Kedah - Nature & Eco

Gunung Jerai Resort

Located south of Alor Setar on the North-South Expressway leading to Sungai Petani and Butterworth, Gunung Jerai (Kedah Peak) offers a stunning view of the countryside and the seas around Penang and Langkawi.

This forest-clad limestone outcrop is 1,206m above sea level and was an important landmark for sailors.

The Sungai Teroi Forest Park is at the base of the hill and offers good camping spots. A 13 km winding road leads up from the park to the peak while the more adventurous can attempt a hike on a well-used trail. About 3 km beyond the park lie the ruins of a 6th century Hindu shrine.

Nearby is the Forestry Museum with exhibits of local trees and wood-related products found within the area. From the museum there is a forest trail leading to a waterfall and bathing pools.

Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest

This is situated in the heart of the Gunung Inas Virgin Forest Reserve in Baling.

It is 54 km from Kulim town and takes about an hour to reach by car. The rainforest reserve contains an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

Picnicking is allowed at a seven-tiered waterfall which is famous for its pure, crystal clear waters.

Pedu Lake

Pedu Lake, about 80 km from Alor Setar and only 5 km from the border with Thailand, offers a good vacation in a rainforest environment complete with resort accommodation. Kampung-style chalets with full facilities are set deep within the thick tropical rainforest.

The crystal clear waters of the lake are suitable for water sports, and there are facilities for canoeing, wind surfing, fishing and jet-skiing. Visitors might spot deer, elephants, bears and wild boars in the jungle. Bird watching is also a favourite activity. Also, there is an 18-hole golf course at the resort.

Gunung Keriang Recreational Park

Located 12 km from Alor Setar, the park is a good area for jungle trekking and camping.

Gua Keriang, a cave located nearby, is worth checking out.

Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells)

The Seven Wells, or Telaga Tujuh, are actually a series of seven pools connected by a series of waterfalls. Legend has it that fairies delight in bathing in the cool waters which are supposed to possess soothing healing properties. A mountain prince, who once lived near the wells, tried to capture one of these fairy maidens, but until today, they remain elusive.

It is believed that the unique lime trees and the sintuk, a climbing plant which has large pods, that grow around the pools were left behind by the fairies. Locals who visit the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls often use them to wash their hair in order to cleanse themselves of bad luck.