Kangar is the state’s capital and it used to be a historical city. There are many things to do there and Kangar still remains an important part of Perlis even though its population is only about 6,000 people. It has been developed into a modern town with many amenities for locals and tourists alike. With a river that runs through the middle of the town, here are some of the best Kangar attractions that you should visit.
This limestone karst formation, which resembles two towers standing next to each other and is encircled by rice paddies that stretch to the horizon, is one of the greatest Kangar attractions for rock climbers. The site is a 2-hour drive away from town and the best times to visit are from November to February when the weather is cooler. Early morning is the most popular time for mountain climbers because the shadows from the sun later in the day make it more difficult to scale the rocks. If you are not keen on challenging your endurance by climbing up these limestone towers, you can choose to rappel down from the top.
The Alwi Mosque is one of the oldest man-made Kangar attractions, having been constructed in 1933 with donations from the local people. This mosque was designated a national treasure in 2018, which was a great honor for the local community and made of wood, which makes it easy to distinguish from the other more imposing structures in the area. Although the wooden structure of the mosque is now in a bad state, thanks to regular repairs and renovations, it can still house up to 500 worshippers.
The tiles on the exterior of the mosque were imported from North Sumatra. You can even see bricks with Chinese motifs as Perlis was known as a trading state back in those earlier days. The black dome on this beautiful white structure, one of the most distinguishing features of this mosque was named after the King of Perlis at the time.
If you want to visit a truly unique place, then look no further than this 5,000-hectare park. Located at Nakawan Range in Malaysia’s state of Perlis (the longest continuous range devoted exclusively to limestone hills), it contains what may be considered one of the very few semi-deciduous forests left on Earth – something so special it deserves protection. If you are planning a visit to this Kangar attraction, you will need a ranger to guide you and show you all of the natural wonders of this forest.
Kampung Ujung Bukit, a hidden gem in Malaysia, is another one of the many beautiful Kangar attractions that you should visit. You’ll find yourself surrounded by nature and farm life, with opportunities for relaxation at every turn! Stay here if you want an authentic experience away from city lights – there are no better ways to enjoy this beautiful country than experiencing it firsthand through village culture (and food).
If you find yourself in Kangar, then make sure to visit Melati Lake Recreational Park. This is a place where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and stunning scenery that it offers – with more than 150 small islands scattered around this large body of water. Not only will your eyes be pleased with what you see as you walk on the wooden platforms built over the water, but lotus plants floating near shores add an extra touch as well.
The only snake farm in Malaysia is one of the most popular Kangar attractions. Not only are there 30 species of snakes present at this fantastic place, but this place also houses other exotic creatures such as monitor lizards, iguanas and crocodiles. You can even learn something new by talking directly with the farm managers on duty whose jobs entail taking care of these animals.
Wang Gunung is a 499.1-meter high mountain that stands at the Malaysia – Thai border. It’s not an easy climb, but with 14 stops to catch your breath along the way, it’ll be worth every step. If you want the perfect view of the town from the top of this Kangar attraction, make sure to obtain an entry permit first before scaling this mountain.
With many historical and cultural attractions in Kangar, this town is a place full of surprises. The modern amenities provided for locals as well as tourists to enjoy, ensures that you will never be bored during your vist here.