Anyone interested in prehistory will love the museum at Merbok, as well as the 1st century jetty and 4th century iron ore smelting sites at Sungai Batu, 10 kms short of the Merbok museum. (See Wikipedia entry for Bujang Valley for historical summary.) The museum is small but well maintained and material is well presented. (Ignore any negative comments you may see elsewhere.) The sites are not that well sign posted on Tollway or feeder roads, and surprisingly not well known in Penang. Download a copy of the map in attached photos to show your driver. From Georgetown, it takes about one and a half hours each way to Merbok outside Penang peak hours.See more..
4.0Kedah Royal Museum(30 reviews) - Good museum to visit while in the area Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • History Museums
There are plenty of pictures opportunities outside this building. It is situated opposite the main mosque, and close to the art gallery. Entry is free. But registration is required. This museum is in an old building (wooden) so you can appreciate the inside of the building. As for taking pictures, it is not allowed in the exhibition areas. Here you'll be able to see vintage items used used by the royal families. This being a royal museum, you will find plenty information about them. Shoes need to be left outside near the main entrance. Plenty of steps / stairs in the museum. Not wheelchair friendly. It is airconditioned and well lit. Near the museum is 'the frame' for pictures and other buildings related to the museum but they are not open for public. See more..
3.5Kedah State Museum(22 reviews) - A little dated but worth a visit Spent < 1 hour History Museums
The exterior of this building is impressive. The museum has no entry fee. There are vast amount of items but they are not artifact and it is filled with mostly cultural items. If you are looking to know more of the cultures in Kedah (also typical to whole Malaysia) please make your way here. There are translations (english) to the displayed items. Everything in the building feels old. It does need some updating and do note that this place 3 storey high. Take the stairs and read the letters from old king to francis light displayed at the bottom of the stairs. Unfortunately taking pictures are not allowed in the museum. You can take a stroll outside and enjoy the landscape. Next to the building is the Kedah river, for a small fee, you can have a 15 minutes joyride a boat cruising along the river. I'm reviewing it as 4 stars because it is worth a visit (once in your lifetime) if you ever found yourself in Alor Setar. Take the 'cruise' too. See more..
4.0Kuala Kedah Fort Historical Complex(13 reviews) - An old place to visit in Kuala Kedah Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The place is near the sea. It will take you 20-30 minutes to get here from the city centre. This is where the locals watch sunset at a nearby beach. Kota Kuala Kedah is an open air museum. There is not much to do but it is a good place to do walkabout the area. The main attraction is the old house museum (mind you it closes at sharp 6pm). There is a light house here but you can't go in. The entry is free. Walking around the wall perimeters gives you a different even. Near the walls you can see old canons build by the British. There is also 2 huge fancy gates that can't be opened. Just for taking pictures. Good place to do a slow visit. Some steps to take to get to the area (not wheelchair friendly). There is ample car park space.See more..
4.5Rumah Merdeka(11 reviews) - Historical value Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Loved this house of Tunku Abdul Rahman. Learnt a lot about his family and history. Photography is not allowed inside the house. Free entrance. A must-visit for history buffs.See more..
This area is obligatory to come if go to sungai petani. Boats are also available if you want go to island (pulau songsong/bidan/telur) per head around rm 70 only.See more..
3.0Kedah State Art Gallery(6 reviews) - Disappointed, BIG TIME! Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • Art Museums
Such an impressive building. Right in the heart of downtown too. Free entrance. But nothing to see! C’mon I know Malaysians are not into art but you could make it interesting. I was soooo disappointed. I was so eager to say what mommy nak adu apa?See more..
