Hotels in Kangar

Kangar is opened by Tok Peduka. The existence of Kangar since 350 years ago which in 1653 when the city of Sena was built as the seat of government was originally occupied by the 14th Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Mansor Shah Muhyiddin. Kangar was once an inland port (Base) where boat and barge docked. It is believed that the name Kangar was derived from a species of hawk named Kangkok or Spizaetus Limnaetu. In addition, there are also a number of other assumptions that say that the origin of the name Kangar Town is taken from sound of an eagle "kangor". In the early days of the existence of Kangar town, there is a lot of flying eagle’s kangor in this area.

Kangar is the state capital of Perlis, Malaysia. It is located in the northernmost point of Peninsular Malaysia and is situated by the Perlis River. The centre of Kangar is Sena Province. Kangar is a business center with people trading mainly in seafood, rice, sugar, mangoes and other local fruits. The town is the smallest state capital in Malaysia and its inhabitants are mostly farmers and civil servants. Kangar is the seat of government. It is located in the heart of the country's "rice bowl" area and depending on the season, is surrounded by lush green fields or golden yellow padi, ripe for harvest. Although new buildings can be seen, Kangar retains much of its old world charm.

Majority of Perlis' population speaks Perlis Malay which is a sub-dialect of Kedah Malay but also has its own unique features compared to those of neighbouring Kedah. Besides that there is also varieties of Chinese and Tamil as well as small numbers of Southern Thai speakers, mostly ethnic Malaysian Siamese. However, large numbers of Perlisians regardless of ethnic origin mainly uses Perlis Malay as a lingua franca. English is also spoken in majority parts of the country.

How to Get There

By Plane

You can board a flight from Kuala Lumpur by using Alor Setar airport in the state of Kedah as there isn't any airport here. From Alor Setar, the duration by road to Kangar takes about 40 minutes. AirAsia, FireFly and MAS fly to Alor Setar regularly.

By Car

If you are in Kuala Lumpur and is a budget traveller, take a bus from Hentian Duta which is located at Jalan Duta, KL to Kangar, Kuala Perlis, Changlun or Padang Besar depending on your destination. The main bus companies that you can travel with are Mara Liner or Transnasional. The journey to Kangar will take about 8 hours. If you are driving from KL, head for North-South Expressway. You will pass by the state of Perak, Penang, Kedah. Exit at Changlun Interchange and go along the Changlun-Perlis Expressway to Perlis.

By Train

If you have the time and prefer to travel by train, take the KTM Intercity Train to Arau or Padang Besar. The journey from KL Sentral to Arau takes approximately 12 hours 20 minutes. Taking a train to Perlis you will end up in a small town called Arau, less than 15km away from Kangar. The only company that provides passenger train service is KTM Berhad.

Tourist Attractions

Kangar is one of a delightful place to visit in Malaysia. There are several numbers of attractions that you may visit during your stay such as The Snake and Reptile Farm at Bintong, about 10 km north of Kangar has live snakes such as pythons, cobras and pit vipers and Tasik Melati where it is a small lake with shallow water with a beautiful lake view. More than 150 islands scattered sandbar can be seen around this lake. Footway across the lake was built to allow visitors to enjoy the sights, along the pavement is also provided a relaxing retreat.

While you are here, visit Perlis State Park which is located at Kaki Bukit. This park has hornbills, goats, birds and the Stump-tailed macaque.There are trails that you can trek, Wang Burma Cave that you can explore as well as camping in the park. Gua Kelam Recreational Park also at Kaki Bukit is the place to go for caving adventure. There are bats, fossils and hanging bridge at this well lighted cave.

Do not forget to stopover Harumanis and grape plantations to experience tasty King Manggo. In here you can learn about the fruits as you stroll through the plantations,observing the grading and packing processes. Besides that you may visit Wang Kelian Sunday Market to shop for handicrafts,food,fruits,clothing, kitchen and farm equipment in this buzzing market at the Malaysia-Thailan boarder. It takes 39 minits from Kangar to reach Wang Kelian. You also may visit major landmark of the town is state mosque,Masjid Alwi with the yellow coloured blinds are some of the very interesting views.

Perlis is famed for its Malay arts such as Canggung,Hadrah,Jikey Perlis,Makyong Laut dan Wayang Kulit Gedek (Wayang Gedek). The famous traditional dance is Tarian Ayam Didik which perform together with a song ayam didik. Besides that the famous traditional dress in Perlis is known as Kebaya Perlis.

Kangar is being close to Thailand where you can find plenty of Thai food here. The most local specialties such as Laksa Perlis eat together with kueh spera, Pau Halim, grilled catfish, Ikan bakar and Murtabak raja. One dish which is unique to this state is called "Kensom", a fish dish that you eat with rice. The other one is "Nasi Kandar", rice taken with curry dishes, fried chicken, mutton, fried prawns, fried squid and vegetables. Poh Kee Laksa and Ah Beng Laksa also the most famous Chinese-style Asam Laksa stalls in Kangar. It is situated just opposite the bus terminal. You also can enjoy the delicious mango harumanis known as King of Manggo where you can get only in Perlis during harvest season between April and June.

Nightlife in Kangar is nonexistent. Shops close well before 10pm but the Kayangan Square stays open until 10pm. However, you can always join the locals at coffee shop or mamak stall (mostly located at Persiaran Jublee Emas) to have a local drink. Besides that you can enjoy shopping and eating at night market in Kangar on Wednesday. For those looking for seafood and Ikan Bakar they can go to Kuala Perlis to get a fresh seafood and fish.

The best time to visit Kangar is during the harumanis harvest seasons between April and June where you can taste the fragrant, sweet and thick juicy fresh mango. You also may visit Kangar between January to April where the weather is generally warm and dry. Days are hot and windy but nights can become cold towards dawn. Due Perlis is known as a hottest country in Malaysia, you can prepare hat for sun protective, sunblock and wear thin clothes, a long skirts or trousers to cover your knees and shoulders. Bring enough for money to enjoy shopping at Malaysia-Thailand border. You can visit the market without the use of passports if you remain within the market area and a duty free outlet is also available.

Hotels

Putra Regency Hotel

Putra Regency Hotel is a 4 star luxury hotel offers quality accommodation and great service to the guest. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With the city's main attractions such as Perlis Badminton Association, The Store at Pusat Bandar Kangar and Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia . This hotel provide taxi service,24 hour front desk,wifi in public areas,car park,room service, outdoor and pool kids.

Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar

Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar is located in Kangar, 40-minute drive from Bukit Kayu Hitam. Padang Besar and Alor Setar Airport are both a 45-minute drive away. It takes about a 35-minute drive from Gua Kelam. This 2 star affordable hotel provide facilities that include an outdoor pool,modern guestrooms with free Wi-Fi, all rooms with air-conditioning,a satellite TV and free parking. The on-site Seri Inai Restaurant serves halal-certified local and Western dishes.

Motel Fyna

For the convenient budget hotel you can choose is Motel Fyna where it is located in Kangar, provides affordable accommodation featuring fully air-conditioned rooms and complimentary WiFi access. The hotel also operates a 24-hour front desk. Each room will provide you with ironing facilities, an electric kettle and a flat-screen TV. There is also an attached bathroom equipped with hot/cold shower facilities. At Fyna Motel, you will find a shared lounge, ironing/laundry services and a cosy library. You can also make use of the bicycle rental services to get around the area. Free parking facilities are offered to those who drive. The motel is located 56 km away from Langkawi International Airport.