Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Perlis Attractions~



Kelam Cave
One of the most distinctive caves in Malaysia is a 370-metre long limestone cave near the small town of Kaki Bukit (literally 'foot hill') called Gua Kelam (Cave of Darkness). Located about 33km north of Kangar, the state capital, Gua Kelam Recreational Park is popular for its enchanting 'cave walk' where you can enter from one end of the cave and come out at a different location.
The only path to the cave is via an eight-foot wide wooden suspension bridge. This bridge links Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley, a valley on the opposite end of Gua Kelam. Back in 1935, an Englishman saw the water pathway as a brilliant method to transport tin ore from a mine located near the stream entrance through the underground cavern to Kaki Bukit.

Now, locals and tourists make their way through the cave via a brightly lit wooden walkway inside the cave. You can still find remnants of the tin mine operation within the cave. As you make your way through the cave, the whispers of a swirling dark subterranean stream, together with the squeaking bats and dripping water from the stalactites, form a concerto of natural sounds. It sounds a bit spooky, but adds to the mystery of a cave that was was once the home of Stone Age men.


Snake and Reptile Farm

Surrounded by the Bukit Bintang Forest Reserve near Sungai Batu Pahat, the Snake and Reptile Farm is located 10km north of Kangar, the state capital.
The Snake Farm is a research facility set up to develop anti-venom for snakebites. Housing more than 20 species of snakes, as well as crocodiles and monitor lizards, it is the only snake farm in Malaysia.
The farm has open-air enclosures as well as enclosed exhibits. Handlers will assist you to pose with tame snakes for photographs.If you're a bit squeamish in handling a snake, get there early in the day and the snake you wrap around your shoulders for a photo op won't move much at all. The reason? Snakes are cold-blooded and only move more vigorously once they've warmed up in the sun. By RoadFrom Kangar, follow the sign to Sungai Batu Pahat. The farm is only about 10-15 minutes' drive from Kangar.

Padang Besar

Padang Besar is a border market, a shopper's haunt for Malaysians seeking good bargains. It is a great place for shoppers who want to sample the best of both countries. Items at bargain prices are found here. They include leather goods, household items, clothing and more. There is even a duty-free shop here.
This border town is the merging point for Thais and Malaysians. Many Malaysians travel up to Thailand through this point and likewise for their Thai counterparts, on shopping, business or recreational trips.
The railway station has a long platform, manned by Malaysians on one side and the Thais on the other. Besides the Immigration checkpoints and some signs, it is hard to distinguish where the border actually lies because culturally, both sides are so enmeshed.
Beyond the rail tracks is Pekan Siam, bargain-hunters' paradise. The town is filled with textiles, clothing, handicraft, foodstuff, fruits and souvenirs


Kuala Perlis
The major activity found here is fishing and many superb seafood restaurants can be found in this small fishing town.
Not only is seafood fresh in Perlis, but it is relatively cheaper than it is in the capital city. Have the fun of eating seafood is selecting the exact critters that you want seasoned, cooked, fried, barbequed, grilled, or sautéed, and served to you. The town of Kuala Perlis has just a couple of streets with plenty of restaurants which are popular for seafood and the local speciality of 'laksa' (rice noodle dipped in a fish-based gravy).










Perlis State Museum

According to history, the 4.84 acres of land where the State Museum now stands was granted by Raja Syed Alwi to his younger brother, Syed Salim bin Syed Muhammad al-Jafri, who was a senior minister to the King.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Syed Salim built his residence and stayed there with his family until it was sold to the State Government just after the signing of the 1909 Bangkok Treaty. After that, the building became the official residence of the state British Advisors. The first British Advisor, Mr. Meadow Frost and his successors resided in the house until the Second World War in 1941. From 1941 until 1943, the building was taken over by Japanese Military Administration, while from 1943 until 1945, the Thai Military Government took over the building.
After Independence, the building became the Perlis Chief Minister's official residence. It became popularly known as Rumah Tetamu (Guest House) after it was vacated by Chief Minister Dato' Jaafar Hassan in early 1980s. In 1991, the building was demolished to make way for the construction of the present State Museum, which is structurally identical to the old building. The Kompleks Warisan Negeri (State Heritage Complex) is also within the compounds of the State Museum.The museum is closed on Fridays
From Kangar town, take Jalan Kolam, heading eastward until you reach Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The museum is located near the junction. One of the main landmarks close by is the Kangar Hospital.




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