Perlis :: Malaysia

Perlis, the northern gem, exudes natural beauty and is characterised by
sprawling paddy fields. Predominantly agricultural, its historical
background is marked by ancient archaeological discoveries and its
multiracial society is a fascinating amalgamation of Malays, Chinese,
Indians and Thais as it shares a border with Thailand.
There are several natural attractions that make this state unique such as
the Perlis State Park and Gua Kelam. However, there’s a lot more to to
Perlis. For those who love cities and towns with a relaxed pace of life and
a little history on the side, Kangar, the state capital, has historic buildings
such as the Syed Alwi Mosque while the Royal Palace and Royal Mosque
are located in the Royal town of Arau. Visitors can select their
accommodation from among various hotels and budget inns located in
the city and major towns.

Places of Interest

Perlis State Park

The park provides the perfect setting for activities such as
caving, bird watching, jungle trekking and hiking. Species of animals such
as the Stumped-tail Macaque and plants like ginger, ferns and balsams
endemic to the state are found here. Visitors can stay in hostels and
chalets or camp at the designated site. Those intending to visit are
required to obtain permission from the Perlis State Park management.

Gua Kelam

Recreational Park Situated within Kaki Bukit town, the
highlight of this park is Gua Kelam, a 370-metre limestone cave which is
filled with interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations. This well-lit
cave is believed to have been hollowed out from a limestone massif by an
underground stream over many eons. Located nearby is Gua Kelam II
which is suitable for more experienced cavers.

Gua Wang Burma
The Wang Burma Cave has unique and challenging
chambers and shelters a large population of insects, bats, toads and other
cave inhabitants. It is located north near the Bukit China Granite and
tucked between Gua Kelam and the Perlis State Park. Those intending to
visit are required to obtain permission from the Perlis State Park
management and engage the services of a ranger or qualified guide.

Wang Kelian Sunday

Market Wang Kelian is a popular market situated
along the Thai-Malaysian border. A myriad of goods such as handicrafts,
tableware and clothing are available here. Visitors can visit the market
without the use of passports, provided that they remain within the
market area.

Kuala Perlis

The major ferry terminal for visitors departing for Langkawi is
located at the mouth of the Perlis River. The major activity found here is
fishing and many superb seafood restaurants can be found in this small
fishing town.

Taman Herba

Adjacent to the Bukit Air Recreational Park, on 12ha of land is
the Herb Garden. Opened in 1998, this ethno botanical museum now
contains over 1,000 species of herbs, spices and other medicinal plants of
local and foreign origin. Here, visitors can learn about their uses and how to
care for such plants as well as purchase them.

Padang Besar

Located along the border, this bustling town is a shoppers’
paradise where one can choose from a wide variety of produce, handicrafts
and clothing. It is also a major stopover along the rail route between
Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Chuping Sugar Cane Plantation

Named after Bukit Chuping, a limestone
hill, the landscape here is dominated by 8,000ha of lush sugar cane
plantations. The seemingly endless expanse of greenery is truly a sight to
behold. Those intending to visit are required to obtain written permission
from the Perlis sugar factory.

Snake and Reptile Farm

The farm was formerly a research facility set up to
develop serums for snakebites, it has open air enclosures as well as closed
exhibits and is home to over 20 species of snakes, crocodiles and monitor
lizards.

Tasik Timah Tasoh

Lake Timah Tasoh is located along Sungai Korok, about
2.5km below the confluence of Sungai Timah and Sungai Tasoh. It is
frequented by visitors who come to the lake to enjoy beautiful sunset views.
Tasik Melati This picturesque man-made lake is the ideal place for boating
and is favoured as a picnic spot. It is also frequented by joggers as there’s a
good jogging track with ample rest areas.

Royal Museum

The museum houses a collection of royal regalia such as
headgears, Malay daggers, tiaras as well as swords which are used during
royal ceremonies. Also highlighted here is the history of the Perlis Royal
family. Those intending to visit are required to obtain permission from the
Arau Palace officials.

Syed Alwi Mosque

This majestic 96 year-old mosque is also known as
Masjid Alwi. It features Islamic and Malay architecture, and was once
the Perlis State Mosque.

Harumanis Plantation

Come the month of May this 64.6ha plantation
in the Bukit Bintang Agriculture Centre will be flocked by mango
lovers who come to purchase varieties of mangoes such as harumanis,
mas indera, mas muda, chok anan and sala.

Kota Kayang Museum

The museum is situated close to what was
historically a fortified area, which is marked by the mausoleums of two
16th century sultans of Kedah and the remnants of timbers that
demarcated the burial sites. During the construction of the museum,
several ancient artifacts dating back to at least 2,000 years were
discovered.

Dato’ Wan Ahmad’s House

A multi-stratum roof, beautiful
woodcarvings and colourful panels adorn this charming wooden
village house. This 70-year old structure once belonged to the late
Dato’ Wan Ahmad.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Travellers can shop for duty free items at Padang Besar or scour the local markets for interesting knick-knacks and handicraft items. Alternatively, you can embark on a
gastronomic adventure and sample local delicacies such as laksa
perlis, a seafood noodle soup with rich, spicy and creamy fish gravy,
ikan bakar or spicy grilled fish and Chinese seafood steamboat. The
choice of eating places in Perlis range from hawker centres and
air-conditioned restaurants to cafes and hotels, where western fare is
also available.

Getting There

The Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kepala Batas, Kedah, receives daily
flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). At the
airport, taxis and buses to Perlis are available. For those who prefer to
drive, the state is accessible by road via the North-South Highway.
Alternatively, travellers can take a bus or taxi from Johor, Terengganu,
Kelantan, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah. You can also
catch a train from Kuala Lumpur, Alor Star, Haadyai, and Singapore to
Arau and Padang Besar or take a ferry from Langkawi to Kuala Perlis.