Historical sights in Kedah

Some of the many historical Sights in Kedah

Balai Besar

Balai Besar is an impressive wooden pavilion, built in 1898, which embodies certain aspects of Thai architecture. This 'great hall' is used frequently for royal and state functions.

Balai Besar, Alor Setar, Kedah

Bujang Valley (Lembah Bujang)     

History enthusiasts and archaeologists should make a trip to the Bujang Valley located at the foothills of Kedah Peak.  This archaeological area was the site of an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that ruled the region from the 4^th century AD. Archaeologists have unearthed over 50 Hindu temples or ‘chandis’.

Kedah Royal Museum
The Kedah Royal Museum (Muzium Di Raja) located in Alor Setar has a mixed of Thai and local architectural design. The original wooden building of the museum was a palace built during the 18^th century. In 1983 the palace was converted to the Kedah Royal Museum.  The museum houses many interesting collection of objects and artifacts of Kedah's royal and cultural heritage.

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Where to go in Kedah in year 2010

Best places to visit in Kedah

1. Bujang Valley archeaological site - This archaeological area was the site of an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that ruled the region from the 4th century AD. The kingdom at Bujang is believed to have evolved earlier than Srivijaya Empire (centered at Palembang) but came under Srivijaya’s influence in the 7th century. Location: Central Kedah, near Sungai Petani. ....details at Bujang Valley webpage.
2. Langkawi Island - the legendary isle and geopark of state of Kedah. Where you can explore Langkawi Geopark and the mystery of the 99 islands of Langkawi in Kedah, Malaysia.
3. Alor Setar, Kedah - The seat of the Kedah state government, with museums and historical palaces, and to learn about the Kedah sultanate, the oldest surviving continuous line monarch in Malaysia.
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Bujang Valley Archaeological Site

Not many visitors from outside Kedah, even Malaysian, have visited this part of Kedah, which is the site of the largest archeological findings in Malaysia. It is located near the town of Merbok, Kedah, about 15 minutes drive from Sungai Petani, Kedah.

The Bujang Valley (Lembah Bujang) is an archaeological area that was an area which is the site of an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that ruled the region from the 4th century AD.

Over 50 Hindu and Buddhist temples or chandis (or candi) have been excavated from various sites in the valley. Artefacts and relics found at various sites, dating back to the 4th century, includes pottery shards, stone statues of Hindu icons, inscribed stone tablets, Song and Ming Dynasties ceramic wares, etc are on diplay at a museum located here. Some of the chandi have been relocated to the museum area.

This is certainly one place every historian studying about South East Asia should visit.

Read more about about the Bujang Valley here