Kedah – The Rice Bowl of Malaysia

Kedah, together with the neighbouring state of Perlis are traditionally known as the 'Rice Bowl of Malaysia'. Vast stretches of rice fields dominate Kedah's panoramic landscape.

Alor Setar, its capital, is home to many old buildings which still stand in their original form together with other relics of the past. Relics uncovered at the Bujang Valley, at the foothills of Gunung Jerai, Kedah's hill resort, point to Hindu-Buddhist influence dating back to the fourth century A.D. The findings are now displayed in the Archeological Museum at the site and include Chinese porcelain and gemstones from the Middle East.

Kedah's most famous destination is Langkawi, known the world over for its idyllic setting, legends and myths. Langkawi comprises a group of 99 islands, each with its own natural appeal. Among the prominent ones are Pulau Dayang Bunting (Isle of the Pregnant Maiden), Pulau Singa Besar, a wildlife sanctuary, Pulau Payar, a marine park and Pulau Beras Basah (Isle of Wet Rice), a popular spot for swimming.

[State : Kedah]

Shopping Malaysia

Malaysia is a premier shopping destination in Southeast Asia. Malaysians love shopping, which explains the vast number of luxury malls, stores and street-side stalls in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. If you are a shopaholic, the best time of the year to visit is during the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, around August – September when the entire country offers great discounts. Please check our listings to find out when the next Mega Sale Carnival is on.

From the antique and the exotic to modern electronic and audio-visual equipment, the constantly changing product range available in Malaysia includes an extensive collection of designer labels from the fashion capitals of the world.

The exemption of duty on a range of items has resulted in more competitive pricing and makes shopping in Malaysia an even more attractive option. Malaysian duty-free zones are the islands of Labuan and Langkawi. There are also some duty-free shops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, international airports and city centres. Duty-free items like cameras, watches, pens, cosmetics, perfumes, mobile phones, computers, cigarettes and liquor are among the cheapest in the world. Cash is accepted at night markets while major credit cards are accepted in most shops in the malls and shopping complexes.

Local regulations ensure items are price-tagged and prominently displayed, particularly at department stores in shopping complexes where prices are fixed. Sophisticated shopping malls where everything is designed for shopper convenience, contain banks, foreign currency exchange counters, restaurants, supermarkets and hundreds of shops offering a tremendous variety of goods.

For light, casual shopping, there are roadside stalls, bazaars and night markets in towns throughout the country. A major attraction is the colourful, bustling night market or 'pasar malam' - found in most neighbourhoods on certain days of the week - which stocks a bewildering variety of goods, local foods and fruits.

Shopping at one is an experience to be enjoyed. Despite the low prices, bargaining at nights markets is acceptable. It can be quite a humorous exercise as the traders are generally enthusiastic and friendly. For delightful shopping at the best prices, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

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