Jeti Tanjung Dawai in Merbok, Kedah

Tanjung Dawai beach at Merbok

Fresh Seafood at 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.

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

Buy Ikan Bilis at Tanjung Dawai

Anchovies or Ikan Bilis of all shapes and sizes are sold in this complex. They are peeled for your convenience and are available in bulk. You will also find other products such as dried, salted, and preserved fish here. Many visitors especially look forward to buying a type of fermented shrimp paste known as belacan, which is a popular local condiment in Malaysia. All of these items are neatly arranged with their prices clearly displayed.

As the prices are lower than what you would find in the city, remember to stock up on these durable dried seafood when you are here to prepare for days when you want to whip up local dishes at home!

Fresh Kedah-style Keropok Lekor

If there is absolutely one thing that you have to buy at the Tanjung Dawai market, it is keropok lekor - a well-loved traditional snack in Malaysia. It is made from fish, sago flour, salt, and sugar, then moulded into thick sausages and deep-fried in hot palm oil. A sweet and spicy chilli dipping sauce is a must to go with these crispy, chewy fish crackers. For many Malaysians, keropok lekor is their favourite snack for any time of the day. It is tasty, cheap, and can easily be found!

Buy fresh keropok lekor at Tanjung Dawai

What to Eat at Tanjung Dawai, Kedah

The food you find in this village is simple yet amazing. The entire dining experience is made perfect thanks to the clean air, beautiful natural sceneries and a less hectic pace of life. Once you are done with seafood shopping, make your way to the stalls located on the ground floor of the building. Satisfy your well-worked up appetite with the mouth-watering Mee Udang, or the famous Laksa Kedah. It is a mildly spicy noodle dish prepared using dried shrimp paste, chilli and fish in an asam-flavoured gravy.

Next, quench your thirst with some fresh coconut water. Drink it directly from the fruit with a straw for a truly local experience. Do not forget to try the Ais Kacang - a uniquely Malaysian shaved ice dessert drizzled with colourful syrup, served atop a bed of kidney beans, sweetened corn, peanuts, and a scoop of ice-cream. End your meal with some local fruits or even Rojak Buah - a traditional salad of fruits and vegetables consisting of pineapples, cucumber, young mango, bean sprouts and water guava, coated evenly with a glorious mixture of fermented shrimp and chilli paste, lime juice and tamarind.

Food stalls at Arked Tanjung Dawai, Kedah

Tanjung Dawai Seafood Restaurants

There are several Chinese and halal Malay restaurants in Tanjung Dawai which serve delicious grilled fish or Ikan Bakar and other seafood dishes. You have the option to buy your own seafood from Arked Tanjung Dawai or the local fishermen, and have them cooked in the restaurants in the style and sauce of your choice.

As the sun sets, the beach starts teeming with life as restaurants open for business. It would certainly be a heavenly experience as you dig into the fresh seafood that’s been grilled to perfection, while you enjoy the soothing breeze and the stunning view in front of you. Be lulled by the gentle rolling waves as the descending sun paints the sky with a gorgeous tapestry of colours.

Restaurants open as early as 5.30am here, where ‘mixed rice’ or Nasi Campur can most commonly be found. It is a plate of white rice served with your choice of seafood, meat and vegetables. Have a good cup of coffee with your meal as you take in the view of the ocean ahead.

Visit Pantai Merdeka at Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah

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 and 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.

Tanjung Dawai Jetty

Address: 135, K161, Tanjung Dawai, 08400 Merbok, Kedah
Opening hours: 8am-5pm

Happy travelling!
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