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Perlis – More than just a stopover

Perlis may be the smallest state in Malaysia, but holds its own when it comes to a rich historic past and charming attractions.

Perlis is located at the northern part of west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, south of Thailand and north of Kedah. With a population of close to 230,000 people in an area measuring close to 800 square kilometres, Perlis is known as the smallest state in Malaysia.

The capital of Perlis is Kangar and about 10km away is the state’s royal capital Arau. For most travellers, Perlis is a stopover on the way to other towns or tourist attractions. For example, Perlis’ Padang Besar is a border town that is part of a common route travellers take from Malaysia to Thailand. Perlis’ main port and ferry terminal at a small village of Kuala Perlis is also used to get to Langkawi Island, popular with foreign and local tourists.

Kangar

An aerial view of Kangar town today.

Even though Perlis is seen as a transportation link to other popular destinations, it is ironic that there is no airport in the state. Rail or road are the only options for people to get into Perlis. The nearest airports are located in Alor Setar, Kedah, which is about 40 kilometres away from Kuala Perlis, and on Langkawi island, about 45 kilometres away from Perlis’ main port.

Historical go-between

Originally, Perlis was part of Kedah and was ruled by the Siamese, which conquered Kedah in 1821. During Siamese rule, Perlis was called Palit. At that time the Siamese had signed an agreement with the British, where the latter acknowledged the Siamese claim over four northern states – Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. This treaty, known as the Burney Treaty 1826, assured the British its claim on Penang and rights to trade in Terengganu and Kelantan without interference from the Siamese.

The exiled Kedah Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and his followers fought for over 12 years to restore the Malaya Sultan to his throne, but finally the Malay ruler accepted the conditions set by the Siamese and resumed his Sultanate in Kedah. The Siamese then separated Perlis as a vassal state, where Sayyid Hussain Jamalulail became the first Raja Perlis or Perlis ruler.

In 1909, the Anglo-Siamese Treaty dissected the ownership of states again, leaving the Siamese’ southern Malay states to the British. While the British had installed a Resident in the state, Perlis was returned to the Siamese (or Thailand) during World War II for its alliance with Japan. But this was only done briefly as the annexation ended after the Japanese surrendered. Perlis became part of the Malayan Union, then the Federation of Malaya in 1957 and joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

Bukit Jernih

Bukit Jernih in Chuping is one of the most colourful limestone hills in Perlis.

Perlis today

Kangar is the state capital of Perlis, with a population of about 50,000.  The 3000 ha sized town is located by the Perlis river. In the centre of the town lies the Sena district or popularly called “Uptown Sena” by locals.

Most of Perlis’ residents are civil servants or farmers who work on the paddy fields in the outskirt areas. The town centre is made up of crisscrossing streets lined by shophouses, typically housing banks, sundry shops and fast food restaurants.

Some believe that the name Kangar came from a hawk species called Kangkok while a different version of its origin is cited in the Perlis state government’s website. The website states that under the rule of Sultan Muhyiddin Mansor Shah from 1652, Tok Peduka opened Kangar in 1653. A Kangar tree was found at the river and subsequently he renamed the area, Pelabuhan Pohon Kangar or Port of Kangar tree.

Perlis’ main economic activity is rice farming and visitors are able to admire the expansive views of paddy fields, wooden huts and farmers tending to their crop when they travel beyond Kangar. Similarly like Perak, magnificent limestone mountains rise from these flat paddy fields, which add to the charm of Perlis. These mountains or outcroppings as they are known, are part of a long limestone range in Southeast Asia called the Nakawan, which lies on the border of Perlis and Thailand.

This 500 million year old limestone is home to over 600 species of flora and fauna, including 68 mammal species, according to the state tourism department. Visitors can explore the wonders of this limestone environment by visiting the 370-metre long limestone cave called Gua Kelam at Kaki Bukit, all at the Perlis State Park. The only way into the cave is by walking on an eight-foot wide wooden suspension bridge, which links Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley.

A sea of green: The breathtaking view of the paddy field in Perlis.

History buffs can enjoy the state museum, Kota Kayang Museum or visit the Syed Alwi State Mosque, the former state mosque which was built in 1910. Other popular sights are the quaint fishing town of Kuala Perlis, popular as a transit hub and also for its local cuisine. A snake and reptile farm is located near Sungai Batu Pahat and surrounded by the Bukit Bintang Forest Reserve,  an attraction for nature lovers. At this farm, research is conducted to develop anti-venom medicine for snake bites. It houses over 20 species of snakes and reptiles, including crocodiles and monitor lizards.


Map: Perlis


Perlis State Park, Wang Kelian

North to Perlis we go!

Tasik Melati, Perlis

Kangar’s little gems

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Langkawi, Malaysia Guide

Langkawi

Langkawi, a holiday paradise that combines a tranquil setting from the natural world and luxury from the modern accommodation facilities offering opulence and scenery all at once.

The island of Langkawi, Malaysia is an exotic holiday destination that offers accommodation of all kinds (from budget beach chalets to the most sybaritic five star resorts) and amenities sitting side by side with idyllic beaches, ancient rainforests and quaint villages. Langkawi Malaysia is an archipelago of 99 tropical islands (or 104, depending on tide) off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30km from Kuala Perlis on the mainland. The island was named after two Malay words – ‘lang’ (eagle) and ‘kawi’ (reddish brown), hence the imposing eagle statue at Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), welcoming visitors who arrive on the island through the Kuah Jetty.

Langkawi Fun Map

The archipelago has some of the world’s most pristine rainforests, limestone and karst formations, caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and among the world’s most beautiful beaches washed by clear emerald waters teeming with marine life.

ATMs and Money Exchange booths are available at the Langkawi Airport, at Langkawi Parade Shopping Complex and next to Underwater World at Pantai Cenang.

Langkawi is a duty-free island, and alcohol is significantly cheaper here than in the rest of Malaysia. Hotel tariffs and retail goods are exempt from government duty. Visitors with more than 48 hr stay in Langkawi are exempt on items like wines and liquor (1 liter), tobacco (200 cigarettes), apparel, cosmetics, souvenirs and gifts, food and food preparations and portable electronic items (one item).

Best Time to Visit


Langkawi, Malaysia is warm and sunny all-year-round. Humidity is high and the annual average temperature is 25C – 32C. Even during rainy season, the mornings are usually filled with sunshine, with the rain coming during overcast afternoons. The mid-season (neither dry nor rainy) is from mid April until August. The mornings are again sunny, but the afternoons can be overcast. The dry season is from mid November until mid April, during which time there is very little rain.

Where to Stay


Casa Del Mar Hotel
Jalan Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, Malaysia 07000
A 4 star 34 room boutique resort located on the beach at Pantai Cenang. Offering all sea view accommodation in the tourist area of Langkawi, you are just 10 minutes or 7km’s (4miles) from the airport. read more …

The Danna Langkawi Hotel
Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, Langkawi, Malaysia 07000
Resting peacefully on the west coast of Langkawi Island, this property is surrounded by 2.8 acres of greenery. Capturing a breath taking viw of the green mountains and the marina, The Danna Langkawi Hotel is a few steps away from the white sandy beach. read more …

Tanjung Sanctuary Langkawi Resort
Pantai Kok, Langkawi, Malaysia 07100
Featuring 67 acres of land and private beach, this romantic hotel presents 30 spacious and airy bungalows that provides magnificent views. read more …

Tanjung Rhu Resort
Tanjung Rhu, Mukim Ayer Hangat, Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia
Nestled amidst 1100 acres of rainforest, this eco-friendly resort captures a spectacular view of of the Andaman Sea. Tanjung Rhu Resort boasts 136 tastefully designed rooms and suites that incorporate all five star amenities to ensure utmost comfort. read more …

The Andaman
Jalan Teluk Datai, Datai Bay Area, Langkawi, Malaysia
Bordered by an archaic tropical forest, this property is ideal for an eco-vacation. Nestled between the Cincang Mountain and the untouched Andaman Sea, this property combines a tranquil setting from the natural world and luxury from the resort, offering opulence and scenery all at once. read more …

Where What to Eat


There’s a huge variety of food available on Pulau Langkawi, ranging from cheap and good hawker food to a splurge for gourmet food in the restaurants. The famous laksa is not to be missed.

Nightlife


Because of Langkawi’s tax-free status, alcohol is much cheaper than in the rest of Malaysia. Religious Muslims do not consume alcoholic drinks, and while they do tolerate non Muslims who do, try not to behave in a rowdy imbibed manner near them, their houses, mosques, and please respect local culture and communal sensitivities. For those living on a budget, you can obtain alcohol at cheap prices from the local duty free shops – the larger the outlets, the lower the prices. Expect to pay RM25 for 1L Absolut, RM45 for 1L Kahlua, RM60 for 1L Bailey’s, and RM5-12for 330 ml can beer.

Despite low alcohol prices, Langkawi is predominantly popular with couples and families. Single travellers and backpackers may therefore be disappointed with the lack of nightlife. Most bars remain empty, particularly in the low season, and the 1-2 nightclubs may only seem worthwhile in the peak season, and even then only on Friday or Saturday nights. Overall, Langkawi provides a family-friendly alternative to Thai locations such as Phuket and Koh Samui.

My to do List


There’s so much to see and to do in Langkawi; diving and snorkeling in the pristine water filled with rich marine life tops the list for most people. You can also take a cable car ride up the mountain that offers a breathtaking 360 degrees panoramic view of the islands, the rural lowlands and the seas as far as Thailand. For nature lovers, you can explore the lush forests and appreciate the unique wildlife of the islands from a different perspective.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls aka Seven Wells, (Gunung Mat Cincang, Northwest corner of the island, 45 kms from Kuah, walking distance from Oriental village and cable car (10 min)), This waterfall is named after the seven natural pools along its path. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the pools to bathe and frolic. There are 2 viewing areas at Telaga Tujuh. The lower area is at the base of the waterfall and the higher area is where the 7 pools are. You can bathe in the pools and even slide down the slick rock between them. Be warned, to get to the 7 pools, you have to climb 300+ steps which can get quite slippery when wet. As with most Malaysian tourist sites, the toilet facilities are not maintained and rubbish is strewn everywhere. There is also a jungle trekking course available at the site which will lead you through a trail of up to 2,500 m, up 2 different mountains. This trail is achievable with slippers, but it is best to wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots as some segments of the trail are nearly vertical. Be warned that these trails are not recommended for family trips.

Gunung Raya, (take the snaking paved road through the jungle). The tallest mountain on the island, at 881m. Spectacular views from the lookout point on the top. There is a resort hotel serving meals and indifferent coffee at the summit. There is a lookout tower which one may climb for RM 10.

Pantai Cenang – The most popular beach in Langkawi, features fine powdery sand and many beachfront restaurants and bars. Located at the south-western tip of the island, 2 km long.

Stay Away From


Langkawi can have a lot of mosquitoes depending on the time of year and location (ie Mangrove areas), so don’t forget to use mosquito repellent.

Be careful driving around Langkawi at night. Although main roads are well-lit, some of the more minor roads are not very well lit and may pass through Kampungs (traditional Malay villages) or rural areas where the locals seem to take a very casual approach to road safety.

Beware of smart wild monkeys. Those at Tengkorak beach attack humans who have food.

Jelly fishes are also becoming increasingly prevalent and have caused at least one death – a Swedish tourist in early 2010. Do not swim at night or when you have been drinking.

Don’t participate in certain activities such as eagle feeding and monkey feeding as this harms the animals by encouranging them to become reliant on tourists and you may give them the wrong food.

Beware of restaurants telling you that they only have the bigger size lobsters or crabs available, as that is what they tell everyone. When your lobster or crab is served, you will discover that you will definitely be paying for 900g of shell instead of meat!

Getting There


The island of Langkawi can be reached through sea and air.

The Langkawi International Airport is one of the 7 international airports in Malaysia is 25 minutes’ drive from Kuah city center and is the point of entry for most tourists, and connects the island to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Phuket and also Subang. The following airlines offer service to/from Langkawi: AirAsia , Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Happy Airways, and SilkAir.

Malaysia Airlines
Local: 1300 88 3000
International: +60 (0)3 7846 3000

Air Asia
Local: 1300 88 99 33
International: +60 03 7884 9000

Silk Air Singapore
+65 (0)6 223 8888

Langkawi Ferry operates fast A/C boats from Kuala Perlis (RM18, 75 min), Kuala Kedah (RM23, 105 min), Penang (RM60, 165 min), and Satun(RM30 or THB300, 75 min), (Satun ferry to Langkawi: last boat departs Satun at 4PM. Telaga Harbour operates ferries from Ko Lipe, Thailand twice per day during the high season, at 9:30AM and 2:30PM (RM128 1-way, RM248 return, 75 min). These boats dock at the south end of Pattaya Beach. Bookings can be made online.

The Express Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur promises a comfortable and economical journey up to Alor Setar (Kedah) and/or Arau(Perlis). From Alor Setar or Arau, buses and taxis are available to Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis respectively, from where the Ferry Services take you to the island.

Malaysia Islands and Beaches