Kota Kuala Kedah is the remains of a fort, which for centuries protected the Kuala Kedah Kingdom from naval attacks, on the bank of the Sungai Kedah (Kedah River).

Also known as Kota Kuala Bahang, the fort was originally constructed to provide protection against the Portuguese invaders. However, the fort had to stand againse attacks from the Achenese from Sumatra and the Bugis as well. The fort was rebuilt in 1771 and was completed nine years later.

The fort’s plans was drawn by Sheikh Abd Jalil Mufti and includes a moat surrounding the fort and a double brick wall standing 1.8m apart, with the middle space fortified with packed earth. Within the fort, there is a number of buildings including a royal audience hall. The entire fort area was built on an area of about five acres.

It was reported that the stonemasons were specially brought in from India to rebuild the fort and durable British cannons were installed, notably named the Badak Berendam (the Wallowing Rhinocerous) and the Katak Puru (the Toad) cannons. But in 1821, the fort was attacked and conquered by the Thais nevertheless.

Today, Kota Kuala Kedah is popular for the variety of seafood served by the numerous restaurants in the fishing village. While enjoying the food, one will be able to see six cannons still resting on the crumbling walls, facing the river estuary.

For more information, please contact the Tourism Malaysia office at 604-7312322 / 604-7301322.