Wanderhoney.Com

I recently visited Perlis for a work trip and during my time there, I had the chance to go on a quick day trip with my colleagues who worked in Perlis. They showed me around some cool tourist spots that are also well-known among the locals. The best part was how incredibly nice everyone was to me, and they even gave me souvenirs to bring back home.

Honestly, I didn’t expect much from Perlis at first, but I was wrong. It turned out that Perlis is a touristy place with many interesting attractions to visit. It’s a shame my trip was so short because there are still many places I wish I could’ve visited. If you’re planning a trip to Perlis, here’s a quick day trip that might come in handy.

Visit Santuari Timah Tasoh For Instagrammable Photos.

During your visit here, be sure to explore the entire area. You can take the opportunity to camp and enjoy water activities like kayaking. The place also provides a boat ride to explore the enchanting lake, including the isolated island known as “Pulau Burung,” or Bird Island.  The boat will make a stop on the island for you to capture memorable photos of the remarkable sight—a large, eerie tree with a swing. Make sure you don’t skip out on taking this boat ride, as it offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Before you leave, be sure to buy the local specialty, ikan ‘Pekasam’ (a traditional Malay dish that involves fermenting fish with salt and rice). The locals recommend picking the tasty Ikan Bongkok variety, so don’t forget to grab some.

Visit Padang Besar, Perlis To Shop Until You Drop.

Padang Besar, situated in Perlis, is a famous shopping spot that attracts visitors to the area. This lively destination is well-known for its busy markets and lively atmosphere, offering a wide range of goods and products. From traditional crafts and clothing to electronics and household items, Padang Besar provides an abundance of shopping opportunities. It’s a place where locals and tourists gather to explore the bustling stalls, negotiate prices, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or simply want to indulge in some shopping, a visit to Padang Besar in Perlis guarantees a memorable retail experience.

Must-Visit Restaurants. 

• Warung Seri Kesinai Indah, Padang Besar. 

This warung serves up a specialty called “Nasi Kawen” that you absolutely must try! It’s a mouthwatering dish consisting of delicious fried rice with fried prawns and squid, served alongside soup, sambal belacan (shrimp paste sambal), and chili sauce. The portion is so generous that it can easily be shared by two, but I have to admit, I can finish it all by myself because it’s just that good. Trust me, it’s incredibly tasty, and I highly recommend giving it a try. Oh, and I couldn’t resist ordering the chicken tom yam soup too, and let me tell you, it was absolutely scrumptious. I absolutely loved it.

• Wansyah Kitchen, Kangar.

Wansyah Kitchen, located in Kangar, is a restaurant that specializes in Malay dishes, particularly renowned for its masak lemak salai. The menu offers a wide variety of options, ranging from set nasi biryani kambing (mutton biryani) and set ikan bawal goreng (fried pomfret fish) to appetizers like keropok lekor (traditional Malay snack made from a mixture of fish, usually mackerel or sardines, mixed with sago flour, salt, and water) and cucur udang (shrimp fritters). I highly recommend trying the cucur udang, which you can enjoy as a tasty appetizer while waiting for your main course. It’s absolutely delicious, especially when paired with the flavorful peanut sauce.

During my visit, I ordered the set itik salai masak lemak (smoked duck with spicy coconut gravy), served alongside ‘sambal belacan’ and a variety of Ulam-Ulaman (Malay-style raw or blanched vegetables) and I must say, it was an absolute delight. The flavors were outstanding, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite.

• Kak Su Laksa, Kuala Perlis.

Kak Su Laksa in Kuala Perlis is a must-visit spot for Laksa lovers like me. Malaysia offers a variety of Laksa types, so I couldn’t resist trying the one in Perlis. A colleague recommended this place, and I thought, why not give it a shot?

Honestly, the main gravy tasted similar to the ones in Penang or Kedah. The only difference was the use of original laksa beras noodles and their unique way of enjoying it. They eat it with ‘Pulut Udang’ (sticky rice mixed with shredded coconut and shrimp) and put some soy sauce. Curious about their style, I decided to dig in just the way they do. The taste was quite unique but yeah, still tasty, although I must admit, I do prefer to enjoy ‘Pulut Udang’ separately. Haha. You should definitely give it a try too!

My time in Perlis was truly enjoyable. The food was absolutely amazing, especially with the Thai influence since it’s so close to Thailand. You can find plenty of Siamese restaurants here, which is really cool.

There were a few more places I wanted to check out, but I couldn’t fit them in because I had to head to Kedah for my flight back home. However, one thing is for sure: I will definitely return to Perlis again in the future. There’s so much more to explore and experience in this wonderful place. If you’re from Perlis, feel free to drop me an email and recommend some cool spots for my next visit. I’m always up for suggestions and eager to discover new places in Perlis.

X, Hani. ❤