Attractions in Penang

-Goddess of Mercy Temple Penang

      For many Penangites, the Goddess Of Mercy temple – colloquially known as Kuan Yin Teng – is a place of pride and divine protection. As the island’s oldest Taoist temple, it has emerged unscathed throughout turbulent times since its inception in 1728.

Dedicated to the venerable Goddess Kuan Yin, the place of worship miraculously survived the Imperial Japanese Army’s bombing in December 1941 as well as several terrorist attacks in the 1960s. Of course, all these episodes only serve to fuel rumours among locals that the temple possesses some kind of magical divinity.

Even if you are not into myths and legends, the Goddess Of Mercy temple (officially known as Kong Hock Keong) is still an important place in Penang. Granted, it may not share the same popularity as the Kek Lok Si Temple among tourists, but the Goddess Of Mercy Temple is a local institution. It has served as the focal point for many local Chinese during major religious festivities and cultural celebrations

Expect it to be a hub of activities during the first and 15th of every lunar month, as well as festivals like Chinese New Year.

-Chowrasta Market

       Chowrasta Market at Penang Road, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Malaysia's oldest markets and one of only two markets in the city centre, the other being Campbell Street Market. It is also notable for the wide variety of Penang's fresh produce sold within, from pickled nutmegs to tau sar pneah (Penang's famous bean paste pastry).

The area where the market now stands was originally part of a massive Indian area in George Town. In particular, ethnic Tamils from southern India began settling around the area in the mid-19th. century. It was within the vicinity of the present market where the Tamils sold fresh produce and livestock.

In 1890, the George Town Municipal Council built the single-storey Chowrasta Market. It was eventually replaced with the present Chowrasta Market in the 1960s. The market building was later renovated between 2013 and 2017, as part of efforts to rejuvenate and expand the aging market. The renovation works were completed as of January 2017.

At the market's Penang Road entrance, one can find various Penang produce such as nutmegs, durian cakes and balms. A wet market occupies the ground floor, while upstairs, one would be transported back in time amongst the rows of shoe shops, clothes shops and bookstores filled to the brim with second-hand publications. Market activities also spill out onto the surrounding streets - Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Chowrasta Road and Tamil Street - where vendors sell anything from electronic accessories to clothes at dirt cheap prices.

-Wat Chayamangkalaram

      The Reclining Buddha is a sight to behold. ‘Reclining’ for about 33 meters in length, the massive Buddha is also a gold-plated statue. The Reclining Buddha in this Wat Chayamangkalaram is considered to be the 14th biggest reclining Buddha in the world.

According to history, Queen Victoria has granted a land for the Thai temple to be built in 1845 and even until this day about over a hundred years later, the Thai temple still attracts throngs of devotees and visitors alike, both local and from abroad.

With great detail in its architecture, the temple and the reclining Buddha within is definitely worth a visit. The temple opens from 6am to 5.30pm daily and the entrance is free but it is always great to donate to contribute to the upkeep of the temple. There are also books for sale here where proceeds will go towards the temple’s funds.

This colorful Thai temple is situated just across a Burmese Temple. As you set foot into the grounds of Wat Chayamangkalaram, two ‘guards’ of two mythical dragon-headed serpents on their feet greet and welcome you into the temple. Upon looking around the temple, you will see that the temple grounds have many shrines along with brightly colored statues of Devas as well as other mythical creatures in Buddhism mythology.

The reclining Buddha represents the historical Buddha at his death. It is said that the Buddha knew death was approaching and asked his disciples to prepare a couch for him in a grove. Having a unique blend of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architectural designs and was built in the 19th century and declared open in 1956 by Thai King Bhumipol Ayudayej, Wat Chayamangkalaram even has the 12 idols representing the animals in the Chinese zodiac. As the Reclining Buddha is simply a majestic sight, you could take a picture with the statue as visitors are given the permission for photography. Remember to take your shoes off before entering the temple and respect the monks who go about the temple with their religious duties.

- Jerejak Island

      Jerejak Island or Pulau Jerejak is located in Bayan Lepas, off the south eastern tip of Penang Island. A short ferry ride from Bayan Lepas can get you to the island in no time. Jerejak Island is situated in between Penang Main lsland and Seberang Perai, surrounded by the water of South Channel.

Jerejak Island is not a develop island and so this island is capable in giving you the tranquility and serenity you desire of as the effect of the hustle and bustle of Penang Main Island. Jerejak Island gained its alias as The Alcatraz of Malaysia because of the prison on the island. It was known as a place for criminals, tuberculosis and leprosy patients back in the day. However, now, it is the island where people stop by to have a peace in mind. It is now well known for its unique flora and fauna as well as its rich history.

There are many activities that can be done there other than enjoying the breeze and nature breath. Outdoor, adventurous activities are what visitors fond of. These include rock climbing, mountain biking, flying fox, guided jungle trekking and many more. A resort named Jerejak Resort and Spa is built and soon it became one of the popular hotels in Penang. All the outdoor activities mentioned and also some water sports activities are arranged by the resort itself to suit the needs and requirements of their customers.

- Chulia Street

       Chulia Street Night Market, located in the heart of Penang, George Town, Malaysia, is a night market popular with locals, tourists, and foodies. While the market is not as large as other night markets in Malaysia, such as the Jalan Alor Night Market, you will still find all your favorite Malyasian dishes here including char kway teow, curry mee, wantan mee, satay, laksa, hokkien mee, and more.

The center of Chulia Street Night Market is located at the intersection of Chulia Street and Lebuh Carnavon. Most of the food stalls can be found scattered around the southern side of Chulia Street and on Lebuh Carnavon, just down the street from Tek Sen Restaurant, one of the best Chinese restaurants in Penang.

While you might be able to find better quality food elsewhere in Penang, for the price and experience, you really can’t ask for more. There was just something special about ordering fresly prepared street food and eating at small tables in the street. For me, this is one of the reasons why I travel across the world.

Malaysia States & Federal Territories (Penang)

9. Penang

    Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. They are connected by Malaysia's two longest road bridges, the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge the latter is also as of May 2019 the longest oversea bridge in Southeast Asia. The second smallest Malaysian state by landmass, Penang is bordered by Kedah to the north and the east, and Perak to the south.

Penang's population stood at nearly 1.767 million as of 2018, while its population density rose to 1,684/km (4,360/sq mi). It has among the nation's highest population densities and is one of the country's most urbanised states. Seberang Perai is Malaysia's second-largest city by population. Its heterogeneous population is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language and religion. Aside from the three main races, the Malays, Chinese, and Indians, Penang is home to significant Eurasian, Siamese and expatriate communities. George Town is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite or Penang Lâng (in Penang Hokkien).

Penang's modern history began in 1786, upon the establishment of George Town by Francis Light. Penang formed part of the Straits Settlements in 1826, which became a British crown colony in 1867. Direct British rule was only briefly interrupted during World War II when Japan occupied Penang the British retook Penang in 1945. Penang was later merged with the Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia), which gained independence from the British in 1957. Following the decline of its entrepôt trade towards the 1970s, Penang's economy was reoriented towards hi-tech manufacturing.

    

                                          Attraction places in Penang

- Kek Lok Si Temple

  The Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and is also an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia. The entire complex of temples was built over a period from 1890–1930, an inspirational initiative of Beow Lean, the Abbot. The main draw in the complex is the striking seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI (Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas) with 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha, and the 36.57 metres (120.0 ft) tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

The millions of magnificent images of Buddha and the hundreds of beautiful meaningful carvings, sculptures and murals in the interior and exterior of the temple halls, pagodas and archways are heritage treasures of Buddhist civilization. The temple complex also features many magnificent buildings and interesting sites that have historic value. The buildings have been constructed along intricate architectural lines sine resemble famous Buddhist temples in China, whilst others are unique in themselves, reflecting the Kek Lok Si’s own style of creative innovation.

The history of Kek Lok Si can be traced to the late nineteenth century. It began with the arrival of a priest, Venerable Beow Lean in Penang in 1885, who came to Penang with the aim of obtaining donations for the renovation of a monastery in Ku-san, Foochow, China. Instead, the trustees of the Kuan Yin Teng (Kong Hock Keong) Temple in Pitt Street, the oldest temple in Penang, decided to appoint him as the new resident priest of the temple. Venerable Beow Lean accepted the post as he was struck by the deep devotion of the Penang Chinese to Buddhism. Later, he discovered that a sprawling hill, in Air Itam village, outside of George Town, has the right Feng-sui to build a Buddhist monastery. Naming the hill Huock-san(Crane Hill) because it resembled a crane spreading its wings, Venerable Beow Lean decided to build a temple, to be known as “Huock San Kek Lok Jan Si”, which would act as a retreat centre for Buddhists.

- Penang Hill Railway

    The Penang Hill Railway is a one section funicular railway which climbs the Penang Hill from Air Itam, on the outskirts of the city of George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. The railway first opened in 1923 as a two-section railway, and the system was overhauled in 2010. The total journey time can take between five and twenty minutes. The funicular train coach travels directly from the lower station to the top but may stop at other intermediate stations upon request.

The Penang Hill Railway was initially constructed for the British colonial community to enjoy the cooler air of the Penang Hill. The first attempt at a mountain railway on Penang Hill began with a proposal by three British residents, D. Logan, Joseph Heim and Alan Wilson and the formation of a private company in 1897, with funding from the colonial administration. The first attempt used the steam engine and was not funicular, and it proved to be a failure. The line was constructed between 1901 and 1905 but did not work due to technical faults.

Visitors can enter the funicular railway at the Lower Station at Air Itam, and the final stop of the ride is the Upper Station at the top of Penang Hill. There are a number of stations along the railway between the Upper and Lower stations - the Middle Station (which is currently open only to residents), as well as the Claremont, Moniot Road, Viaduct, and the Lower and Upper Tunnel stations. Since the 2010 upgrade, the train normally proceeds directly to the top without stopping at the Middle Station. It is, however, possible to stop at some of the intermediate stations by arrangement with the driver.

The Upper Station has been upgraded with the construction of an extended viewing platform named Skywalk, an elevated walkway leading to a food court, as well as a lift, a cafe and a museum gallery. The Lower Station at Air Itam has been improved with a new building with a retractable roof and a new multi-storey car park for visitors travelling by car. Visitors can also reach the station on the 204 Rapid Penang bus from George Town, Penang.

- Penang Hill

Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks on Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located within the Air Itam suburb, 9 km (5.6 mi) west of the centre of George Town. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which actually refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak. One of the peaks is known as Strawberry Hill, which was also the name of a house owned by Francis Light, founder of Penang colony.

Penang Hill covers a number of hills, with the highest point at Western Hill which is 833 m (2,733 ft) above sea level. The hill stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. It was used as a retreat during the British colonial period and is now a popular tourist destination in Penang.

The official name of Penang Hill, however, was Flagstaff Hill, which is still reflected in its name in Malay, Bukit Bendera (literally "Flag Hill"). The name was a reference to the flagstaff outside "Bel Retiro", which was the residence of the Governor of Penang built by Francis Light c. 1789. The area is, however, widely known as Penang Hill which is, in fact, a collective term covering a number of hills, and the other names such as Flagstaff Hill and Strawberry Hill are still used for specific peaks in the area. The hill became a cool retreat for the British colonists from the heat of the lowlands and threat of malaria, and many bungalows were built on the summit of Penang Hill for government servants and army. A convalescent bungalow was built in 1803.

One of the earliest buildings on Strawberry Hill was a house built by David Brown on land given by Francis Light. Australian historian Marcus Langdon, however, believes Strawberry Hill house was built by William Edward Phillips, was also the owner of Suffolk House, and not David Brown. The house however burnt down and it was rebuilt in the 19th century, and it was being used as a restaurant as of 2012. The post office was first opened in 1894, and a hotel, the Crag Hotel, was established in 1895 (closed since World War II). The first police station was built in 1929, and the building is still standing here on the same site.

- Penang Bridge

Penang Bridge may not be an official sightseeing spot in Penang but it is the sight that greets most visitors to the island. A 13.5km-long suspension bridge that connects the island to the mainland at Seberang Perai, it is considered a Penang landmark, with locals comparing it to London Bridge.

Also known as Penang Bridge ( Jambatan Pulau Pinang), before it was opened the only way to get to the mainland was via ferry: today the causeway is one of the busiest freeways in the country. The longest bridge in Malaysia and the fourth-longest in Southeast Asia, it is a toll bridge, with fees paid only when heading to the island. The only time it closes is for the annual Penang Bridge International Marathon.

Before 1985, transportation between the island and the mainland was dependent solely on the state-owned Penang Ferry Service that runs between Butterworth and George Town.

In the early 1970s, the idea to build a bridge linking Seberang Perai to Penang Island was suggested by the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Abdul Razak and the 2nd Chief Minister of Penang Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu. At the end of 1971, the Malaysian government-appointed Christiani & Nielsen of Denmark to carry out a feasibility study.

In the year 1976, the Penang Bridge was planned during the term of 3rd Prime Minister of Malaysia's Tun Hussein Onn. In November 1976, Howard Needles Tammen & Bergendorf of the United States in association with Jurutera Konsultant (SEA) Sdn. Bhd. of Malaysia was appointed to design and supervise the construction of the bridge.

On 23 July 1981, the Works Minister of Malaysia Dato Seri Samy Vellu announced that the Penang Bridge would be constructed using the cable-stayed concrete girder of the Golden Gate Bridge instead of the steel-tied arch used in the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

- Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple

The Balathandayuthapani Temple, officially the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil, better known as the Waterfall Hill Temple or "Thaneer Malai" by locals, is a temple complex located in George Town, Penang. The main deity of this temple is Murugan. Visitors need to climb 513 stairs to reach the temple. It is the focal point of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia, after the Batu Caves. The hilltop temple, with its seven-storey 21.6m-tall gopuram (main tower), has been touted as the largest Lord Murugan temple outside India.

Being one of the oldest temples in Malaysia, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple has had a long history from its humble beginning at the base of a waterfall in 1782 to its subsequent relocation to a 11-acre site in 1850 before moving to its final abode; perched majestically high in the hills of Jalan Kebun Bunga, about 30 metres higher than its previous structure built-in 1850. This new temple complex was constructed on a safer location after much deliberation and study, to accommodate the ever-growing influx of devotees. The grand consecration ceremony (Kumbabishegam) of the newly completed Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani temple was held on the 29th of June 2012.

An RM3mil golden chariot hit the streets on the eve of Thaipusam on 8 February 2017. The 1.6-tonne golden chariot measuring 4.3m-high and 4m-wide will feature two golden horses in the front with several statues adorning the Kalasam (tower). The chariot bearing Lord Muruga's vel (spear) will move on rubberised wheels pulled by devotees. The inner frame of the chariot was made in Karaikudi and shipped to Penang where it was assembled. The golden chariot's journey will be from the Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street to the Arulmigu Sri Ganesha Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga. The chariot would be placed at the Sri Ganesha Temple for two days, on Thaipusam eve and on Thaipusam day. 

An 18-day pooja (special prayers) session will be conducted for The 0.9m-tall golden vel at Queen Street Maha Mariamman Temple. This depicts the story goes that the vel was created by Lord Shiva's consort Parasakthi who is also Lord Murugan's mother. Parasakthi appeared in 18 forms before merging into a single indestructible vel which was handed to Lord Murugan during the Poosa Natchathiram on Pournami Day (full moon) in the month of Thai (January to February). After receiving a blessing from the Lord's mother, the vel will be sent back to Lord Murugan on the golden chariot on Thaipusam eve. The golden chariot successfully completed its first trial run for Thaipusam in on 2 February 2017 about two hours through George Town in the presence of a large throng of devotees seeing it for the first time. The chariot went 3 km along Jalan Kebun Bunga, Lorong Air Terjun, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Residensi and Jalan Utama before returning to the temple.

Malaysia States & Federal Territories (Pahang)

10. Pahang

       Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia and undoubtedly one of the top eco-destinations. Kuantan is its capital city, located along the East Coast. Nearly two-thirds of Pahang’s 35,000 sq. km land area is covered in dense tropical rainforest, making it a repository for Malaysia’s natural treasures

Pahang almost has with population of 1 million. Kuantan which lies on the East Coast, offers the finest in beaches such as the famous Cherating Beach, Teluk Chempedak and Beserah Beach

Almost all of the highland retreats, some beautiful islands and beaches are found in Pahang. If you are a nature lover, you shouldn't miss out the destinations of Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Fraser's Hill. If you are looking for adventure, you should visit parks such as Kenong Rimba, Endau-Rompin and Taman Negara (National Park).

Attractions in Pahang

• Genting Highlands

         Genting Highlands is a cool hill station set amidst the cool mountain air and a majestic 100 million-year-old rainforest. Just 45 minutes away from KL City, it offers indoor and outdoor theme parks, an 18-hole golf course, a casino, and Malaysia’s biggest strawberry farm, all of which are set amidst a majestic 100 million-year-old rainforest. Genting Highlands is also perfect for adventure enthusiasts as activities such as abseiling, indoor rock climbing and flying fox activities are available.

There is also a massive cable car system which has put the Genting Highlands on the map or you can try whizzing through the rainforest on a Flying Fox. Another great thing about the Genting Highlands is that although the center is very commercialized, you can easily go trekking in the surrounding area and even hike to nearby waterfalls and mountains. This makes it a hit with both nature lovers and urbanites alike, which is something of a rare find in Malaysia.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in the Genting Highlands:

-Casino De Genting

      Genting Casino is one of the most popular evening activity venues in Genting Highlands, where you can test your luck at winning a massive pay-out. Established in 1971 by Resorts World Genting's founder, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, the casino was the first land-based casino in Malaysia, and has continuously attracted thousands of visitors from across the world.

Genting Casino also has 400 types of electronic table games, 3,000 slots machines, and 30 tables with games ranging from Blackjack and Tai Sai, to Russian roulette and French Boule. Also known as Casino de Genting, the casino is divided into several themed sections, including exclusive international and VIP rooms for elite gamblers, as well as 24-hour dining services.

Do note that the casino denies entry for visitors who are Muslim or below 21 years old. Open 24 hours daily, all visitors are required to dress appropriately when visiting this casino, which means plain or batik-printed attire and covered shoes for men, while ladies only require to wear smart casual clothing and shoes. Backpacks, electronic gadgets, and cameras are also prohibited at Genting Casino.

-Indoor Theme Park & Video Games Park

     One of the top attractions in the Genting Highlands is the Indoor Theme Park & Video Games Park which is home to some of the main sights in the area.

These include a huge selection of exciting attractions such as museums and an exciting climbing wall. You can also have a go at other activities such as indoor sky diving and there are arcades here with video games so this is a great place to visit with younger children, especially on a rainy day in the Genting Highlands.

-Chin Swee Caves Temple

      Chin Swee Caves Temple is a Taoist temple that’s set on a 28-acre plot of rocky forested land in Genting Highlands, where locals often frequent for religious rituals and enjoy the serene atmosphere. It was erected in honour of Reverend Master Chin Swee, a Buddhist monk from the Fujian Province who was renowned for his ability to summon rain and drive away evil spirits.

After completing the building of Genting Highlands Resort in 1975, which at that time was just a hotel with a small casino, Lim Goh Tong began construction of the temple. With the same dedication that he demonstrated in developing the Genting Highlands Resort, the late Lim began by gathering a group of friends many of whom were from his own Anxi clan and ancestry village of Penglai in Fujian Province of China, and established the Chin Swee Temple Society. Always leading by example, the late Lim began a donation drive by contributing a 28-acre land for the construction of the temple. In addition, his companies Resorts World Bhd and Genting Berhad made a cash donation of RM8.1 million for the building fund. The late Lim was elected as the Chairman of the society while his son, Lim Kok Thay was appointed as its Deputy Chairman

The temple which was officially opened on 29 March 1994 by Ling Liong Sik (then the Malaysian Minister of Transport), overlooks lush green slopes of virgin forest with a view of the winding road ascending to Genting Highlands. Such is the tranquility of the place that just by standing there one can feel the peacefulness of the environment in the midst of the moving white clouds and gentle cool breeze. Construction of the temple was both arduous and dangerous due to the steep and rocky terrain, which made it impossible to utilise modern machinery for fundamental work such as piling. However, with the same tenacity and determination that he put in when building Genting Highlands Resort, the late Lim who acted as the planner, architect, designer, contractor and supervisor used manual labour for the digging of the foundation for the temple. He and his team manually dug holes of 80 to 100 ft in depth for this tricky hill slope development. After all this tedious and time-consuming work the temple was completed in 18 years. More importantly, despite adopting such manual approach in extremely difficult situations and risky environment, there were neither casualties nor work-related accidents reported during the whole period of construction.

-Talking Garden

         Talking Garden is a landscaped garden and small recreational park at the foot of Theme Park Hotel, which overlooks the valley of Genting Highlands all the way to Kuala Lumpur on a clear day. Open daily from morning till late night, the park is a popular gathering ground for visitors with families to appreciate the lush views and cooling climate.

Visitors can scan a QR code from a signboard at the entrance to experience a narration via their smartphone (Hence, the name 'Talking Garden'). Some of the features of the garden include a fountain, gazebos and walkway with public benches nestled along flower bushes and ornamental plants. Visitors can also sponsor the planting of pitcher plants at a nursery here.

Malaysia States & Federal Territories (Perlis)

8. Perlis

    Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has the Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. It is bordered by the state of Kedah to the south. It was called Palit (Thai: ปะลิส) by the Siamese when it was under their influence. Perlis had a population of 227,025 as of 2010.

The capital of Perlis is Kangar, and the royal capital is Arau. Another important town is Padang Besar, at the Malaysia–Thailand border and Kuala Perlis, the ferry town to Langkawi. The main port and ferry terminal is at the small village of Kuala Perlis, linking mostly to Langkawi Island. Another important lately developed area is Pauh Putra within subdistrict of Kurong Anai which houses the main campus of the Malaysia University of Perlis and Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin. Perlis has a famous snake farm and research centre at Sungai Batu Pahat. Among the main tourist attractions are Perlis State Park and Gua Kelam.

Perlis was originally part of Kedah, although it occasionally came under rule by Siam or Aceh. Perlis was historically an important realm within the Kingdom of Kedah. Sultan Muhyiddin of Kedah made his capital in Kota Sena, while Sultan Dhiauddin II made Kota Indera Kayangan his capital. Sultan Dhiauddin II of Kedah was honorifically titled as Raja Muda of Perlis and Kedah, akin to the title Prince of Wales in the United Kingdom. During his reign as the Sultan of Kedah, he oversaw a treaty with George Leith to cede Province Wellesley to Penang. He was titled as Raja Muda of Perlis and Kedah. This fact depicted Perlis was a special realm within the Kedah sultanate.

                                               Attractions in Perlis


1. Gua Kelam

Gua Kelam is the most popular cave in Perlis and is located at about 25 minutes' drive from Kangar. The interior of the limestone cave is well lit and there is a proper pathway for you to navigate through the cave. As we entered the cave we were greeted by the odour of Gua-no (bat poop). We also saw a couple of crystallized rock formations and some spiders lurking around.

2. Gua Sami or Gua Cenderawasih

     Gua Sami or Gua Cenderawasih is a limestone cave hill located in Kangar. It is a popular hiking spot for locals as the view on the top is absolutely stunning. According to locals, there used to be monks meditating in this cave and hence, its name – Gua Sami.

You can park your car by the roadside and walk towards the arch. Then, walk past the little water lily pond which should be on your left until you see the entrance.

 3. Kuala Perlis ferry terminal gateway to Langkawi

      Kuala Perlis is located at the West of Perlis and is the ferry terminal gateway to Langkawi. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Langkawi from Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. You can drive to Lover’s Bridge 情人桥 (Jambatan Tuanku Syed Putra) and get a bird’s eye view of the fishing village here.



4. Tasik Melati Park

         

    Tasik Melati is a natural wetland within the development area. The park is famous for its lakes and its recreational facilities. Melati Lake derives its name from the fragrant Jasmine flower. It could probably adapt Melati from the adjacent housing estate called Taman Melati

In its original form, Tasik Melati is a wetland with its wild plant locally known as “kercit”. Its water never dries up as it is used as irrigation by local farmers. The wetland is developed by Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran in 1977. He increased the water capacity by building an embankment on the lake for the use of its water for 350 acres of paddy land. In 2001, the Perlis State government officially handed over the lake to Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran to develop the infrastructure, maintenance, and service of the whole 80 acres of the lake. Now the area is widely known as a recreational park.



5. Padang Besar

    Padang Besar is a border town in the north of Perlis, the northern-most state in Malaysia. The Padang Besar border crossing is the only direct rail link between Malaysia and Thailand and a quieter and less direct road crossing than Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah.

The town on the Thai side of the border, in Songkhla province, is also called Padang Besar - however, Malaysians differentiate between the two by calling the Thai town "Pekan Siam" or "Siamese Town". Much more tame and sanitized than its Thai counterpart, Malaysia's Padang Besar still attracts many Malaysians who come to shop for items imported from Thailand which are available in abundance at lower prices.

Padang Besar is a popular shopping paradise since 1960, this town is frequently visited by citizens from both Malaysia and Thailand for travel and business purpose. Nowadays, this town still attracts several thousands of visitors from Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand every weekend and during public holidays. Majority of Malaysians frequent Kompleks Aked Niaga Padang Besar, Pasar Padang Besar and Gapura Square. Jalan Besar (town centre) is also one of the famous shopping areas for Thai and Malaysian visitor.