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Best Things To Do in Baling, Malaysia

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Baling.

Baling may not be as popular as other cities in Malaysia, but don’t let that fool you. Baling is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Baling.

If you have plans to visit Malaysia and are not sure if Baling should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Baling and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

• Things to do with Family & Kids in Baling

Tourist Attractions in Baling

Here is the list of things to do in Baling and tourist attractions in city.

Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest

Address: 09100 Baling, Kedah, Malaysia

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• Things to do in Langkawi Island
• Things to do in Bukit Mertajam
• What to do in Baling in 1 day
• What to do in Baling in 2 days

Top Things to Do in Baling

Things to do in baling.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
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• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Ulu Legong Hotspring

2. Mount Baling

3. Bukit Hijau Recreation Park

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Gunung Baling: Essential 2024 Guide to southern Kedah’s landmark peak

Soaring like a barrage of limestone right above Baling town, the namesake mountain is one of the best, easily accessible hikes from Penang, and a real jewel in Kedah's adventure travel crown. Want to visit Gunung Baling? This guide has everything you must know.

Penang island has many hiking trails, including on Penang Hill . Trekking opportunities extend well beyond the island as one tackles the many hiking trails in Penang Mainland at Seberang Perai .

But the most inspired hikers should set their goals a little further east near the town of Baling in neighboring Kedah state. Unbeknown to most travelers, and even locals, the town of Baling — only about one hour and twenty minutes drive from Penang island — offers two very intense hikes to the twin, bison-shaped mountain range ending with the two peaks of Gunung Baling and Gunung Pulai .

This post focuses on Gunung Baling, a 546 mt-high mountain that soars like a protective fan over the town of Baling. It’s a straightforward uphill hike with some climbing sections that require moderate levels of fitness.

Hiking to the summit of Gunung Baling to enjoy the breathtaking views that straddle all the way to Penang island to the west, and to Thailand to the east, is the most popular activity in town. We have visited in 2022 and this article will tell you all you need to know to make the best out of your visit to Gunung Baling, Kedah.

Article Contents

How to get to Gunung Baling

Gunung Baling sits right above the center of Baling town, a quaint and quiet Malaysian interior hamlet. The Thai border at Pengkalan Hulu/Betong is only a few kilometers away.

The best way to get to Gunung Baling is to self-drive from Penang: get to Kulim and then Lunas, and drive along the perfectly paved Highway 4 until you’ll reach Baling.

You may also catch a bus from Penang or Kuala Lumpur to Baling. But you’ll need transportation (Grab Car is not easily available in Baling) to reach the trailhead from the bus station, so factor this into your planning. The owners of the hotels listed below may help you reach the trailhead.

The trail head to summiting Gunung Baling is well-signposted and starts at the side of the main road from Baling to Pengkalan Hulu — look for the Pendakian Gunung Baling sign, just off Kampung Seberang Pekan. If you are driving, you can park inside the compound. That’s where you will meet your guide, pay your fees, and start hiking to the summit along a very well-marked trail.

This is a map of Pendakian Gunung Baling’s trailhead:

Can I hike Gunung Baling by myself?

No, you need to get in touch with the Pendakian Gunung Baling office in advance and pay your climbing permit (RM15 per person). The best way is to call them from 8 am to 5 pm (notice that on Fridays they are closed) at +604 470 1803 and book your slot.

The office will assign a guide to each group of up to 10 people, at a cost of RM70 per group. Remember that overnighting on the summit is not allowed.

How long does it take to reach Gunung Baling’s summit?

Gunung Baling’s hike is about 2 kilometers one way, most of it uphill and including a few scrambles over sharp and jagged limestone rocks. All in all, the hike should take between one and one and a half hours for any moderately fit person.

We have seen local children climb with their parents, so you may consider bringing yours — although it may pose some challenges.

Gunung Baling’s Opening times in 2022

The best views on top of Gunung Baling are definitely at the crack of dawn, especially when Kedah’s plains are covered by the most quintessential awan karpet (“carpet of clouds”). In the past, the first groups started the climb at 4 am in the pitch black to reach the summit by 6.30 am and prepare for the sunrise.

Unfortunately, since the beginning of the COVID–19 pandemic and related lockdowns, Gunung Baling is only open to hikers from 8 am to 10 am . This means that you’ll have to start hiking within this short time frame and be back at the base of the mountain by 2.30 pm.

What do I need to Hike Gunung Baling?

Gunung Baling is not a very demanding hike, but you’ll definitely want to consider carrying a few essential camping gears I personally never leave home without. In Malaysia, you can buy all of the following items online using any major local debit or credit card, GrabPay and Touch & Go eWallet at PTT Outdoor, a company we support and align with.

First off, carrying a portable stove is great for whipping up a quick coffee once you reach the summit. Consider buying a hiking pole , for Gunung baling is quite steep in places, and it’ll be useful to smoothen work on your knees as you trample down. If you think the limestone rock is too hard to handle, a good pair of sturdy gloves will also come in handy.

You should at a minimum carry a backpack to fit all your stuff. Being this is only a day hike, you should be looking at a 20 to 24-litre backpack, like this by Deuter and this by Thule .

As the summit is cold and windy, especially if you manage to organize an early sunrise hike, don’t come up here without a windbreaker . The best is to wear a waterproof shirt underneath so that even if you’ll sweat profusely, you’ll be fresher and drier when facing the winds on the puncak.

At last, don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking loads of water. Avoid using plastic bottles as much as you can, and think, instead, of a 2 litres bladder like this , that easily fits into your backpack.

If you decide to buy any of the above, all Penang Insider’s readers can get a special RM10 off their first purchase

Gunung Baling: Hiking to the summit

The top of Gunung Baling offers unobstructed views of Kedah’s plains all the way into Thailand, and the soaring pinnacle of Gunung Pulai — a part of the same massif, which can be hiked separately.

You’ll also see nearby Bukit Beirut, and on clear days, the views behind Gunung Pulai can stretch all the way to the northeastern coast of Penang Island, George Town, and Gunung Jerai.

As anticipated, it takes about an hour and a half to reach Gunung Baling’s summit. This is an easier hike compared to sister Gunung Pulai, and the trail starts much more mellow, with a climb over ropes and then a gradual ascent following a well-marked footpath equipped with handrails — very useful after rains and in the dark.

You’ll soon reach Gua Kambing, a cave set inside the peak’s limestone at 217 mt of height and 0.7km into the trail. It’s one beautiful anticipation of the rock formations that are about to come ahead on this trail.

The trail then continues up again and the first rocks will come into view. Be prepared to start climbing a bit. 1.3km into the trail at 368 mt of height you’ll bump into the Marbabbah Mosque — nothing much else than just a wooden pondok — and from here, be prepared for the most difficult part of the climb up to the peak.

You’ll have to climb a wooden ladder to pass through a hole in the rock and haul yourself up the trail until the final ridge — be particularly careful here because one part pass right by the mountain’s cliffside, and falling here will result in, well… guts on the jungle floor, or even worst, the rock face beneath your feet.

NOTE ON GUNUNG BALING’s DESTRUCTION Once you reach the top, you will see how the western side of Gunung Baling has been horribly deforested, cut, and destroyed by a quarry site… it’s a bloody shame and an eyesore sticking out like a dust bowl from the greenery all around!! The issue also affects Gunung Pulai, and both peaks are facing some serious threats . Do whatever you can to get informed, and stand against another brainless destruction of Malaysia’s precious environment for the sake of money and profit, disregarding the next generations.

Descending Gunung Baling

The first part of Gunung Baling’s descent from the top is the hardest on this hike. The steep incline, paired with the rocky surface, is hard on the feet and must be tackled with attention. We recommend climbing back down backward, facing the mountain, and using both hands to support as your feet find stable ground.

The going gets definitely less though once you have reached again the Marbabbah Mosque: from here, the trail becomes soil once again, and the descent is quite easy thanks to the help of the several iron railings. Hold on to them after rains because it gets slippery.

It’s a straightforward walk down to Pendakaian Gunung Baling, where you’ll find toilets, showers and you’ll be given a certificate of accomplishments for your climb. Congratulations!

Where to Eat after Hiking Gunung Baling

Head back to Baling’s main roundabout and stop at Warung Mat Noi Baling Route 67 , a chilled roadside restaurant surrounded by greenery and a beautiful view of towering Gunung Baling right in front of you.

Warung Mat Noi is specialized in roti bakar and American-style breakfast — and they are super cheap. For about RM5 ($1.2) you’ll get a choice of HUGE American breakfast platters, from sunny side up eggs and beans served on slices of toasted bread, hash brown, sausages, or even French toast Malay style — served with a side of delicious kaya. The coffee is strong, too. A heart-warming breakfast after a climb of Gunung Baling, at a fraction of the cost of similar Penang breakfasts at some of Penang’s famous cafes .

Where to Stay before or after Hiking Gunung Baling

• Baling Garden Mountain Village is the cream of the crop, with individual chalets, a swimming pool, and a pretty awesome mountain backdrop. CHECK PRICES ON : BOOKING.COM | AGODA
• Sacha Homestay offers a comfy studio room that accommodates 3 people, with a kitchenette, TV and a charming veranda. CHECK PRICES ON : BOOKING.COM | AGODA
• Bunga Raya Guesthouse has more than adequate budget rooms in a cute green pea-colored building, some with an outdoor seating area. CHECK PRICES ON : BOOKING.COM | AGODA

Gunung Baling’s Verdict

Gunung Baling is a moderate hike that’s suitable for intermediate hikers and really anyone who wants to work out a nice sweat and get some thrilling views above Kedah’s plains. Looking out west from the summit, you’ll see sister Gunung Pulai (a part of the same horn-shaped massif) rise like a broccoli-encrusted fang from the forest floor. You’ll hear the sound of hooting gibbons from here, and on a good day, one can see all the way to Gunung Jerai on the coast, and even Penang ’s northeastern coast and George Town.

If you love Malaysian mountains, Gunung Baling is definitely one that you want to put under your belt. So close to Penang, and yet so less visited, it’s a pity to leave it off your radar. Hopefully, the local tourism authorities will understand this too, improve the facilities and the timings available for the climb — the sunset was the highlight here, and even though views are striking even by 9 am, you’ll miss the sea of clouds.

Baling is also a chilled town with friendly locals, cheap fruit sold at the roadside, and an interesting mix of Malay and Thai identities that would require further exploration. Try to stay over for a couple of days at least.

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Plan Your Trip to Baling: Best of Baling Tourism

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THE BEST Things to Do in Baling

Things to do in baling.

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1. Ulu Legong Hotspring

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3. Bukit Hijau Recreation Park

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Best 24 Kedah Attractions: Enjoy the Serene Beauty of Nature

Are you looking for some amazing places to explore in Kedah ? But don’t know where to start! We got your back.

Famed for being the “rice bowl” of Malaysia, Kedah is a state in the north of the country that is also famous for its tourist attractions. As this state is popular for agriculture, it has no shortage of greenery and natural attractions. 

Kedah is host to numerous attractions and activities, and here are the best 24 Kedah attractions that you must not miss.

Langkawi Island is the heart of Kedah. And if you are planning a trip to Langkawi, our article 12 Best Things to Do in Langkawi Island may help you to decide which place you want to visit.

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Kota Alor Setar

Being the capital of Kedah, Alor Setar patronizes so many unique and spectacular attractions, which made Kedah richer and more incredible. The most remarkable gift of Alor Setar is the Menara Alor Setar . Apart from this, the capital city has more interesting places that you can’t resist.

1. Masjid Zahir, Alor Setar

Masjid Zahir , also known as   Masjid Zahrah , is situated at the heart of Alor Setar and is a prominent feature of the state of Kedah. The colonial-styled mosque is an example of architectural excellence and is designed to reflect the traditions of Islamic ruling of Kedah’s royalty.

However, that’s not the only reason why the mosque is famous. The two mihrabs are the distinctive features of the mosque. The Imam delivers the khutbah (sermons) from the timber minbar positioned on the right side of the inner mihrab on Friday prayers. 

Masjid Zahir is a celebrated historical monument and holds a reputation among history-loving tourists.

Address: Jalan Kampung Perak, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah

Opening hours: 05:00 am – 10:00 pm

Entry fees: Free of cost

2. Menara Alor Setar, Kedah

Menara Alor Setar is a telecommunications tower and a contemporary example of modern architecture. The building is 165.5 meters in height. It is the second-largest tower in Malaysia and holds the rank of the 19 th tallest globally. 

It was constructed with a total cost of RM40 million and was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato ‘Seri Dr Mahathir Mohammad (Tun M), on 14 th August 1997. Although it was built to develop telecommunications technology, it soon became famous amongst tourists. 

There is also an Observatory that is located 88 meters high from the site to see the moon to mark the beginnings of Muslim months. The tower also has restaurants and souvenir shops.

Address: Darul Aman Highway, Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah

Opening hours: 8:30 am – 10:30 pm

3. The Big Clock Tower

The Big Clock Tower is one of the oldest Kedah attractions, and it is an architectural marvel. Though the tower is not so big, and it looks like a lighthouse. The yellow-gold dome shows the richness of Islamic architecture, whereas its white exterior is evidence of colonial architecture. 

In 1912, the clock tower was built to announce prayer times to the residents who live in this area. Even at the present day, the Big Clock Tower works as a timekeeper.

Address: Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah

Opening hours: Daily 24 hours

4. Kedah Royal Museum

We all can learn history from books or historical places . But how many of us truly know the personal life of a Sultan or any King, especially how they lived behind closed doors?

Well, if you’re interested to know about the living of a king and his personal possessions, you must come to the Kedah Royal Museum . The museum is also locally famous as the Sultan Museum and showcases nearly 2,000 artefacts and possessions of Sultan Abdul Halim, the former Sultan of Kedah, and his wife.

Address: Medan Bandar, Kedah, 05400 Alor Setar

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 05:00 pm (Closed on Friday & Saturday)

Entry fees: Free

5. Alor Setar Chinatown

Alor Setar Chinatown is one of its most visited places. It has restored shops from the 1950s era. The vintage shophouses in its neighborhood are its show stealers. Even today, shopkeepers perform trades as their parents and grandparents did. If shopping isn’t your ideal activity of fun, then maybe you can click pictures. 

Address: 5D, Jalan Putra, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar

Opening hours: Daily 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm

6. Kedah Paddy Museum

Probably the most uncool yet fascinating place to visit at Kedah is Kedah Paddy Museum . Dedicated to the world’s staple food –rice –Kedah Paddy Museum is one of the few rice museums in the world. It is designed to symbolize the bushels of harvested rice stalks.  

The museum demonstrates rice cultivation throughout the years, different varieties of rice in various countries, and ways to harvest them. In short, this museum is the most suitable place for agricultural geeks. 

Not only that, but visitors can also get to see and admire a 360-degree diorama and mural, which has been painted on the entire inside wall of the upper level. Do you know that the mural was painted by 60 North Korean artists? Well, make sure to check out Kedah Paddy Museum once you go to Kedah.

Address: Muzium Padi Lot 798 Jalan Gunung Keriang, Mukim Gunung Keriang 06570 Alor Setar, Kedah Darul Aman

Opening hours: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (Closed between 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm on Fridays)

Entry fees: Adults RM3.00 | Children (ages 7 – 12) RM1.00| Camera Charge RM2.00

7. Aman Central

If you’re a shopping fanatic, you need to have Aman Central on your to-do list. It is one of the largest malls in Malaysia and is a hub of modern retail and entertainment. It is an 8-story mall with two levels of the basement, 330 retail lots, 1700 parking bays, and a cinema and bowling arcade. 

The design is creative and innovative to make things easier for visitors, such as easy access from the retail to the bowling area without passing through car park floors. With so many stores to shop from, Aman Central isn’t just a store; it’s a living dream for its visitors.

Address: Aman Central, 1, Darul Aman Highway, Kampung Lubok Peringgi, 05100 Alor Setar, Kedah 

Opening hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Changlun is a small town in Kedah, also known as “Changlon”, which means the “fallen elephant”. Though this small town has not much attraction to see, still its “ MnM Whimsical Houses ” is enough to take your attention. Changlun has located only 42 km from Alor Setar, so after visiting the capital city of Kedah, you can opt for this small town.

8. MnM Home Whimsical Houses

Right off from a fairytale, MnM Whimsical Houses is a quirky bunch of houses that attracts visitors of all ages to revisit their childhood fantasies. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a group of houses that sport a distinctive look (in a good way). 

There’s one like the Hobbit’s hole, upside-down house, and also the Twin Leaning House . It’s ideal for taking pictures when you want a fun background. Besides that, it’s also an excellent place to hang out with its amazing scenery and hedgehogs housed in a small room beside the main entrance.

Address: Lot 4424, lorong masjid, kampung changkat setol, Kg Changkat Setol, 06010 Changlun, Kedah

Opening hours: 10:30 am to 05:00 pm

Entry fees: RM35.00 per person

Though Baling is not as famous as Alor Setar or Langkawi , still it has importance for being an administrative district and has many attractions for you to explore.

10. Baling Mountain (Gunung Baling)

Kedah has attractions to fulfil the needs of every visitor. Baking Mountain is a mountain in Baling and one of the best hiking stops in Kedah. It is 546 meters high, and the trail is pretty challenging. So, this Kedah attraction is perfect for adventure seekers who have a craze for getting a thrilling experience.

The trail is straightforward and has side handles and strings to guide you on your journey. This adventurous journey will take you through the forest as well as some mysterious caves. And the most outstanding part of this journey is the marvelous 360 view which you can enjoy only after reaching the top.

Address: Baling, 09100 Baling, Kedah

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00 am – 06:00 pm｜Sunday 08:00 am -10:00 am

Entry fees: free

11. Ulu Legong Hot Spring

After a crazy busy day of exploring Kedah attractions, a hot springs bath can be a great retreat. Ulu Legong Hot Spring is the most popular place to have a warm bath with family and friends. 

It is a recreational park which is enriched with five pools. Three of them are main pools, and on the other hand, the remaining two are private pools for ladies only. The best time to visit the Ulu Legong Hot Spring is the late evening so that you can fully enjoy the warm bath. Moreover, here you can also book a space for a BBQ party with your group.

Address: Kampung Keda Ulu Legong, 09100 Baling, Kedah

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Entry fees: RM2.00 for Adults and RM1.00 for Children

12. Lata Bayu

We always want to get close to nature, and a waterfall is the best way to do so. Lata Bayu is a wonderful waterfall in Kedah and is very famous among locals. The place is decorated with greenery by nature itself. Anyone who wants some refreshment and retreat can opt for Lata Bayu . 

Moreover, the place also gives numerous amenities to visitors who come here. The water of the ponds is very shallow here, which makes it a great place to bring your children with you.

Address: 09100 Baling, Kedah

Langkawi Island

Langkawi Island is a world of its own, which has no comparison. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in Malaysia and offers countless attractions to visit. It is so special that even you can skip other Kedah attractions only to visit Langkawi. [ Here read more about Langkawi Island ]

13. Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)

Dataran Lang or Eagle Square is one of the most iconic and renowned landmarks of Kedah. It is a must-see attraction that stands at 39.3 feet in height. The giant eagle statue is standing in a posture that seems ready to take its flight. This place is perfect for taking spectacular pictures for your Instagram .

Address: Persiaran Putera Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

14. Langkawi Cable Car

The Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors up to Mount Mat Cincang, where visitors can experience the breathtaking view of the entire island. The entire tour is so cool because of its height and how daunting the view is from the cable cars. Once you reach the peak, the view is far from amazing.

You’ll want to stay over there and gaze at the view. The serene natural view will make you hold your breath. After you reach the final station, you’ll get souvenir shops and stalls to buy souvenirs. 

Address: Jalan Telaga Tujuh Teluk Burau, Langkawi, Kedah

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 06:00 pm｜Friday to Sunday 09:30 am – 06:00 pm 

Entry fees: Malaysian: RM43.00 (Adults) RM33.00 (Children)｜International: RM85.00 (Adults) RM65.00 (children)

15. Langkawi Horses Equestrian Centre

Horse riding is one of the most sophisticated activities around the world. And Kedah also happens to have a place at Langkawi where recreation activities such as horse riding are highly appreciated. 

Langkawi Horses Equestrian Centre is a 10-minute walk from the Oriental Village Langkawi. It has different sessions that offer a tour of the island’s villages, beaches, and forests. You’ll have a guide to tell you about the island and also to help you out if you’re a novice. Not only the ride but you’ll also get to more about the local culture. 

Address: The Perdana Stables, Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, Langkawi, Kedah

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 08:30 am – 12:30 pm & 02:00 pm -06:00 pm (Closed on Monday)

Ride Fee: RM440.00 for a two-hour ride｜RM240.00 for a one-hour ride｜RM120.00 for a 30-minute ride｜RM60.00 for a 15-minute ride

16. Laman Padi Langkawi (Rice Garden Museum)

You surely know Kedah is pretty popular for its paddy fields. Laman Padi Langkawi is one of the most extensive rice gardens in Kedah, with 14 acres of land. It is also known as the Rice Garden Museum, where you can learn about rice cultivation and harvesting.

Laman Padi Langkawi is an eco-tourism attraction and attracts those of you who love agro-tourism. It is an open-air museum with lush greenery, which makes the Paddy field a unique attraction of its own.

Address: Jalan Pantai Cenang, Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

17. Telaga Tujuh Waterfall

Locally known as Telaga Tujuh , the Seven Wells Waterfall is a waterfall with seven pools that flow from Mount Mat Cincang, the second-highest mountain in Langkawi. It has the most mystical view, with water cascading from all over the mountain. It’s not the eyes that are only getting a treat but also the soul that can relax and heal by cooling the water. You can go and splash in the water or just simply go hiking over the mountain.

Address: Mukim, Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

Opening hours: 08:30 am – 07:30 pm

Entry fees: free of cost

18. Night Market at Pantai Cenang

Locally known as Pasar Malam, Night Market in Langkawi is where local vendors set up makeshift stalls and sell all kinds of local items. It’s affordable. You can haggle and also get varieties of items ranging from wallets to painting. 

There’s Ulu Melaka Market, Kedawang Market, Padang Matsirat Market, and much more that will make you want to shop more. Other than shopping, you can also get a taste of local delicacies. The streets are full of Malay food such as nasi ayam, fried noodles, Pisang Goreng, and keropok lekor.

You can have a snack on these while you shop. The market is famous among both locals and tourists. 

Address: Jalan Pantai Chenang, Kampung Lubok Buaya, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

18. Ishan Malaysian Spa

Everybody loves a bit of pampering session, and Ishan Malaysian Spa is the perfect place to get it. Body massages, facials, body scrub treatments, and so much more that will blow your mind. 

The spa is surrounded by nature, and the calming view will help you relax more easily. The serenity of the spa and the amazing treatments from the staff and therapists will help you unknot your muscles. 

Address: Jalan Teluk Baru Pantai Tengah, Kedah, 07000 Langkawi 

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 am -08:00 pm 

Entry Fees: Starting from RM127.50 

19. The Els Club Teluk Datai – Rainforest Course

For some people, thrilling activities aren’t always fun. They need something as calming as golfing. Ranked amongst the ten best golf courses in the country, Datai Bay’s golf course stretches 47-hectares and is surrounded by the tranquillity of nature. The calmness will help you enjoy golfing on a sunny afternoon. While holidaying, you can have a fun golf championship with friends and make the best out of it.

Address: Jln Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

Opening hours:  Daily 07:30 am – 05:00 pm

Entry fees: RM600.00 (Monday to Friday); RM675.00 (Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays)

20. Bowling in Ampang Superbowl

Ampang Superbowl is Malaysia’s largest bowling chain. It has 20 bowling lanes to host a large crowd and has a safe and friendly environment. You can bring friends and family to play with them and also to cheer for you when you bowl. Even amateurs can bowl there without being shy. Make sure to add Ampang Superbowl to your to-do list when you come in Kedah!! 

Address: Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

Opening hour: 02:00 pm -11:00 pm

Entry fees: Monday to Friday: Adult RM8.00 | Member RM6.00; Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: Adult RM10.50 | Member RM7.00

21. Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi

The Langkawi Crocodile Farm is a beautifully designed park with different crocodile’s species kept in specific ponds. The farm has more than 1,000 different species of crocodiles. There are separate ponds such as the Bridge Pond, Hooking Pond, Juvenile Crocodile Pond, etc.

All of these will make your travel memorable. As daunting as it may sound, it’s going to be fun when clicking pictures or gawking at their physical appearances.

Address: Taman Buaya Langkawi Mukim Air Hangat, Jalan Datai, Jalan datai

Opening hours: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Entry fees: MyKAD: Adult RM 46.00, Children RM 36.00 | Foreigner: Adult RM 56.00, Children RM 46.00

22. Gunung Machinchang

Gunung Machinchang is Langkawi’s second-highest mountain that offers a breathtaking view of Langkawi Island. It holds a special place for hikers as hiking is very much enjoyed over there. The sight doesn’t fail to stun the hikers who take great fun from the adventure.

It is a soothing place of nature that calms the soul from the everyday hustle. So, don’t think of skipping the greenery of Gunung Machinchang by underestimating its tranquillity.

Address: 07000 Langkawi

Kulim is a district in Kedah that is located in the southeast part of Kedah and bordered by Penang .  Kulim has some natural attractions to visit and admire. Here are some of them.

23. Terap Pine Forest

Pine forest is not something that is usual in Malaysia. And if any part of Malaysia offers you to experience Pine Forest, you probably would not waste a single time but to get there. 

Well, Kedah gives you this opportunity to visit Terap Pine Forest, which is located in the Kulim district. It is one of the best Kedah attractions. Terap Pine Forest will give you a magical environment with its towering Pine trees, which makes it perfect for a wedding photoshoot. You can come with your family and friends for an outing, and the entry is totally free here.

Address: Jalan Serdang, Kampung Batu Sepuluh, 09000 Kulim, Kedah

Opening hours: Daily 07:00 am – 07:00 pm

24. Junjong Waterfalls (Air Terjun Junjong)

Junjong Waterfalls or Air Terjun Junjong is primarily famous among the locals because it is only a 15-minute drive away from Kulim, making the waterfall a great short getaway for them. The whole area will give you an enchanting view with its main fall, minor falls, pools, bridges and landscaped with shelters.

Besides enjoying this fantastic view, there are also a lot of food and snack stalls where you can try delicious local foods at a reasonable price.

Address: Kulim, Kedah

Kedah has plenty of attractions, and most of them are surrounded by green terrains. If you want to escape from your daily schedule, these Kedah attractions listed above can help you out. Moreover, you can try countless local delicacies while you’re here.

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Plan Your Trip to Baling: Best of Baling Tourism

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‘Dirty trick’: Bali tourist scam strikes again

A tourist has been caught on film confronting a money-exchange teller after claiming the staffer had cut her short when handing the cash over.

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Bali tourists have been warned about a money-exchange scam that continues to catch out foreigners.

The scam has been brought back into the spotlight after claims a currency exchange worker in the Sanur, in the southeast of the island, had allegedly attempted to pocket an undisclosed amount of Indonesian Rupiah from a female tourist.

In a clip shared by Instagram account ‘deck_sotto’, the woman can be seen heading back inside HoneyWhiskey Tailors, where the money exchange kiosk is located, to confront the staffer after having realised she was cut short.

She was reportedly assisted by her host who was recording the conversation and can be heard saying, “Sorry, you give me one mil’ less, not enough. You give me four not five”.

The male host could also be heard scolding the money exchanger and telling her that she’s in the wrong.

“This video was sent to me by my friend Mr. Tako. The guest who stayed at his homestay exchanged some money in a money changer (which I believe is a wild money changer without permission), and the money received does not match the nominal agreed,” the clip caption read, according to The Bali Sun.

“This is a dirty classic [trick] that seems to be “protected” in Sanur, and it harms tourists and certainly tarnishes the tourism image.”

The scam involves the staffer counting the money in front of the tourist and swiping as many notes as they can onto the desk below, before handing the cash over.

According to The Bali Sun, the tourist counts along and sees the correct amount of notes in front of them.

But just as the staffer collects the money from the counter top to handover to the tourist, they very quickly put some of the cash out of sight.

This is why it’s recommended tourists count the cash out again while at the store before leaving.

It’s also advised tourists look for up-to-date licenses from kiosks or do money exchanges at official places like banks and report scams to local police.

Last year, an Aussie traveller praised a Balinese local on social media for alerting her to the scam.

The woman said she was very surprised to learn she had been stung by the shop worker, as she thought she had been cautious and had checked she had received the right amount, counting her money over and over again.

“I used a non authorised user, countered the money three times and then later in the day, my driver said check money now (sic), and I couldn’t believe it, it was much less,” the woman posted in the Bali Bogans Facebook group.

Luckily for her, upon realising she had been swindled, her driver sprung into action.

“My driver drove me back to that person, and told him to give me my money back or he will call police (sic).

“ … He’s the best. He sees this happen all the time. This is one good reason to have a personal driver for your whole stay.”

The money changer gave the money back, before asking the pair to leave.

“He did not argue, did not apologise, just gave me my money back and told me to and my driver to get out,” she said.

According to Travel Money Group, one of Australia’s largest foreign exchange providers, the best way to make sure you are protected is to change your cash or purchase a travel card before you depart.

“Australians are losing out on their hard-earned cash in Bali because of dodgy practices like teller theft or card skimming,” Travel Money Group general manager Scott Mccullough said.

“Peace of mind is everything when travelling, the last thing you want is the stress of fraudulent activity ruining your trip.

“Particularly in Bali, where cash is king, the safest option is to use a trusted foreign exchange provider before you leave Australia.

“Pre-paid money cards are also a great option because you can load multiple currencies, lock in your exchange rate and access 24-hour assistance if anything goes wrong.”

Meanwhile, another scam tourists have been warned about is skimming devices on ATMs.

It comes as a 35-year-old Ukranian woman was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison and fined IDR 100,000,000 – about $10,000 – by the Denpasar District Court in 2022, over a skimming case.

A skimmer is a device installed on card readers that collects card numbers which are then replicated into counterfeit cards.

Travellers have been advised to use machines that are within banks or trusted spaces and where possible, avoid using ATMs that are placed on the street.

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“Look for signs of tampering or features that don’t fit with how the rest of the ATM looks, such as if the keypad is overly raised or looks too shiny and new,” Finder advises.

“Also look out for tiny cameras that could be planted anywhere around the machine (which may be used to capture your PIN as you enter it).

“If you notice any of these suspicious signs at the ATM, do not use it.”

A growing number of Australia’s most beautiful natural environments are being closed off to the public in a “crazy” trend.

It’s the idyllic string of islands that’s drawing millions of tourists each and every year. But a sinister trend is pushing the region to “breaking point”.

A tsunami alert has been issued after a volcano erupted several times in Indonesia, with more than 11,000 people forced to evacuate.

Top Things to Do in Baling District, Malaysia - Baling District Must-See Attractions

Things to do in baling district.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
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• Hidden Gems
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• Honeymoon spot
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Ulu Legong Hotspring

2. Mount Baling

3. Bukit Hijau Recreation Park

What travellers are saying

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THE BEST Things to Do in Baling District

Things to do in baling district.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Ulu Legong Hotspring

2. Mount Baling

3. Bukit Hijau Recreation Park

What travellers are saying

• Mount Baling
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This G.O.P. Senate Candidate Says He Grew Up on a Family Farm. Not Exactly.

David McCormick has often spoken about his modest upbringing on a farm in Pennsylvania. A close look at his past tells a different story.

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By Katie Glueck

Photographs by Hannah Beier

Reporting from Bloomsburg, Pa.

David McCormick’s origin story goes something like this: He grew up in rural Pennsylvania, southwest of Scranton. He baled hay , trimmed Christmas trees and otherwise worked on his family’s farm . And from those humble beginnings, he rose to achieve the American dream.

“I spent most of my life in Pennsylvania, growing up in Bloomsburg on my family’s farm,” Mr. McCormick, now a Republican candidate for Senate , told Pittsburgh Quarterly in 2022.

“I’ve truly lived the American dream,” he wrote in a fund-raising appeal in October. “My life’s journey — from growing up on a farm in Bloomsburg, to graduating from West Point and serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, growing a business in Pittsburgh, and serving at the highest levels of government — reflects that.”

“I grew up on a family farm from the time I was a kid,” he said at the Pennsylvania farm show in January.

But interviews in Mr. McCormick’s hometown, as well as a review of public records, news coverage from his childhood and his own words, suggest that he has given a misleading impression about key aspects of his background.

He has explicitly said and strongly implied that he grew up on a farm, claimed in 2022 that he had “ started with nothing ” and that he “ didn’t have anything ,” and he and his campaign have recently described his parents as schoolteachers .

In fact, Mr. McCormick is the son of a well-regarded college president who later became chancellor of higher education systems in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. He largely grew up in the president’s sprawling hilltop residence, which students called the president’s mansion, at what is now Bloomsburg University.

It was a “big old house” that “had all sorts of trap doors and all sorts of history,” Mr. McCormick said in a 2011 interview with the Press Enterprise, a local newspaper.

On campus today, signs of the McCormick family’s influence are abundant: Mr. McCormick and his brother sponsored a serenity garden dedicated to their mother, and a building bears their father’s name.

The family did own a farm several miles from the school, which Mr. McCormick called the “McCormick Tree Farm” in a holiday-themed ad released before his 2022 Senate bid. But it was also often known locally as a place where his mother raised Arabian horses , something of a family hobby , according to local news reports from the 1970s and ’80s. (Mr. McCormick still owns the farm, he has said. But he rents out part of it, according to a woman who said she had rented from the family for roughly three decades.)

Mr. McCormick, a former hedge fund executive who is part of an unusually wealthy crop of Republican Senate candidates, is challenging Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat, in one of this year’s highest-profile races for control of the chamber. He faces no Republican opposition and is set to become the nominee on Tuesday.

Mr. McCormick, who has already faced scrutiny over whether he resides in Pennsylvania , appears to have massaged facts from his biography during the current contest and his unsuccessful Senate primary bid two years ago.

As Linda Cromley, 76, walked into a performing arts center at Bloomsburg University on Sunday evening, she expressed irritation with the way Mr. McCormick had portrayed himself.

Ms. Cromley, who said she had lived in the area for nearly 60 years and believed she may have overlapped with the McCormicks at church for a time, gently mocked his past advertising —“‘I grew up on the Christmas tree farm out in the country,’” she paraphrased in a faux-wistful tone — and said he seemed “disingenuous.”

“He had a very privileged childhood,” said Ms. Cromley, a retired nurse and a Democrat who stressed that she did not always vote the party line. “He didn’t grow up a poor kid. Which doesn’t mean that he has to — but don’t pretend that you were.”

Mr. McCormick declined an interview request, instead sharing pictures of a reporter’s emailed requests for comment on social media.

He did clarify that “growing up, we lived on campus at Bloomsburg State College and my parents owned a farm 10 minutes down the road,” adding that he had summer jobs baling hay “and trimming Christmas trees at nearby farms.”

He also noted that his parents began their careers as schoolteachers in the traditional sense of the term: His father taught at Punxsutawney High, he said, and his mother taught fourth through sixth graders at a public school near Pittsburgh.

And in a statement, Mr. McCormick dismissed questions about the discrepancies in his biography as “hair-splitting, frivolous, cherry-picked distortions of what I have always said.”

His father, James H. McCormick, was named by Gov. Milton Shapp to lead the college in Bloomsburg in 1973. The family moved into Buckalew Place, the college’s president’s residence, that year, when David McCormick was 8.

Elizabeth Gregory, a spokeswoman for Mr. McCormick, said his parents believed that the salary when James McCormick first became president was $29,000. That would be more than $200,000 today.

David McCormick “had a nice upbringing there at the college,” said Diane Bankus, 67, who said that she occasionally babysat for the McCormick children when she was a college student, and that his parents were beloved and accessible on campus.

She watched Mr. McCormick and his brother, Doug, at the president’s residence, she said, where the boys would play hide-and-seek. She often took them to eat at the campus dining hall or out to the student union.

“You would have never known their father was the president of Bloomsburg,” she said. “They mixed well with the college population. Everyone had fun with them.”

A few years after moving to Bloomsburg, the McCormicks bought land that would become the family farm, and continued to expand it for decades, public records show. It is now around 600 acres, Mr. McCormick has said.

During a recent visit to the property, which includes a bright red barn that appears to be featured in some of Mr. McCormick’s advertising, Mary Gummerson, who is in her 70s, told The New York Times that she and her husband had rented part of the farm for roughly 35 years. She said they and a niece lived on the property, along with animals including horses, a dog named Alvin and 149 cats (Ms. Gummerson rescues them).

The McCormicks also spend time on parts of the property, she said, keeping a collection of antique cars. Ms. Gregory did not respond to questions about how much of the farm is rented out and how much time Mr. McCormick spends there.

Mr. McCormick sometimes rode by on his Harley motorcycle, Ms. Gummerson said, adding that the McCormicks also liked to drive a gator , which she described as a “very nice golf cart.”

She called the family “tree lovers” and praised them for preserving a significant area of land, rather than developing it. She noted that Mr. McCormick was “not actually a farmer” but spent time in a rural setting growing up.

“They were hunters and he grew up in a farm kind of environment," she said. “But no, he’s not planting corn.”

Certainly, Mr. McCormick has said on multiple occasions that he does not consider himself a farmer, though at a round-table discussion this year, he did refer to himself as a “farmer that’s got a big farm in Columbia County.”

And in some instances he has offered a more complete picture of his background. In his 2023 book, in which he discusses his family’s time at the school, he noted that he grew up “in town,” rather than on a farm, but that his family also owned farmland.

Supporters seem unbothered by the fact that he does not always draw that distinction.

“He’s one of us,” said Keith Eckel, a former president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, adding that Mr. McCormick had conducted extensive outreach to farmers. “Growing up in rural Columbia County, he worked on farms. He loaded hay. He understands the challenges that agriculture has.”

Todd Kreisher, a friend of Mr. McCormick’s since middle school, said that he recalled spending time at both the farm and Buckalew.

“I never went there thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m at the president’s house,’” he said, emphasizing that Mr. McCormick had worked summer jobs like the rest of their friends.

He was “a humble, hard-working kid, and we were raised the right way — like, nothing was given to us,” said Mr. Kreisher, who had a career in the U.S. Secret Service and now runs corporate security for B.M.W. in the Americas region.

The McCormicks, he said, “were as much a part of the community as anybody else.” He added, “They weren’t isolated at the university or anything like that.”

Mayor Justin Hummel of Bloomsburg, a Democrat, said that as in many college towns, there tended to be a social divide between people associated with the university and the rest of Bloomsburg — a classic “town-gown” tension.

But, he noted, Mr. McCormick attended public schools in the area, propelled to West Point by his high school wrestling success. He is indeed a hometown boy, Mr. Hummel said.

“You grow up with people of all sorts of strata in a small town like this, so no, I don’t think that it’s any knock against him to say that he’s from Bloomsburg,” Mr. Hummel said.

Still, he said of the McCormicks: “I don’t know them to be farmers. I know them to be academics.”

Katie Glueck covers American politics with a focus on the Democratic Party. More about Katie Glueck

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

President Biden’s campaign has featured initiatives aimed at young people , union workers and environmentalists  as well as calling for tariffs on Chinese steel , but it is not clear that they will be sufficient  to rekindle support in those groups.

American voters absorbed their first view of a split-screen campaign:  President Biden sprinting across one of the country’s top battleground states and former President Donald J. Trump sitting in a New York courtroom.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that he had secured a spot on the ballot in Michigan, as more than a dozen members  of his family endorsed  President Biden. Additionally, activists who worked with Kennedy at an environmental nonprofit group urged him to drop his presidential bid .

A Generation Gap: Many older Black voters see moral and political reasons to vote, but younger Black voters feel far less motivated to cast a ballot for Democrats or even at all .

Vice-Presidential Calculations: As Trump sifts through potential running mates, he has peppered some advisers and associates with a direct question: Which Republican could best help him raise money ?

Embracing the Jan. 6 Rioters:  Trump initially disavowed the attack on the Capitol, but he is now making it a centerpiece of his campaign .

Mobilizing the Left: Amid the war in Gaza, the pro-Palestinian movement has grown into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States. Democrats are feeling the pressure .