I recently visited Perlis for a work trip, and during my stay, my local colleagues were kind enough to take me on a quick day trip. They showed me some of the most well-known (and Instagram-worthy!) spots, giving me a glimpse into the charm of this underrated destination. The best part? Everyone was incredibly kind, and they even gave me souvenirs to bring homeāsuch a sweet and thoughtful gesture!! š
Honestly, I didnāt expect much from Perlis at first, but I was so wrong. This small state has so much to offer! I only wish my trip had been longer because there were still so many places I wanted to visit.
If youāre planning a trip to Perlis, hereās a quick and exciting day trip itinerary that you might find useful!
š Visit Santuari Timah Tasoh For Instagrammable PhotosĀ
First stop: Santuari Timah Tasohāa hidden paradise perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts!
This place is not just about stunning views. If you have time, you can go camping, try water activities like kayaking, or take a scenic boat ride across the beautiful lake. One of the highlights is the stop at an isolated island known as Pulau Burung (Bird Island), where youāll find a mystical-looking tree with a swingāa must-capture moment for your Instagram! šæāØ
š” Pro tip: Donāt miss the boat ride. Trust me, the experience is unforgettable!
Before you leave, grab some ikan pekasam, a traditional fermented fish delicacy. The locals recommend picking the tasty Ikan Bongkok variety, so if you love trying local specialties, make sure to take some home.
šļø Visit Padang Besar Perlis, To Shop Until You Drop
Next up: Padang Besar, the busiest shopping district in Perlis!
Whether youāre hunting for local crafts, clothing, electronics, or household items, this place has it all. The market scene is vibrant, with a mix of Thai and Malaysian products at bargain prices. Itās the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs or just enjoy the thrill of shopping.
š” Pro tip: Bring cash because some vendors might not accept cards. And donāt forget to haggle a littleāitās part of the fun!
š½ļø Where to Eat in Perlis: Must-Try Local RestaurantsĀ
Now, letās talk about foodābecause whatās a trip without indulging in delicious local dishes?
š Warung Seri Kesinai Indah, Padang Besar š¤
The star dish here? Nasi Kawenāa generous plate of fried rice, fried prawns and squid served alongside soup, sambal belacan (shrimp paste sambal), and chili sauce. The portion is big enough for two, but letās be realāI finished it all by myself because it was just that good! š
I also couldnāt resist ordering the chicken tom yam soup, and wowāabsolutely delicious! If youāre in Padang Besar, this warung is a must-visit!
š Wansyah Kitchen, Kangar š
Located in Kangar, this restaurant specializes in authentic Malay cuisine, particularly Masak Lemak Salai.
Some of their standout dishes include:
ā
Set Nasi Biryani Kambing (Mutton Biryani)
ā
Set Ikan Bawal Goreng (Fried Pomfret Fish)
ā
Keropok Lekor (Traditional fish crackers)
ā
Cucur Udang (Shrimp frittersāso crispy & tasty!)
I highly recommend trying their Cucur Udang as an appetizer while waiting for your main meal. It pairs perfectly with their flavorful peanut sauce!
I ordered the Set Itik Salai Masak Lemak (smoked duck cooked in a rich, spicy coconut gravy), served with sambal belacan and fresh Ulam-Ulaman (raw veggies). It was an absolute delightāthe flavors were bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
š Kak Su Laksa, Kuala Perlis š
If youāre a laksa lover (like me!), Kak Su Laksa in Kuala Perlis is a must-visit.
Malaysia has many versions of laksa, and I was curious to try Perlisā take on this iconic dish. The gravy tasted similar to the ones in Penang or Kedah, but what made it special was the noodlesāthey were handmade from rice, giving them a unique texture. Another interesting twist was how the locals ate itāwith Pulut Udang (sticky rice with shredded coconut and shrimp) and a bit of soy sauce. It was definitely a new experience for me!
I gave it a try the local way, and while it was unique and delicious, I think I still prefer eating Pulut Udang separately. š But hey, you should totally try it and decide for yourself!
Will I Return to Perlis? ABSOLUTELY!
My trip to Perlis was short but so worth it! The food was amazing, especially with the strong Thai influence due to its proximity to Thailand. There were so many Siamese restaurants to explore, which was a cool experience.
Unfortunately, I couldnāt visit all the places I wanted to because I had to head to Kedah for my flight back home. But one thingās for sureāIāll definitely be back! š
If youāre from Perlis, drop me an email or comment below with recommendations for my next trip! Iād love to explore more hidden gems in this wonderful state.
Until next timeāstay adventurous, eat well, and explore often!
X, Hani. ā¤
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