Gunung Jerai

Formerly known as Kedah Peak, Gunung Jerai is a massive limestone outcrop rising 1200 m above sea level, south of Alor Setar in Kedah. The cool, fresh mountain air is matched by the quiet serenity of its natural surroundings. On clear days, different vantage points on the mountain offer spectacular views of the rolling rice fields of Kedah stretching up to Perlis in the North; the emerald seas surround Penang in the South-West and the legendary islands of Langkawi in the North-West.



This magnificent mountain is has its own share of history and fascinating legends.The discovery of the ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples at the foot of the hills established its importance as an ancient centre of Hindu civilisation within the region. Varied tales also abound about the famous 'Raja Bersiong' ( the king with fangs ) who once held sway over an ancient kingdom within the Bujang Valley at the foot of the mountains. Recent archeological findings reveal the existence of the Temple on the Ninth Water pool ( Chandi Telaga Sembilan ) - many believe this pool to be the private pool of Raja Bersiong. Indeed , amidst such majestic surrounding, its would be difficult to separate fact from fiction.