Northern Kedah is a large area, stretching from the northern borders of Penang across the wide plains of Kuala Muda and towards the Thai border. This is a landscape of rice fields, coconut palms, fishing villages and quiet coastal roads — an area I’ve travelled through several times, but one that still offers plenty of places worth stopping to photograph.

Kuala Muda & the Tsunami Memorial

Tsunami Monument and History Centre

The Tsunami Memorial and History Centre stand as a reminder of the devastating Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, which claimed 11 lives in Kedah. The surrounding village was also badly affected. Today, the memorial provides a quiet reminder of that day, while the nearby coastal roads and fishing communities continue with everyday life.

Pulau Sayak & the Coastal Road

After leaving the tsunami memorial, we continued north along the local coastal road, passing through small Malay villages and rice-growing areas. The road eventually brought us to Pulau Sayak, a quiet coastal spot where the sea, fishing and village life all come together. It is also a good place to stop for a meal and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Mee Udang at Pulau Sayak

Pulau Sayak is also well known locally for its Mee Udang — noodles served with generous portions of fresh prawns. After a walk along the coast, it seemed like the perfect place to stop for something to eat. The little roadside restaurants are simple, relaxed places, with local food and a view of everyday life along the coast.

After our stop at Pulau Sayak, we continued along the coast towards Pantai Merdeka. The road winds through quiet villages and coconut palms, with glimpses of the sea along the way. It was one of those leisurely drives where there was always another interesting view or a good excuse to stop and take a photograph.

Pantai Merdeka

Pantai Merdeka made a fitting end to our journey through Northern Western Kedah. From the wide rice plains and quiet coastal villages to the fishing communities and beaches, this part of Kedah offered plenty of opportunities to stop, explore and photograph along the way.