This is the second article I have written about our trip to Perlis and Kedah. In this article, we will focus on the places to visit in Perlis, the smallest state of Malaysia.
We have also written a separate article about places to eat in Perlis and Kedah, which is available alongside this one, providing a more comprehensive guide that covers both sightseeing and dining options in Perlis. For your convenience, I’ve included a summary of where to eat in Perlis at the end of this article.
Since we had only planned a week-long stay in both Kedah and Perlis, our time in Perlis was spent visiting the main attractions we had shortlisted. I hope our choices align with what you’re looking for, and that this article will help you plan your trip to Perlis.
List of Places to Visit in Perlis
There is so much to discover in Perlis: from caves with underground rivers to scenic viewpoints offering spectacular sunrise views, and charming traditional villages that have been restored and painted in vibrant colours. Here is the complete list of places we visited during our trip to Perlis.
- Wang Kelian Viewpoint
- Gua Kelam
- Dataran Empangan Timah Tasoh
- Bukit Cabang Mari Perlis
- Kota Kayang Museum
- Choley Kampung Warna Warni Kuala Perlis
- Al Hussain Mosque
- Where to eat in Perlis
- Watch our food trip shot in Perlis
1. Wang Kelian Viewpoint
The journey from Alor Setar to Wang Kelian took us just slightly more than one hour. We slightly underestimated the road trip, as part of the road we traveled was under construction, and other sections were mostly dimly lit or had no streetlights at all. The morning was also mostly foggy, resulting in very poor visibility.
When we finally arrived, it was time to view the sunrise. We quickly parked our car along the road near the ticketing counter, ensuring that we would not block any traffic.
The entrance fee for Malaysian adults is RM2. The viewpoint is located at the top of a small hill, which we need to hike up for a short distance, about just a few minutes. However, since buggy service was available (RM3 per person), we took it, and it was faster. We hope it's just enough time to catch the sunrise.
We arrived just in time to catch the sunrise, and here are some of the photos we took.
Besides the spectacular sunrise, the overall scenery was equally captivating, ranging from the lush jungle layered with drifting clouds to the distant view of the famous Bukit Cabang and the beautiful, winding, narrow road that led us to the viewpoint in the foreground. The best part is that the view is completely unobstructed!
There were also stores selling drinks and breakfast at the viewing platform, as well as a few designated photo spots available for photography.
2. Gua Kelam
After watching the sunrise at Wang Kelian, it was still early, as Gua Kelam, the place we wanted to visit, was only about a ten-minute drive away. So we went to Kaki Bukit, the small town where Gua Kelam is located, to have breakfast. Gua Kelam is the most popular cave in Perlis, known for its stunning rock formations, underground river, and easy accessibility
While there are several breakfast options in Kaki Bukit, we chose to eat at the café closest to Gua Kelam, which is only about 50 meters away, since we had already parked our car near the entrance.
The café, known as Kedai Kopi Pekan Lama, serves basic Chinese noodles for breakfast. It might not be the best, but it was the most convenient option while waiting for Gua Kelam to open at 9 a.m.
Eventually, we got the entrance ticket at the ticket kiosk, which only accepts credit cards. It cost us RM2 for each person.
According to the signboard in front of the cave, Gua Kelam is approximately 370 meters long and is composed of limestone sediment that dates back millions of years. At one time, Gua Kelam was renowned for its high-quality tin. The cave was also used as a passageway by locals travelling between Wang Kelian and Kaki Bukit.
The original cave was widened by a British Resident in 1935 to facilitate tin ore extraction. In 1970, a hanging bridge was built by a JKR (Jabatan Kerja Raya) team at a cost of RM15,000. In 1983, the Perlis State Government handed over the management of the cave to the State Agriculture Department. Today, the entire cave is illuminated, allowing tourists to appreciate the beauty of its stalagmites and stalactites.
There is a platform at the entrance of the cave passage with the inscription 'Gua Kelam'. Once we entered, multicoloured lights dimly illuminated the cave, so there was no need to use a torch or headlamp. The wooden walkway is sturdy, with a solid railing. Along the way, we discovered bats hanging from the cave's ceiling, an underground stream flowing beneath the walkway, and some spectacular-looking rock formations.
One of the most prominent features is the Gour Pools, a natural stone dam made of calcite and other minerals that form pools inside the cave. These pools usually appear where there is a slight gradient and resemble a series of steps.
Secret Garden
We took a slow walk through the cave and eventually emerged from the other side, known as the Secret Garden. From there, a staircase leads to another cave, but unfortunately, it was locked at the entrance.
I then returned to the garden, where the underground river resurfaces and flows tamely.. It’s a peaceful spot with children playing in the shallow water, and some families were having a picnic.
I found a 465-step Hidden Trail, but sadly, it was closed for unknown reasons during my visit.
After exploring the cave, we took a short rest at Summer Bubble Café near the entrance before heading to our next destination.
In short, Gua Kelam is a worthwhile place to visit. The cave is well maintained, the entrance fee is reasonable, and the scenery, especially the rock formations and underground stream, makes my visit worthwhile.
3. Dataran Empangan Timah Tasoh
With a bit of time before lunch, we drove to Dataran Empangan Timah Tasoh. We didn’t have any specific expectations about what to see there, as the only thing we knew was that there was a beautiful lake.
After parking our car, we walked toward the Timah Tasoh Lake and discovered that it is a place where boat rides and kayaking are available. The scenery was beautiful, but the weather was quite hot at noon, so not many people were out on the water. The charges were quite reasonable, as 45 minutes of boating around the lake for six people costs only RM70, and a single kayak is just RM10 for 30 minutes.
4. Bukit Cabang Mari Perlis
We look at Bukit Cabang from far at Wang Kelian early in the morning, and wonder how it looks when it comes much nearer? We found a spot where we can have a closer look at the hill with its distinctive shape.
Bukit Cabang Mari is, in fact, a private farm at the foothill of Bukit Cabang. The owner has transformed it into a tourist attraction, allowing travelers to get a glimpse of the hill from its closest point.
There is an RM2 per peron to be collected at the entrance. It offers the best unobstructed view of the Bukit Canang right in front of us.
According to the owner, Bukit Cabang is a popular hiking spot that can be completed in one morning. Besides the view, the farm also has some goats, birds, and a large garden.
5. Kota Kayang Museum
We thought the best place to visit under the intense heat of the sun was somewhere indoors. So, what better opportunity than to see a museum with air conditioning, and learn more about the state of Perlis at the same time?
That's why we ended up at Kota Kayang Museum, located just about 5 km from the royal capital of Pelis, Arau.
What caught our attention was the main building itself when we arrived/ It is a beautiful building built in the colonial-era architectural style. It was once the residence of a senior British officer serving the Perlis State government before being converted into a museum. It is also probably one of the few museums with a large garden located behind the main building. We walked through part of the garden, but it was just too big and too hot under the afternoon sun. Still, we managed to feed the koi fish in the pond along with some children.
The museum is divided into three main sections. Inside the main building are the Prehistoric and Archaeological Gallery, as well as the Traditional Weapons and Warfare Gallery. The Perlis Sultanate and Royal Heritage Gallery is located in the next building, and another building houses the Early Kingdoms and Historical Development Gallery.
6. Choley Kampung Warna Warni Kuala Perlis
We arrived at Kampung Warna-Warni Choley in the afternoon. It is a traditional Malay village painted in vibrant colors. It has since become a tourist attraction, known as the most colorful and well-decorated village in Perlis.
After we parked our car, we were approached by some local guys offering motorized trishaw (Choley) rides to take us on a tour around the villages. Considering how sunny it was at the time, and thinking it would be nice to have someone guide us and explain the sights, we decided to hire one. The fee was RM35 for a 40-minute tour around the villages.
According to the Malay guy who drove the motorized trishaw, there are a total of seven villages here, six of which are accessible by his vehicle. He moved slowly through the narrow alleys and brought us to the first village, called Kampung Tengah. All the houses there were very colorful and well-maintained.
According to him, the Prince of Perlis was the one who initiated the beautification project by providing all the necessary resources. Locals still inhabit the village, although it has become increasingly busy with the influx of tourists.
Some of the houses are painted according to specific themes. For example, in one part of the village, all the houses are painted in dark blue, which is the color associated with the police station.
The second village we visited was Kampung Hujung Tanjung. There were a few others as well, though I can’t quite recall their names. In one section, the houses are built to reflect the architectural styles of different states in Malaysia.
The highlight of the visit is Jambatan Tuanku Syed Putra, which was once a simple wooden bridge across the Perlis River, connecting villages on both sides. It has since been replaced by a new bridge painted in vibrant rainbow colors. The bridge itself has become a popular photo spot, and people enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Some residents have taken the initiative to beautify their house compounds, transforming them into charming gardens that attract tourists for photography. Laman Bestari, as shown below, is an example of this.
Several houses have also been converted into small shops selling local products and snacks. Among them are Rumah Dodol and the popular Cucuk Udang Viral.
The image I had of a traditional Malay village was one of aging, faded homes in need of upkeep. But this place completely changed that perception. Although it leans slightly toward the touristy side, it remains one of the best places to visit in Perlis, as it truly stands out from the rest of the villages.
7. Al Hussain Mosque
We spent some time exploring various places around Perlis. Eventually, we arrived at the Al Hussain Mosque, located next to the Kuala Perlis Jetty.
Al Hussain Mosque is situated by the seaside and is renowned for its distinctive Mughal-inspired architecture, reminiscent of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India. This unique design makes it one of the most recognizable and photographed landmarks in Perlis. The mosque was officially opened in 2003.
We visited the mosque around midday, under a bright blue sky with just a few clouds. If we had come in the evening, we would have been able to witness the colorful sunset view. During sunset, the mosque’s dome and minarets will cast a dramatic silhouette against the warm tones of the setting sun, with the entire scene reflected beautifully on the waters of the Perlis River, since the mosque is built right along its banks.
8. Where to eat in Perlis
The above are all the places to visit in Perlis. Of course, this isn’t a complete list, as we were based in Alor Setar and made day trips to Perlis. Along the way, we also tried some local food recommended by friends.
Food is a big part of any travel experience. That’s why we’ve written a separate article and produced a video dedicated entirely to the food we enjoyed in Perlis (as well as Kedah).
In the meantime, here’s a quick summary of the noteworthy places where we had our meals in Perlis. For more details, you can follow the link above to read the full article.
- Restaurant Anjung Keli. It’s a large restaurant in Kangar that specialises in Malay cuisine. Keli refers to the local catfish, which is prepared in several different styles at the restaurant. It offers over 100 dishes to choose from, ensuring that every palate is sure to be satisfied.
- Kak Su Laksa is a well-known spot for the iconic laksa Perlis. Be sure to try a bowl and experience how it differs from laksa in other Malaysian states.
- Warung Tepi Sawah 2769. Located right beside the scenic paddy fields, this warung boasts a beautiful setting that makes it an ideal place to relax, and it offers a variety of local specialties.
- Restoran Suri Masakan Melayu Asli. Located in Kangar, this restaurant’s name says it all - authentic traditional Malay cooking. It was packed when we visited. If you're looking to try classic local flavors, this is the place to be.
- Harum Manis Mango. Don’t leave Perlis without trying Harum Manis mangoes, as this unique species is only available in Perlis. As the name suggests, the mango is exceptionally sweet and fragrant when fully ripe. We bought ours from a roadside stall just in front of Warung Tepi Sawah.
So that wraps up all we saw and ate during our visit to Perlis. We know there are still many more places to explore, but with other destinations in the pipeline, this trip was more of a general overview. If we return to Perlis in the future, it will likely be for a more in-depth look at a specific part of the state.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our overall coverage of Perlis. We understand that many travelers may have time constraints, so this article serves as a helpful guide for planning your visit to Perlis.
Note: Perlis is located near the Thailand border. If you have some free time, consider crossing the border to visit Hat Yai, which is just a half-hour train ride from the border town of Padang Besar. For more information, please refer to our Hat Yai trip guide.
🎞️ Watch our video: Places to visit in Perlis
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