Buckle up and get ready to explore the hidden gem of Merbok - Tanjung Dawai! This charming fishing village, located just 30 kilometers away from Kedah's largest town, Sungai Petani, is not your average fishing spot. Tanjung Dawai is a treasure trove of rare finds and breathtaking attractions that will leave you in awe. From the picturesque landscapes to the vibrant local culture, this village is a feast for the senses.

Read also: Enjoy Fresh River Oysters at Bakau Hijau Sungai Merbok, Kedah

Table of Content

1. Tanjung Dawai Fishing Village
2. Arked Tanjung Dawai Market
3. Pantai Merdeka, Kota Kuala Muda
4. Tanjung Dawai Resorts & Hotels
5. How to Get to Tanjung Dawai, Kedah

Top Attractions at Tanjung Dawai, Merbok, Kedah

Tanjung Dawai Fishing Village

Tanjung Dawai is most popularly known for its fresh seafood produce. Many of the villagers are fishermen and they make their living off the sea. The jetty at Tanjung Dawai was built to facilitate small-scale fishing operations. In the morning, it bustles with activities as the fishermen sort out their catch of the day, hose down their boats, and catch up with each other.

Jeti Tanjung Dawai in Merbok, Kedah

Tanjung Dawai beach at Merbok

Arked Tanjung Dawai Market

Once you have arrived at Tanjung Dawai, head over to the complex to shop for fresh and dried seafood produce. Stay on the lookout for succulent mantis prawns that will make a simple yet delicious dish when cooked with chilli and eaten with piping hot rice! You can also find Horseshoe crabs here (Ikan Belangkas) that are typically grilled or steamed with aromatic ginger. Other than that, do not miss the opportunity to buy fresh croakers (Ikan Gelama) or eeltail catfish (Ikan Sembilang). Generally, the seafood prices here depend on the supply from the catch, but are nevertheless significantly cheaper than in the cities.

Top Attractions at Tanjung Dawai, Merbok, Kedah

Arked Tanjung Dawai, which is a seafood market opposite the jetty

Dried seafood sold at Tanjung Dawai

Sotong Cumit or dried baby squids sold at Tanjung Dawai

Assorted dried seafood sold at the complex

Arked Tanjung Dawai is a seafood market in Merbok

Pantai Merdeka, Kota Kuala Muda

Tanjung Dawai is usually busier during the weekends and holiday season. To escape the crowd, you can visit the beautiful Merdeka Beach which is famed for its unique red rock formation and a historic British World War II bunker. Merdeka Beach is accessible from Tanjung Dawai via a speed boat ride across the Merbok river. There are several hotels at Pantai Merdeka, such as the Mai Restu Chalet, Chinta Chalet and Impian Homestay.

Travel to Pantai Merdeka from Tanjung Dawai via speed boat across the Merbok river

Tanjung Dawai Resorts & Hotels

For those who are planning to stay a night at Tanjung Dawai, there are several hotels and chalets available. This would give you the opportunity to wake up at dawn, take a stroll on the beach and indulge in a hearty breakfast with the locals. Popular accommodations here include The Jerai Hill Resort and Purest Hotel Sungai Petani.

How to Get to Tanjung Dawai, Kedah

There are several ways to get from Sungai Petani to Tanjung Dawai. To arrive at the Jeti Tanjung Dawai, take the Kedah Route K1 which will then branch out of Federal Route 1 at Bedong. From here, enjoy a scenic drive along Kampung Kechik and Kampung Sungai Pial with golden paddy fields to your left and right until you reach the jetty.

Tanjung Dawai is a gem with many wonderful treasures to be discovered. From fresh seafood produce to breathtaking sunsets, this village is a glorious testament to how beautiful Malaysia is.

Don't leave Tanjung Dawai until you've gone seafood shopping!

Tanjung Dawai is a true hidden gem of Malaysia. While it may be just a small fishing village in Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, it offers so much more than meets the eye. From its rare treasures to its beautiful attractions, this village is a testament to the beauty and diversity of Malaysia's northern region. If you're looking for a unique travel experience that's off the beaten path, Tanjung Dawai is definitely worth a visit. So why wait? Come and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes that this charming village has to offer!