Situated between Gunung Jerai in the north and Muda River in the south, Bujang Valley is the richest archaeological site in Malaysia. It has an area of approximately 224 square kilometres. It is also referred to as the Ancient Wonder of Kedah.

Bujang Valley was the site of an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom from the 4th century AD. More than 50 Hindu and Buddhist temples or candi have been discovered from various spots in the valley. Candi (pronounced as “chandi”) means ancient tomb temples.

Artefacts and relics dating back to the 4th century, include pottery shards, inscribed stone tablets and stone statues of Hindu icons as well as Song and Ming Dynasties ceramic wares, ornaments, beads and semi-precious stones.

Bujang Valley was also a port that served as a trade centre for traders from China, India, Arab and Malay archipelagos who monopolised spice and exotic jungle goods. It was an entreport from the 3rd to 12th century AD.

Works are underway by the Malaysian government to have Bujang Valley inscribed into the UNESCO Heritage List. This is being backed up by diplomats from India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Nepal, Maldives and Papua New Guinea.