Malaysia Track

1. History

Perlis was once a part of Kedah, which the Thaïs conquered in 1821. When Kedah was subsequently restored to the sultan of Kedah, Perlis was separated from it and established as a vassal state in its own right. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred Thai sovereignty over Perlis to the British but the Japanese ‘handed it back’ to Thailand during its occupation of the Malay Peninsula. After the Japanese surrendered, Perlis once again came under British protection until it gained independence under the banner of Federation of Malaya in 1957

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2. Physical geography

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 Malacca. 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.

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3. Introduction  

Perlis may be smallest state in Malaysia, but it boasts a wealth of natural, cultural and historical splendours that rival the bigger states. The many quaint villages, picturesque scenery and centuries-old traditions may mesmerize you 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.

January to April the weather is generally warm and dry. Days are hot and windy but night 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° to 32° C.

Although small in size, Perlis is not without its attraction, foremost which is its serene beauty. Perlis, too, abounds with rustic rural scenes and rolling green fields of paddy.

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4. Economy

 

Traditionally the economy of Perlis has been dominated by agriculture, fishing and forestry pursuits. The state also shares with Kedah the distinction of being the ‘rice bowl’ of the country. Rubber and sugar cane are also extensively cultivated while fruit cultivation includes mango and watermelon realising the need to prosper economically, the state embarked on the development of medium-scale industrial and manufacturing activities. Beside a sugar refinery at Chuping and cement factory at Bukit Keteri, Jejawi, Chuping, Kuala Perlis and Padang Besar Industrial Estate, complete with infrastructure, were created to facilitate this rapid growth.

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5. Cultural Heritage

For pleisure, the people of Perlis enjoy a variety of activities ranging from traditional dances to traditional games and pastimes handed down through generations.

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6. Tarian Canggung

Tarian canggung a traditional dance was brought from early historical times and performed by the people as a form of celebration after harvest time. In fact, it is the people’s dance where singing and exchanges of words in stanzas are freely and jestingly called for to the accompaniment of music.

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7. Awang Batil

Awang Batil is akin to a story –teller who tells of the glory and richness of life of the people of olden times. Awang batil is an expert with words, albeit colloquial, and as he proceeds with his story he beats a small drum and plays a tune on his flute as and when the story line demands.

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8. Tarian Terinai

Tarian terinai is yet another dance and musical presentation, performed specifically during a royal ceremony. The beating of gendang terinai normally performed by five musicians usually provides the musical accompaniment.

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9. Seni Silat

Seni silat is the traditional Malay art of self-defence. It has become an integral part of an official function as individuals also perform it, singly or as a team, as part of the festivities associated with the function. Silat takes on various forms, depending on the origin, body thrusts and artistic representations.

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10. Transportation

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11. By bus 

Perlis is well link by road from Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur to Kangar, the normal bus fare is approximately RM 50.00 per person. See here Bus Online Ticket

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12. Air 

There is no direct air service to Perlis. Visitors have to fly into Alor Setar and from there take a taxi to Kangar. The drive takes about 45 minutes. At the Alor Setar Airport (State of Kedah), the normal taxi fare is approximately RM 35 per vehicle.

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13. By rail

There are daily services from Kuala Lumpur to Arau. From Kuala Lumpur to Arau, the rail fare is approximately RM 70.00 per person (1st class), RM41.00 per person (2nd class) and RM 35.00 per person (2nd class -seat).

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14. Ferry

Ferry boats provide scheduled crossings between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi. The fare varies from RM 13 to RM18 per adult. The journey takes an hour to reach Kuah jetty. See here  Ferry Fare

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15. By taxi

From Kuala Lumpur to Kangar, the taxi fare is approximately RM200.00 per vehicle.

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16. Places to Eat/Special Foods

A wide of food, from local delights to continental fare, is available in Perlis. The prices are reasonable and the service courteous. For the food lover, do sample as many exotic traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai dishes (like the perennial favourite, tom yam) as possible. A delectable time awaits you. The choices of eating that you can patronise are also excellent, ranging from open-air hawker centres, air-conditioned restaurants to luxurious hotel restaurants. Wherever you choose to eat, rest assured the environment is clean, casual and comfortable.

17. Place of interest

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18. Kangar

Kangar, 56 km northwest of Alor Setar, is the state capital set amidst a vast expanse of green paddy fields that turn a golden yellow at harvest time. A major landmark of the town is the state mosque, Masjid Alwi. A small town, Kangar’s stadium, general hospital, hotels and schools are all within walking distance.

No doubt, the term “royal town” implies. The Istana Arau is here, also known as the Royal Palace. Many tourists would usually have a stopover at Arau to view the fine architecture of the buildings as it takes into the influence of the Malay culture and design. Besides the Royal Palace, the Royal Mosque is also one of the key attractions.  Tourists will be mesmerized by the mosque, as the design of this mosque adopts the Islamic architecture in the country. The Royal Mosque, or also known as the State Mosque, can easily accommodate roughly 7,000 people in one prayer session, and that proves to show how humongous the mosque is.

20. Kuala Perlis 

21. Chuping

Source : Wan Perlis - Blogger

Chuping derived its name from the limestone hill known locally as Bukit Chuping. It has an area of 22,000-hectare sugar plantation and harvesting takes place in December till June.

22. Padang Besar

This is a border town. It can be said with some degree of truth that Thailand and Perlis merge in this town, because the border is unseen although the relevant signboards and checkpoints bear testimony to the fact. The town is also the major stopover from rail travel to Thailand. Beyond the rail tracks is Pekan Siam-a bargain hunters’ paradise. Besides agricultural goods, duty free shopping is also available in Padang Besar. The town is filled with all shades and designs of textiles, footwear, handicrafts, decorative items, foodstuff, souvenirs, fruits and much more.

23. Museum Kota al-Marhum Kayang

In the same vicinity are located the burial grounds of two of the 16th century sultans of Kedah. These are now seen as simple mausoleums marked by gravestones with remnants of wood used to mark the site. Nearby too, is an area of land believed to be the site of one of the sultan’s palaces surrounded on each side by limestone hills. This is reminiscent of the palace built by Almarhum Sultan Dhiauddin Almukaram Shah of the late 16th century who had given the name of Indra Kayangan to Perlis then. Two of the Sultan’s personal efforts are still evident today. One is a partially enclosed spring, which supplied fresh mineral water to the palace and is still seen intact today. The other is the canal built by the Sultan in about 1680 connecting Alor Setar to his palace in Kuala Perlis and from the palace to the burial grounds, thus permitting boat passages between the points.

24. Tasik Melati

Tasik Melati is a small but picturesque lake located in a partially marshy lowland about 8 km north of Kangar. The lake is shallow. More than 150 sandbar-islands may be seen all over the lake. Sampans can be rowed to these tiny ‘islands’. Elevated walkways are also found over the waters of the lake, providing vantage viewpoints and seating for visitors. There is also a parameter walkway as well as telephone kiosks and toilet facilities.

25. Snake Farm

26. Putra Golf Club

37. Hotels

38. State Tourism Office