RegionOutline guide

Perlis

State of Malaysia

Photo: Nicolai Bangsgaard, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Perlis is the northern-most and smallest state of Malaysia. Although there are several attractions in the state, most tourists merely travel through Perlis on the way to Langkawi or Thailand.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Eat2 places

Secret Recipe
Hours
11AM-11PM (Daily)
Address
275, Jalan Baru, Taman Pengkalan Asam, 01000, Kangar
Phone
+60 4 977 7996
Secret Recipe
Hours
11AM-11PM (Daily)
Address
11, Persiaran Putra Timur 1, Jeti Perlabuhan, 02000, Kuala Perlis
Phone
+60 4-985 3996

Getting there and around

Getting there

By bus
Kangar's Bukit Lagi bus terminal is the main stop for interstate long-distance express buses to/from Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and other major cities.
By road
By boat
Perlis is the main jumping-off point for Langkawi. The Kuala Perlis ferry terminal can be easily reached from Kangar and the North-South Expressway via the Changloon-Kuala Perlis Expressway.

Read in the guide

Getting around

Local buses connect Kangar's Kayangan Square to the surrounding towns. They do not operate at night. Taxis are few and far between: bus terminals good places to look.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Hat Yai International Airport

Hat Yai · International · HDY

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Cities

Kangar

the tiny state capital

Arau

the royal town, 10 km from Kangar

Padang Besar

main border crossing into Thailand

Kuala Perlis

for ferries to Langkawi

Wang Kelian

huge Sunday market on both sides of the Thai-Malaysian border, also the entrance to the Perlis State Park

Read before you go to Perlis

Articles and travel topics about Perlis and Malaysia.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandPerlis was originally part of Kedah, although it occasionally came under the rule of Siam or Aceh. After the Siamese conquered Kedah in 1821, the British felt their interests in Perak to be threatened.

Get inThe main Kuala Lumpur - Bangkok train line crosses between Malaysia and Thailand at Padang Besar in Perlis. Trains from Butterworth (near Penang) also join this line and run through Perlis.

Get aroundLocal buses connect Kangar's Kayangan Square to the surrounding towns. They do not operate at night. Taxis are few and far between: bus terminals good places to look.

See

DoBukit Keteri rock climbing and Gua Kelam rock climbing. Also try picnicking at Gua Kelam, Sungai Jernih, Tasoh Lake, Timah Tasoh lake, Bukit Ayer.

BuyKangar is the region's main shopping hub.

EatHarumanis - A kind of mango that is specially grown only in Perlis. It has a strong smell and is very sweet in taste. Thus, it is called "Harum" which means "fragrance" in Malay and "Manis" which means "sweet".

DrinkNightlife is non-existent. Beers can be purchased at all 7-Eleven convenience stores. Shops close well before 22:00 but the Kayangan Square stays open until 22:00.

Connect

Stay safePerlis is relatively a safe place for travellers, but Perlis has its share of crime, so common precautions must be taken against snatch-thieves, scams and dodgy taxis.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Perlis" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Perlis", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Nicolai Bangsgaard, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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