Almost in the heart of the city, not far from the famous TV tower, there is a very beautiful Buddhist temple – Wat Nikrodharam. This temple is a reflection of the entire culture and life of the residents of Alor Setar: an unusual city that absorbed the influence of different peoples, their traditions and characteristics.

The fact is that Alor Setar is an old city located almost on the border with Thailand. It has never belonged to any particular country. Therefore, Alor Setar, as no other city in Malaysia, has a noticeable mix of nationalities, cultural characteristics, cuisines and, of course, architectural preferences. This was especially manifested in the construction of Wat Nikrodharam.

The construction of this impressive temple was carried out by members of the Buddhist community: Thais and Chinese living in the city. That's why Wat Nikrodharam became so unusual with its Thai style and a noticeable influence of Chinese traditions. Unlike Buddhist temples in China, which have curved roofs, Wat Nikrodharam has a very high roof with decorative trim. Colorful mosaics and fine carvings on the walls, bright colors and floral ornaments – all this belongs to Thai culture. As well as the internal layout of the temple. It is divided into separate halls: for shrines, for the library, for prayers. According to the tradition of Chinese temples, there is a hall where you can get religious education by reading ancient texts or studying with a teacher.

Today, it is the largest Buddhist temple in the city. Since Buddhism is the second-largest denomination in Alor Setar, it is always quite crowded here: citizens come to pray and speak with teachers, and tourists – to see the unusual architecture of the temple. Besides, there is a small local market very close to Wat Nikrodharam. You can always find many potential «guides» there who try to impose their services adding to the hustle and bustle. But inside the temple, time seems to stop: space is filled with silence and beauty. Here you can have a good time, relax, reflect and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding world.