Taman Negara Perlis Travel Guide
This modest state park skirts the Malaysian border with Thailand and hosts a fascinating natural area. Home to forested mountains and caves, the park is the most important tourist fixture in this low-key state.
- What is It?
- The oldest national park in Malaysia.
- When to Go
- During the driest and coolest months of December and January.
- Nearest Town
- Kuala Tembling.
- Don't Miss
- caving, braving the rapids, hiking through the mountains.
The Nakawan mountain range is the backbone of the park, and it's home to white-handed gibbons and rare stump-tailed macaques. Tropical birds are everywhere, making this a worthwhile stop for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts who find themselves in the area.
The main attractions here are the caves that were opened up and widened in the days of tin mining. Today they're poked and prodded by tourists, and some are even explored by ATV and motorcycle.
The massive cavern of Gua Kelam was once used for tin mining but is now favored by tourists. A river runs through the cave, feeding a waterfall and popular swimming area. Gua Wang Burma, another local cave, also attracts visitors with its bizarre limestone formations.
Jungle trekking, river rafting and canopy walks are the most popular activities.
Shoppers can check out Wang Kelian Market on Sundays, which is open to visitors from both sides of the border without passport checks. All visitors are required to register at the visitor center in Kaki Bukit.
Travel to Taman Negara Perlis - Getting There
Most tourists arrive in the park via boat from the jetty at Kuala Tembling. The boat drops tourist off at park headquarters. It's also possible to drive or catch a bus though the scenic boat ride (2 hours, 30 minutes) is a nice touch. Long-haul coaches connect to Kuala Lumpur or Penang where there are international airports, but it's rare for anyone to travel all this way explicitly to visit the park.
