WHAT TO DO IN ALOR SETAR - 1. Visit Aman Central

Aman Central or locally known as AC is the latest shopping mall and land mark in Alor Setar City and had pulled away crowds from the city centre where City Plaza was once the most popular spot in the city.

Winner of the Highly Commended Development Award at the prestigious International Property Awards 2015-2016, Aman Central is a masterpiece of contemporary sophistication distinctly combined to showcase an architectural landmark. Featuring a total built-up area of 1.25 million square feet and net lettable area of 780,000 square feet spread across 6 levels of 330 retail shops and 60 mini shops. - AC website

Ac is a revival of an abandoned Plaza Tunku Yaakub since the 80s and when the state was taken over by a new PAS Government who unseat the ruling BN during the 12th General Election. The then Menteri Besar, late Tan Sri Dato' Seri Di Raja Azizan Razak, tear down the abondoned building and revive it as Aman Central.

Strategically located opposite the city's icon, Alor Setar Tower, turn out to be the in thing shopping attraction that aroused excitement for locals, some even say just like KL's shopping centre. Hmmmmmm.........

For the first time ever international and regional branded outlets open their branch at AC, not only apparels but food outlets. Those days one has to either travel to Kuala Lumpur or Penang to shop for branded materials. Part of it has been bygone.

Locals can now shop, dine or entertain at a one stop centre in the city. Outlets such as H&M, Uniglo, Padini, Guess, Pandora sits along Nando's, Starbucks, Coffee Beans and Shushi stalls.

Going to AC is quite easy even for tourist because its the only popular Mall in the city unlike Kuala Lumpur where there are Bukit Bintang, Sogo at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman or Damansara. However taxi is not as easy as in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru or Penang, but with the service provided by Uber, it has been made easy to move people around.  
 

Discover Kedah 2016 Launched

Welcome to Kedah Darulaman, where it all begins, Thats the tagline for Discover Kedah 2016 to woo more tourist to visit Kedah.

It was officially launched at Alor City landmark and icon Menara Alor Setar and the adjacent Aman Central shopping complex.

The launching ceremony was officiated by Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Sri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir to a display of colourful fireworks followed by cultural performances.

Restoran Pokok Pisang @ Alor Setar

Do you ever fancy enjoying lunch at the edge of the padi field with the wind blowing breezes onto your cheeks and exciting rhythm of the wind sweeping the padi plant rustling in your ears?

Then stop by at Restoran Pokok Pisang on Jalan Suka Menanti in Alor Setar. Jalan Suka Menanti is a bypass road between Lebuhraya Sultanah Sambungan and Jalan Gunong. If you're going to ask where just mention new JPJ office Alor Setar and most people in Alor Setar will know it.

The restaurant is located about 300 metres away from the JPJ office. 

Lunch hour can be packed with diners and at times you have to "wait to be seated". No!, not the posh restaurant type but its who gets it first. Ha,ha, Malaysian style I suppose.

The restaurant opens for breakfast serving local Malaysian delicacies and one of them is lempeng. It opens right through lunch and closes when dishes are sold out usually at 4.00 or 5.00 in the evening. 

Diners who patronise during lunch will be able to saviour Ikan Bakar, freshly fried fish such as ikan kembong, bawal etc. These are what attracts diners because it is served hot right from the kitchen. Besides these freshly cooked fish, there are of course other local Malay cuisine and including sambal belacan and ulam. 

The atmosphere is very cosy, comfortable and peaceful with its mostly natural furniture made from second hand wooden material from demolished homes. The tap roof creates the cool atmosphere.