Introduction
Perlis may be the smallest state in Malaysia, but it boasts a wealth of natural, cultural and historical splendours that rival the bigger states. You may be mesmerised by the many quaint villages, picturesque scenery and centuries-old traditions wherever you go. In short, Perlis is the perfect destination to head for if you prefer old world charm instead of the hustle and bustle of the city, where life is unhurried and the environment naturally fresh and crisp.
Perlis lies at the northwestern tip of the Malay Peninsula; bounded by Thailand in the north, and by Kedah to the east and south. Its western coastline borders the Straits of Melaka. It measures approximately 810 sq km and has a population of 217,480. The state capital is Kangar while Arau, 10km away, is the Royal town.
Although small in size, Perlis is not without its attractions, foremost among which is its serene beauty. Perlis, too, abounds with rustic rural scenes and rolling green fields of padi.
January to April the weather is generally warm and dry. Days are hot and windy but nights can become cold towards dawn. September to December is wet. The average annual rainfall is between 2,000 ml and 2,500 ml (80" to 100") and humidity is high throughout the year. Temperature varies little the year round, ranging from 21° C to 32° C.
Perlis may be the smallest state in Malaysia, but it boasts a wealth of natural, cultural and historical splendours that rival the bigger states. You may be mesmerised by the many quaint villages, picturesque scenery and centuries-old traditions wherever you go. In short, Perlis is the perfect destination to head for if you prefer old world charm instead of the hustle and bustle of the city, where life is unhurried and the environment naturally fresh and crisp.
Perlis lies at the northwestern tip of the Malay Peninsula; bounded by Thailand in the north, and by Kedah to the east and south. Its western coastline borders the Straits of Melaka. It measures approximately 810 sq km and has a population of 217,480. The state capital is Kangar while Arau, 10km away, is the Royal town.
Although small in size, Perlis is not without its attractions, foremost among which is its serene beauty. Perlis, too, abounds with rustic rural scenes and rolling green fields of padi.
January to April the weather is generally warm and dry. Days are hot and windy but nights can become cold towards dawn. September to December is wet. The average annual rainfall is between 2,000 ml and 2,500 ml (80" to 100") and humidity is high throughout the year. Temperature varies little the year round, ranging from 21° C to 32° C.
Arau
The royal town of Arau is located 10 km from Kangar. Of interest here is the imposing Istana Arau or Royal Palace and the Royal Mosque, which boasts some of the finest examples of classic Malay/Islamic architecture in the country.
From Arau, taxis are available to Kuala Perlis, where the ferry terminal to Langkawi is located.
Chuping
The town's name is derived from a limestone hill known by the local folks as Bukit Chuping. It is situated to the northeast of Kangar.
There are 22,000 hectares of plantation. This commercial area is well known for its wide sugarcane plantation and the processing of sugar. Harvesting period starts from December and done until June. There are factories and rubber plantations around. As well.
Museum Kota Dayang
This new museum is situated close to what was historically a fortified area (the word Kota translates as "fort" in English). The area is also the burial ground for two 16th century Sultans of Kedah. Limestone outcroppings surround the remains of a palace like sentries on eternal watch. The site is marked by two simple mausoleums with gravestones, and the remnants of timbers that demarcated the burial sites.
A similar splayed food beaker and two excellent polished stone adzes, all corresponding to other similar finds in northern Malaysia, probably date to around 2,000 to 2,500 years ago.
Also found at the same site was what appeared to be a die or mould of Indian origin. Other artifacts of Indian origin have been found in the northern regions, especially pottery, and date back to about 2,200 to 2,600 years, corresponding with the findings at the museum site.
Kangar
Kangar is the capital of Perlis. It is located in the heart of the country's "rice bowl" region, and depending on the season, it is surrounded by lush green fields or golden yellow padi, ripe for harvesting.
Although new buildings can be seen, Kangar retains much of its old world charm.
The major landmark of the town is the state mosque, Masjid Alwi.
Kuala Perlis
The largest town in Perlis, Kuala Perlis, is a fishing town located at the estuarine delta of the Perlis River. The town is 13km from Kangar.
The population in Kuala Perlis is about 10,000 people. The major industry in this town is fishing. Along the riverbank you will see wooden houses resided by fishermen. Small shops and old warehouses can be found around this area as well.
To reach Phuket Island or Langkawi, one should head to Kuala Perlis. There is a ferry terminal here bound to both islands and other coastal towns as well.
Padang Besar
Padang Besar is a bustling border town and is a blur of colours, sights and sounds. It is also a major stopover along the rail route between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
The elongated railway station is manned by Malaysian officials at one end and their Thai counterparts at the other.
Perlis Craft Cultural Complex
The Perlis Craft Cultural Complex at Kuala Perlis, about 8km from Kangar and 15 minutes drive to Kuala Perlis Jetty, is a must stop over for visitors.
The complex offers a wide range of Malaysian handicraft such as delicate hand drawn batik, intricately carved silverware and an assortment of hand made items such as basketry, ceramics as well as rattan based products.
The Snake And Reptile Farm
Surrounded by the Bukit Bintang Forest Reserve near Sungai Batu Pahat, and located 10 km north of Kangar is the Snake and Reptile Farm.
The Snake Farm is a research facility set up to develop serums for snakebites. Housing more than 20 species of snakes, as well as crocodiles and monitor lizards, it is the only snake farm in Malaysia. The farm has open-air enclosures as well as enclosed exhibits.
Melati Lake / Tasik Melati
Melati Lake , located just 8km north of Kangar, this shallow lake is an ideal place for many relaxing activities. Here, people can be seen setting up picnics, jogging, boating or just relaxing under the shade.
There are elevated walkways that enables you to walk over the lake and take a look at what is there at the bottom of the shallow lake. There are more than 150 sandbar islands all over the lake that is reachable by boat.
Gua Kelam Recreational Park
Gua Kelam, Kaki Bukit refers to the 370-metre long limestone cave at the small town of Kaki Bukit. Its name literally means "at a foothill (Kaki Bukit) lies a dark cave (Gua Kelam)". Access to the cave is by way of a suspension bridge. The uniqueness of approach, as well as the experience of walking along the bridge, make a visit to this place an intriguing and adventurous experience.
A subterranean stream flows in the limestone range near Kaki Bukit for about a quarter of a mile long. As in other limestone areas, the stream has built a long cavern over the centuries. This physiographic phenomenon was enlarged throughout the length of the underground stream in 1935 by a resident Englishman who saw it as a marvellous way of transporting tin ore from a mine located near the stream entrance through the underground cavern.
A wooden walkway hangs suspended throughout the length of the underground cavern providing a wondrous means of communication from Kaki Bukit to a valley on the opposite end - the Wan Tangga Valley.
Gunung Medan
Some 6 km south of Kangar is a popular picnic spot known as Gunung Medan. It is an easily accessible limestone outcropping about 100m high with a road leading to the peak.
An extensive network of stairways and walkways has been built here to take advantage of the view.
Bukit Air Recreational Park / Hutan Lipur Bukit Air
This popular recreational park is just a few kilometers north of the Putra Golf Club, not far from the capital, Kangar. Cool streams meander through rich tropical forest, and waterfalls cascade into rocky pools.
Well-constructed paths allow easy access through the park where visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest.
An excellent location for picnics, the park has a camping ground, a car park and all the basic amenities.
Wang Kelian State Park
Nature lovers and adventurers are sure to enjoy the visit to Wang Kelian State Park. The forest is rich with flora and fauna, with some of the flora is close to Thai vegetation. The State Park is 1,000ha in size, located in the Mata Ayer Forest Reserve.
On the way to Wang Kelian, visitors will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Timah Tasoh Lake and the unique twin peaks of Bukit Chabang.
For adventurers, take a challenging walk at the jungle trek from the camping site past a tripping waterfall leading to the Wang Burma cave. Continue walking and you might find interesting things in the cave.
Not forgetting the popular Sunday market in Wang Kelian, where no passport is needed when crossing the Thai-Malaysian border. This is only provided that they remain within the market area.
source: cuti.com.my
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