Go Around Perlis In Three Days

By Wan Shahara Ahmad Ghazali KANGAR (Malaysia), Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Covering an area of 810 square kilometres, Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia, and it only takes an hour to drive from one end to the other. With a small population of less that a quarter million, the state with the "The Beautiful and Alluring State” tagline is the choice destination for those seeking a placid atmosphere, who want to engage with nature or relish on the traditional way of life. As Perlis is the northernmost state in the Peninsula, there are obvious differences in the landscape and weather. Much of the land here is flat and the weather is hot, dry and windy, allowing certain plants to grow better, including sugarcane, rebung madu (bamboo shoots), grapes and the pride of Perlis, harum manis mangoes (sweet aromatic mangoes). Therefore, nature guide Ronnie Rahman, owner of Ronn’s Adventure, noted that the best time to visit Perlis is during the harum manis season from April to May. Visitors are bound to be captivated by the state's cultural and historical perspective, the beautiful scenery and the down-to-earth ways of the local residents. The ride from Kuala Lumpur to the state's capital takes seven hours, and Perlis is easily accessible through the North-South Highway and the Kuala Perlis-Changlun Highway. There are numerous hotels located strategically in the state, including Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar. EXTRAORDINARY MUSEUM It was tiring journey, so the itinerary for the first day was not only a relaxed one but at no cost as well -- a visit to the Kota Kayang Museum. The museum was built in the 1990s on what is said to be the site where the Kedah Sultanate ruled, dating back to 16 AD, and there were ancient graves in the area. The vast museum grounds has a mature garden and the oldest man-made lake in the country, where families could unwind. It is surrounded by small hills -- Bukit Kayang, Bukit Lambong Panah, Bukit Jagat Hutang, Bukit Wai and Bukit Menara. The single-story museum is built in the shape of a wooden shed and looks plain, but it reflects the state's evolution and the traditional routines of its people. It has three galleries; the general gallery provides the chronology of how Kota Kayang evolved and how the nobility lived. PERLIS' UNIQUE ANCIENT CULTURE The two other galleries display archeological findings in the state, especially in Kota Kayang, and numerous traditional paraphernalia. Other than the evidence of human settlement in the state as early as 5,000 years ago, following the finding of the cultural settlement in Gua Bintong during the Hoabinhian period, archeological findings also indicate Perlis society's inter-action with ancient Indian civilizations as far back as 2,600 years ago. The prehistoric artifacts include 2,000–year-old Ban Kao cultural pottery found here. The third gallery highlights numerous collections that narrate Kedah's rulers, a replica of the gold flower tree sent to Siamese rulers as a tribute, remnants of colonization and the Perlis royal lineage, which can be traced back to Prophet Muhammad. SECOND DAY The second day offered a look at nature's wonders at Perlis State Park, located at Kaki Bukit, bordering Thailand. Those who don't have the stamina to scale the hill can still go to Gua Kelam or Gua Cenderawasih, which has facilities to explore the cave, including trams and lighting. The limestone cave is divided into two: the dry cave, Wang Burma 1, and the wet cave, Wang Burma 2. To explore, one has to seek the services of trained guides. Exploring the caves poses a serious challenge, especially when passages change drastically, with some getting so narrow that one has to crawl or slide through. Going through the challenge is worth the effort, as one can enjoy the spectacular view provided by the stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the flow of the underground stream. After savouring a hearty kampung meal at the State Park, the next stop on the itinerary was a visit to the nearby shopping haven of Wang Kelian. TRINKETS AND SUGARCANE PLANTATION This shopping paradise close to the Thai border sells numerous items, including handicraft at bargain prices, metal trinkets and cooking utensils. After Wang Kelian, take a ride to Chuping across vast sugarcane plantations at either side of the road. Make a stopover at the observation tower and enjoy the 22,000-hectare endless scenery provided by the sugarcane plantation. Chuping has earned a reputation as the hottest spot in Malaysia; on 9 April 1998 it recorded the highest temperature in the history of the nation, 40.1 Celsius. At the Kuala Perlis jetty, the new landmark, the Al-Hussain Floating Mosque, provides a majestic view, and from the jetty one can take a ferry to Langkawi. DISTINCTIVE LOCAL PRODUCTS On the third day, it was time to savour natural agricultural products at the herbal jungle, bee farm and vineyard and to buy the products without having to worry about their origins. The Herbal Forest Park at Kaki Bukit provides information on the herbs found in the state including species that can only be found in Perlis. The Bee farm in Sungai Batu Pahat is much sought after by traditional healers, who seek honey-based products to treat patients. The centre is known for honey production and royal jelly and pollen -- containing bee's apitotoxinapart, used in treating certain chronic disease -- all at low prices. THE FERTILE GRAPES OF PERLIS Perlis has been growing grapes in the vineyard at Bukit Temiang Agricultural Complex for the last 30 years. Grapes grow here because of the drought season unique to Perlis. This small vineyard boasts four varieties of grapes, producing 15 to 22 tonnes annually of each variety. The grapes are sold at the nearby grape kiosk at wholesale price. Among the delicious varieties available here are the Black Opal, Black Queen, Isabelle, IAC and New White Malaga. And don't forget to savour Perlis' traditional delicacies -- Laksa Perlis (popular spicy noodle soup) and fresh seafood. Finally, a visit to Perlis is not complete without stopping over at a renowned restaurant -- Restoran Anjung Keli -- that serves catfish delicacies and pajeri (a sweet-sour pineapple dish). (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA