Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia… it is so small sometimes Malaysians like to joke that there are only 8 people living in Perlis, but of course that is NOT true!!! Perlis is situated at the northern side of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and borders the state of Kedah to the south, and to its north; Satun and Songkhla provinces in Thailand….

The influence of Thai and Malay dominates the state of Perlis. The most common traditional practices that people indulge in include traditional dances, games and many other interesting entertainment…

The economy of Perlis depends largely on forestry, agriculture and fishing industries. It is one of the largest sugarcane producers in Malaysia. Perlis’ main forms of fruit produce are watermelon and harumanis mango. The state is slowly moving towards development of both large scale and medium-scale industrial and manufacturing activities.

If you go to Perlis, there are many places to find delicious dishes. You have to decide if you want to eat at a luxurious restaurant or at the standard, air-conditioned restaurants. You can also decide to go casual and dine at the hawker centres. The prices are reasonable. Perlis is unarguably the one state in Malaysia that serves the best tom yam and it is probably because of its neighbouring relations to Thailand. I will be sharing on some places to eat in my next blog post!!!

Just so you know, it has been said that Kuala Perlis is popular for its lip-smacking and easily available seafood, fresh from the sea and relatively cheaper compared to other parts of Malaysia.

We were in Perlis partly to witness the launch of the of National Cooperative Month or Bulan Koperasi Kebangaaan (BKK2024)… The Malaysian Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) had a three-day celebration of the National Cooperative Month (BKK) and National Cooperative Day (HKN) 2024 in Perlis…

There were 100 booths set up by various government departments, agencies and cooperatives at the event which was officiated by the Regent of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail at the Pengkalan Asam Complex in Kangar, a grand event indeed….

And so yes, I was lucky to get to explore Perlis and some of it’s cooperative initiatives and collaborations with the locals… and here are some places you can visit or check out when in Malaysia’s tiniest state!!!

*Kacip Fatimah nursery/plantation and Kelulut bees farm…

Checking out the agricultural products the cooperative commission have in Perlis!!

* kacip fatimah herb nursery (the biggest in Malaysia) which will lthen be transplanted and also mixed into instant coffees….

* kelulut bees honey – farmed and sold … the farm selles the most purest kelulut bees honey , which are very high in anti oxidants !!

This initiatives help the villagers and cooperative members generate more jobs and revenues….

*Padang Waremart

Padang Waremart is a large shopping complex featuring a good selection of specialty products (mostly from Thailand) for you to choose from.

Padang Waremart is well known for its bast array of snacks and treats mostly imported from Thailand and it is perfect for locals who cannot or are not crossing the border to get some Thai items…. Padang Waremart is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Padang Waremart is clean, covered with high ceiling, so pretty airy unless it’s crowded. They sell clothes, pyjamas, jerseys, shoes, costume jewelleries, handbags, kitchen wares, nuts, sweets, toys, and so on. You can do some bargaining here…. The traders accept both Thai bahts and Ringgit here.

*Kangar Street Art

This lovely place is one of the better street art you can find around in Malaysia, done by 15 talented artists from Persatuan Pelukis Negeri Perlis. The Kangar Street Art 2.0 project incorporates elements and people dear to the locals’ hearts, reflecting the unique Perlis identity

jSome props are used, the ground and the higher walls are also painted on. The quality of work is good and you and you can even visit at night as the lights will be on.

Address – Lorong Seni, Pusat Bandar Kangar, 01000 Kangar

*Harumanis By Hutan Tenim

Warung Hutan Temin grows the famous Harumanis mango, which is seasonal (April to June) and only harvested once a year.

To those who do not know it, mangoes are among the best mangoes in the world produced in the smallest state in the Northern tip of Malaysia – Perlis….

Harumanis is mainly grown in Perlis because this mango requires hot and drier weather, including soil that is rich with limestone similarly found in Perlis, to flourish.

Harumanis mangoes have a distinct taste which is slightly creamy, milky and a very strong and distinct aroma.

Opened since last year, Warung Hutan Temin opens all year long selling Harumanis juice (while stocks last).. the warung here is at the farm and is a nice place to hang out and enjoy some of those delicious Harumanis juice along with some western or local dishes….

Indulge in an assortment of harumanis delicacies including cendol harumanis and harumanis mango sticky rice when the harumanis season is on

Address – 114A, Jalan Stesen , Mata Ayer 02500, Perlis

*Perlis Floating Market 

Being a border state to Thailand, Perlis has plenty of Thai influences abd they also have a charming Floating Market..

It’s free to visit and it is located at Department of Irrigation and Drainage (Perlis) Kangar..

There are not too many food stalls so pls do not compare it with the real Thai Floating Markets, but it’s ok for those if you just want to come for a visit and try the food here which can be pretty good!!!

There is a mini zoo on an island with geese, ducks, rabbits with a rm 2 entry, as well as fish feeding and paddle boats or kayaks available….

Do try the steamed corn with coconut shavings (jagung kukus nyoq kukur), laksa Perlis, pulut ayam and the raindrop cake!!!!

Address – Kompleks JPS Perlis, Pengkalam Asam, 01000 Kangar, Perlis

*Kampung Warna Warni

Kampung Tengah / Kampung Seberang Ramai in Kuala Perlis is one of the latest tourist attractions in Perlis that has been given a new lease of life as a “Colourful Village / Kampung Warna Warni” as an example and to raise public awareness towards practising 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) in the local community. 

Kampung Warna Warni is currently being run by Koperasi Perkampungan Warna Warni Kampung Tengah Berhad and each of the village lane has its own theme, for example ‘Murals’, ‘Rainbow’, ‘Royal Children’, ‘Black & White’…

Visitors to the village can either stroll around the village or take the choley ( a kind of tram ) to see the village  and visitors there should also visit the iconic Tuanku Syed Putra Bridge.

Wahyuni Spa and Salon

Wahyuni spa and salon is a strictly for ladies only spa that is compliant to shariah (Islamic laws), providing head-to-toe spa services…

The business which began as a mobile spa service has grown to three outlets (two in Kangar and one in Alor Setar in Kedah).

You can also find beauty products like jamu (homemade remedial / medicinal concoctions), essential oils and even perfume, which can be purchased via Shopee.

The spa offers aesthetics services like laser treatment, spa, hair care, manicure pedicure, foot massage etc and provides employment to girls, especially those who just completed their Malaysian Certificate of Education, in Perlis and Kedah, thus increasing opportunities for them to increase income and boost local economy.

Wahyuni Signature Full Body Massage is the most popular, and customers can choose from 3 different types of massages: Malay massage, Urutan Malaysia (specific Malaysian Massage that infuses the various massage techniques from Malaysia’s ethnic groups), and relaxing massage….

This trip to Perlis has been made possible by the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission of Malaysia (SKM) and Gaya Travel Magazine….