Alor Setar Kedah, Malaysia Travel Guide
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from or transit through a country with Yellow Fever transmission risk. This is a mandatory requirement upon entry. Ensure your routine vaccinations, like Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP), Polio, and Varicella (Chickenpox), are current. Consult with your physician or a travel clinic well in advance of your departure for personalized advice.
Other recommended vaccinations include Hep A and B (for most travelers), Typhoid (especially if eating extensively from street vendors), Japanese Encephalitis (for long-term stays or rural areas), and Rabies (for high-risk animal contact or remote activities).
Alor Setar has both government and private medical facilities. Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (Government) is a major public hospital with comprehensive medical services. KPJ Specialist Hospital Alor Setar is a private hospital with various specialist services and generally shorter waiting times. Numerous general practitioner clinics operate throughout the city for minor ailments. Easily accessible pharmacies supply over-the-counter medications. Dial 999 for ambulance, police, and fire services throughout Malaysia.
Tap water in Alor Setar, and generally across Malaysia, undergoes treatment but is not recommended for direct consumption by tourists. Always drink bottled, boiled, or filtered water. For food hygiene, choose street food stalls with high customer turnover where food is cooked fresh in front of you. Observe the cleanliness of the stall and utensils. Hot, freshly prepared food is usually safer.
Public & Private Options
Major public hospital, comprehensive care.
Private facility, specialist services.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Wisely
Bottled, boiled, or filtered water is recommended.
Choose busy stalls, freshly cooked hot food.
Immediate Assistance
Dial TRIPLE nine for Police, Ambulance, Fire.
Keep contact details handy (located in KL).
Alor Setar is generally a safe city for tourists. Petty crime, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, especially in crowded market areas like Pekan Rabu or at coach terminals. Keep keep valuables hidden and secure. Be wary of common tourist scams, like inflated taxi fares or individuals trying to sell fake goods. Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab for transparent pricing. No specific neighborhoods in Alor Setar are high-crime areas for tourists. Apply general precautions everywhere, especially when out at night.
Flash floods can occur during heavy monsoon rains in low-lying areas. Stay informed about advisories.
Possible in hilly areas during prolonged heavy rainfall, less so within city limits.
Seasonal air pollution, typically from forest fires (June-October), can affect atmospheric quality.
Your daily expenses in Alor Setar are based on your travel style. Here is an estimated breakdown:
Approximately MYR 90-180 (USD 19-38).
Approximately MYR 200-480 (USD 42-100).
Make your budget stretch further with these regional tips.
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance for your trip. This insurance should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage, plus personal liability.
Ensure your policy covers any specific activities you plan, such as adventure sports. Consider providers like World Nomads for adventurous travelers or SafetyWing for digital nomads.
The direct line for immediate assistance across Malaysia. Use it for urgent situations involving police, ambulance, or fire services.
Immediate access to critical services.
For real emergencies only.
These are located in Kl. Keep their contact details handy for assistance with lost passports, legal matters, or other emergencies while abroad.
Supports citizens abroad.
Note: Not physically in Alor Setar.
Keep your accommodation's phone number readily available. They is able to supply immediate help from locals, directions, or help with local queries, especially if you face language barriers.
Useful for local advice and aid.
Not for life-threatening emergencies.
| Category | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health Docs | Vaccination Certificate | Yellow Fever (if applicable) |
| First Aid | Basic Kit | Band-aids, cleansing wipes, pain relievers |
| Personal Care | Water Filter, Insect Repellent | Mosquito protection, clean drinking water |
