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There are plenty of things to do in Kuala Perlis for those looking to experience an authentic slice of coastal Malaysia. Though small in size, the town offers a vibrant mix of fresh seafood dining, scenic waterfront views, cultural villages, and nearby nature parks. It’s a great stopover before heading to Langkawi or a peaceful weekend destination on its own. With traditional markets, easygoing nature trails, and a laid-back vibe, Kuala Perlis blends relaxation with light adventure. It’s an underrated gem that gives you a real taste of northern Malaysia’s charm.
10 Things To Do In Kuala Perlis
Things to do in Kuala Perlis include eating fresh seafood at the waterfront and visiting local natural attractions such as Perlis State Park. You could also check out local culture through traditional villages and lively night markets.
1. Explore Kuala Perlis Waterfront
Photo: Charles Parker / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kuala Perlis Waterfront is a lively and picturesque area that epitomises a coastal town. The waterfront runs along the coastline, revealing fine views over the Straits of Malacca, a particularly gorgeous sight at sunrise and sunset when vivid colours come to life in the sky. The waterfront features food stalls and casual eateries selling freshly grilled seafood (i.e., prawns, fish, and squid), usually just a few steps from the water’s edge. Nearby, local fishermen unload their haul at the jetty, which adds an element of authenticity to the area.
Highlights: Seaside promenade with sunset views and seafood stalls
Average Cost: RM 15 / ₹305
2. Visit The Kuala Perlis Jetty
Photo: Irwan Shah Bin Abdullah / Wikimedia Commons
As the main entry point for travellers using the ferry service to Langkawi Island, the Kuala Perlis Jetty is among the busiest and most important locations in the town. In addition to its role as a point of transportation, the jetty area is bustling with activity, like local fishermen preparing their boats for the next trip, vendors selling fish and snacks, and travellers coming and going. Here, you can watch the ferries arrive and depart, and get 360-degree views of the seaside. There are also options for photo opportunities with colourful fishing boats anchored closely.
Highlights: A busy ferry terminal with views of boats and daily life
Average Cost: N/A
3. Taste The Famous Kuala Perlis Seafood
Photo: Durenne Loris / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kuala Perlis is widely known throughout Malaysia for its freshness and price, making it an essential stop for any foodie. On the waterfront, there are innumerable seafood restaurants and food stalls, dishing up grilled fish (ikan bakar), butter prawns, chilli crabs, steamed shellfish, and all manner of local specialities. Many of them allow you to select your seafood fresh from tanks or off the fishermen’s daily boats, and local fishermen bring their catch daily. Dishes are prepared in unique ways using native Malay spices and local cooking methods that make seafood flavour pop.
Highlights: Grilled fish, butter prawns, and Kedah laksa at local eateries
Average Cost: RM 30 – 50 / ₹610 – 1015
4. Visit Al Hussain Mosque
Photo: kg Ong / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Al Hussain Mosque, better known as the Floating Mosque, is one of the highlights of Kuala Perlis. Built partly over water, it appears to float in the water at high tide, giving visitors a beautiful, peaceful view. The building’s architecture is both a modern take on Islamic Architecture and, at the same time, classical, complete with a blue & gold dome. Visitors are able to see beautiful traditional Arabic Calligraphy and art, including stained glass inside. The atmosphere and peaceful surroundings are conducive to contemplation and photography.
Highlights: A floating mosque with beautiful architecture by the sea
Average Cost: N/A
5. Discover Perlis State Park
Photo: Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Perlis State Park, located approximately 25 kilometres from Kuala Perlis, is an absolute must for anyone interested in outdoor adventures and has a desire to explore natural wonders. It ranked as one of the best things to do in Kuala Perlis for people who love to go hiking or take in wildlife. The park offers a range of hiking trails and some of the most beautiful limestone hills and tropical rainforest in the world. The cool, shaded park provides an opportunity to get out of the coastal heat and enjoy the park. and is great for a day trip.
Highlights: Rainforest hikes, limestone hills, and Gua Kelam cave
Average Cost: RM 10 – 20 / ₹200 – 405
6. Visit Kota Kayang Museum
Photo: Chainwit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Kota Kayang Museum, located just outside Kuala Perlis, is a peaceful and informative place to explore the region’s rich heritage. Set within a quiet garden and framed by limestone hills, the museum houses artefacts from the Kedah Kingdom, traditional weapons, royal family stories, and archaeological discoveries. The colonial-era building itself is worth seeing, offering beautiful views of the area. For those who enjoy history or cultural exploration, visiting this museum is one of the most meaningful things to see in Kuala Perlis. It’s both tranquil and educational.
Highlights: Local history museum with artefacts, royal heritage, and archaeological exhibits
Average Cost: RM 5 – 10 / ₹100 – 200
7. Take A Mangrove Tour
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature, the mangrove boat tours near Kuala Perlis offer a welcome alternative to the typical tourist attractions in Malaysia. You get in a small wooden boat with a local guide and slowly float through shallow canals, surrounded by dense mangrove roots and hanging branches. The atmosphere is completely still, other than the gentle splash of your oars and occasional bird sounds. You may see mudskippers bouncing across the water, monitor lizards on the banks, and maybe even eagles soaring directly over you.
Highlights: Quiet boat ride through mangrove forests and local wildlife.
Average Cost: RM 30 – 50 / ₹610 – 1,015
8. Shop At Kuala Perlis Night Market
Photo: Ricky Esquivel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kuala Perlis Night Market is an excellent spot to continue your local experience at night, as it is organised on selected evenings during the weekends. Take a stroll through aisles of stalls selling street food, snacks, fresh fruit, clothing, or small domestic items. The air is rich in the aromas of grilled seafood, satay, and delicious local kuih, and it is common to see families taking a leisurely walk with their food. Overall, it’s a laid-back, friendly environment that is quite affordable and certainly perfect for those who enjoy exploring food and culture by walking.
Highlights: Street food, clothes, and local products in a lively setting
Average Cost: RM 10 – 20 / ₹200 – 405
9. Visit Gua Kelam
Photo: Guenni007 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Gua Kelam, located about 30 kilometres from Kuala Perlis, is a unique limestone cave that once served as a tin mining passage. Today, it’s a well-lit attraction featuring a wooden walkway above a shallow stream. As you explore, you’ll see limestone walls, cave formations, and even bats above. The trail ends in a peaceful area perfect for a short picnic. Easy to navigate and family-friendly, it’s a fascinating mix of history and nature, and one of the most unusual answers to what to do in Kuala Perlis.
Highlights: Walkable limestone cave with a wooden bridge and stream
Average Cost: RM 10 – 20 / ₹250 – 420
10. Relax At Padang Besar Duty-Free Zone
Photo: CAPTAIN RAJU / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Padang Besar, a short drive outside of Kuala Perlis, is located on the Malaysia–Thailand border, and it’s a well-known area for some good shopping, tax-free. The name of the game around here is large market complexes filled with various products such as chocolates, perfumes, clothing, household goods, and Thai snacks, all at affordable prices. This is not your traditional shopping mall; it’s a vibrant, sometimes chaotic market with plenty of products to buy. For shoppers and bargain hunters, Padang Besar is one of the more exciting things to do in Kuala Perlis.
Highlights: Cross-border market with snacks, fashion, and bargain deals
Average Cost: RM 50 – 150 / ₹1,015 – 3,045
Kuala Perlis is a lovely mix of seaside, culture, and nature, offering a rewarding trip and unique things to do in Kuala Perlis. You can eat wonderful fresh seafood, see limestone caves, and enjoy relaxing tours through mangroves in the area. It is a truly charming town and a great place to slow down and enjoy the simple things on Malaysia’s northern coast. Plan your trip today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Jake Mullins / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
