Kuala Perlis: explore Perlis by the sea

Kuala Perlis is a coastal port town on the north-western shore of Perlis, beside the mouth of the Perlis River and the Strait of Malacca. It is best known as the mainland ferry gateway to Langkawi. The passenger terminal carries the main flow of travellers between the mainland and the island, while a fishing port and local boat jetties support the town’s maritime life. Fishing, passenger transport and trade all shape the waterfront. The town is worth more than a quick transfer. Fishing boats, the shoreline and local markets give it a different pace from state capital Kangar. Fresh fish and seafood are central to the local food scene, and cafés and restaurants along the coast become lively toward evening. One of the town’s most distinctive landmarks is Masjid Al-Hussain, a mosque built on stilts over the water. Its stone-covered walls, blue-patterned dome and slender minaret are visible from the waterfront and the port area. Kuala Perlis also works as a base for exploring the rest of the state. A short road journey connects it with Kangar; from there, travellers can continue to limestone landscapes, sites in Jerai Geopark and the border town of Padang Besar. If you are catching a ferry to Langkawi, check the operator’s current timetable and travel conditions, as services can vary. When the route allows, leave time for the mosque, a walk beside the water and a seafood meal made with the local catch.