MY · Perlis · 6.43°N 100.20°E

kangar

Malaysia's smallest state capital: slow streets and harumanis mango season.

Best time
Harumanis season, roughly April to June, is the time to come. The dry season from about December to March brings hot, clear days.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
About 5 hours' drive from KL on the North–South Expressway. The ETS from KL Sentral to Padang Besar stops at Arau, about 15 minutes from Kangar. Or fly to Alor Setar and drive about 45 minutes.
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MY · Perliskangar6.43°N 100.20°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Malaysia's smallest state capital: slow streets and harumanis mango season.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKangarMY, Perlis
KLkangar
≈ 401 km from KL, as the crow flies
Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia

Photo: Chongkian · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The capital of Perlis, Malaysia's smallest state, sits among paddy fields close to the Thai border. Kangar itself is a quiet town, but it makes an easy base for limestone caves, a floating mosque, border markets and, in season, Harumanis mangoes.

Makan

  1. Laksa Kuala PerlisThick rice noodles in a fish-based gravy. Kuala Perlis is the place to try it.Map ↗
  2. Harumanis mangoPerlis's prized mango, sweet and fragrant, and only around in season.Map ↗
  3. Ikan bakarGrilled fish and fresh catch around the Kuala Perlis jetty.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Gua KelamWalk through a limestone cave on a suspended walkway above a stream, at Kaki Bukit.Map ↗
  2. Masjid Al-HussainThe 'floating mosque' built on stilts over the water at Kuala Perlis.Map ↗
  3. Timah Tasoh LakeA wide lake among the hills, good for a sunset drive.Map ↗
  4. Padang BesarThe border town's markets are a classic stop for snacks, clothes and Thai goods.Map ↗
  5. Kuala PerlisThe fishing town where ferries leave for Langkawi, with seafood and laksa near the jetty.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Harumanis sells out fast in season. Buy from Perlis growers or official outlets to be sure you're getting the real thing.
  • Dress modestly at the mosque. Women should cover their hair.
  • Bring your passport if you plan to cross into Thailand at Padang Besar.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.