Ten galleries
From history to manuscripts and crafts.
Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0
Kedah's main state museum, founded in 1957 as the Kedah History Museum and moved in 1997 into a modern building with exhibition halls, a library and a small theatre. Across ten permanent galleries it tells the story of one of the oldest kingdoms of the Malay Peninsula. Its galleries range over culture, history, natural science, the state's notable figures, transport, weapons, manuscripts, textiles, crafts, and language and literature. Among the most engaging exhibits are dioramas of traditional Malay weddings and musicians, wayang kulit shadow puppets and an old rickshaw. Entry is free, and it opens daily from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon, closing only on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. An hour to an hour and a half is enough for an unhurried visit. It lies about two kilometres north of the city centre, so start your day here before the midday heat, then head down to the royal square with the Zahir Mosque and the Royal Museum.
From history to manuscripts and crafts.
Wayang kulit figures.
Dioramas of traditional ceremonies.
Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Bakar Bata, about 2 km north of central Alor Setar
Alor Setar TowerA 165.5-metre telecommunications tower, the tallest structure in Kedah and the t16 minutes walk
Zahir MosqueKedah's state mosque and one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Malaysi23 minutes walk
Kedah Royal MuseumAn old royal palace known as Istana Pelamin, the wedding palace, completed in 1723 minutes walkWith only a day in Alor Setar, start with the Zahir Mosque, the Royal Museum and Alor Setar Tower, then add the State Museum if time allows: it is free and gives a broad picture of Kedah's history.