Cruise, Dine In The Heart Of Alor Setar

By Norhidayyu Zainal

ALOR SETAR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Visitors in Kedah can now enjoy the experience of dining while cruising along Sungai Derga, where they can savour local delicacies while taking in the scenic river views.

The riverside Kafe Santai D'Sungai Derga, located near the iconic Masjid Zahir and Aman Central in Alor Setar, has become a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing riverside dining experience surrounded by lush greenery.

Its operator Mazura Jaafar, 46, said she introduced the concept in August 2024, making it the first of its kind in Kedah. Inspired by floating restaurants in Thailand, she said the idea was adapted to suit the local environment.

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"People are familiar with sea cruises, so we thought, why not create a similar experience on a river? The leisurely one-hour journey covers about five kilometres, allowing guests to enjoy a different dining experience while cruising along the river," she told Bernama.

Speaking during the recent ‘Surreal Experience in North Kedah & Perlis’ programme organised by Tourism Malaysia Northern Region, Mazura said the unique concept has attracted not only locals but also visitors from Australia, England and China.

Many foreign tourists are surprised that a small river running through the heart of the city has been transformed into a tourism attraction, she said. On normal days, the restaurant operates up to seven cruise trips daily, although the number reaches as many as 18 during special events.

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The business operates two boats — the SD Cruise, which accommodates up to 15 passengers, and the MJ Cruise, with a capacity of 30. Both vessels were designed and built by her husband and their children.

"For us, the river and its surroundings may seem ordinary, but for visitors, it offers a completely different experience," said Mazura, who also owns Teruna Ikan Bakar restaurant at Jalan Langgar here.

Beyond family dining, the river cruises have also become a popular venue for group activities such as birthday celebrations, meetings, lunches and religious talks.

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To add variety, the restaurant also organises a floating market every three months, bringing together a wide range of food vendors and offering visitors an even more vibrant riverside atmosphere.

Customers who wish to dine at the restaurant can simply walk in, but those planning to join a river cruise are encouraged to book in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts. The restaurant operates daily, except Tuesdays, from 3 pm to 11 pm, although earlier cruise departures can be arranged upon request.

Despite the venture's growing success, Mazura admitted that the concept was initially met with scepticism and ridicule from some members of the local community.

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It also took nearly a year to obtain the necessary permits to operate on the river, involving several government agencies, including the Kedah State Water Resources Board. The permits, costing more than RM2,000, have to be renewed annually.

"Some people asked who would want to take a cruise on such a small river and joked that visitors would only end up looking at monitor lizards. My husband was disheartened after reading those comments, especially after all the effort he had put into building the boats. But we stayed consistent by posting content on TikTok every day, and eventually people started coming," she said.

Drawing on her 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, the mother of four, whose children are aged between six and 25, said sound financial management is essential for businesses to remain sustainable, especially amid rising operating costs and increasing prices of raw ingredients.

"It is getting more challenging for restaurants now as new eateries are opening everywhere. My advice to entrepreneurs is to manage their expenses wisely and never let costs exceed their income," she said.

-- BERNAMA