With just over 250 000 total population based on the 2019 survey, Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia This 892km state is just over 5 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. I had the chance to visit the state last week and here are a few places you can visit while in Perlis.
Gua Kelam.
Gua Kelam or Dark Cave located 27 km from Kangar (Capital City or Perlis). It's a must-see attraction while visiting Perlis. Synonym with its name, the cave is so dark. However not to worry, as there are lights along the 1.5 km path inside the cave. I was alone during that time and I can tell you, it was so "uncomfortable". So dark, cold and windy. You can hear loud water flowing underneath the man-mad pedestrian. Immediately I remember all 12 Thai boys ended up trapped deep inside a Tham Luang long underneath a mountain. It must be hard for all of them.
Ticket fees: RM2
Around the area, you can explore Secret Graden or you can have a picnic near the cave but make sure you check with local authorities on the water level as it might be dangerous.
Padang Besar
Padang Besar is a border town located in the northern part of the state of Perlis in Malaysia as well as a northmost town in Malaysia. It is situated, 35 kilometres northeast of Kangar and about 57 km southwest of Hat Yai. It's a shopping paradise to get your favourite Thai snacks and good foods, This is also a checkpoint to cross borders to Thailand's Songkhla Province. There are two places I suggested to shop - Arked Niaga and Padang Walmart. I generally like Padang Waremart as it has more selections. If you Waze Padang Besar, the typical routes will bring you passing by the AKSEM (Agensi Kawalan Sempadan Malaysia) checkpoint, they will ask where you are going and the purpose of your visit. Not to worry.
Kota Kayang Museum
The museum is on a 2-hectare of land and located just 10 minutes from Kangar. The museum is divided into three galleries, the General Gallery, the Archaeological Gallery and the Perlis Gallery. The museum opens every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and it's free!
Bukit Keteri
Bukit Keteri is a well-known limestone formation, is located in the state of Perlis within the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. With a staggering 65 meters in height, it will take 30 minutes to climb this limestone and get the stunning paddy field view. To ensure you get the right direction, put "Bukit Keteri West' on Google Maps/Waze. The limestone appears at the right-hand standing in a paddy field opposite a Mosque. I didn't have a chance to climb due to not being open at that time but I heard this is the hardest limestone to climb! If you wish not to climb, you can take photos with limestone in the background.
Honourable mention things to do or visit in Perlis
Masjid Al-Husain Perlis
Timah Tasok Lake
Taman Melati Recreational Park
I spend my little evening jogging at Taman Pengkalan Asam. Lovely park with a nice colourful hanging bridge and a nice river view. There is one colourful rainbow bridge not far from the car park which is good for photos.!
If you want to visit Perlis, I suggest spending 2 days and one night here. Perlis, despite being the smallest state in Malaysia, you can feel the joy of the little town, lush green paddy fields and the smiles of the people. There are plenty of good hotels in the town- I stay at Hotel Sri Garden - a 2-star hotel with basic facilities and everything you need.
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