Looking at the architectural design it clearly shows that this building has more characteristics of Roman architectural. This can be seen by the design of the columns that are close to one another without regard of spaces for whatever purposes. Various types of carvings are found on the walls. At the top area close to the roof was placed the crest of the State of Kedah.

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Street

Pekan Rabu (Wednesday Market)

Main article: Pekan Rabu

Pekan Rabu is located near the government offices in Alor Setar. Although the name literally means “Wednesday Market”, this bustling market is open all week long, thanks to popular demand. Its services extend from morning till night, and you can find many stalls here selling a variety of items from delicious tidbits to beautiful handicraft.

This is a popular spot amongst tourists and locals and is a source of pride for Kedahans. Even former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad was once a trader at Pekan Rabu.

Costing a sum of RM3.2mil to build back in 1975, the Pekan Rabu Complex was refurbished in 1995 at a cost of RM6.5mil. A further RM2mil was spent on renovations for phase 2 in 1990. Altogether, there are 347 stalls and the complex has become an important landmark in Kedah.

Muzium Diraja Kedah (Royal Kedah Museum)

This building which originated from the Kota Setar Palace is a wooden building that was built by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah), who was the founder of Alor Setar town in 1735. This building had undergone demolitions several times due to attacks by the Bugis (1770) and Siamese (1821).

The concrete building was completed during the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah). His Royal Highness had once stayed in this palace with his queen, Wan Hajar Wan Ismail who was also known as "Mak Wan Besar". Therefore, this palace is also known as the "Mak Wan Besar Palace".

YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was also born adjacent to this palace (the Pagoda building, which no longer exist today) on 8 February 1903 and once grew up in this palace while his father the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid and his mother Mak Che Manjalara resided there.

This palace is also renowned as the "Pelamin Palace" when the space of the palace was extended to as a pavilion and additional rooms when HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah wanted to marry off his five princes and princesses. This grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, this palace was used as a school and an office for several organizations including the office for the St. John Ambulance and the Scout movements. On 25 July 1983, this palace was declared the "Kedah Royal Museum".

Menara Alor Setar, the start-of-art communication tower

Menara Alor Setar (Alor Setar Tower)

Main article: Menara Alor Setar

Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this tower, standing at 165.5 metres tall is a prominent and modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in the state of Kedah. It functions as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction. The Tower's platform allows visitors to enjoy a breathtaking view, that stretches from Gunung Jerai (formerly known as Kedah Peak) to the Strait of Malacca. From the tower, you will see vast expanses of paddy fields which lies outside of Alor Setar - an amazing view especially during harvest time.

Wan Mat Saman Canal

Main article: Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct

Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct is the longest aqueduct in Malaysia. It connects Kedah River in Alor Setar to Gurun at the south. This aqueduct was made so that farmers can enables Kedah to boost its rice production and through it, enables Kedah to earn the nick "Malaysia's rice bowl"

Mahathir's Birthplace

Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir which provides an insight into the younger days of the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, from his school days to his success as a doctor. He was born in Alor Star on Dec 20, 1925 at No 18 Lorong Kilang Ais, off Jalan Pegawai. His home has seen been designated a historical building and was restored by the National Archives in 1992.

Rumah Merdeka (Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial)

Tunku Abdul Rahman was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. This house view Tunku's collection and memorial.Now it was restored and owned by National Archives as a historical building

Kedah Royal Mausoleum

Main article: Kedah royal mausoleum

The Kedah royal mausoleum is located in Langgar near the city.

Map of Alor Setar City

Gunung Keriang

Gunung Keriang is a limestone outcrop in the middle of flatland of paddy fields in Alor Setar. It just seem to come out of nowhere with no surrounding hills or other formations. Just 10 minutes drive from downtown Alor Setar.

It is very accessible and part of the hill area have been developed as a recreation area whereby juggle tracking and camping are the most famous activities of its visitors. You can practically drive right to the foot of some climbing routes. Cave explorers would find Gunung Keriang an added adventure that is worth an experience.

Istana Anak Bukit (Anak Bukit Palace)

Istana Anak Bukit main entrance

Istana Anak Bukit also is a birthplace and a resident of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, the Sultan of Kedah. Istana Anak Bukit which is Sultan's royal palace also located here, behind the royal palace there is a one stream river which is called Sungai Anak Bukit and it flows through Alor Setar connected by Sungai Kedah (Kedah River) until to the estuary of Kuala Kedah.

Places of worship

Wat Nikrodharam

The most imposing and significant Buddhist shrine in the city. It is located at Jalan Teluk Wan Jah, just next to the city's primary roundabout. Its architecture reflects strong Thai elements with minor Chinese motifs. It is also a sanctuary and an oasis in the city centre with trees and shades providing spiritual shelter to Buddhists from the city and abroad. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions are cherished here.

Masjid Zahir (Zahir State Mosque)

This mosque was built in 1912, a contributory effort of YTM Tunku Mahmud Ibni Almarhum Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. The site of this mosque before it was built was the cemetery of the Kedah warriors who had died while defending Kedah from Siamese (1821). The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the Azizi Mosque in Langkat town, north Sumatera. This mosque is enhanced with five prime large domes symbolizing the five Islamic principles.Its official launching ceremony was held on Friday, 15 October 1915 by the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. Tunku Mahmud read the Friday sermon while HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah led the Friday prayer. At the back of the Zahir Mosque, is the Syariah Court building complex and the Centre for Basic Education for Children.

The Zahir Mosque occupies a site of approximately 124,412 square feet (11,558.3 m²). Its center hall (Prayer Hall) measures 62 x 62 square feet (5.8 m²) and surrounded by verandahs of 8 feet (2.4 m) wide with 4 mezzanine areas of each has a dome. The main dome is located at the north-east of the mosque building. It is one of the grandest and oldest mosques in Malaysia.

St. Michael's Church

The Roman Catholic Christian community can attend mass at churches such as St. Michael which is located at Jalan Langgar near Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid.

There is also a Sikh Gurdwara also located in Jalan Langgar.

Demographics

Kedahan Malay made up the majority in Alor Setar, followed by Chinese, India, and Thai. Other Malays include Pattani Malays.

Education

HIGHER EDUCATION

The Kolej Universiti Insaniah Malaysia (KUIN, formerly known as Kolej Insaniah or INSANIAH) is located nearby the state capital. The campus area occupies an entire section of the city known as Mergong.

Albukhary International University (AIU) will be the newest private institution of higher learning in this city and located in the Albukhary Complex.

Other institutions of higher learning in Alor Setar include Kolej Poly-Tech MARA Alor Setar also locate in Mergong which owned by Majlis Amanah Rakyat or MARA.Alor Setar is served by many primary and secondary schools.Kolej Tentera Udara (Royal Air Force College) also located in Kepala Batas, Alor Setar.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The prime building of SAHC

1. Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid
2. SMK Sultanah Asma (Cluster School)
3. SMK Syed Mohammad Al-Bukhary
4. SMK Dato'Syed Omar
5. SMK Sultanah Bahiyah
6. SMK Tunku Abdul Aziz, Simpang Empat, Kangkong
7. SMK Agama Kedah
8. SMK Convent Alor Setar
9. SMK Darulaman
10. SMK Seberang Perak
11. SMK St. Michael
12. Maktab Mahmud Alor Setar
13. SMK Tunku Abdul Malik
14. SMK Simpang Kuala
15. SMK Tun Sharifah Rodziah
16. Keat Hwa Secondary School
17. SMKJC Keat Hwa II
18. SM Sin Min(Private)
19. SM Keat Hwa(Private)

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

1. Sekolah Menengah Teknik Alor Setar (Cluster School)
2. Sekolah Menengah Teknik Jalan Stadium

SPECIALIST SCHOOL

1. Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Alor Setar

Healthcare

Alor Setar is served with many private clinics that exist in every part and residential parks in the city. The main government clinic, on the other hand, is located in Bandar Alor Setar, Simpang Kuala and Mergong.

A government hospital is Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah located in Jalan Langgar. It officially opened in the year 2007. It is one of the most high-tech hospitals in Malaysia with a Total Hospital Information System and can accommodate up to 300 beds at a time.

There are private hospitals in Alor Setar too.

1. Kedah Medical Centre (formerly known as Pusat Pakar Utara)
2. Putra Medical Centre
3. INS Specialist Centre (Maternity)

Shopping Malls

Souq Al-Bukhary

Souq Al-Bukhary is one of the most recently built malls in Alor Setar, Kedah. Souq Al-Bukhary employs Islamic motifs in its design with elements borrowed from Mughal as well as Moorish architectural styles. Souq Al-Bukhary consists of a three-story air conditioned mall with Giant Hypermarket.

Alor Star Mall

The mall is located near the North-South Expressway EXIT South Alor Setar. It is one of the newest malls in Alor Setar which has another Pacific Store. Alor Star Mall's Pacific Store offers a wide range of clothing for men, women and children.

Star Parade

Star Parade is the major shopping complex in Alor Setar. It has Malaysia's very own Pacific Departmental Store. The mall offers a wide variety of shops.

City Plaza Alor Setar

Sitting together with Holiday Villa Hotel, the complex offers entertainment, shopping and food. It has restaurants, bowling alleys, arcade center, Cineplex and shops that sell clothes, shoes, mobile phones and souvenirs.

Other malls in Alor Setar were included Tesco Mergong, and Billion. There are also incoming malls such as AEON Alor Star City in Starcity, second Tesco in Stargate and Parkson Grand (Plaza Tunku Yaakob redevelopment).

Sports

Alor Setar have many sport facilities that can be used by all citizens. The facilities included Stadium Darulaman.The stadium was located in Jalan Stadium and Lebuhraya Darul Aman in Alor Setar. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium was built in 1967. It has a capacity of 32,387 seats after the expansion in 1997. It was one of the venues for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship. It is the official stadium for Malaysian Super League's club Kedah FA and Malaysian Premier League's club Kuala Muda NAZA FC.

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Other facilities are Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim, Pusat Akuatik Alor Setar, Kompleks Belia & Sukan.Kedah also hosted a Sukma Games in 2006.

Transportations

The capital of Kedah is approachable from all parts of the Peninsular Malaysia by all transport means.

By Road

The North-South Expressway, which starts from Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysia-Thai border town) until Singapore, has made it easy for any traveller to drive up to Kedah. Roads are accessible from and to major towns and cities in Peninsula Malaysia. It is a 7–8 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and 2 hour drive from Butterworth via North-South Expressway. From major towns, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, air-conditioned express buses are also available.

Car

Travellers can drive to Alor Setar by car from south and north via North-South Expressway, from east coast via East-West Expressway(Lebuhraya Timur Barat). Travellers can also prefer major roads from other major cities. Other towns can be accessed from Alor Setar too, such as Butterworth, Thailand, Kangar etc. Car rental services are available, which their offices can be found at airport, train station or in the city.

Bus

Most of bus companies in Peninsular Malaysia provide air-conditioned express bus services. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals or ticket offices. All buses that arrive in Alor Setar stop at Shahab Perdana Terminal Bus, Alor Setar. Those who wish to travel to other towns, including Thailand, can catch their bus at this terminal. Local bus services are also available. They serve almost all towns in Kedah.

Taxi/Cab

Taxis or cabs can be hailed throughout the city.

At the airport there is a taxi booth just before the exit. Passengers can prepay for their destinations. Prices are fixed and proper receipts issued.

Taxi fare to the Malaysian ( Bukit Kayu Hitam ) / Thai (Danok) border is 55MYR. Its about 50 minutes drive to the border from the airport.

By Rail

Train services are provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). The train services are between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar, Butterworth and Alor Setar, Padang Besar and Alor Setar, Hat Yai and Alor Setar, and, Singapore and Alor Setar. Alor Setar Railway station is located near to the CBD. Tickets can be obtained from train station or online booking.

There is also an international express train service to Bangkok, Thailand, operated by State Railway of Thailand.

By Air

The newly-built state-of-the-art Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (Alor Setar Airport, IATA: AOR) is located at Kepala Batas, 15 km north from city. It serves mostly domestic flights. Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and AirAsia fly daily to and from Alor Setar and Kuala Lumpur.

By Sea

Passenger ferry services to and from Langkawi to Kuah Ferry Service are provided at jetty Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar. The jetty is located 25 km west from city. Travellers can take bus or taxi from city to the jetty and to Kuala Kedah Ferry Service.

Notable People from Alor Setar

• Film and Television:Farid Kamil, Lan Pet-Pet, Kartina Aziz, Hairi Othman, Rozita Che Wan
• Music:Coco, Shanon Shah, Angelica Lee, Daniel Lee Chee Hun
• Sports:Dato' Paduka Ahmad Basri Akil, Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias, Mohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambri, Tan Boon Heong, Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli
• Politics:Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, Daim Zainuddin, Dato' Fadzil Noor, Dato' Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
• Judges:Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi, Tun Ahmad Fairuz Abdul Halim, Tun Mohamed Azmi Mohamed, Tun Syed Sheh Hassan Barakbah
• Writers and Arts:Dato' Abdullah Hussain, Dato' Shahnon Ahmad
• Other personalities:Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary

Developments

New Syariah Court building on the West side

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Complete administrative building on the East side

According under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and by the year 2010, Bandar Muadzam Shah in Anak Bukit will becoming the new Administrative Centre after the Alor Setar city. Currently, Bandar Muadzam Shah is going through a new major development of infrastructures, this includes new Anak Bukit police station, new Malaysia Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) of Kedah and also new local states government buildings.