Alor Star

Infobox City
official_name = Alor Star
other_name = الور ستار
nickname = AS
website = http://www.mbas.gov.my/

---

imagesize =360px
image_caption=Masjid Zahir Mosque view and city from Alor Star Tower
image_

pushpin_

pushpin_mapsize=360
map_caption = Location in Malaysia
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name = flag|Malaysia
subdivision_name1 = Kedah
established_title = Establishment
established_date = 1502 |established_title2 = Granted city status
established_date2 = 2003
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Dato' Abdul Mukhti Bin Abdullah
area_magnitude =
area_total_sq_mi =
area_total_km2 = 666
population_as_of = 2005
population_total = 217,368
population_footnotes = [http://population.wn.com/country/Malaysia/Kedah/Alor%20Setar]
population_density_sq_mi =
population_density_km2 = 590
timezone = MST
utc_offset = +8
timezone_DST = Not observed
latd = 6
latm = 7
lats =
latNS = N
longd = 100
longm = 22
longs =
longEW = E
footnotes =

Alor Star, formerly known as Alor Setar is the state capital of Kedah, Malaysia, and Kota Setar District's Administrative Centre. It is also a distribution center for manufacturing and agricultural products such as paddy, and the royal seat of the Kedah state since the establishment of this city. The city, which has an urban population of approximately more than 300,000, is one of the region’s oldest cities.

It is located 93 kilometers north of Butterworth, Penang and 45 km south of the Thai-Malaysia border, with the latitude of 6°7' 0N and longitude of 100°22' 0E. Its time zone is UTC+8. As a transportation hub in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, many places can be easily reached from Alor Star, such as Phuket, Kota Bahru, Langkawi and etc, either by air, rail, road or sea.

It is also the birth place of a few famous personalities in Malaysia, including two former Prime Ministers, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, and Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister. Alor Star was granted city status on 21 December 2003.

History

Alor Star was founded in 1735 by Kedah’s 19th Ruler, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Mu’azzam Shah and is the state’s eighth administrative centre since the establishment of the Kedah Sultanate in 1136. The earlier administrative centres were located in Kota Bukit Meriam, Kota Sungai Emas, Kota Siputeh, Kota Naga, Kota Sena, Kota Indera Kayangan and Kota Bukit Pinang.

"Alor" or more correctly, "alur" is Malay for a groove, furrow or main stream of a channel. In Tamil "alur" means drain. "Star" or "setar" is a tree with small, sour fruit (Bouea macrophylla) also known as either "kundang" or "remia" in Malay. The uniqueness of these fruits is that when you split the seed, each part is purple in colour.

The city had been sacked twice when Kedah was attacked by the Bugis in 1770 and the Siamese in 1821.

Significant events held here included the handing back of Perlis and Setul (now Satun) to Kedah by the Siamese in May 1897 (both provinces were separated from Kedah since 1821) and a 90-day festival from June to September 1904 to celebrate the wedding of the five children of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.

Alor Star had been officially granted as a city – the ninth in Malaysia, on 21 December 2003, during which the spelling of its name was officially changed to "Alor Star" from the prior "Alor Setar". The proclamation ceremony to declare the Kedah capital a city was held at Dataran Tunku, Alor Star. Among those present at the historic ceremony were the Kedah's Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and his consort Che' Puan Haminah Hamidun, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Raja Puan Muda (Heir Apparent of Kedah State and his consort), members of the Kedah royalty, parliament members and state exco members. The ceremony was also witnessed by civilians and tourists.

Places of interest

Balai Besar (Grand Audience Hall)

Initially the function of the building was as the Balai Rong Seri or Balai Penghadapan (audience hall), that was situated at the back area of the Kota Setar Palace complex (Istana Kota Setar). The original building was built in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah8). The pillars, roofs and floors were made of wood.

This building was destroyed due to attacks by the Bugis armada (1770) and Siamese (1821). During the reign of HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah), this building was refurbished (1896) spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect with the Public Works Department of Kedah State for the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses (1904).

Besides the wedding ceremony, the Balai Besar was used for installation ceremonies, official ceremonies, State Council Conferences since 1905 until 1973.

Two Kedah Sultans were officially installed at the Balai Besar:HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Halim Shah II, the 22nd Sultan of Kedah) in 1805 and HRH Sultan Abdul Halim on 20th February, 1959.

Architecture

The design of the Balai Besar is of the characteristics of a Malay house with lengthy roof. On the left and right sections of the Balai Besar are the verandahs. The verandah at the right side of the throne was the area for the Ministers' children, warriors and official officers' children as well as the good citizens. The left verandah was the area for the religious men, merchants and the good citizens. The centre area of the balai (hall) was the place for "the children of the palace", those who held the royal regalia together with the ministers and maingovernment officers in accordance to individual status right up to the ordinary people.

The pillars and cross-beams were made of the highest quality of cengal wood from the state of Kedah. The roofs were made of rumbia (a type of palm-tree). Two large staircases were built in front of the Balai Besar, left and right ascending to the grand hall, rumah tangga, right verandah, left verandah as well as the pavilion, the throne and the Balai Siak located at the utmost back section of the building.

Balai Nobat

This 18 metre-tall and 5 metre-wide three-tiered octagonal tower sole purpose is to keep all the royal musical instruments including the serunai (wooden flute), nafiri, gendang (drum) and gong, which is known as nobat. This nine-piece musical set is composed of three drums, a gong, two flutes, two instruments called the cheng-cheng, and a trumpet-like instrument called the Nafiri, which produces the haunting strains of nobat music. The skills to play nobat music and these instruments are passed down from father to son, and the person who is incharged to play these instruments called Orang Nobat. Nobat are played for specific ceremonies such as royal installations, deaths and other official ceremonies. It is believed that the Nobat originated from the Hindustani culture centuries ago when one of the brothers of the then ruling Sultan made a visit there.

Upon the official opening of the Alor Star town in 1735 by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah), a number of early buildings had been completed including the Kota Setar Palace, the Balai Besar, the Balai Nobat and the State Mosque. The original design of the Balai Nobat could not be ascertained but certainly it was built using wood.

During the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, the 25th Sultan of Kedah), the new Balai Nobat consisting of five-story building was built. The building was totally built of wood with zinc roofing. During the reign of the HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 26th Sultan of Kedah), a new building was built using concrete and metal. The architecture is the same as the previous wooden building. The height was three-story and the dome at its apex represents the Islamic element such as those found on mosques. This new building was built in 1906.

Right now, there are only a handful of these orchestras left in the country. This tower, however is closed to public. In order to view the nobat, visitors must obtain permission from the State Secretariat first.

Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery)

The Kedah State Art Gallery was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts. Temporary exhibitions are held at regular intervals.

This building was the earliest modern government office that was built in the town of Alor Star. Its construction was spearheaded by Muhammad bin Lebai Tambi, an architect from the Kedah State Public Works Department. The construction of the building began on 21 January, 1893, and he was also responsible for the restoration of the Balai Besar building.

This modern building with eastern and western architectural elements was initially the High Court and was officially opened by Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. This building was closed to make way for the special entertainment hall for very important people during the wedding ceremony of His Royal Highness's five princes and princesses which lasted for three months (June until September 1904).

In 1912, a number of offices were located here such as the office of the His Royal Highness's Sultan, the treasury and audit office and the British Adviser. In 1914, most of these offices were relocated to the Wan Muhammad Saman building. The building was later occupied by the Public Works Department and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation. In conjunction with the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of HRH Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, this building was converted to the Balai Seni Negeri (State Art Gallery) which was officiated by His Royal Highness on 25 July, 1983.

Mahkamah Tinggi Negeri (State High Court)

This building is located at the junction of the Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat. Initially, this court building was the place for the existing Balai Seni which was earlier called the "High Court".

As engraved on a marble slab at one corner of the court, this building was built on Rabiulawal 1341 Hijrah equivalent to November 1922. Names of those who were responsible for the construction of the court were: HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (Regent), W. Peel Esq (British Adviser), Major W.R. Sanguinetti, O.B.E.M.C (State Engineer), F.W. Wade Esq. A.I.R.B. (Architect) and H.W. Fofden Esq (Contractor).

Looking at the architectural design it clearly shows that this building has more characteristics of Roman architectural. This can be seen by the design of the columns that are close to one another without regard of spaces for whatever purposes. Various types of carvings are found on the walls. At the top area close to the roof was placed the crest of the State of Kedah.

Pekan Rabu (Wednesday Market)

Pekan Rabu is located near the government offices in Alor Star. Although the name literally means “Wednesday Market”, this bustling market is open all week long, thanks to popular demand. Its services extend from morning till night, and you can find many stalls here selling a variety of items from delicious tidbits to beautiful handicraft.

This is a popular spot amongst tourists and locals and is a source of pride for Kedahans. Even former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad was once a trader at Pekan Rabu.

Costing a sum of RM3.2mil to build back in 1975, the Pekan Rabu Complex was refurbished in 1995 at a cost of RM6.5mil. A further RM2mil was spent on renovations for phase 2 in 1990. Altogether, there are 347 stalls and the complex has become an important landmark in Kedah.

Wat Nikrodharam

The most imposing and significant Buddhist shrine in the city. Its architecture reflects strong Thai elements with minor Chinese motifs. It's a sanctuary and oasis in the city centre with trees and shades providing spiritual shelter to Buddhists from the city and abroad. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions are cherished here.

Masjid Zahir (Zahir State Mosque)

This mosque was built in 1912, a contributory effort of YTM Tunku Mahmud Ibni Almarhum Sultan Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. The site of this mosque before it was built was the cemetery of the Kedah warriors who had died while defending Kedah from Siamese (1821). The architecture of the mosque was inspired by the AZIZI Mosque in Langkat town, north Sumatera. This mosque is enhanced with five prime large domes symbolizing the five Islamic principles.

Its official launching ceremony was held on Friday, 15 October, 1915 by the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. Tunku Mahmud read the Friday sermon while HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah led the Friday prayer. At the back of the Zahir Mosque, is the Syariah Court building complex and the Centre for Basic Education for Children.

The Zahir Mosque occupies a site of approximately 124,412 square feet. Its center hall (Prayer Hall) measures 62 x 62 square feet and surrounded by verandahs of 8 feet wide with 4 mezzanine areas of each has a dome. The main dome is located at the north-east of the mosque building. It is one of the grandest and oldest mosques in Malaysia.

Muzium Diraja Kedah (The Kedah Royal Museum)

This building which originated from the Kota Setar Palace is a wooden building that was built by HRH Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah, the 19th Sultan of Kedah), who was the founder of Alor Star town in 1735. This building had undergone demolitions several times due to attacks by the Bugis (1770) and Siamese (1821).

The concrete building was completed during the reign of HRH Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah). His Royal Highness had once stayed in this palace with his queen, Wan Hajar Wan Ismail who was also known as "Mak Wan Besar". Therefore, this palace is also known as the "Mak Wan Besar Palace".

YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra was also born adjacent to this palace (the Pagoda building, which no longer exist today) on 8 February, 1903 and once grew up in this palace while his father the late HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid and his mother Mak Che Manjalara resided there.

This palace is also renowned as the "Pelamin Palace" when the space of the palace was extended to as a pavilion and additional rooms when HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah wanted to marry off his five princes and princesses. This grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, this palace was used as a school and an office for several organizations including the office for the St. John Ambulance and the Scout movements. On 25 July, 1983, this palace was declared the "Kedah Royal Museum".

Menara Alor Star (Alor Star Tower)

Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this tower, standing at 165.5 metres tall is a prominent and modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in the state of Kedah. It functions as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction. The Tower's platform allows visitors to enjoy a breathtaking view, that stretches from Gunung Jerai (formerly known as Kedah Peak) to the Strait of Malacca. From the tower, you will see vast expanses of paddy fields which lies outside of Alor Star - an amazing view especially during harvest time. It's the second tallest tower in Malaysia and ranked 19th in world.

Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct

Wan Mat Saman Aqueduct is the longest aqueduct in Malaysia. It connects Kedah River in Alor Setar to Gurun at the south. This aqueduct was made so that farmers can enables Kedah to boost its rice production and through it, enables Kedah to earn the nick "Malaysia's rice bowl"

Mahathir's Birthplace

The fourth Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad was born on 10 July 1925 at the house near ice factory at Kampung Seberang Perak.

Kedah royal mausoleum

The Kedah royal mausoleum is located in Langgar near the city.

Darul Aman Stadium (Stadium Darulaman)

Darul Aman Stadium is an all-seater and a multi-purpose stadium in Alor Star, the capital of state of Kedah, Malaysia. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium was built in 1967. It has a capacity of 32,387 seats after the expansion in 1997. It was one of the venues for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship. It is the official stadium for Malaysian Super League's club Kedah FA and Malaysian Premier League's club Kuala Muda NAZA.

Transportation

The capital of Kedah is approachable from all parts of the Peninsular Malaysia by all transport means.

By Road

The North-South Expressway, which starting from Bukit Kayu Hitam (Malaysia-Thai border town) till Singapore, has made it easy for any traveller to drive up to Kedah. Roads are accessible from and to major towns and cities in the Peninsula Malaysia. It is a 7-8 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and 2 hours drive from Butterworth via North-South Expressway. From major towns, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, air-conditioned express buses are also available.

Car

Travellers can drive to Alor Star by car from south and north via North-South Expressway, from east coast via East-West Expressway(Lebuhraya Timur Barat). Travellers can also prefer major roads from other major cities. Other towns can be accessed from Alor Star too, such as Butterworth, Thailand, Kangar etc. Car rental services are available, which their offices can be found at airport, train station or in the city.

Bus

Most of the bus companies in Peninsular Malaysia provide air-conditioned express bus services. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals or ticket offices. All the buses that arrived to Alor Star will be stopped at Shahab Perdana Terminal Bus, Alor Star. Those who wish to travel to other towns, including Thailand, can catch their bus at this terminal. Local bus services are also available. They service almost all towns in Kedah.

Taxi/Cab

Taxis or cabs can be hailed throughout the city.

By Rail

Train services are provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). The train services are between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Star, Butterworth and Alor Star, Padang Besar and Alor Star, Hat Yai and Alor Star, and, Singapore and Alor Star. Alor Star train station is located near to the CBD. Tickets can be obtained from train station or online booking.

There is also an international express train service to Bangkok, Thailand, operated by State Railway of Thailand.

By Air

The newly-built state-of-the-art Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (Alor Star Airport, IATA: AOR) is located at Kepala Batas, 15 km north from city. It serves mostly domestic flights. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia fly daily to and from Alor Star and Kuala Lumpur.

By Sea

Passenger ferry services to and from Langkawi are provided at Jetty Kuala Kedah, Alor Star. The jetty is located 25km west from city. Travellers can take bus or taxi from city to the jetty.