Just across from the Alor Setar Menara (Tower) was a large plaza in which the Royal Palace faced the Zahir Mosque and there was the State Museum. I expected the Palace and Museum to be closed today for the holiday and only expected to see the Zahir Mosque

The outside of the Royal Palace was visible with large yellow columns similar to ones in Indonesia I had seen. I was almost going to cross the road to the Mosque when I saw someone coming out a side pathway.

I went just to take some pictures. I then saw a staircase to another building with some women attendants. I asked if they were open and they said yes but not to take pictures.

This was the Royal Museum and shockingly it was open today. As the women were all sitting at the front chatting I took pictures since the items were quite amazing.

I was short on time so crossed to the Zahir Mosque and just did a quick walk thru taking pics. It was now 4.30, I needed to find a bus or cab to the ferry and get there before the last one.

I asked how to get back to the city buses which dont come on this road and they told me to turn left. To my surprise I was back at the central market where the earlier bus had dropped me off and had gone the long way round trying to find everything when I was right there.

I asked lots of different buses starting to panic and even a cab driver who wanted 25Rm ($8). A bus came by 4.50 costing 1.50Rm (.50 cents) to the port. It still took till 5.30 to reach the port

I decided it was not worth coming back to Alor Setar to see the Museums as the buses were so slow it would waste too much time, though the things I was able to see were certainly worthwhile. Most people go direct to the Thai border or Langkawi Island and dont bother with the city so it was to stop by for a whirlwind tour