Sights & Visits ~ North Perlis

� Tasik Timah-Tasoh (Timah-Tasoh Lake) � Chuping �
� Gua Kelam (Dark Caves) � Wang Keliam State Park (Perlis State Park) �
� Gua Wang Burma � Padang Besar �

Tasik Timah-Tasoh (Timah-Tasoh Lake)
Tasik Timah-Tasoh, built in 1992 , supplies water to Perlis folks as well as prevents any occurrence of flood in the state.

The scenic Timah-Tasoh Lake is also a sanctuary for migratory birds especially from the cold countries as this freshwater lake with its natural surroundings provides much needed food and shelter for these birds. Depart from Kangar and use the Padang Besar road. Keep an eye out for the Tasik Timah-Tasoh signboard. The trip should take just
20 minutes by car.
Location: Within Wang Kelian State Park
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Chuping
Chuping is a lovely sight with a vast landscape of green, swaying canestalks. Chuping is basically a commercial area where the planting of sugarcane as well as the processing of sugar are carried out.

There are also cement factories in the area, which is essentially one huge plantation and industrial zone. Chuping derived its name from the limestone hill known locally as Bukit Chuping. It has an area of 22,000 hectare sugar plantation and harvesting
takes place in December till June.
Location: Chuping - North East of Kangar
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Gua Kelam (Dark Caves)
Gua Kelam is a huge cave with a tin mine within it. Kaki Bukit refers to the 370-metre long limestone cave at the small town of Kaki Bukit. Its name literally means "at a foothill (Kaki Bukit) lies a dark cave (Gua Kelam)". Access to the cave is by way of a suspension bridge. Wooden walkways provide an unusual means of getting around inside the cave all the way from the entrance at Kaki Bukit to the Lembah Wang Tangga on the other end.

Electrical lights have been set up to allow visitors to get a better look at the beauty of the interior. The uniqueness of approach, as well as the experience of walking along the bridge, make a visit to this place an intriguing and adventurous experience. A subterranean stream flows in the limestone range near Kaki Bukit for about a quarter of a mile long. As in other limestone areas, the stream has built a long cavern over the centuries.

Some enterprising climbers have taken the initiative to establish climbing routes at the crags, and as a result, there are now over 30 bolted routes in 6 climbing areas. Apart from the cave, you can always walk around in the Kaki Bukit town, and experience the local lifestyle of a small mining town. Sit down in a small local "Kopitiam" and order a "Kopi-O" (black Coffee), this is experience that you can never get in other big city.
Location: Kaki Bukit near Wang Kelian in northern Perlis. 35 km from Kangar
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Wang Keliam State Park (Perlis State Park)
A haven for nature lovers and eco-tourism buffs. Close to the Thai border, the 1,000 ha area in the Mata Ayer Forest Reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It contains one of the few semi-deciduous forests in the country, closer in type and species to Thai vegetation.
Its limestone forests are also rich in fauna, including birds, mammals and reptiles.

A challenging jungle track leads from the camping area past a little tripping waterfall to the Gua Wang Burma cave system. Possibly the northern most cave in Peninsula, its narrow passages lead to chambers boasting interesting formations.
Location: north Perlis, along Route 51 (off Route 7 from Kangar to Padang Besar).
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Gua Wang Burma (Wang Burma Cave)
Just 42km from Kangar town is another popular attraction in the state - the cave, which is actually two separate cave systems, Wang Burma Satu and Wang Burma Dua. It is a beautiful location with lots of interesting rock formations.
Those who wish to explore the caves are advised to get an experienced guide, for the caves can prove too much for the unprepared explorer. There are many interesting walks within the cave, where you might need to go through narrow passages or muddy tunnels. You might even catch sight of some exotic cave-dwelling creatures which, frankly, are not for the squeamish.
Location: 42 Km North of Kangar within Wang Kelian State Park
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Padang Besar
This is a border town. It can be said with some degree of truth that Thailand and Perlis merge in this town, because the border is unseen although the relevant signboards and cheek - points bear testimony to the fact. The town is also the major stopover from rail travel and entry point to and from Thailand. The railway station is manned by Thai immigration officials on the Thai side and their
Malaysian counterparts on the other side.

Besides agricultural goods, duty free shopping is also available in Padang Besar. The town is filled with all shades and designs of textiles, footwear, handicrafts, decorative items, foodstuff, souvenirs, fruits and much more. Beyond the rail tracks is Pekan Siam - a bargain hunters' paradise. Pekan Siam is an interesting border town located where Perlis and Thailand meet. 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.

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