Top 10 Attractions in Alor Setar

September 4, 2025

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Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah, Malaysia, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From grand mosques to vibrant markets, Alor Setar offers something for every traveler. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 attractions in Alor Setar, including locations, opening hours, highlights, facilities, nearby food spots, and reasons why you should visit.

Alor Setar is a city rich in culture, history, and architectural beauty. From iconic mosques to vibrant markets, here are the top attractions you must visit when exploring the capital of Kedah.

1. Zahir Mosque (Masjid Zahir)

Zahir Mosque, the oldest mosque in Kedah located in the city of Alor Setar, here, has become the first tourist mosque in the state to provide Islamic Outreach ABIM (IOA) Mosque Tour Guide services.

Step into one of Malaysia’s most stunning mosques, a symbol of Kedah’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Location: Jalan Kampung Perak, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar
Opening Hours: Open daily; prayer times vary
Highlights: One of Malaysia’s oldest mosques with five striking black domes representing the Five Pillars of Islam
Facilities: Prayer halls, ablution areas
Food Nearby: Local eateries at Alor Setar Square
Why Visit: A spiritual landmark with breathtaking Indo-Saracenic architecture.

2. Alor Setar Tower (Menara Alor Setar)

Soar above the city skyline at this iconic telecommunications tower, offering breathtaking views of Alor Setar and beyond.

Location: Lebuhraya Darulaman, 05100 Alor Setar
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM daily
Highlights: A 165.5-meter-high tower with panoramic city and paddy field views
Facilities: Observation deck, revolving restaurant, souvenir shop
Food Nearby: On-site revolving restaurant
Why Visit: Perfect spot for bird’s-eye views and a unique dining experience.

3. Kedah Paddy Museum (Muzium Padi)

Celebrate the importance of rice in Kedah, known as Malaysia’s “Rice Bowl,” through interactive exhibits and cultural displays.

Location: Gunung Keriang, 05150 Alor Setar
Opening Hours: Sat–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: Exhibits on rice cultivation in Malaysia’s “Rice Bowl” state
Facilities: Exhibition halls, souvenir shop, café
Food Nearby: Café serving local delicacies
Why Visit: A cultural journey into the importance of rice in Kedah’s heritage.

4. Kedah State Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negeri Kedah)

Immerse yourself in Kedah’s creative scene, where local artworks and traditional crafts showcase the state’s artistic soul.

Location: Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Highlights: Paintings, woodcarvings, and crafts from local artists
Facilities: Air-conditioned exhibition halls
Food Nearby: Cafés and eateries in Alor Setar town
Why Visit: A must-see for art lovers and culture seekers.

5. Kedah Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja Kedah)

Step into the royal past of Kedah and explore a treasure trove of artifacts that tell the story of the state’s monarchy.

Location: Near Balai Besar, Alor Setar
Opening Hours: Check locally
Highlights: Royal artifacts and exhibits in a Roman-inspired building
Facilities: Exhibition halls
Food Nearby: Local restaurants within walking distance
Why Visit: Discover the royal legacy of Kedah.

6. Alor Setar Clock Tower (Menara Jam Besar)

Admire one of Alor Setar’s most recognizable landmarks, a historical clock tower blending cultural influences in its design.

Location: Dataran Alor Setar
Opening Hours: Open daily
Highlights: Built in 1912, blending Islamic, Hindu, and colonial designs
Facilities: Public square and gardens
Food Nearby: Markets and street food stalls
Why Visit: Iconic landmark and photo spot showcasing Kedah’s architectural mix.

7. Balai Besar (Grand Hall)

Discover the grandeur of Malay royal traditions at this historic hall once used for royal ceremonies and gatherings.

Location: Alor Setar, Kedah
Opening Hours: Check locally
Highlights: Former royal audience hall with intricate Malay carvings
Facilities: Surrounded by gardens and public square
Food Nearby: Traditional eateries nearby
Why Visit: A glimpse into the grandeur of royal Malay architecture.

8. Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Gallery

Delve into the legacy of Kedah’s most beloved ruler at a gallery dedicated to his life and achievements.

Location: Alor Setar, Kedah
Opening Hours: Currently closed for renovations
Highlights: Life and legacy of Sultan Abdul Halim
Facilities: Exhibition halls
Food Nearby: Local restaurants
Why Visit: For history buffs interested in Kedah’s revered Sultan.

9. Pekan Rabu Market

Shop like a local at this bustling market, where handicrafts, textiles, and delicious street food come together in a vibrant atmosphere.

Location: Alor Setar, Kedah
Opening Hours: Open daily (hours vary)
Highlights: Local market with batik, songket, handicrafts, and street food
Facilities: Market stalls, public restrooms
Food Nearby: Street vendors selling authentic Kedah dishes
Why Visit: A lively market to shop, eat, and soak in local culture.

10. Rumah Kuning (Yellow House)

Capture the charm of colonial architecture at this cheerful yellow landmark, perfect for photography and a relaxed stroll.

Location: Alor Setar, Kedah
Opening Hours: Check locally
Highlights: Colonial-era architecture, ideal for photography
Facilities: Public square, gardens
Food Nearby: Charming cafés around the area
Why Visit: A relaxing, picturesque stop with old-world charm.

✨ Travel Tip: Most of these attractions are within walking distance in the city center, making Alor Setar a convenient and rewarding destination to explore.

Alor Setar combines history, culture, and modernity into a compact, traveler-friendly city. From exploring ancient mosques and royal palaces to shopping at local markets, this city offers a rich Malaysian experience. Plan your visit to include a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and food stops to truly appreciate Alor Setar.