Hotels in Gurun

Gurun is a small town situated in Kedah, Malaysia. Despite its name means desert in English translation, this does not resemble the town in the slightest way. The name Gurun derived from the word ‘gerun’ in Malay which means terrify or the word ‘kurun’ in Thai which means elephant. Both of these words are associated with an incident during the reign of Sultan of Islamic Siam Kingdom of Ayutthia who was killed in 1876 by the invading Thai armies when they crushed his body using an elephant. The incident took place behind the current Gurun Police Station.

From an agricultural town, the landscape of Gurun has slowly transformed when it was designated as the industrial area for heavy industry in the 1980s by the government. Gurun has its own iron ore mines at Bukit Merah, located to the south of Gurun town. Initially, the Perwaja Beam and Rolling Mill was set up. Now, major factories placed in Gurun includes Naza, Modenas, Perwaja Steel and PETRONAS Fertilizer Kedah.

Gurun is a sub-district in Kuala Muda district in Kedah, Malaysia. Gurun is located between Guar Chempedak to the north and Bedong to the south.

Locals in Gurun speaks Bahasa Melayu with the Kedah northern accent.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are flights to Penang Island provided by Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. From the airport, guests may hail up a taxi to Gurun.

By Car

Gurun can be reached via a highway, the North-South Expressway (PLUS) which linked Gurun to Alor Setar. The expressway Gurun exit is located at Kampung Guar Nenas. Other land transportation options include express bus services travelling from Kuala Lumpur or Kajang to Gurun Bus Terminal.

By Train

.Apart from that, Gurun also has a railway station served by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) intercity as well as the new KTM Electric Train Service (ETS) trains.

Tourist Attractions

The main attraction to Gurun is Gunung Jerai, formerly known as the Kedah Peak since it is the highest point in Kedah rising about 986 metres. Gunung Jerai is a massive limestone outcrop situated to the west of Gurun. People can either drive or hike up the mountain. The peak of Gunung Jerai offers an amazing view overlooking the coast of Kedah with brilliant golden paddy fields.

Until the 1990s, Gurun is well known for its vegetable products and was recognized as Kedah’s main vegetables and corn producer. Until now, rows of Gurun’s corn stalls stand along the federal road from the town of Gurun to the town of Guar Chempedak.

Gurun town is also the starting point of the famous Wan Mat Saman Canal, the longest canal in Malaysia with approximately 36 km that stretches out until Alor Setar town. This canal connects the Gurun River to Kedah River and the soil that was dig out during the construction formed the “batas ban” in which turned into the foundation for the current federal road from Gurun town until the state capital Alor Setar.

Besides the successful in corn plantation, Gurun is also one of the only place in Malaysia to have a longan orchard. This place is in high demand at the moment which requires booking in advance for any visit.

Local famous delicacies of Kedah includes Laksa, a savoury thick rice noodle dish served with spicy fish broth topped with mint leaves, shredded onions, cucumbers, boiled egg and pineapple. The fish used for the broth sometimes are replaced with eels instead. Since Kedah is the ‘land of paddy fields’, rice has become the main culinary affair here. Among rice dishes in Kedah is Nasi Daging, rice cooked together with meat and flavourful herbs until the meat becomes tender and Moi Sup, a simple rice porridge. ‘Moi’ is a Thai word for rice.

Hotels

Apple Inn Hotel

Apple Inn Hotel has a very good location, situated 23.3 km from Gurun. It offers splendid service together with wide range of facilities provided.

K Garden Hotel

K Garden Hotel is a good company for business traveller for its services and strategic location about 23.8 km from Gurun.

CMN Hotel

One of the most common preferred hotel situated 28.6 km from Gurun. This hotel is likable by many tourist travelling solo, accompanied with friends or family.

Swiss-Inn Sungai Petani

For family vacation or leisure, this place provides a satisfactory comfort during your stay. It is situated nearby Gurun around 25.5 km.

Cinta Sayang Resort

This hotel is a perfect choice for people seeking a luxurious treat for holiday. Get the most excellent services and make your stay a memorable experience. Cinta Sayang Resort is situated 24.8 km from Gurun.