PERLIS is the northern gateway to Malaysia, flanked by Kedah in the south and Thailand in the north. It is the peninsular’s tiniest state and covers only 810 sq km. Perlis is characterised by sprawling countrysides with expansive paddy plains that are interspersed with rustic villages, limestone outcrops and serene lakes. Blessed with numerous natural attractions, Perlis lays claim to the country’s only semi-deciduous forest and fascinating caves. Visits to fruit farms and plantations are a highlight here as mango and paddy thrive on the fertile Perlis soil. Sample a pace of life that is unhurried in Kangar, the state capital. Here, you will find historical buildings such as the 97 year-old Syed Alwi Mosque. Close by is Arau, the royal town. Visit Perlis and experience the uniqueness of this northern gem!
Map of Perlis
Places of Interest
GUA KELAM RECREATIONAL PARK
Kaki Bukit
Gua Kelam Recreational Park’s main attraction is a 370m showcave called Gua Kelam or Dark Cave. Well-lit with a hanging bridge that leads through it, the cave is filled with interesting limestone formations and cave-dwelling bats.
PADANG BESAR
A quaint border town, Padang Besar is one of the country’s premier shopping destinations where a wide range of products can be purchased, from clothing to duty-free goods. The town has two main shopping hubs, Padang Besar Arcade and the duty-free The Zon complex.
FRIM CANOPY WALKWAY
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Canopy Walkway. The walkway spans 100 metres and is suspended 17m above ground level, giving visitors an exciting adventure and fantastic views of the surrounding vista. It is supported by iron-based towers for safety.
SNAKE AND REPTILE FARM
The Snake and Reptile Farm was formerly a research facility set up by the Institute for Medical Research in 1981 to study snakes and to develop antivenom for snakebites. Pythons, cobras and pit vipers are among the 20 snake species found at the farm. You can request to have your pictures taken with the snakes. The farm also houses crocodiles, tortoises, iguanas, and cats.
RIMBA HERBA
Comprising 12 hectares of lush vegetation, Rimba Herba is home to over 1,000 plant species with various beneficial properties. Guided tours are available to take you around the herbal garden, enabling you to learn more about the plants available here.
AL-HUSSAIN MOSQUE
Dubbed as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, Masjid Al-Hussain is a well-known icon of the state. Built next to the Kuala Perlis Jetty, the mosque’s structure extends over the Straits of Malacca, earning it the nickname ‘Floating Mosque’. A 50m bridge connects to the main prayer hall suspended above the water. When the tide is up, and at just the right light conditions, the mosque, with its reflection in the waters, appears to float upon itself, lending an almost magical feel to this place of worship.
KOTA KAYANG MUSEUM
Kota Kayang Museum was built on historical grounds, where an ancient palace used to stand. The breathtaking limestone hills in the background once served the purpose of an effective barrier against enemy attacks. The museum features an impressive collection of relics and artefacts.
THERE’S MUCH MORE IN PERLIS
The attractions in Perlis are spread throughout the state and are easily accessible by road. Make a trip to the countryside and experience the pastoral charm as well as the relaxing atmosphere.
Bintong
- Homestay Kampung Ujung Bukit
- Taman Sakura Tebing Tinggi
Sungai Batu Pahat
- Bukit Ayer Recreational Park
- Putra Golf Club
- Harumanis Plantation
Kuala Perlis
- Handicraft Complex
- Laman Brasmana (Food Court)
- Kompleks Makanan Laut (KOMALAUT)
Beseri
- Tasik Melati
- Pusat Agro Pelancongan
Bukit Temiang
- Kuala Sanglang
- Ladang Nipah Kipli
Arau
- Galeri DiRaja Arau
- Homestay Kampung Paya Guring
Wang Kelian
- Perlis State Park
Padang Besar
- • Arked Niaga Padang Besar
- The Zon Duty Free (shopping mall)
- Homestay Felda Mata Air
- Timah Tasoh Lake
- Bukit Keteri
ESSENTIAL Information
SHOPPING
Enjoy value-for-money shopping at this northernmost state. Head for the duty-free complexes at the border and select from a wide variety of perfumes, confectionery, cigarettes, liquor, clothing, cookware and dinnerware. You can also make a trip to the farmer’s markets and night markets found throughout the state.
Popular shopping spots:
- Emas Kerajang Complex
- Padang Besar Arcade
- Pasar Tani (Farmer’s Market and Night Markets state wide)
DINING
A huge array of northern delicacies awaits adventurous foodies. Choose from a delicious spread of flavoursome rice dishes, noodle soups, traditional salads and fresh seafood. Tasty and affordable, you can find them at the numerous hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and food stalls in Perlis. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu are:
Laksa Perlis
Laksa Perlis is the state’s signature dish. A combination of rice noodles and fish gravy topped with boiled egg, cucumber, onion and herbs, this dish is an explosion of savoury and spicy tastes. It is sometimes complemented by pulut udang, a glutinous rice snack with sambal prawn filling.
Grilled Catfish
Seafood lovers will love the enticing smoky aroma of the catfish. The grilled fish is dipped in a sauce made of tamarind, chilli and sugar and usually savoured with rice and a herb salad on the side.
Ikan Bakar Kuala Perlis (Grilled Seafood)
The coastal town of Kuala Perlis is famous for seafood fresh from the sea. The seafood eateries come to live at night, serving mouth- watering lobster, fish, crab, prawn, cockles, octopus and squid dishes that are cooked in a variety of styles.
TRANSPORTATION
Perlis is the country’s northern gateway and shares a border with Thailand. It is connected by a comprehensive road and railway network and is accessible via air and sea.
Getting There
By Air
Kangar is only 45 minute’s drive from the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kepala Batas, Kedah. Flights to and from Kuala Lumpur and Subang are available at the airport. From there, you can take taxis and buses to Perlis.
By Road
Driving to Perlis is convenient as it is accessible via the North-South Highway. You can also take a bus or taxi from Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah. Buses to other states depart from both the Kangar and Kuala Perlis bus stations.
By Sea
Hourly ferry services between Langkawi and Kuala Perlis are available from 7.00am to 7.00pm. The journey takes about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminals in Langkawi and Kuala Perlis.
By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) operates regular trains and Electric train services (ETS) from Kuala Lumpur, Alor Setar, Penang and Hatyai to Arau and Padang Besar.
Getting Around
| For more information, contact: | |
|---|---|
| Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Office | +604-263 4941 / 604-264 3494 / 604-261 0058 |
Tourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centre:
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+604-978 1235 / 1213 |