Baling, Kedah

Baling, Kedah (21 April, 2005)


Baling (GPS: 5.67748, 100.92144) is a town in Kedah. It is located on the northern part of the state, close to the border with Thailand. The Thai town of Betong is just one hour away by road.

The name Baling comes from the Malay word that means "to toss". The name refers to the story of the fanged king, or Raja Bersiong, from Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa. In the story, the king who had a penchant for human blood was being pursued by his subjects. He twisted off his fangs and tossed them far, far away. The act of tossing his fangs gave the town its name.

Baling was also the site for the meeting between the leaders of the Malay Race Liberation Army with the leaders of the newly formed Malayan government and the British in 1955. The talks collapsed over the refusal of the Malayan government and the British to accept the MRLA as a legal entity that could contest in the elections.

Map of Baling, Kedah

Places of Interest in Baling

Categories of sights in Baling

Baling is on the Map of Kedah

Baling on Google Maps Street View

Back to Kedah mainpage; list of Towns in Kedah and Towns in Malaysia

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips