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Perlis is intrinsically linked with Kedah and was part of Kedah until the Siamese conquest in 1821. It was subsequently separated from Kedah and made into a vassal state of the Siamese until the Bangkok Agreement in July 1909 when it was delivered to the British who installed a British adviser there. However, it was handed back to Thailand during the Japanese invasion in 1941 until 1946 when it came under British protection again. It became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

It is the smallest state in Malaysia, sharing a man-made boundary with Thailand in the northeast. Its predominantly agricultural occupation with miles and miles of green-gold padi-fields, undulating plains and majestic, stark limestone outcrops make it an ideal destination for one looking for the old world charm and rustic scenery. With a racial mix of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thais and others it is a rich source of cultures and history.

Kangar

Kangar, situated close to the golden-green padi fields in the state capital housing the modern looking administrative buildings. An interesting feature is the golden domed former state mosque. Nearby is the state museum and SEDC Tower, a food centre with typical Perlis cuisine. All other important buildings are located within walking distance.

Sungai Batu Pahat, about 10kms to the east of Kangar is a popular picnic spot, which offers a bird and animal park. The snake farm is a notable attraction. The caves and limestone hills of Perlis are the natural haunt of a large number of venomous snakes. The snake farm is a research centre for the production of serums used as an antidote for snakebites. A large collection of live snakes, including the deadly cobra are at display in the farm.

Tasik Melati, a picturesque shallow, man made lake located in a partially marshy lowland with more than 150 sandbar island offers a breathtaking sunset. A variety of birds inhabit the lakes.

Gua Kelam Kaki Bukit

Gua Kelam Kaki Bukit(literally means the Cave of Darkness at the foothills) is an interesting feature of the limestone area. This 370 metre long cave was partly carved out by a subterranean stream. The cave was enlarged to form a natural tunnel linking the tin producing mine at the mouth of the stream to the valley of Wang Tangga on the other side of the hill by an Englishman, an ingenuous idea to transport the tin ore. A wooden suspension bridge runs the entire length of the cave. A stroll through this cavern with its enchanting dim light and gurgling underground stream to the bright sunlit green valley at the other end fills one with awe. Gua Kelam Kaki Bukit is situated about 13kms from the border town of Padang Besar.

Kuala Perlis

Kuala Perlis, a small estuarine port situated at the mouth of Sungai Perlis is the largest town in Perlis and is the entry and exit point to Phuket Island, Pulau Langkawi and other coastal towns and villages. The main occupation is fishing. The fisherfolk live in wooden houses, which have sprouted along the river and water front in a rather quaint unplanned manner. It boasts a local dish, 'laksa' which is made up of rice noodles in spiced fish soup garnished with sliced onions, cucumber, local spices and seafood.

Padang Besar

Padang Besar is a border town and merging point of Thai and Malaysian culture. The railway station is manned by Thai immigration officials on the Thai side and their Malaysian counterparts on the other side. Across the railway station is Pekan Siam, a popular shopping centre where various items of clothing, leather goods, food items and other souvenirs can be obtained at bargain prices.

Arau

Arau, 10 miles south of Kangar, is a picturesque town. It is the beautiful palace and residence of Sultan of Perlis and is the Royal town. The state mosque is located here. The Sultan of Perlis is the current Ruler of the people and nation. The coronation of the 12th Agung, the Raja (King) of Perlis was held on 25th April 2002.

States in Malaysia