Merbok is a mukim in Kuala Muda District, Kedah. The town derived its name from Langkasuka Malay language, which means "the declaratory place". Based on the ancient Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, the declaration of Islam being the state religion of the Kedah Kingdom was done in Merbok estuary port, which situated close to the kingdom's capital during the area, Bukit Meriam (Cannon Hill).

How to Get There

By Plane

For visitors traveling to Merbok with a flight into Malaysia’s International Kuala Lumpur Airport, you can fly into KL from most major airports around the world, and from KL Airport to Merbok, getting there is an enjoyable travel experience. All the usual transportation options are available for visitors. You may take nonstop flights AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air to Penang International Airport and take taxi or bus to reach Merbok.

By Bus

Bus from KL to Kedah remains the favorite’s choice among passengers even though with the strong challenge from the emerging KTM ETS train service. The reason of the preference is because bus offers the choices of departure schedule all day long. Air-conditioned express buses to Kedah can be boarded at the Use the North-South Expressway. Duration for bus from KL to Kedah takes about 5 hours 36 minutes depending on the traffic condition. You may take transnasional bus or any other bus operators depart from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) to Sungai Petani, Kedah. From there you can take either cheap taxi or bus for 24 minutes trip to Merbok.

By Car

Exit the North-South Expressway at the Sungai Petani North Interchange, Exit 170, if you're coming from the south, and from the Gurun Interchange, Exit 173, if you're coming from the north. Take the Federal Route 1, the old trunk road, and head towards Bedong. At Bedong, take State Route K1 westward until you arrive at Merbok.

By Train

Enjoy views of the attractive countryside when you make a train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Sungai Petani. You can take ETS train from KL Sentral to Sungai Petani where it is quick and convenient with a number of departures a day in either direction. It takes approximately 4 hour to reach Sungai Petani Railway Station. Once you arrived at Sungai Petani Railway Station, you can take either a cheap bus or taxi for 26 minutes trip to Merbok.

Tourist Attractions

Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum

The Bujang Valley or Lembah Bujang is a sprawling historical complex situated near Merbok, Kedah. Once the site of the Srivijaya Empire, an ancient Malay kingdom dating back from the first few centuries to the 12th century, it is the richest archaeological area in Malaysia. Nearly 1,000 artefacts have been recovered from this buried civilization and exhibited in the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum. They include earthenware, beads, ceramics and photographs.

Tupah Recreational Forest

Tupah Recreational Forest is located within Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve in Kuala Muda district. It is 6 km from Merbok and 18 km from Sg. Petani respectively. Tupah Recreational Forest is popular with the locals who come here to picnic and bathe. It is best to enter by car otherwise the way is quite long.

Sungai Batu Archaeological Site

Sungai Batu is located in Bukit Batu Pahat, Merbok, Kedah. The river is important because of the Bujang Valley archaeological site believed to exist in 535 BC. Old Kedah Civilization recorded on this hill is the oldest civilization in Southeast Asia. This civilization is also contemporary with Roman and Greek civilization.

Madu Kelulut Merbuk SAF

Visitor may spend time at Madu Kelulut Merbok SAF located in Bukit Batu Pahat, Merbok to learn about bees and beehives, taste fresh honey and watch cradle dipping, honey bottling and honey extraction. You can buy fresh honey and honey handmade product such as honey body soap designed for sensitive skin.

Mount Jerai

Visitor may have a chance to experience the cool weather and picturesque scenery of Mount Jerai. You can enjoy panoramic view from the peak of Mount Jerai. Mount Jerai is located in Kuala Muda district and it takes only 1 hour from Merbok, Kedah. Mount Jerai is the highest mountain in Kedah.

Hotels

Hotel Seri Malaysia Sungai Petani

Hotel Seri Malaysia Sungai Petani is a 3 star hotel located in the heart of Sungai Petani. This hotel is within 2 km of Central Square and Farmers Golf Club and 11.65 km away from Merbok. This hotel features restaurant, dry cleaning, and a 24-hour front desk. Free buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self-parking are also provided. This hotel is the smartest choice for you who are looking for affordable accommodation with outstanding service.

Emerald Puteri Hotel

Staying at Emerald Puteri Hotel is a good choice when you are visiting Sungai Petani. This 3 star hotel is very easy to find since it is strategically positioned close to public facilities. Emerald Puteri Hotel located only 13.48 km away from Merbok. This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a coffee shop or café. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self-parking are also provided. Additionally, a business center, a meeting room, and concierge services are onsite.