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Perlis

Perlis, Malaysia

Discover the Hidden Gem of Perlis, Malaysia Escape the well-trodden tourist trail and uncover the charm of Perlis, Malaysia's smallest state with a big personality. Nestled along the Thailand border, Perlis offers a tran…

#Northern Malaysia#Rural#Historical Sites#Agricultural#Border state

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Perlis.

Top Hotels in Perlis

Top Flights to Perlis

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Perlis.

Tours

Visit the Gua Kelam Recreational Park

Famous for its limestone cave, Gua Kelam offers a unique walking experience through a historic tunnel.

Shopping

Stroll through Kangar's Saturday Market

Explore the bustling local market in Kangar, offering fresh produce, local foods, and handcrafts.

Outdoor

Explore the Perlis State Park

Discover the lush greenery and unique limestone hills of Perlis State Park, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Perlis.

Currency

RM | MYR | Malaysian Ringgit

Population

Information not available.

Languages

Malay, Mandarin, Tamil

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Perlis.

What people love

Perlisis the smallest state in Malaysia, situated in the northern region of the country. Here are some pros of traveling to Perlis:

Serene Nature: Perlis is known for its lush greenery, paddy fields, and scenic landscapes. Travelers can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil environment that the state offers, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Cultural Heritage: Perlis has a rich cultural heritage with influences from Malay, Thai, and Chinese cultures. Visitors can explore traditional villages, temples, and historical sites that showcase the unique blend of cultures in the region.
Food: Perlis is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as laksa, nasi lemak, and various seafood dishes. Travelers can indulge in a culinary experience by trying out the local delicacies available in the state.
Outdoor Activities: Perlis offers a range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts, such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching. The state is home to Gunung Perlis, a popular hiking spot that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Warm Hospitality: The people of Perlis are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Travelers can experience the local culture firsthand by interacting with the locals and learning about their traditions and way of life.

Overall, Perlis is a hidden gem in Malaysia that offers a unique travel experience for those looking to explore a lesser-known destination with natural beauty and cultural charm.

Enjoy your trip to Perlis!

What to know

Traveling to Perlis, located in Malaysia, does not have many cons, but there are a few aspects to consider:

Limited tourist attractions: Perlis is one of the smallest states in Malaysia and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. However, it may not offer as many tourist attractions compared to other states in Malaysia. If you are looking for a destination with a wide range of activities and sights to explore, Perlis might not be the best choice.
Limited public transportation: Public transportation options in Perlis might be limited compared to other parts of Malaysia. This could make it more challenging to get around the state if you do not have access to a car. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services might be necessary to explore the area efficiently.
Lack of nightlife and entertainment: Perlis is not known for its vibrant nightlife scene or entertainment options. If you are looking for a destination with a bustling nightlife and various entertainment venues, you might find Perlis to be relatively quiet in the evenings.
Hot and humid weather: Perlis, like the rest of Malaysia, has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. If you prefer cooler temperatures or are sensitive to heat, you may find the weather in Perlis uncomfortable.

Overall, while Perlis offers a unique and tranquil experience for travelers seeking a more relaxed environment, it may not be the ideal destination for those looking for a bustling city or a wide range of tourist attractions.

Perlis, officially known as Perlis Indera Kayangan, is the smallest state in Malaysia, located in the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is bordered by Thailand to the north and the Malaysian state of Kedah to the south.

Early History

The history of Perlis is closely linked to the history of Kedah. Originally, it was part of the Kingdom of Kedah. The area was under the rule of Siam (now Thailand) and was known by the name of Palit and later Perlis.

19th Century

In the early 19th century, Perlis was under the influence of Siam. In 1821, Kedah was invaded by Siam, and during this period, Perlis began to emerge as a separate political entity. In 1842, Siam recognized Perlis as a separate principality, appointing Syed Hussain Jamalulail as its first ruler or Raja. He was the founder of the current ruling house of Perlis.

Colonial Era

In 1909, the Anglo-Siamese Treaty was signed, which transferred control of Perlis from Siam to the British. Perlis became part of the Unfederated Malay States under British protection.

World War II

During World War II, Perlis, like other parts of Malaya, was occupied by Japanese forces. After the Japanese surrender, Perlis briefly came under Thai administration before being returned to British control.

Post-Independence

Perlis joined the Federation of Malaya in 1957, when Malaya gained independence from Britain. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya became Malaysia, and Perlis became one of the states in the federation.

Significant Historical Figures

Syed Hussain Jamalulail: The first Raja of Perlis, who established the ruling house.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin: The current Raja of Perlis, who served as the King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) of Malaysia from 2001 to 2006.

Important Landmarks

Kota Kayang Museum: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Perlis, located near the site of an ancient fort.
Alwi Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Perlis, significant for its architectural and historical value.
Perlis State Park: A natural park that showcases the region's unique limestone hills and biodiversity.
Wang Kelian: Known for its Sunday market and the Wang Kelian State Park, a popular spot for hiking and experiencing nature.

Cultural Heritage

Perlis is known for its rich cultural heritage, with influences from Malay, Thai, and Siamese cultures. Traditional arts, crafts, and festivals reflect this blend, with events such as the Perlis Harvest Festival showcasing local traditions.

Economy

The economy of Perlis is primarily based on agriculture, with rice, sugarcane, and fruit cultivation being significant. The state is also known for its fishing industry and growing tourism sector.

Perlis remains a region rich in history and cultural diversity, maintaining its unique identity within Malaysia's tapestry of states.