Perched in the northwestern corner of Malaysia, Perlis is a state often overlooked by travellers in favour of its neighbouring famous neighbours. However, those who take the time to visit will find this region rich in culture, community spirit, and breathtaking landscapes. My recent journey into Perlis is an enriching experience and an immersion into the heart of this vibrant state, driven by the initiatives of Koperasi Perlis that uplift local businesses and communities. The cooperative has been an instrumental in helping the local thrive in business, and the journey is an eye-opening for me to witness the efforts and achievements of the people there.
How To Get There
To reach Perlis is to embark on a scenic adventure. A road trip to this smallest state in Malaysia is exciting, driving through the North-South Highway, where limestone hills and lush paddy fields paint the backdrop, passing popular places like Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, and Penang. You may also hop on a train. ETS, a popular train line serves from KL Sentral Station to Arau or Padang Besar in Perlis. Alternatively Perlis can also be accessed by ferry from the island of Langkawi to Kuala Perlis, or Padang Besar and Wang Klian borders if you are coming from Thailand.
Bulan Koperasi Kebangsaan 2024 (National Cooperative Month 2024)
My exploration with the team from Gaya Travel commenced with the grand opening of Bulan Koperasi Kebangsaan 2024, graced by the esteemed Crown Prince of Perlis, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Pemangku Raja Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail. This festive occasion epitomised the community solidarity, showcasing Koperasi Perlis impactful efforts in nurturing local entrepreneurship and fostering unity.
Kampung Warna Warni : An Instagrammable Oasis
Among the highlights of my visit, Kampung Warna Warni (Colourful Village)stole my heart. Initially I thought this a small section of a village would be colourful, like Caminito that I’ve been to in Argentina, but I was wrong. This colourful village is a feast for the eyes.
Strolling through these lively villages, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and inspiration. This village is a testament of a true beauty in unity. It is a place where art and life beautifully intertwine, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Exploring this village on a choley, a whimsical three-wheeled bike adds a unique layer to the experience.
Each brightly painted house and murals reflects the vibrant spirit and creativity of its community. Within this village, there are 7 sub-villages. Each village has its own theme, whether it is the ocean, rainbow colours, black and white or even nature. Recyclable materials were used to decorate the entire village.
As I was strolling around the little alleys of the village, I got horribly lost. It was here that the warmth and the hospitality of Kampung Warna Warni people amazes me. I stopped to ask a local lady for directions. She was having coffee on her patio with her family. She invited me into her modest home, and asked me to join her for coffee. Of course I said yes! It is an opportunity to get up close and personal with the locals. The lady, Makcik Khadijah playfully asked me to guess her age and her family’s, turning it into a heartwarming game show moment. There I was, a 50-year-old me, surrounded by the joyful energy of a 78 year old Makcik Khadijah, her 80 year old aunt and 96 year old mum, and wondering if I would stumble upon their secrets of youth!
This wonderful family treated me to local delicacies and heartfelt conversations. Moments like this is pure gold in my travels. It is encounters like this that make my journeys truly special, for I get to connect with the warmth and generosity of the locals.
Makcik Khadijah told me that the colourful village of Kampung Warna Warni came to fruition during the 2020 pandemic. This was a brilliant idea from the Crown Prince of Perlis himself, who suggested to the villagers to paint the houses in bright colours to attract visitors and generate their local economy. Now the village thrived and became an instagramable hotspot for travellers to this state.
I left their home with a promise to come back again one day.
Kampung Warna Warni is also famed for colourful Tuanku Syed Putra Bridge that beckons visitors for trendy snapshots, while the views of nearby fisherman village offers glimpses into age-old livelihoods.
As I wandered through the lively alleys, the unity and creativity of its residents were palpable, turning Kampung Warna Warni into a living tapestry of community spirit.
Ladang Kacip Fatimah and Madu Kelulut
My journey extended to Ladang Kacip Fatimah and Madu Kelulut. Here, Koperasi Perlis plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering local farmers. Kacip Fatimah, renowned for its health benefits especially for women, thrives under meticulous cultivation. Perlis’ speciality, Kacip Fatimah coffee combines this herb’s goodness with rich coffee flavours, offering refreshment and wellness in its products.
Equally captivating is Madu Kelulut, produced by stingless bees with a taste as pure as its benefits. Rich in antioxidants and known for enhancing immunity and vitality, the honey embodies Perlis’ commitment to sustainable farming and natural health. The cooperative’s efforts ensure that these agricultural practices not only preserve traditional methods but also provide a stable income for the local community.
Padang Waremart
For those who love to shop, Padang Waremart is paradise for bargains. The market brimming with colourful produce, from fresh food, various nuts and spices to handmade crafts and souvenirs. It is a treasure trove of reasonably priced products from Thailand. The affordability of the products combined with friendly vendors made shopping here a delightful experience.
The food at Padang Waremart is a highlight itself. The cafes offer a blend of authentic Thai food and Malaysian dishes. I had the opportunity to sample lunch here and it was delicious! The prices were reasonable making it easy to sample a wide range of dishes without breaking the bank.
While at Padang Besar Waremart, I had an incredible opportunity to witness a unique Southern Thailand dance performance by a group of young children. This dance, known as the Manorah, is a captivating blend of movements.
The children wore impressive costumes made of beads that were stitched together and headdresses that symbolised kingship.
According to their dance instructor, Manorah is a spiritual dance, seeking blessing and protection to the community.
I love how the cultural heritage and traditional values are still preserved and passed down to younger generations.
Opening Hours: Daily 8am to 8pm
Perlis Art Street
Walking through Perlis Art Street felt like stepping into an open-air gallery. Each mural tells a story, reflecting the unique identity and the cultural heritage of Perlis.
I had an absolute blast laughing out loud as I attempted to ride a bicycle glued to the ground and striking creative poses with 3D murals. Perlis Art Street wasn’t just a haven of creativity for the artists, it sparked aspirations and joy in every visitor including me!
📍 Lorong Seni, Pusat Bandar Kangar, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
Pasar Terapung JPS Perlis
There are water based activities here such as water wheels, kayak and fish feeding. It’s a great place for a famile day out.
Pasar Terapung JPS in Perlis stands out as distinctive floating market, bringing together local culture and the beauty of water-based commerce. This marketplace offers a unique shopping experience where visitors can explore traditional goods, fresh local produce, and culinary delights directly from the floating stalls, and along the streets.
📍Kompleks JPS Perlis Pengkalan Asam, Kampung Telok Kachang, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
Wahyuni Spa
If you fancy some relaxation and rejuvenation, Wahyuni Spa, supported by Koperasi Perlis offers a sanctuary of tranquillity. Traditional treatments infused with house blend local herbs reflect on Perlis’ holistic approach to well-being, preserving its traditions and natural produce.
Wahyuni Spa is a serene haven exclusively for women, thoughtfully compliant with Shariah laws. What truly touched me is the journey of this business. It began as a humble mobile spa and blossomed into three thriving outlets, with two in Perlis and one in the neighbouring state of Kedah.
Address: No 7 Tingkat atas, Arked, Jalan Penjara, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
Opening Hours : Daily 9am-6pm
☎️ 049705045
My journey through Perlis has been a revelation, unveiling the profound spirit and hidden treasures of this remarkable state. Koperasi Perlis’s initiatives have not only empowered its people but have also woven a tapestry of unity and pride. Perlis, though modest in size, boasts a heart as expansive as its landscapes and a spirit as unyielding as its traditions.
A heartfelt thank you to Gaya Travel , Akses Malysia and Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM) for their timeless efforts my experience a memorable one!
