Alor Setar Tower
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Rising 165.5 metres above the city of Alor Setar in Kedah, Malaysia, the Alor Setar Tower (Menara Alor Setar) combines a working telecommunications mast with a public observation deck built for a very specific kind of skywatching.
About Alor Setar Tower
Completed in 1997, Alor Setar Tower is the tallest structure in both Kedah state and the city of Alor Setar, and the third tallest tower in Malaysia. Alongside its telecommunications role, the tower doubles as an observatory used to sight the crescent moon marking the start of Islamic months such as Ramadan, Shawwal and Dhu al-Hijjah, timing the beginning of celebrations like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Location & getting there
The tower stands in Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah state in northern Malaysia, serving as both a functional communications structure and a landmark tourist destination for the city.
Visiting Alor Setar Tower
The tower has two public viewing levels: an observation deck at 88 metres, fitted with automatic binoculars for panoramic views over the city, and a higher Star View skydeck at 105 metres. It also houses restaurants and a souvenir shop. Opening hours and ticket prices vary by source and season, so check the tower's official channels for current times and pricing before visiting.
See your named star from here
A tower literally built for watching the sky is a fitting place to think about a star named just for you. While Alor Setar Tower's deck is built for lunar sighting, a star named through Star Register comes with real coordinates you can look up from anywhere, including from this skydeck on a clear night. Name a star or browse the star catalogue to get started.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.