Complete Guide to Perlis (Travel Guide & Itinerary)
I’d passed by Perlis a few times over the years, but it was usually just a brief transit point. Whenever I traveled overland between Malaysia and Thailand, or took the ferry to Langkawi, Perlis was the place I’d pass through, not the place I stopped to see. I’d get off the bus, grab a bite, then catch a ferry or another bus to my actual destination, never really giving the stopover spot much thought.
But recently, after another trip to Langkawi via Kuala Perlis, my friend and I decided it was finally time to explore this little corner of Malaysia properly. We rented a car, gave ourselves a couple of days, and set out to see what the country’s smallest state had to offer.
Geography
Perlis sits at the very top of Peninsular Malaysia, wedged between Kedah and the Thai provinces of Satun and Songkhla. It’s so compact that you can drive from one end to the other in under an hour, and Malaysians love to joke about that.
There’s a long-running gag that Perlis only has eight people living there, and if you’re ever stuck in a queue, better be careful: take one step too far and you might accidentally end up in Thailand.
Jokes aside, its small size is actually part of the charm. Instead of sprawling highways and endless city blocks, you get green paddy fields, sleepy villages, and limestone hills. It’s a genuinely laid-back corner of Malaysia where distances are short, people are friendly, and life moves at a gentler pace.
History
Perlis was once part of the Kingdom of Kedah before becoming a pawn in regional power struggles between Kedah, Siam (now Thailand), and the British in the 19th century. After Siam’s invasion of Kedah in 1821, local chiefs gained partial autonomy, and in 1843, Sayyid Hussain Jamalulail was appointed as the first ruler, founding the royal line that still exists today.
The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 brought Perlis under British Malaya, followed by a brief Japanese occupation during World War II, after which it rejoined British administration. In 1957, Perlis became one of the 13 states of independent Malaysia.
Population
Contrary to the popular joke, Perlis’s population is roughly 300,000 people. Malay is the main language, and there are also Chinese and Indian minorities, as well as Thai-speakers near the border. Religiously the state is majority Muslim with Buddhist, Hindu and Christian minorities.
Best time to go to Perlis
Perlis has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, usually ranging from 25°C to 33°C. The dry season is typically from December to February. Days are sunny, humidity is lower, and you’ll get clearer skies for outdoor activities. This is the best time for photography, as the paddy fields are often lush green after the end of the rainy season.
From March to May, the weather gets hotter, with temperatures sometimes hitting 35°C. It’s manageable if you plan your activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The monsoon season usually hits between October and November, bringing short but heavy downpours. Travel is still possible though, as it rarely rains all day.
If you’re planning to see the paddy fields in golden hue, aim for June to August, just before the harvest season.
How to get to Perlis
By plane
Perlis doesn’t have its own commercial airport. The nearest one is Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (in Alor Setar, Kedah). From there it’s roughly a 50 – 60 minute drive to Kuala Perlis / Kangar depending on traffic. You can also fly into Penang or Langkawi and continue by road or ferry.
By train
KTM ETS runs to Padang Besar (the border station in Perlis). Padang Besar is a practical rail gateway if you want to arrive by rail and/or cross into southern Thailand. From Padang Besar you can grab a taxi or local transport into Kangar or the rest of Perlis.
By ferry
Kuala Perlis is the main ferry gateway to Langkawi; multiple crossings run daily (timings vary by operator and season), and ferries take about an hour-plus. Book ahead in holiday season.
By bus or car
Long-distance buses run from Kuala Lumpur (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) and other major cities like Penang to Kangar / Kuala Perlis. Driving on the North–South Expressway is straightforward and gives the most flexibility.
There are also bus and minibus services from Hat Yai, Thailand to Padang Besar.
How to get around in Perlis
Getting around Perlis is pretty straightforward, but public transport isn’t extensive, so a bit of planning helps. The easiest and most flexible option is to rent a car, especially if you want to visit places like Gua Kelam or Wang Kelian, which are spread out across the state. The roads are in good condition, traffic is light, and driving here is generally stress-free.
If you don’t drive, you can rely on Grab or local taxis, which are available in the bigger towns, though they can be harder to find in rural areas. It’s best to arrange your return trip ahead of time if you’re heading somewhere remote, as drivers may not always be nearby. There’s also a bus service running between Kangar and Kuala Perlis, which is affordable but infrequent, so it’s more suitable for budget travelers who aren’t in a rush.
Within towns like Kangar, walking is perfectly manageable, as the main areas are compact and safe. For short distances, you can also hire local taxis that connect nearby spots.
Top things to do in Perlis
1. Admire the panorama at Wang Kelian Viewpoint
The Wang Kelian Viewpoint is part of the Perlis State Park, which straddles the Thai border and is known for its limestone hills, dense forest, and wildlife. The viewpoint is located near the park entrance, offering a sweeping view of misty valleys, best seen at sunrise when the clouds roll like soft waves through the hills.
Beyond the viewpoint, the park has several jungle trails ranging from easy walks to longer treks. There’s a small visitor center where you can get maps, hire local guides, and learn about the park’s biodiversity. Keep an eye out for rare orchids and limestone formations, and bring plenty of water as the sun gets harsh by late morning.
2. Walk through the underground tunnel at Gua Kelam
Gua Kelam (literally “Dark Cave”) is one of the easiest ways to experience Perlis’s limestone landscape. The cave was once a tin mining tunnel, and today it’s fitted with wooden walkways and lights, creating a cool 370-metre stroll through a dimly lit cavern. You’ll walk along a stream that still flows through the cave. It’s short and safe, ideal for families or anyone who wants a taste of caving without hardcore gear or skills.
It’s also worth checking out the nearby Gua Kelam 2, a longer, more challenging cave system that requires a permit (and a higher fee) to enter. Go early if you want to avoid crowds, and bring a small flashlight. Even though the cave is lit, having your own light makes it easier to see corners the lamps don’t reach.
3. Catch sunset at the floating Al-Hussain Mosque
The Al Hussain Mosque in Kuala Perlis is one of the most photogenic mosques in Malaysia, built right over the sea with stilts and a walkway that connects it to shore. At high tide, it really looks like it’s floating, and during sunset the reflection on the water makes for stunning photos. The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times.
4. Bargain-hunt at the Padang Besar Border Market
Padang Besar is a bustling border town where Malaysians and Thais come together to trade everything from snacks to textiles to household items. The main market, located near the train station, is a maze of narrow aisles filled with cheap clothes, perfumes, electronics, and Thai snacks you won’t easily find elsewhere. Prices are negotiable, so it’s time to brush up on your haggling skills.
What also makes the market interesting is that most of the sellers are able to speak both Malay and Thai (and perhaps some English or Chinese).
5. Get upclose with snakes at Perlis Snake & Reptile Farm
This might sound intimidating, but the Perlis Snake and Reptile Farm (Taman Ular dan Reptilia) is more educational than terrifying. It was established primarily for anti-venom research, so you’ll find both live snakes in enclosures and displays about venom extraction and local species. The facility also houses crocodiles, monitor lizards, turtles, and a few exotic snakes from abroad.
Some of the snakes are native to the surrounding forests — meaning you’re getting a look at the local ecosystem up close, just from the safe side of the fence.
6. Climb Bukit Chabang
Bukit Chabang is probably one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Perlis. It’s a twin-peaked limestone hill about 390 meters above sea level, located roughly 8 kilometers north of Kangar. The hike to the summit is considered moderately difficult, with some steep and rocky parts near the peak. So, you’ll need decent footwear, possibly gloves, and good physical endurance.
The reward is good though, especially during sunrise or sunset. You’ll see layers of fog, the sun rising/setting behind the hills, and maybe even farmers working the fields below. I didn’t hike up Bukit Chabang during my visit, but even from below, the view of its twin peaks rising sharply from the bright green fields is stunning. Definitely worth a stop even if you’re not planning to climb.
7. Admire the colonial-era beauty of Masjid Syed Alwi
Standing proudly in the heart of Kangar, Masjid Alwi is a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture. Built during the reign of Raja Syed Alwi Ibni Syed Saffi Jamalullail, the mosque’s design reflects a strong Mughal influence, with its chattri-style minaret balconies and symmetrical white façade. It served as Perlis’s state mosque before the newer one in Arau was built in 1973, and remains an active center for daily prayers and religious gatherings.
Beyond its cultural significance, Masjid Alwi is also admired for its remarkable craftsmanship. Early builders reportedly used a traditional mixture of egg white and sand instead of modern cement, and yet the mosque has stood the test of time for nearly a century. In 2018, it was gazeted as a National Heritage Site.
8. Learn about local legends at Kota Kayang Museum
Kota Kayang Museum in Kuala Perlis is small but rich in local history. Set within an old royal residence, the museum houses artefacts from the Kedah-Perlis royal lineage, archaeological finds from early settlements, and detailed exhibits about Perlis’s days under Siamese and British influence.
Even if you’re not a museum person, it’s worth stopping by for the setting alone. The grounds are scenic and you can even see the old limestone cliffs that define much of Perlis’s geography.
9. Relax by the water at Taman Tasik Timah Tasoh
Timah Tasoh Lake is another one of the most scenic natural spots in the state, located about 17 kilometers north of Kangar. The lake was created by damming two rivers and now serves as a water reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and forest. The main recreational area, Taman Tasik Timah Tasoh, offers picnic spots, camping areas, and lookout points where you can take in the lake’s peaceful scenery.
It’s a popular place for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light hits the water just right. You might also spot migratory birds depending on the season (birdwatchers often stop here between November and March). There’s a small resort nearby if you’d like to stay the night, though most visitors come for an afternoon outing or picnic.
10. Have a picnic at Tasik Melati
Tasik Melati, located about ten kilometres north of Kangar, is a beautiful park built around a shallow lake dotted with tiny islands connected by footbridges. It’s a peaceful, local spot where families come in the late afternoon to picnic, cycle, or feed the fish. The area isn’t large, but it’s a nice break from driving and a good place for photos or a relaxed walk under shady trees.
There’s a small viewing tower that gives you a lovely perspective of the lake, especially when the water lilies are in bloom.
11. Dine in a nipah farm
One of the unique things you can do in Perlis is dine in a nipah farm. Nipah is a type of mangrove palm that grows in brackish water along Malaysia’s coasts and riverbanks. Its sap is traditionally tapped to make a naturally sweet, slightly fizzy drink.
There are two well-known nipah-farm restaurants in Perlis. At Nipah Klasik, wooden walkways lead you through groves of nipah palms, with tables built on stilts in shallow water. Apart from local snacks like otak-otak, satay, and spring rolls, you can of course try their signature nipah drink. As you wait, there’s a chance to rent pedal boats to float among the nipah trunks. Nipah Kipli has a simpler setting, but you still get to dine in a nipah habitat.
12. Shop under the rubber trees at Nat Pokok Getah
Nat Pokok Getah is a day market that takes place beneath the shade of rubber trees in Kampung Kubang, Arau. Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it draws locals and visitors for breakfast, bargain-hunting, and weekend socializing.
The setting itself is what makes it memorable: it’s literally inside a rubber estate, so instead of the usual open-air heat, stalls are scattered among tall rubber trunks. You’ll find farm produce, traditional medicines, snacks, clothing, plants, tools for rubber tapping, and even flea-market treasures.
13. Feast along Bintong Food Street
Stroll Persiaran Makanan Bintong on Jalan Raja Syed Saffi, Kangar at night and treat yourself to a food-street experience. Over a stretch of around 1.1 km, you’ll find many restaurants and food stalls.
You can sample grilled meats, fried snacks, seafood dishes, desserts, local drinks and more. For a night in Kangar, this is a safe bet for dinner and late-evening strolling.
14. Trek Bukit Kubu Recreational Forest
At Taman Rekreasi Hutan Lipur Bukit Kubu near Kuala Perlis, you’ll find trails through hill dipterocarp forest, limestone caves (Gua Ikan, Gua Harimau), scenic overlooks, and a relatively quiet experience.
According to online searches, one loop is about 0.8 km and can be done in under half an hour, though exploring caves or extra side paths may take longer. Bring a torch for the caves, good shoes, water, and insect repellent. If you go near midday, tree cover helps with shade.
15. Stand at the northernmost coastline of Peninsular Malaysia
If you want to say you’ve been to the very northern edge of West Malaysia, head to the coastline in Kuala Perlis.
It’s part of the land bordering Thailand, and the landmark is on the bank of an irrigation water gate. Access involves some gravel roads and a short walk over a narrow concrete bank.
This place has not been developed into a major tourist attraction, so it has limited infrastructure, basically just a small landmark and natural scenery.
People go there to enjoy solitude, sea breezes, sunrise or sunset, some fishing, and photo ops at the edge of the peninsula.
16. Take pictures at a kenaf field
Kenaf is a fast-growing plant from the hibiscus family, cultivated mainly for its strong fibrous stalks used in making paper, textiles, ropes, and eco-friendly biocomposites. In Malaysia, particularly in Perlis and Kelantan, it’s also promoted as a sustainable crop alternative to tobacco and a source of green industry materials.
In Perlis, you can head to Chuping or Padang Besar area to see a kenaf farm. When the kenaf blooms, the fields turn a delicate pinkish-white, making for soft landscapes. Note: the farms are private property, so while it’s generally okay to visit and take pictures, be respectful and don’t trample on the plants or pick the flowers.
17. Dine beside a rice field at Warung Tepi Sawah
Visit Warung Tepi Sawah in Kangar to enjoy your meal right beside rice fields. It’s a “kampung (traditional village) style” open-air restaurant where you can eat breakfast or brunch while listening to birds and watching irrigation channels sparkle in morning light.
The menu includes Malaysian staples like nasi lemak, lontong, and roti bakar, as well as some Perlis specials like pek nga sambal ikan (coconut pancake with fish sambal) and pulut ikan masin nyioq (sticky rice with salted fish and coconut), all offered at modest prices in a relaxed, rustic setting.
The food is good, but the view is the main draw: rice paddies around you, and locals often stopping by for a slow meal in the countryside.
Where to stay in Perlis
We stayed at Ants Hotel in Kangar because of its wallet-friendly rates and convenient location close to Persiaran Makanan Bintong (and despite its name, it was insect-free). But here are some other options for different budgets:
Budget
- Motel Fyna (Kangar) — A budget hotel with colorful decor and a homey feel.
- Noor Boutique Hotel (Kuala Perlis) — A no-frills budget hotel with a restaurant and meeting hall. Great for a one-night stay before heading to the jetty.
- SWM Hotel (Kuala Perlis) — Another highly-rated budget hotel near the jetty.
Mid-range
- ALL IN Hotel (Arau) — A modern, minimalistic hotel with spacious rooms.
- Hotel Seri Malaysia (Kangar) — A reliable chain hotel with a large swimming pool, conference hall, and an in-house restaurant.
- The Zuley Heritage Hotel (Kuala Perlis) — Housed in a well-preserved heritage building, this hotel offers spacious rooms with an old-world feel.
- SERAMBI HOMESTAY Traditional Kampung House (Kangar) — For a unique Malaysian experience, rent an entire traditional wooden stilt house that can fit up to 8 adults.
- Gunung Medan Glamping (Kangar) — Well-equipped dome tents with triple beds, flat-screen TVs, shared bathroom, dipping pool, and barbecue facilities.
Luxury
- Country Road Homestay (Simpang Ampat) — Family-friendly container-style cabins with a swimming pool overlooking rice fields and a mango orchard.
- Elissa Hotel & Suites (Kangar) — A newly-built luxury hotel in the city center, with a swimming pool and in-house restaurant.
- The White Houze Cottage Pool Spa (Kangar) — White cabins with a large swimming pool, shared kitchen and outdoor dining area.
- Homestay Kebun Mangga Harumanis Wan Pa (Kangar) — A standalone unit within a mango orchard, with exposed-brick aesthetic, a dining area on the rooftop, swimming pool, and a large garden with a pond.
How long to stay in Perlis
Perlis is small enough that you can technically see its main sights in a day, but staying two to three nights gives you a better sense of its quiet rhythm. You can slow down and explore beyond the obvious stops.
Those who prefer a slower pace could stretch their stay to four or five days. It’s worth it if you enjoy nature walks, photography, and just the feeling of being in a place that still moves at a kampung (village) pace.
If you’re traveling onward to Langkawi, it’s nice to spend at least a night in Kuala Perlis before your ferry ride.
Where to eat in Perlis
Even though Perlis isn’t as famous for food as Penang or Ipoh, you definitely won’t go hungry here. This small state will feed you well, with simple yet satisfying meals everywhere you go. Here’s a list of some top-rated restaurants in Perlis:
- Warung Tepi Sawah (Kangar) — Dine with a view of rice fields. Try Perlis specialties like pek nga, sticky rice with salted fish, and sticky rice with chicken.
- Nipah Klasik (Simpang Ampat) — Unique dining among nipah palms; try local dishes like nasi lemak and roti canai, as well as snacks including otak-otak, lekor, sata, and cucur udang.
- Ladang Nipah Kipli (Kangar) — Serves fresh nira nipah drink; also dishes like laksa, cendol with sticky rice, laicikang, bihun sup.
- Restoran Anjung Keli (Kangar) — Fish dishes with traditional-style cooking, flavorful sauces, and fresh herbs as a side.
- Kak Su Laksa (Kuala Perlis) — Laksa beras (rice-based laksa) with a rich broth, fresh fish, usually ordered with pulut udang.
- Warung Bang Teh (Kangar) — Thai-influenced dishes, including somtam, chicken with sticky rice, and mango with sticky rice.
- Hai Thien Seafood Restaurant (Kuala Perlis) — Halal Chinese-style seafood dishes at reasonable prices. So good that even the state royal family went to eat there.
- Restoran Api Api Ikan Bakar (Kuala Perlis) — A seafood restaurant by the river, that is especially famous for their grilled fish.
Suggested itineraries in Perlis
1 day
If you’re just passing through on your way to Langkawi or Thailand, a full day in Perlis is enough to see its essentials. Start early with Gua Kelam in Kaki Bukit, followed by a visit to Wang Kelian Viewpoint, and finally the Kota Kayang Museum and Masjid Syed Alwi to get a feel for the state’s royal and colonial history.
By late afternoon, head to Kuala Perlis for seafood and the sunset view at the Al Hussain Floating Mosque. Wrap up your day with grilled fish and coconut drinks by the jetty before catching the ferry or your next bus.
2 - 3 days
Day 1: (Refer to the 1-day itinerary above).
Day 2: Start the day with breakfast at Warung Tepi Sawah. Next, head to Pesisir Pantai Paling Utara (the northernmost coastline) for some pictures, and then to Bukit Kubu Recreational Forest for a picnic. Have lunch at Nipah Klasik or Nipah Kipli. If you’re feeling up for more recreational parks, spend your afternoon at Tasik Melati or Taman Tasik Timah Tasoh. In the evening, explore Persiaran Makanan Bintong (Bintong Food Street) for dinner.
Day 3: Drive to the kenaf fields near Chuping or Padang Besar for photos. If you’re in Padang Besar, drop by the Padang Besar Market for quick border shopping fix and Thai Snacks. Or if you’re visiting on a weekend, head to Nat Pokok Getah for a more unique shopping experience. Lastly, add a visit to the Perlis Snake and Reptile Farm before heading off.
Additional tips for visiting Perlis
Cash & cards: Larger hotels and restaurants accept cards, but small stalls and markets prefer cash. ATMs are available in town.
Respectful dress: Perlis is predominantly Muslim. When visiting mosques, dress modestly. Women will be asked to wear a scarf too. Read my post on what to wear in Malaysia.
Border caution: Padang Besar is a border area. Check passport validity and immigration rules if you plan to cross into Thailand. The Padang Besar station has co-located Malaysian & Thai checkpoints for trains.
Weather planning: Afternoon showers are common outside the dry window; start outdoor hikes early.
Connectivity: Coverage is generally fine in towns, but rural trails may have patchy signal. Plan transport back if you’re relying on e-hailing.
Final thoughts
For the longest time, Perlis was just a name on road signs for me, a state I’d pass through on my way to somewhere else. But spending a couple of days actually exploring it changed how I see it.
The pace is slower, the scenery is calm, and the people have that small-town warmth that’s getting harder to find elsewhere.
You won’t find big city glitz or fancy resorts here, but you’ll get quiet mornings surrounded by paddy fields, peaceful drives through limestone hills, and seafood dinners by the waterfront.
If you’ve only ever passed through Perlis on your way to Thailand or Langkawi, it’s worth staying a little longer next time. Rent a car, take it slow, and let yourself enjoy the stillness.
If you enjoyed this guide and want to explore more of Malaysia beyond the usual tourist trail, check out the rest of my blog for detailed destination guides, food recommendations, and travel tips from my own trips around the country.
