Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia,
lies at the northwestern extremity of the Malay Peninsula; its
western coastline borders the Straits of Malacca. Bounded by
Thailand in the north, and by Kedah to the east and south, it
measures approximately 759 sq. km and has a population of
175,000. Kangar is the seat of the State Government.
Although small in size, Perlis is not without its attractions,
foremost among which is its serene unspoilt beauty, rustic rural
scenes and vast padi fields. Even the state capital is bordered
by an expanse of verdant padi fields, making the landscape appear
like a vast color-field of brilliant green or gold, depending on
the season.
Exploring Perlis
Gua Kelam (Dark Caves)
Located about 26 km from Kangar, the Gua Kelam traverse
approximately 37 metres of limestone hills from Kaki Bukit on the
Malaysian border to Wang Kelian near the Thai border. The caves
were at one time used as a trading route between the locals and
the Siamese.
Padang Besar
Padang Besar, on the Malaysia-Thailand border, is border market,
a shopper's haunt for Malaysians seeking good bargains.
Electrical items, leather goods and clothing are favourite buys,
though even a leisurely browsing tour of the market is an
interesting outing.
Kuala Perlis
Located at the estuarine delta of the Sungai Perlis, Kuala Perlis
is noted for its excellent laksa, a dish of rice noodles dipped
in spiced fish-soup with sliced onions and cucumber. It is also
the entry and exit point to Phuket Island and other coastal towns
and villages of Southern Thailand, as well as to Pulau Langkawi.
Arau
The royal town, located 10 km south of Kangar, is home to the
Istana Di-Raja (Royal Palace) and the Masjid Negeri (State
Mosque).
Tasik Melati
Tasik Melati is a small but picturesque lake located in a lowland
area about 8 km north of Kangar. More than 150 sandbar-islands
may be seen all over the lake. Sampans can be rowed to these tiny
islands. Elevated walkways extend out over the waters, providing
hypnotic prospects out across the lake.
Gunung Medan
Gunung Medan, situated 6 km south of Kangar, is a scenic
300-feet-high limestone outcrop. It is accessible by car on a
winding road or on foot by stairways and walkways climbing up to
the peak.
Sungai Batu Pahat
Sungai Batu Pahat is located 10km east of Kangar. The town
possesses a difficult 9-hole par-72 golf course, which is
relatively flat and has numerous obstructions and traps.
Snake Farm
The Snake Farm is primarily used as a research facility to test
and develop serums for the treatment of venomous snake bites. A
large collection of snakes can be viewed.
