South East Asian Trips

Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. The state is famous for its serene unspoilt beauty, rustic rural scenes and verdant paddy fields. The expanse of verdant paddy fields makes the landscape appear like a huge canvas of brilliant green or gold, depending on the season.

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 huge color-field of brilliant green or gold, depending on the season.

Location

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.

History

Perlis was originally a part of the older kingdom of Kedah, which was conquered by Thailand in 1821. After restoration of the Sultan of Kedah to his throne in 1842, the Thais established Perlis as a vassal state.

In 1909 the Thais transferred suzerainty of Perlis from Thailand to Britain. Perlis came under Japanese occupation in 1941 during Second World War. Once the Japanese withdrew from Malaya, Perlis was placed under the British Military Administration.

In October 1945, the British laid out the plans for Malayan Union. Under the scheme, Pulau Pinang, Melaka and nine other Malay states were to be united under the Malayan Union. Malays opposition to the British plans to form the Malayan Union catalysed the movement for Independence. The Malay Federation was founded on 1 February 1948 and on 31 August 1957, Malaya achieved Independence.

Climate

Perlis has a tropical monsoon climate and the temperature is uniform in the range of 21 degrees C to 32 degrees C, while the weather is generally dry and warm with humidity in the lowlands ranging from 82% to 86%. The state's average annual rainfall is around 2500 mm with the wettest months being from May to December.

Best Time to Visit

Though you can visit Perlis all round the year, but it is better to avoid visiting Perlis during the wettest months i.e. from May to December.

Attractions

Gua Kelam (Dark Caves)

Located about 26 km from Kangar, the Gua Kelam traverse approximately 37 meters 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 favorite buys, though even a leisurely browsing tour of the market is an interesting outing.

kperlis.JPG (8769 bytes)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. Hours: 8.00am-4.00pm (Tues.-Sun).