Project Adhoc - Alor Setar, Kedah

Off to the northern state of Kedah, Negeri Jelapang Padi, as it is known in Bahasa Malaysia, to a little town named Alor Setar. Last I was here was probably 20 years ago. This time round, RaRa and Reddy will make the trip up to this little known town in Malaysia. This is one of those places that make people go "Where?" Well, for the less informed, Alor Setar is located along the main travel route between Malaysia and Thailand. One can drive up to the Thai border (Sadao town) just a mere 48km north, about 40 minutes away from Alor Setar.


Typical view of a small nondescript Malaysian town (or any small town for that matters)

Our journey began at Changi International Airport (voted consecutively the best airport in the world many times over). We were flying on MAS, national carrier of Malaysia, the only carrier with the best network flying to Alor Setar. Airasia and Firefly flies there too, but the timings aren't necessary the best with them (despite the very attractive fares offered).

Malaysia Airlines operates out of Terminal 2 of Changi Airport. In the olden days, Terminal 2 was previously the central hub for Singapore Airlines' flights, the facilities (in the heydays) are a bit more attractive than that of Terminal 1 (where all other airlines operated from, except a small handful that operated out of Terminal 2). Here you see, there is a sports lounge area where sports fans can catch the latest sports news while waiting for their flights.

Mirrored walls and ambience lighting in the aerobridge, gone are the days of stuffy dull grey tunnels.

First time flying on a 737-800. The Split Scimitar winglet is a signature feature of a 737 that can help the aircraft save up to 2.2% off fuel comsumption.

Arguably, the BEST view in the world. Like, ever. Fullstop.

Ambience lighting is the IN thing for flying nowadays.

Landed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, In transit for our onward flight to Alor Setar. KLIA has an impressive display of airlines that operates from their terminals.
Always fascinated with flying. The engineering marvels that make it possible to.

Toys?

Caught somewhere between a late breakfast and an early lunch. Old Town White Coffee pitstop before continuing our journey.

We needed to clear immigration to head to the Domestic Terminal. Very deserted..

Whoa, Victoria's Secret. No underwears though.

The shopping seems pretty fair. There is even a Rolex store within the vicinity.

The Amazing Race continues..

Stuff yourself silly with FOC peanuts. Adventurer Elly's favourite.

Touch down! There is a glass aerobridge! Not too shabby.

Ahh, the familiar "feel" of  Malaysian hospitality.

There is a taxi ticket counter right after exiting the arrival baggage area. Pay to the staff manning the counter for a "coupon" that is to be handed to the taxi driver. Queue system for taxi is non-existent. Drivers will only pick you if you have a "coupon".

Holiday Villa Alor Setar, our abode for the next few days. Stayed at the one in Doha and it was good. The one here is kinda dated, but in a small town, it's next to the best thing, if not, the best.

Ok lah, clean and neat.

Hate bathtubs. But someone loves it.

WIFI hunting.. Oh, by the way, the WIFI was terrible. Deduced that we have to be staying at a room closer to the lift area where reception seems to be "stronger" there.

But, we do have a GREAT, GREAT view!

Sunrise over the horizon.

Breakfast time.

Porridge and condiments.

Oh, have yoghurt!

What is a Malaysian breakfast without Mee Goreng?

And Nasi Lemak?

This was pretty clever. Soft boiled eggs stayed runny despite being left out.

Got Granola!

Pool area. Super windy and cold!

So there you go. RaRa and Reddy's first visit. Nothing much to do except stuff our faces with fantastic Malaysian food. There are other "tourist worthy" places but we will leave that to our next visit.

RaRa and Reddy's score sheet :

Ambience : 5/10 Place's pretty aged, but for a small town like this, this is the best in town.
Food : 5/10 The Mee Goreng was sedap!
Service : 5/10 A tad slow for a city folk like me. But overall pleasant.

RaRa and Reddy stayed at :

Holiday Villa Alor Setar
Lot 162,163, Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Bandar Alor Star, Mukim Kota Star, 
05000 Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Tel :   (6-04) 734 9999
Fax :   (6-04) 734 1199
Email :   reservation@holidayvillaalorstar.com.my