There is an undeniable authenticity to northern Malaysia. Away from the hustle and bustle, time slows down among lush, unspoiled vistas where every destination feels deeply rooted in local lore. Over five unforgettable days exploring Perlis and Kedah for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, hosted by Tourism Malaysia and Gaya Travel, I immersed myself in the heritage, natural beauty and genuine hospitality that make this region so special.
Day 1: A Flavourful Welcome to Perlis
Our northern adventure began in Perlis, Malaysia's smallest state but one with a surprisingly big personality. Before checking in, we headed straight for dinner at Ghatah Siput Bakaq, a popular local eatery known for its horseshoe crab salad, grilled snails and other seafood dishes.
As the sun set, the relaxed atmosphere and hearty local fare provided the perfect introduction to the culinary culture of Perlis. Conversations flowed easily and excitement grew for the days ahead.
Ghatah Siput Bakaq
📍 Kuala Perlis, Perlis
After dinner, we checked into ClubRock Perlis Signature Hotel. Located near the scenic landscapes of Kaki Bukit, it serves as a fantastic base for travellers looking to experience the natural beauty and adventure of northern Malaysia. Located right by the renowned Gua Kelam area, its convenient proximity to outdoor excursions makes it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring local heritage and raw, natural scenery.
ClubRock Perlis Signature Hotel
📍 Kuala Perlis, Perlis
Day 2: Caves, Lakes and Hidden Waterways
Day two kicked off at Gua Kelam, Perlis’ famous limestone cave system. The cool air, subterranean echoes, and towering rock structures immediately transport you into a different world. Exploring Gua Kelam 2 gave us a chance to see both its dry and wet routes. The dry path opens up into a cavernous chamber built on mining history, while the wet trail leads through pristine underground pools. Along the way, historical wall art brings the story of the old tin miners back to life.
Gua Kelam
📍 Kaki Bukit, 02200 Perlis
Lunch was an authentic Thai treat at Restoran Che Som. We dug into a flavorful spread featuring steaming tom yum, a fluffy omelette, zesty steamed lime fish, and sweet-and-sour fried fish. Topped off with sweet mango sticky rice for dessert, we were completely satisfied and set for the next stop on our itinerary.
Lunch @ Che Som Thai Authentic
📍 28A, Jalan Padang Besar Indah, Taman Padang Besar Indah, 02100 Padang Besar, Perlis
From there, we made our way to Padang Besar, the bustling border town shared with Thailand. The market was alive with activity, packed with stalls selling everything from clothing and snacks to household goods and souvenirs. It was almost impossible to leave empty-handed.
Arked Niaga Padang Besar
📍 Padang Besar, Perlis
Next, we headed to Timah Tasoh Lake, one of Perlis’ most picturesque spots. Framed by rolling hills and the striking backdrop of Bukit Chabang, the tranquil waters offered postcard-worthy views in every direction. We stopped by a vibrant floating platform, complete with fun swings for photos and a spot to feed the fish. A sudden downpour brought our visit to an early close, but dodging the rain only added to the memory—it was definitely worth every moment.
Timah Tasoh Lake
📍 Beseri, Kangar, Perlis
We wrapped up the day at Kampung Wai, a serene hidden gem in Perlis. Gliding along the winding waterways flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs felt completely enchanting. To top it all off, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset over the landscape, bringing our day of exploration to a perfect close.
Kampung Wai
📍 Kuala Perlis, Perlis
Completely famished after our journey, we headed straight to Umar Seafood & Grill to feast on a hearty spread. We ordered an array of local favorites, including juicy chicken and beef satay, hot and sour tom yum, crispy fried calamari, smoky ikan bakar, rich gulai ikan temenung, and classic sweet and sour fish.
Dinner @ Umar Seafood & Grill
📍 No.PT 5969, Kampung Batu Tandiap, Sev=berang Ramai, 02000 Kuala Perlis, Perlis.
Day 3: Selamat Tinggal Perlis, Hello Kedah!
Even though it wasn't on our official itinerary, we decided to head up to Wang Kelian View Point early on our third morning, and we were so glad we did. Sitting high along the northern border of Perlis, the viewpoint treats you to sweeping views of rugged limestone hills, thick rainforest and valleys draped in morning mist that spill over into southern Thailand. Breathing in the cool mountain air made it a truly refreshing detour.
Wang Kelian View Point
📍 Kampung Wang Kelian, 02200 Kaki Bukit
Bidding farewell to Perlis, we crossed into Kedah to continue our journey. We stopped for lunch at Dusun Riffaa in Changlun, nestled right in the middle of a fruit orchard. The tranquil farm setting matched perfectly with their authentic Thai spread. The star of the table was the Miang Pla, where we built our own lettuce wraps using crispy whole fried fish, fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and a fiery Thai dip.
Dusun Riffaa
📍 CFFF+G5, 06010 Changlun, Kedah
Next on our Kedah heritage trail was Istana Pelamin, one of Alor Setar's oldest royal buildings. Dating back to 1735, the palace has served as both a royal home and a grand ceremonial venue—earning its name from a spectacular 1904 royal wedding. Today, housing the Kedah Royal Museum, it welcomes visitors to explore a rich collection of artifacts that chronicle the legacy and history of the Kedah Sultanate.
Kedah Royal Museum
📍 Medan Bandar, Kedah, 05400 Alor Setar
No visit to Alor Setar would be complete without seeing the magnificent Zahir Mosque. Its striking black domes and elegant Moorish architecture make it one of Malaysia's most beautiful mosques. Standing in its courtyard, it was easy to understand why the landmark has become synonymous with Kedah's capital city.
Zahir Mosque
📍 Jalan Kampung Perak, Alor Setar, Kedah
We also visited the birthplace of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, tucked away at No. 18, Lorong Kilang Ais in Alor Setar. Stepping into the traditional wooden house where Malaysia's fourth and seventh Prime Minister was born on 20 December 1925 felt like walking back in time. Seeing his childhood home and browsing through the personal memorabilia gave us a deeper appreciation for his journey from a simple upbringing to shaping the nation's history.
Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir Mohamad
📍 No. 18, Lorong Kilang Ais, Alor Setar
Later, we spent time at the famous Pekan Rabu, a beloved marketplace where generations of traders have sold local delicacies, handicrafts and traditional products. It was the perfect place to pick up authentic Kedahan souvenirs. Every Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the street next to Alor Setar's Pekan Rabu building also transforms into a vibrant night market. Packed with street food, local snacks, fresh produce, and handmade crafts, it is the perfect open-air spot to soak up Kedah’s evening atmosphere.
Pekan Rabu
📍 Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Setar, Kedah
☎️ +604-733 5929
As evening set in, we headed to Port Padang Garam, a newly transformed waterfront destination in Kuala Kedah. Once an overgrown shoreline, it now features scenic pedestrian walkways, vibrant local food vendors, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Renowned for its breathtaking sunset views, it offered a wonderful glimpse into the local lifestyle as residents gathered to unwind by the water.
Port Padang Garam
📍 Kuala Kedah, Kedah
For dinner, we stopped by Restoran Anjung Kuala, a favourite local spot known for authentic flavours in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The kitchen serves up an impressive spread of regional dishes, with highlights like hearty gulai ikan, fresh ikan bakar and aromatic tom yum. With generous portions, fresh seafood, and a welcoming atmosphere, it provided the perfect, satisfying end to our day exploring Kuala Kedah.
Dinner @ Restoran Anjung Kuala Ikan Bakar Western
📍 476J+56, Jalan Marina Harbour, Kampung Padang Garam, 06600 Kuala Kedah, Kedah
For our night in Alor Setar, we checked into the Royal Signature Hotel. Situated right in the center of town, its convenient location put us just minutes away from the city's primary historic sites and vibrant shopping areas. After a long day of sightseeing, retreating to its modern, well-appointed rooms and welcoming atmosphere was exactly what we needed to recharge for the next leg of our journey.
Royal Signature Hotel
📍 No 78, Jalan Lumpur, 05100, Alor Setar, Kedah
Day 4: Above the Clouds at Gunung Jerai
Without a doubt, exploring Gunung Jerai was one of the major highlights of our entire trip. Steeped in maritime history, this towering peak has guided sailors across the Straits of Malacca for centuries.
We kicked off our mountain journey at Telaga Tok Sheikh, though not without a bit of unexpected drama—one of our cars got caught on a rough patch along the narrow roadside. We all hopped out to give it a good push, and once freed, we made it to the famous summit well. Steeped in 12th-century heritage and named after the Yemeni scholar Sheikh Abdullah Al-Qumairi, the well sits nestled in cool, mist-veiled jungle.
Next, we drove up to The Jerai Hill Resort. As the elevation rose, the air turned wonderfully cool and vibrant floral gardens came into view. Standing at the top, the views of Kedah's iconic paddy fields, coastlines, and offshore islands were simply breathtaking.
Before lunch, we dropped by the local strawberry farm to cool off with fresh strawberry ice cream. Lunch itself was a lavish buffet spread at Puncak Kedah Restaurant, complemented by their famous Mee Rebus Tulang, which was absolute perfection.
Afterwards, we spent the afternoon taking in the resort's attractions—getting fun caricature portraits done, testing our nerves on the glass-floored Jerai Sky View, and watching the braver souls ride the Sky Bike. We couldn't stay the night this time around, but it's definitely on our list for the next visit!
The Jerai Hill Resort
📍 Gunung Jerai, Gurun, Kedah
Next on our itinerary was Permaipura Golf & Country Club, one of Kedah’s premier golfing destinations set amid the picturesque landscapes of Bedong. With the majestic Gunung Jerai as its backdrop, the 18-hole, par-72 championship course offers a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels, featuring lush fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and immaculately maintained greens.
We arrived just in time for high tea in the airy dining area of the clubhouse. Suitably refreshed, we set off on a guided tour to explore the club's surprisingly diverse attractions. Our first stop was the Super Golf Farm, where we admired a fascinating collection of exotic fruit trees, including rare Jaboticaba and sweet Abiu golden fruit.
We then wandered over to the mini zoo to greet the resident fish, goats, tortoises, ducks, and more unique creatures like capybaras and porcupines, before heading to the Stingless Bee Farm to sample exquisite, tangy honey straight from the nest.
Looking for a bit of sport ourselves, we even tried our hand—or rather, our feet—at footgolf, a clever hybrid of soccer and golf. Our exploration also took us past the scenic camping sites and peaceful fishing grounds before checking into our home for the night, The Aam Glass Chalet, nestled right within the peaceful grounds of Permaipura Golf & Country Club.
Featuring modern glass-fronted chalets that seamlessly blend contemporary comfort with nature, the stay offers front-row views of lush greenery and the surrounding golf course. With sleek amenities, easy access to the resort’s full range of activities, and the quiet charm of the Bedong countryside, it provided a serene and memorable retreat near Gunung Jerai.
As evening settled in, dinner was served mookata style, combining the best of Korean BBQ and Thai steamboat. We gathered around the tabletop grill to sizzle fresh meats and simmer vegetables in a rich, savory broth, making for a wonderfully interactive and comforting meal.
Beyond the course and these unique activities, the club boasts comfortable accommodations, dining facilities, and event spaces, making it an ideal retreat for leisure travelers, golfing enthusiasts, and corporate groups seeking a relaxing escape in a tranquil natural setting.
Permaipura Golf & Country Club
📍 Jalan Permaipura 5, Darul Aman, 08100 Bedong, Kedah
The Amm Glass Chalet
📍 PGCC, Jalan Permaipura 5, Darul Aman, 08100 Bedong, Kedah
Day 5: Into the Mangroves of Sungai Merbok
Our final day took us into one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the country, the mangrove forests of Sungai Merbok.
Boarding a boat at Semeling Jetty, we slowly navigated through winding waterways lined with dense mangrove trees. The silence was occasionally broken by birds calling overhead or the gentle splash of water against the boat. It was a tranquil and immersive experience that highlighted the importance of conserving these unique coastal habitats.
What struck me most was the sense of calm. Away from traffic, crowds, and noise, the mangrove forest seemed to operate on nature's own timetable.
Sungai Merbok / Bakau Hijau
📍 Semeling Jetty, Merbok, Kedah
📘 Facebook: Bakau Hijau
📸 Instagram: @bakauhijau
Reflections from the Road
Five days passed remarkably quickly, yet the journey revealed just how much Perlis and Kedah have to offer. From ancient caves and scenic lakes to royal heritage, mountain retreats and thriving mangrove forests, every destination showcased a different side of northern Malaysia.
What stayed with me most was not just the scenery, but the authenticity of the experience. The stories shared by locals, the flavours of traditional dishes and the unhurried rhythm of life made this journey feel less like a tour and more like a rediscovery of Malaysia itself.
For travellers seeking meaningful experiences beyond the usual tourist trail, Perlis and Kedah may well be among the country's best-kept secrets.
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