Above the paddies
Views over green plains.
Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Chongkian — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 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
A limestone hill rising alone from the green rice plains north-west of Alor Setar, about two hundred and eighteen metres high, which locals say is shaped like a resting elephant. Its rock is hundreds of millions of years old. A local legend says the hill was once a ship carrying a beautiful princess; a giant bird called Sang Gedembai asked for her hand and was refused, and in his rage he cast a spell that turned the ship and all aboard to stone. Inside it are many caves, each with its own name and tale. At its south-eastern foot is a recreational park with paths and shelters, from which a trail climbs to the summit for a wide view over the rice fields, though the park suffers from poor upkeep and some of its signs are no longer legible. Entry is free, and monkeys are common, so guard your food. It stands beside the Paddy Museum, whose windows look out on the hill and fields, so combine the two, climbing in the morning or before sunset.
Views over green plains.
A princess and a giant bird.
Each with a tale.
About eight kilometres north-west of Alor Setar, near the Paddy Museum
Yes if you are visiting the neighbouring Paddy Museum and enjoy a walk with a view; the park itself is basic and in need of upkeep.
