Sights & Visits ~ South Perlis

� Kuala Perlis � Kota Al-Marhum Kayang (Kota Indera Kayangan) �
� Jalan Persisiran Pantai � Gunung Medan  �

Kuala Perlis
The quaint coastal fishing town of Kuala Perlis, 13 km from Kangar is the major departure point for the fabled Langkawi island and has a ferry terminal for island bound passengers. It is also the entry and exit point to Phuket Island and other coastal towns and villages of
Southern Thailand.

Located at the estuarine delta of' the Sungai Perlis, the fishing village still maintains its pace of life as per 10 years ago and is one of the main source of fresh fish supply to the northern region of Malaysia. The town of Kuala Perlis has just a couple of streets with plenty of restaurants which are popular for seafood such as ikan bakar (grilled fish), assam laksa (noodles served with spicy fish gravy) and fresh seafood. It is a good place to relax at dusk and watch a spectacular sunset, or the fishermen returning with their catch.


Kota Al-Marhum Kayang (Kota Indera Kayangan)
Although Kota Al-Marhum Kayang is in Perlis, it is the burial site of two 16th-century Sultans of Kedah, of which Perlis state was once part of.

Built as a replica of an ancient Sultanate, its museum houses the history of both early Perlis and Kedah civilisation. The museum also houses the tomb of 15th Kedah Sultan Al Marhum Kayang Sultan Dhiauddin Al-Mukarram Syah who reigned from 1661 to 1687. With its surrounding limestone hills acting as barriers against the then rampaging Siamese army, the Ruler had made Kota Indera Kayangan the administrative capital of Kedah. Two of the Sultan's personal efforts are still evident today.

One is a partially-enclosed spring which supplied fresh mineral water to the palace while the other is a canal built in 1680 connecting Alor Setar to the palace and from the palace to the burial grounds, thus permitting boat passages between the points.

There is an archaeology section which houses ceramics complete with the 400-year-old history of Perlis. The stone age or Hoabinhian culture leftovers like neolithic stone tools are among the exhibits. Other attractions include the Kedah Sultanate genealogy and information on ties be-tween the sultanate and the Perlis royalty, the state during the Japanese Occupation (1941 to 1943) and Siamese Rule (1943 to 1945).

 Daggers, brassware, kris and the Perlis royal regalia are also put on show at the wooden structure museum. An interesting point is the story of the �bunga emas� (gold ornaments shaped into flowers) which were sent as gifts of tribute sent to the Siamese King in Bangkok.
Location: 12km from Kangar,in a lush forest area between Kangar and Kuala Perlis
Open from 10am to 5pm daily.
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Gunung Medan
A breathtaking view awaits you at the top of this 100m limestone hill.
Gunung Medan is now a picnic spot.

 A road climbs up to the peak. A fairly extensive network of concrete stairways and walkways has also been constructed. The hill top offers a panoramic view of the surrounding lowlands with the expanse of padi fields, the green hilly country towards the north into Thailand, the sugarcane hilly country towards the north into Thailand, the sugarcane plantations to the east, while to its west and south is seen the duster of islets offshore to the larger Pulau Langkawi and the vast seas beyond
Location: 6 Km South of Kangar
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Jalan Persisiran Pantai
Jalan Persisiran Pantai is the only coastal road in the state linking Kuala Perlis and Kuala Sanglang, located near the Perlis-Kedah border and runs for about 19km As the name suggests, literally translated to �the road by the beach�, it offers you a rewarding view of scenic landscapes and wonderful landmarks.

The best time to travel is either early morning or late evening. There are two reasons. First, the sunsets and sunrises here are legendary and the view promises to take your breath away. The second is more ornithological in nature as birds are very active during these times and various species like drongos, kingfishers, doves and coucals can be easily spotted. This place is a bird watcher�s paradise though for migratory birds, it depends
on the seasons.

The picturesque fishing village of Kuala Sungai Baru lies about halfway on this coastal road. Here, visitors can buy fresh marine produce or get a taste of the simple lifestyle of the fisherfolk. You can watch them drying shrimps, salt fish and squid in the open or mending their nets.

Visitors like to stand in the middle of the single lane Sungai Baru Bridge and take memorable pictures of colourful fishing boats chugging up and down the river.
Location: Coastal road between Kuala Perlis and Kuala Sanglang
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