Kedah
has the distinction of being the "Rice-bowl of Malaysia" - a term that
takes on aesthetic significance when one sees the rice fields for
themselves: the flat expanse of padis against a backdrop of rolling
hills provides a picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses.
One
of Kedah Darul Aman greatest lure is perhaps its rustic charm and the
many exotic natural attractions. Visitors will be taken in by the lush
green of tropical rainforests, the misty mountains, the serenity of the
rural villages and the endless spread of the paddy fields.
CULTURES
GENDANG TARI INAI
The term gendang tari inai (also known as gendang keling) refers to an ensemble of 1 serunai, 2 gendang keling (so-called Indian drums) and 2 hanging gongs. This ensemble plays instrumental music. This instrumental music (the music itself is also called gendang keling orgendang tarinai) usually accompanies the dance known as tari inai which is danced during the wedding ceremony of staining the bride's hands and feet with henna ("upacara berinai"). The music and dance are also performed today for many other occasions such as state ceremonies andlocal festivals. This tradition as described above is found in Kedah and Perlis today.
In short, today there are 2 types of tarinai dance and music: 1) the east coast style (called tari inai) with ensemble as noted above, and 2) the west coast style found in Kedah and Perlis, with ensemble as noted above and with ensemble and music called either gendang keling or gendang tarinai
Nobat
Ku Zam Zam Ku Idris (1994) describes the Malay Nobat, a court music genre originating in the Malay Peninsular from the days of the Melaka Sultanate. Essentially a secular form, it is the music of the rites of passage of the Sultans and 'Anak Gahara' of Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan's Pasukan Gong Gendang Besar Diraja. (Mohd. Anis, 1997). Mohd. Ghouse (1992) states that nobat music is played to accompany religious as well as royal ceremonies, by 6 musical instruments played in ensembles: 2 wind instruments, 2 types of drums and, only in the state of Kedah, a gong. Malm (1974) suggests that the nobat was brought over to Malaysia by Indian-Muslim traders in the days of the Melaka Sultanate. He also states that 4 types of instruments were used: the serunai, the nafiri, a small kettle drum and two barrel drums.
ATTRACTION PLACES
Langkawi island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular
Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas.
The largest of these islands is called Langkawi Island and is bigger than the Penang Island.The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.
The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation.
Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2km long and 1/4 km wide, Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.
Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2km long and 1/4 km wide, Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.
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VIEW OF PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK |
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ATTRACTION PLACES
The border town of Bukit Kayu Hitam is located in the northern part of Kedah and is the main entrance to Thailand on the West Coast. Visitors will be able to find a duty-free complex here in the town. For those that love a bit of relaxation, Bukit Kayu Hitam offers a newly constructed golf course of international standard with 36 holes.
"Pekan Rabu" which literally means Wednesday Market which is located in the middle of Alor Setar is well known among the local population and tourists from outside Kedah. The business complex is not only the pride of Malay entreprenuers in Kedah but also the pride of all Malay's in Kedah. Moreover the fourth Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir, once was a trader in Pekan Rabu. Most tourists visiting Alor Setar make it a point to shop around at the Pekan Rabu Complex.
LOCAL DISHES
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| Nasi Ulam |
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BAHULU |
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| Gulai Nangka |
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