Hotels in Kuala Muda

This city is situated at the mouth of Sungai Muda, in the south of Kedah. Kota Kuala Muda is the former state capital of Kedah which was built in the 17th and 18th century replacing Kota Setar due to the threat of attack from Siam. Since ancient times, Kuala Muda is one of Kedah’s most important ports. There is a fort at Kuala Muda called Kota Kuala Muda, which was built in 18th century. In its heyday, the city was an important trading post in Asia. Goods traded here included silver and spices that attracted traders from China, India, Portugal, Netherlands and England. The lack of land transportation contributed to the it’s prosperity. The city progressed rapidly in 1786 with the opening of Penang as a trading hub. Trading goods such as silver were brought in from Kedah, Perak had to pass Kuala Kedah first. Tax was also levied on ships plying its waters, and Kuala Muda became a prosperous and busy trade city.

In 1804, the development of trade in the city attracted the attention of Kedah’s Sultan, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah in Alor Setar. He later moved to Kuala Muda, and a castle was built at nearby Pulau Tiga. His presence in Kuala Muda help the city to flourish. In 1875, the city made history when Raja Ismail of Perak used it as a hideout to run away from the English after killing J.W.W Birch. He remained hidden for six months before eventually surrendering to the English. The name Kuala Muda may derived from the river that cut cross the southern part of Kedah, Sungai Muda (Muda River) which meets the Strait of Melaka in the fishing village of Kampung Sungai Muda, Kota Kuala Muda. Confluences of the river were also part of the Kedah history. Sungai Merbok and Sungai Mas harboured among the earliest civilazation in the country. Ancient ruins and artifacts can be found across the districts, from temple-like structures or candis, the Kota Kuala Muda Gates, ancient boats called Perahu Sagor, glass beads, Buddhist and Hindu statues and potteries.

Kuala Muda is known as a historical and heritage city and suitably to whom looking for history and heritage site as their travel destinations. This city is situated at the mouth of Sungai Muda, in the south of Kedah. The district capital of Kuala Muda is Sungai Petani the second largest town in Kedah after Alor Setar. Kuala Muda district is in close proximity to the border of Kedah and Penang. Apart from Sungai Petani, other major towns in the district include Tikam Batu, Padang Tembusu, Sungai Lalang, Bedong, Bukit Selambau, Sidam, Gurun, Semeling, Merbok, Kota Kuala Muda and Tanjung Dawai. The Mount Jerai is shared with the neighboring district of Yan while the Muda River is shares the bordering state of Penang. The iconic Jambatan Merdeka (Independent Bridge) connects both Tikam Batu with Bumbung Lima in Penang. Kuala Muda is the most populous district in Kedah, and it is also the site of some of the earliest civilization site in the country. Kuala Muda is a small fishing village and is about 25km from Sungai Petani. Kuala Muda was involved in the mangrove planting project along the Kedah coast.

Bahasa Malaysia is the national language of Malaysia and it is widely used and spoken till this day. The Kuala Muda locals have their own slang and dialects of Malay language. However, English is also spoken in majority parts of this district. Hence, language is not a barrier for those visiting Kuala Muda.

How to Get There

By Plane

Kuala Muda is located at the south of Kedah. You can take flight to reach Kuala Muda from Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, Alor Setar . Both Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia operate daily direct flights to Alor Setar, while Firefly flies twice daily. Malindo Air provides 45% of the non-stop flights between Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and flies 11 to 12 times daily. You can board your flights at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport ( Subang Airport). Besides that you also may reach Kuala Muda from Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Bayan Lepas is about 45 minutes driving. The Sultan Abdul Halim Airport distance approximately 30 minutes’ drive to Kuala Muda.

By Car

Kedah is well connected to the North-South Expressway and five hour drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah. If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, follow the route to the Kedah in the north and take exit 170 at Sungai Petani Selatan. If you are driving from Perlis or Kedah, follow the road leading south. Look for the signage leading to Kedah. To reach the mouth of Sungai Muda, ask for direction to Kampung Bagan Ulu. It is on the Southbank of the river overlooking Tanjung Dawai on the Northernbank.

By Bus

Besides that you can reach Kedah by bus. Bus from KL to Kedah remains the favorites 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 6 hours depending on the traffic condition. Coaches depart from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan), with some coaches will pass by Hentian Duta Station to pick up passengers. Taking bus from KL to Kedah can prove to be a wonderful experience with the highlight of viewing the exquisite rice field in Kedah State.

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 17 minutes trip to Kuala Muda.

Tourist Attractions

Kuala Muda is one of a delightful place to visit in Malaysia. Kuala Muda is home to Bujang Valley. Many of the biggest archaeological sites in Malaysia are located here. Bujang valley was a thriving Hindu-Buddhist civilization and Southesat Asian trading centre from the 3rd to 12th century. Nearly, 1000 artifacts have been discovered and exhibited in the Bujang Valley Archaelogy Museum. Besides that we can visit one of the popular destinations in Kuala Muda which is Mount Jerai formerly known as Kedah Peak, is a mountain in Kedah, Malaysia boardering Kuala Muda district and Yan district with the height of 3,854 feet (1,175 m). There are the number of legends and historical facts attached to this mountain. During the Hindu-Buddhist era, it was a sacred mountain. Ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples were discovered at the foot of the hills. The mountain is a massive limestone outcrop and is a lone feature from the surrounding geography of the area. You also may visit Pintu Gerbang Kota Kuala Muda . On this day, traces of Kota Kuala Muda still clearly visible as the gate, the stone steps of the palace and former pillars of the courts located near Masjid Kota Raja. The other attractive places that you must visit during your stay in Kuala Muda such as Merdeka Beach that is a popular place to enjoy the breeze in southern Kedah,Tsunami monument is a monument commemorating the tsunami that hit the area in December 2004, Kakap Mosque where it is the one of the oldest mosques in Kedah, Kampung tepi sungai is well known as small fishing village, Pulau Sayak is a fishing village with a rocky coastline, Ancient boats or Perahu Sagor that made from the whole tree trunk and Sungai Mas Archaelogical Site. With a wide number of attractions to discover, this desirable town will not cease to amaze you.

Due to its close proximity to Thailand, some of the traditions are Thai influence and origin as well as faces of people often bear signs of Thai or Chinese ancestry. This can be seen in their food, songs and dances. Among the local traditional songs and dances which are reflective of daily lives are Tarian Cinta Sayang, Lagu-lagu Berendoi and Wayang Kulit. Silat is also popular in this district. It is a form of traditional Malay self-defence before guns and rifles are brought in. The silat comes in various forms and normally performed at occasions such as weddings and formal or traditional functions.

Kuala Muda culinary offerings are flavourful and wholesome. The most local specialties include Laksa Teluk Kecai , mee udang , mee ketam,nasi kandar,nasi daun pisang,pekasam,gulai rebung and nasi ulam. Other than that you can visit Tanjung Dawai known as Kedah’s seafood central, where you can find an abundance of fresh seafood including the perennial favourite, ikan bakar (grilled fish). For those who are traditional cake lover, do not forget the famous delicious traditional cake (kueh) in Kuala Muda. Gedung Chak is a cake (kueh) that originated from Kedah. Originally, the cake was introduced by people of Aceh who came and settled the area in Yan Kedah. Later, they brought their food traditions and so it was well received by the population in that region and indirectly makes Gedung Chak cake is a traditional cake Chak Kedah. However, this cake is very rare but still available in the Yan, Tanjung Dawai and Kota Kuala Muda.

You can enjoy shopping and eating at night market located 4 km to Tsunami monument. You can buy items from souveniers and apparel to local delicacies. For those who are seafood lover you can go to Tanjung Dawai to eat fresh seafood and tasty ikan bakar. Don’t forget for night view at Merdeka beach to enjoy night breeze and fishing activity.

Transportations to several small towns can be problematic during your vacation. Hence, it’s advisable to rent a car to travel around. However, majority of the places are accessible by buses or trains. Else, you could hire a taxi drive to drive you around and engage on his guide around the state. Avoid going to Kuala Muda during raining season to avoid flood in this area. The best time to visit is in January and late September where you can experience Paddy Harvest season in Sungai Petani.

Hotels

Emerald Puteri Hotel

Emerald Puteri Hotel is centrally located within the business and commercial sectors of Sungai Petani and within walking distance from shopping and entertainment centers. This 3-star deluxe hotel is easily accessible, taking only a few minutes’ drive from the exit of the Sg.Petani North-South Highway and only 30 minutes away from Penang Bridge. This business property is about 5 km away from the center of Sungai Petani and it takes 12 minutes driving from hotel to Kuala Muda. Penang International airport can be reached in 45 minutes by car from Emerald Puteri Hotel. This hotel located near to the city’s attractions such as Petani Parade, Masjid Kariah Batang Gedong and Econsave. Emerald Puteri Hotel offers various facilities to enhance your stay in Sungai Petani. The hotel offers good services, including free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park and room service. Some rooms include television LCD/plasma screen, clothes rack, mirror, towels, provided to help guests recharge after a long day. Guests will find shopping centers and stores in the area of the hotel. The hotel offers wonderful recreational facilities such as outdoor pool to make your stay truly unforgettable. Whatever your reason for visiting Sungai Petani, the Emerald Puteri Hotel is an affordable to pay and the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting break away.

Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani

Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani is located at Taman Sejati, Kedah. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. The hotel is easy access to the city's attractions such as Petani Parade, Masjid Kariah Batang Gedong, Econsave. Hotel Park Avenue is located 10-minute walk from Sungai Petani Train Station. Penang International Airport is a short drive away. This hotel situated at the city centre and it takes about 13 minutes which is 5.2km distance to reach Kuala Muda. Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani offers perfect service and all the essential amenities to stimulate travelers and has been awarded as 4-star hotel by Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. The hotel offers air-conditioning rooms, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, convenience store, postal service, taxi service, wake up service desk and wheelchair accessible. The hotel offers many unique recreational opportunities such as bowling alley, fitness center, outdoor pool, massage and kids pool. Guests can dine at The Bistro and Lounge where a live band performs. Guests are happier about it Relaxing massages are offered at Park Avenue’s spa. Guests also can enjoy a game of pool or sing at the karaoke. Excellent facilities and an excellent location make the Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani the perfect base from which to enjoy their stay in Sungai Petani or Kuala Muda.