Baling: History and Things to Do in the District

When choosing a hotel in Baling, it helps to distinguish between the town itself and destinations in the wider region. In Baling, historical points of interest take centre stage: the Baling Talks and the Galeri Rundingan Baling. The district also offers destinations with activities in the mountains, by the water and in a cave. Consider which of these themes will shape your trip when looking for a hotel in Baling.

History in the town of Baling

The Galeri Rundingan Baling showcases historical events from the period before independence. Exhibition topics include the Malayan Emergency, the history of the PKM and the Japanese occupation of Malaya. It also covers communist violence and the efforts to combat it, the consequences of the Emergency, local leadership in Kedah and the Baling Talks. The exhibition thus spans the history of the region and the talks for which Baling is known.

The Baling Talks took place on 28 and 29 December 1955 at Baling English School. The school is now called Sekolah Kebangsaan Tunku Putra. An introductory notice locates the Galeri Rundingan Baling at SK Tunku Putra. The dates and the school’s current name give this historical reference a specific place and time. If you are interested in Baling’s history, the talks and the exhibition offer two distinct points of reference: an event with fixed dates and an exhibition covering several topics from the period before independence.

Nature and activities in the wider area

In the wider region is Gunung Baling, a 546-metre-high mountain. Activities listed there include climbing, camping, exploring flora and fauna, and birdwatching. Photo spots with 360-degree views are also among its described features. The elevation and the activities listed give you a concrete idea of the kind of nature experience available in the district.

Taman Eko Rimba Lata Bayu has a waterfall. Other activities listed there include exploring flora and fauna, camping and family recreation. Gua Sireh is listed for cave exploration. These destinations add a range of options in the district, including a waterfall, nature exploration and camping, as well as a cave.

Kayaking is offered on Sungai Baling, which is also called Sungai Ketil. Photo spots overlooking limestone mountains are also mentioned along the same river. For a trip that includes water and scenery, this means both an activity on the river and viewpoints by the river are described.

Ulu Legong Hot Springs is also located near Baling, in Mukim Siong. It is in Baling District, about 22 kilometres from the town of Baling, and began operating in 1998. Its opening date is another point in the tourism centre’s history. A brochure lists visits and educational activities about customs and culture at Ulu Legong Orang Asli village, as well as visiting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check these hours before your visit.

Plan your stay around your interests

If Baling’s history is what interests you most, the Baling Talks and the Galeri Rundingan Baling offer direct links to the town’s historical heritage. For a stay focused more on nature, a range of named activities is available in the wider area, from climbing and camping to kayaking and cave exploration. The approximate distance of 22 kilometres refers to Ulu Legong Hot Springs; no distances are given here for the other destinations listed. Use this distinction to focus your hotel search on the main interest of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sik, Pokok Sena, Lunas, Karangan, Yan, Ayer Hitam, Kodiang, Bukit Kayu Hitam.

Go to the main travel overview: Kedah.