A must-do in Alor Setar, Kedah is a visit to the top of Menara Alor Setar Tower. Not only is this massive tower your best visual landmark for Alor Setar ground level navigation, it also offers a bird’s eye view of the capital city and beyond. You can even see Langkawi and Pulau Payar islands from the top!
It’s Not Just a Telecommunication Tower!
The 165.5-meter tower is one of the tallest telecommunication towers in Malaysia. In fact, that’s all I initially thought it was; a telecommunications tower. But during a pandemic-era visit to Alor Setar, I could see the tower from my hotel room at Royale Signature Hotel; and something caught my eye.
As I was admiring the view one evening, I could see the distant silhouettes of people in the tower. Imagine my surprise! Yup, I had no idea that the Alor Setar Tower was also a sightseeing venue, but the next day I was all over it. I was also surprised at the inexpensive entry price. Unlike Langkawi’s Maha Tower, Menara Alor Setar’s foreigner entry fee is less than RM50. And worth every Ringgit, I might add.
Menara Alor Setar’s Bird’s Eye View
The Menara Alor Setar Tower is broken up into several levels. It has an (inside) Observation Deck at 88 meters, a Revolving Restaurant at 94 meters, a Mega View Banquet Hall at 100 meters, and the Star View Open Deck at 105 meters. There are also 2 glass-bottom viewing platforms built on the open deck that fearless visitors can get an even better view from.
Tickets may be a bit confusing for foreign visitors as the layout map of the tower highlights several levels, but it’s both the Observation Deck and Star View levels sightseers will want to focus on.
Although the tower looks very modern in comparison to Alor Setar’s many surrounding historical landmarks, its design was apparently inspired by Kedah’s status as ‘the Rice Bowl of Malaysia’. With the tower representing tied rice clusters and the main supporting pillar symbolizing the strength of the people of Kedah. Sounds a bit like a romanticized afterthought description, but either way it’s pretty darn clever.
The Alor Setar tower has two high speed bubble elevators that can take you from ground level to the top in 48 seconds. It’s a smooth ride and Insta-worthy, so be sure to have your camera’s ready for potential shots on the way up. Attentive staff are available on all levels, in case you need assistance, so don’t be shy.
Have fun, and don’t forget to get tickets for both the Observation Deck and the Star View Open Deck!
Star View: Adults RM36/ Seniors & Kids RM26 (non-Kad)
Observation Deck: Adults RM10/ Seniors & Kids RM7 (non-Kad)
Menara Alor Setar Tower
Lot 99, Darul Aman Hwy, Bandar Alor Setar
(across from Aman Central Mall)
Open daily: 0830-2230
Tel: 04-720 2234
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