Hotels near Wat Nikrodharam

Built in 1968, Wat Nikrodharam is one of the interesting landmarks and religious architecture found in the Kedah state capital of Alor Setar. It is a Siamese temple located between Jalan Telok Wanjah and Jalan Stadium. This majestic temple acts as the primary Buddhist house of worship in Kedah’s state capital and to celebrate Wesak Day. As Kedah is nearby the Thai border, the architecture inside the temple shows Thai elements infused with Chinese Buddhist. The nagas to the garuda which are icons of Thai Buddhism are among the Buddha figure that has three faces and four pairs of arms, which recall Hindu iconography.

Although Alor Setar has weathered periods of Thai rule over the years, its main Buddhist community is Chinese in heritage. This temple is also famous among local and international tourists to learn about the history of Thailand and Chinese community in building this wat (temple).

How to Get There

By Car

It takes around 4 hours and 50-minute drive to Wat Nikrodharam from Kuala Lumpur city centre by using the North-South highway.

By Plane

There are daily flights to Sultan Abdul Halim airport at Alor Setar town. Once you reach there, it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at Wat Nikrodharam via Anak Bukit road.

Tourist Attractions

Paddy Museum

The Paddy Museum is the fourth paddy museum to be opened in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines. Built at cost of RM24.7 million, this museum was constructed on a land belonged to the Malaysian Agricultural Development Authority. It was inaugurated and opened on 12 October 2004 by Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim. The museum showcases the paddy cultivation process in Malaysia and displays all kinds of tools and equipment which have been used in the trade over the years. There are artworks of 60 artists from North Korea display the history of paddy cultivation in Malaysia. This museum is built to honour and respect as well as to show history, culture and significance of paddy farming in Kedah alongside dedicated to the hardworking and simple paddy farmers, whose blood, sweat and toil have contributed to the process of manufacturing in the rice industry. The opening hours for this museum is from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily.

Kedah State Museum

Built in 1936, The Kedah State Museum is home to artefacts dated around 1500 years ago. This place elaborated on learning about Kedah’s long history and visitors can find displays such as porcelain and ceramic wares from the ancient culture such as Bunga Emas, a gold sculpture of a small tree given annually by the early Kedah Sultanate to Siam as a tribute. Apart from historical and cultural relics of Kedah, the museum also exhibits a large collection of Kedah arts, historical, cultural and royal heritage. The Kedah state museum is also a research centre for the historical past of the state of Kedah. There is also a demonstration centre where skilled craftsmen show handmade arts and crafts products are manufactured. Besides that, visitors have the chance to participate in paid planting activities made available throughout the appropriate season. Overall, the Kedah State Museum is a great place to learn all about history and culture of Kedah and it is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and entry is free.

Hotels

Holiday Villa Alor Setar

Holiday Villa City Center Alor Setar is situated at the centre of Alor Setar town and offers comfortable rooms and amazing facilities and services. It is conveniently linked to City Plaza shopping complex and the rooms are equipped with basic amenities including air conditioning and en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and robe. Besides that, there is also free internet access and recreational facilities such as fitness centre, sauna, business centre and shopping arcade. Guests can also enjoy dining at the 24-hour Lagenda Restaurant, which offers Malaysian favourites and western cuisines whereas Chinese restaurant and a cafe offers light refreshments and beverages.

Royale Signature Hotel

With over 250 rooms and suites, Royale Signature Hotel is an excellent and ideal choice of accommodation for business and leisure travellers. This hotel is just 15-minute drive from Sultan Abdul Aziz Halim Airport and 8-minute away from the main train station, Electric Train Services (ETS) and 5-minute from Central Terminal Bus Station. The air-conditioned rooms are fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV, en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold shower facilities, wardrobe and coffee and tea maker machine. Besides complimentary WiFi available throughout the hotel, guests also can find a 24-hour front desk for any assistance on facilities and services as well as luggage storage. There are also a fitness centre and swimming pool and can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant.