Kota Kuala Kedah


This fort, completed in 1780, is opposite Kuala Kedah town on the far bank of Sungai Kedah, a 10-minute taxi ride from the ferry terminal. It was once used as a base by the Portuguese in Melaka and was later a bastion of Malay independence against the Siamese until finally falling to the invaders in 1821. On the well-kept site there is also a museum providing background on the history of the fort and Kedah state.

Look out for Meriam Badak Berendam (the Wallowing Rhino), a cannon believed to be the abode of the fortress’s guardian spirit.


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