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I am staying at Sungai Petani a town in Kedah. In fact I grew up in that town. Kedah is a state in Malaysia which lies in northern part of penisular Malaysia. Kedah is in the west coast of penisular Malaysia facing the Straits of Malacca.

Kedah is in fact the oldest kingdom in Malaysia. Old Kedah used to be encompassed of other existing states which include Perlis and Penang. The province of Satun in southern Thailand is said to be also part of the old kingdom of Kedah.

Since it is the oldest kingdom in the country it has an archaeological site that worth a visit. The site presently is part of the Archaeological Museum of Merbok. You may find some relics of old Hindu temples in the museum compound which is very interesting. The archaeological museum is also very interesting and educational. The museum lies in the northwestern part of my hometown, Sungai Petani; it's in the small town of Merbok. The exhibits of the museum are also interesting. The exhibits proved the presence of the Hindu influence in the South East Asia in the first millenium of the Common Era.

It is believed that Hinduism and Buddhism has reached the old Kingdom of Kedah via the Indian traders and missionaries. Kedah, later was annexed to Srivijaya Empire of Sumatera. Kedah then was attacked by King Rajendra Chola Dewa from southern India.

I saw some old inscription written in an old Pallavic script at the Museum. To a layperson like me, the script resembles the present Thai script.

Kedah's subjects embraced Islam in the 11th. century. So far the record shows that Kedah is the earliest state in Malaysia to embrace Islam. The first Sultan to embrace Islam is Sultan Muzzafar Shah. This is not to be confused with Sultan Muzzafar Shah of Malacca. Sultan Muzaffar Shah of Malacca lives in the 15th. century.

Kedah Sultanate is also said to be the oldest in Malaysia. Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra is to hail from this royal house. Tunku Abdul Rahman is the son of Sultan Abdul Hamid of Kedah. He is a royal prince. Our fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed is also from Kedah.

Kedah has many excursion spots like Pantai Merdeka, Lata Pokok Asam, Tupah, to mention a few. There is a waterfall in Yan known as Seri Perigi. It lies in the foothill of Gunung Jerai (Kedah Peak). It has a scenic view during the raining season. Seri Perigi is naturally beautiful. Unfortunately due to lack of civic mindedness among the visitors, you may find the waterfall area and the stream is littered. It's a shame.

Gunung Jerai might attract the attention of mount climbing enthusiasts everywhere. As you climb, you might find yourself surrounded with tropical plants.

If you love the sea, you may go to Pantai Merdeka. It's certainly not to be compared to Ipanema Beach of Rio de Janeiro but it is worth a try. But please don't wear G-strings as you will be the target of stares from all the beach goers. You may soak yourself into the sea in your t-shirt and short.

If you love sea products, you may go to Tanjung Dawai, it's a fishing village. You can find salted fish, fish crackers, salted sea food etc. sold in the Bazaar. The Bazaar is very small. From Tanjung Dawai you can see Pantai Merdeka.

There is a hill known as Gunung Keriang. "Gunung" in Malay is actually a "Mountain" but Gunung Keriang is undoubtedly a hill. The British colonialists called it Elephant Hill because it is shaped like a standing elephant. Today Gunung Keriang is developed into a recreational park. But again, its littered by the park-goers.

Welcome to Kedah!