Located in Peninsular Malaysia’s northwest corner, Kedah is best known as the state to which Langkawi Island belongs to. Fairly dripping with greenness, the state capital is Alor Setar and its landscape is a swirling collection of emerald green fields, limestone hills and cultivated plains. The most visited state in the country (due to Langkawi’s popularity) and the country’s most important rice-growing state, it is dubbed Negeri Jelapang Padi (meaning ‘rice-born’ state) due to the fact that it produces 44% of Malaysia’s rice. Kedah’s accommodation options outside Langkawi may not be as stunningly spectacular as the archipelago’s lodgings but then again nor are they absolute dives – instead you’ll find a beautiful blend of charming midrange ventures that cater to every traveller.