Perlis: Tranquil Land of Grace

The sprawling fields of green and gold paddy invoke a peaceful sense of serenity in this little northern gem. Perlis Malaysia’s smallest state, though diminutive in stature, exudes a unique appeal all its own The rustic charm of this predominantly agricultural state is imbued in quaint villages, paddy fields, limestone outcrops and refreshing fresh air and sunshine on a grand scale.

Geography
Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia measuring approximately 759 sq. km, lies at the north-western corner of Peninsular Malaysia. Its western coastline fronts onto the Straits of Malacca and its neighbours are the Kingdom of Thailand to the north and the state of Kedah to the East and south.

Kangar, the capital of Perlis, is a charming small town where everything is within walking distance. Verdant green fields which transform into fields of undulating golden stalks as the paddy harvest matures all around the town is just one of its delightful attractions..

History & Culture
Perlis was originally a part of the Kingdom of Kedah, which was conquered by Thailand in 1821. After the Sultan of Kedah regained his throne in 1842, the Thais established Perlis as its vassal state. In 1905, Perlis acquired the services of a European advisor obtained from Thailand. Subsequently the Anglo — Siamese Treaty of 1909 saw the transfer of control, of the state, from Thailand to Britain. During World War II, the Japanese occupation forces handed Perlis back to Thailand. After the war Perlis once again reverted to British control until it gained independence with the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

The population of Perlis is estimated at around 204,450 of which the majority are Malays, followed by Chinese, with small minorities of other races. Due to its close proximity to Thailand, Perlis is heavily influenced by Thai culture, which is seen in its traditional music and dance performances like Tarian Canggung and Tarian Terinai. Many of the local dishes are also imbued with a distinctive Thai flavour.

Getting There & About
Regular bus and taxi services are available from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Malacca, Penang and Kedah and Perlis. Daily flights are available from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar in Kedah from where ample taxi and bus services takes you to Perlis, an approximate 45-minute ride away. Alternatively you could take a train from Kuala Lumpur, Alor Star, Haadyai and Singapore or you could even drive to Perlis using the North South Highway.

It is easy to explore the state either on foot or using public transportation available. The road system within Perlis is excellent and you can take the North-South Expressway (NSE) all the way further north to the border area of Bukit Kayu Hitam. The railway track which passes Padang Besar links to the tracks leading all the way to Bangkok, Thailand.

Heritage Discovery
Kota Kayang Museum
The Kota Kayang Museum is situated close to a historically fortified area and also the burial ground for two 16th century Sultans of Kedah. Two simple mausoleums with gravestones demarcate the burial sites. While excavation works for the new museum were being carried out artefacts from the Neolithic period and Indian-related artefacts were unearthed at the same site.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Royal Palace and Royal Mosque
In the picture-postcard royal town of Arau, situated 10 km from Kangar you will find the beautiful Istana Arau (Royal Palace) and the Royal Mosque. The beautiful architecture of both structures is worth a visit. Further a the Museum you will have the opportunity to view royal regalia and get insight into the history of the Perlis Royal family.

Syed Alwi Mosque
Located close to Persiaran Jubli Emas, Syed Alwi Mosque is an embodiment of the importance of Islam in the state. The mosque which is over 90 years old features Malay and Islamic Architecture.

Eco-Adventures
Gua Kelam Recreational Park
The chief attraction of this park in Kaki Bukit is the Kelam Cave (Gua Kelam) a 370-metre long limestone cave. Access to the cave is by way of a suspension bridge. The main attractions here are the underground streams and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

Bukit Air Recreational Park
The Bukit Air Recreational Park with its meandering streams, lush tropical forest and beautiful cascading waterfalls and rocky pools is ideal for picnics. Well-constructed paths allow easy access through the park and sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest. If you would like to camp out, there is a campsite equipped with basic amenities.

Perlis State Park
The Perlis State Park spans over 5,000 ha and comprises two forest reserves, the Mata Ayer and Wang Mu Forest Reserves. The park straddles the Nakawan Range, which is the longest continuous range of limestone hills in Malaysia. The park is unique for its Setul limestone structures, and its rare biodiversity. It is also the only place in Malaysia where you can find the Stumped-tail Macaque. (Monkey).

Various trekking trails such as the one to Wang Kelian offer a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside including Timah Tasoh Lake and the unique twin peaks of Bukit Chabang. Visitors are required to register at the Park Visitors Centre before exploring the reserve.

Lake Melati (Tasik Melati)
Lake Melati set upon boggy lowlands about eight kilometres north of Kangar has about 150 sandbar islands and elevated walkways over the water. Taking a stroll or boat ride round the island is a fascinating experience.

Lake Timah Tasoh
The scenic Lake Timah-Tasoh located within the Perlis State Park, a man-made lake built in 1992, is among other things a sanctuary for migratory birds. The best time for bird watching here would be between September to April in the early mornings and at dusk. The lake is also used for fish breeding and other aquaculture projects.

Snake and Reptile Farm
The reptile farm is a research facility and home to more than 20 species of snakes, monitor lizards and crocodiles. Surrounded by the Bukit Bintang Forest Reserve near Sungai Batu Pahat (10 km north of Kangar), the farm has open-air enclosures and closed exhibits.

Herbal Gardens
The Herbal Gradens located near the Bukit Air Recreational Park showcases more than 1,000 species of herbs, spices and traditional medicinal plants both local and from abroad. The Gardens cover an area of about 12 ha.

Chuping Sugar Cane Plantation
The lush green sugarcane plantation covers an area of 8,000 ha. The sugar cane is harvested from December to June.Nearby are sugar refineries and cement plants.  

Harumani Plantation
Harumanis a "trade mark" for the state of Perlis is the name of a variety of mango. Its thick tasty pulp is usually eaten with pulut, a popular dish in the state. It is also eaten as is or processed to make juices and jam. The main producer of the fruit is the 1,000 acre Harumanis Plantation in the Bukit Bintang Agricultural Centre, which also produces other varieties of mangoes. April and May is the best time to visit as it is the fruiting season.

Culinary Delights
Cuisine in Perlis displays a strong Thai influence. One of the local favourites is the Laksa Perlis, a seafood noodle dish served with thick, rich, spicy, and creamy fish gravy. Pulut, or sticky rice, is another local speciality which is served with a variety of side dishes including chicken, mango, durian and preserved fish among others. Seafood is popular with local specialities including ikan baker (grilled fish) and Chinese seafood steamboat. Fresh seafood is easily available where one of the best places is in the coastal town of Kuala Perlis.

Entertainment & Shopping
Shopping
Located close to the Malaysia-Thai Border Perlis offers many shopping opportunities. The Wang Kelian Sunday market is a prime attraction where one can buy items such as fragrant Thai rice, furniture, cheap farm produce, clothes as well as household goods. The border town of Padang Besar is another famous shopping destination which offers duty-free shopping. Farmer markets are also a regular feature here with fresh produce like vegetables, fresh fruits as well as non-agricultural goods.
 
If looking for handicrafts, the Perlis Craft Cultural Complex offers interesting buys such as the mengkuang (screwpine) and pandan (pandunas) leaf woven baskets, mats and the conical tudung saji (food covers).

Golf
The par-72, 18-hole Putra Golf Club golf course is known to be technically very challenging. It is situated close to the Snake and Reptile Farm.

Tourist Information Centre
Perlis Tourist Information Centre
Ruang Lot 2 Putra Palace,
135 Persiaran Jubli Emas,
Kangar,
Perlis
Phone: 604-978 1235 / 1213