#3 Kangar, Perlis



District: Kangar, Perlis
Towns in the district: Kangar, Kuala Perlis, Bintong, Sena, Kayang, Indera Kayangan
Last time I was there: 2012

The story:
I was pretty excited to head up north for a special broadcast of Malaysia Hari Ini in Arau back in 2012. Flew Firefly to Alor Setar on a Thursday, then hopped into a taxi for the 40-minute ride to Arau. The driver took the scenic kampung route instead of the highway -- and there I was, city boy in awe, jaw half-open as endless paddy fields and distant hills rolled by.


We checked into the old but charming Soo Guan Villa Hotel -- nothing fancy, but clean, comfy and, best of all, right next to a paddy field. My balcony view looked like a postcard. 


After a nap, it was food-hunting time, and first on the list was the famous laksa Perlis (laksa kola). With co-host Nurul Syuhada leading the way to a stall near her old school, we filmed a quick VT and ordered the “laksa special.” The gravy was rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced -- we slurped like there was no tomorrow.



But we weren’t done yet. That night, the crew and I drove to Kuala Perlis for seafood -- kerang, sotong, ketam, and something new to me: mentarang bakar. I didn’t know what it was, but after one bite, I was a fan. Bellies full, we turned in early because our next call time was 4.30 a.m. at Kampung Tambun Tulang.



Do look out for my Arau entry next -- that’s where the real adventure in Perlis continued!

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