Perlis

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

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 Melaka. 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.

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

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

Interesting place

The Snake And Reptile Farm

Surrounded by the Bukit Bintang Forest Reserve near Sungai Batu Pahat, and located 10 km north of Kangar is the Snake and Reptile Farm.

The Snake Farm is a research facility set up to develop serums for snakebites. Housing more than 20 species of snakes, as well as crocodiles and monitor lizards, it is the only snake farm in Malaysia. The farm has open-air enclosures as well as enclosed exhibits.

Handlers will assist the public to take photographs with tame snakes.

Hill /Forest park

Gua Kelam Recreational Park

Gua Kelam, Kaki Bukit refers to the 370-metre long limestone cave at the small town of Kaki Bukit. Its name literally means "at a foothill (Kaki Bukit) lies a dark cave (Gua Kelam)". Access to the cave is by way of a suspension bridge. The uniqueness of approach, as well as the experience of walking along the bridge, make a visit to this place an intriguing and adventurous experience.

A subterranean stream flows in the limestone range near Kaki Bukit for about a quarter of a mile long. As in other limestone areas, the stream has built a long cavern over the centuries. This physiographic phenomenon was enlarged throughout the length of the underground stream in 1935 by a resident Englishman who saw it as a marvellous way of transporting tin ore from a mine located near the stream entrance through the underground cavern.

A wooden walkway hangs suspended throughout the length of the underground cavern providing a wondrous means of communication from Kaki Bukit to a valley on the opposite end - the Wan Tangga Valley.

Admission Fee: Adult RM1.00 Child RM0.50

Wang Kelian State Park

Nature lovers and adventurers are sure to enjoy the visit to Wang Kelian State Park. The forest is rich with flora and fauna, with some of the flora is close to Thai vegetation. The State Park is 1,000ha in size, located in the Mata Ayer Forest Reserve.

On the way to Wang Kelian, visitors will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Timah Tasoh Lake and the unique twin peaks of Bukit Chabang.

For adventurers, take a challenging walk at the jungle trek from the camping site past a tripping waterfall leading to the Wang Burma cave. Continue walking and you might find interesting things in the cave.

Not forgetting the popular Sunday market in Wang Kelian, where no passport is needed when crossing the Thai-Malaysian border. This is only provided that they remain within the market area.