Kedah’s Green Frontier of Tradition, River Life, and Spiritual Learning
Padang Terap District, located in the northeastern part of Kedah, Malaysia, is a district characterized by lush landscapes, tranquil rivers, and strong Islamic heritage. It borders Thailand and Perlis, offering a serene and culturally rooted environment for agriculture, education, and rural tourism.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Padang Terap District |
| State | Kedah |
| District Capital | Kuala Nerang |
| Area | Approx. 1,287 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 120,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Padang Terap) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Padang Terap (MDPT) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Padang Terap District is divided into 11 mukims, including:
- Kuala Nerang
- Pedu
- Naka
- Tualak
- Kenering
- Belimbing Kiri
- Belimbing Kanan
- Bohor
- Kurong Hitam
- Batang Tunggang Kiri
- Batang Tunggang Kanan
Key Towns and Villages
- Kuala Nerang – District capital and commercial center
- Naka & Pedu – Forested, lake-side and tourism zones
- Belimbing & Batang Tunggang – Traditional Malay villages
- Border villages near Thailand (cross-cultural influence)
Geography & Environment
- Borders Thailand to the north, Perlis to the west, and Sik/Baling to the south
- Rich in forest reserves, rivers, and hill ranges
- Home to Pedu Lake (Tasik Pedu)—a popular eco-tourism destination
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture: Rubber, paddy, fruits (banana, durian), and forest produce
- Agro-tourism and homestay programs are growing
- Cottage industries: woodcraft, dried food, herbal products
- Local trade centers in Kuala Nerang and Naka towns
Education & Religious Institutions
- Stronghold of Islamic education in Kedah:
- Madrasah Darul Ulum (Pokok Sena border)
- Maahad Tahfiz, Pondok institutions, and Islamic boarding schools
- Government schools and vocational training colleges
- High Quranic literacy rate among youths
Healthcare Services
- Hospital Kuala Nerang – main public hospital
- Rural health clinics (Klinik Kesihatan) in major mukims
- Mobile health services in remote communities
Transport & Connectivity
- Connected via Federal Route 175, 76, and 169
- Direct access to Alor Setar, Pokok Sena, and Baling
- No train station or airport; nearest airport in Alor Setar
- Buses, minivans, and local taxis operate in town centers
Tourism & Attractions
- Pedu Lake (Tasik Pedu):
- Rainforest resort, kayaking, camping, and nature trails
- Taman Rekreasi Gua Keriang & Gua Bukit Wang
- Homestay Belimbing Kanan & Naka Agro-Tourism Villages
- River cruises & boat rides along Sungai Pedu and Sungai Kuala Nerang
- Islamic tourism: pondok visits, Quranic learning experiences
Culture & Local Food
- Predominantly Malay-Muslim population with deep-rooted Islamic lifestyle
- Local dishes:
- Nasi Ulam Pedu, Gulai Ikan Sungai, Pekasam, Ikan Talapia Tasik
- Kuih Cara Berlauk, Kuih Kacau, and kampung-made herbal drinks
- Celebrates Maulidur Rasul, Ramadan events, and traditional kenduri culture
Summary
Padang Terap is Kedah’s spiritual and ecological haven, offering a peaceful combination of Islamic values, natural serenity, and cultural depth. Its rivers, forests, and religious institutions make it an ideal destination for soulful reflection, eco-tourism, and rural exploration.