Malaysia’s smallest state makes a big leap for tourism

Malaysia's northern state of Perlis is gearing up to diversify its tourism sector by capitalising on its ecotourism potentials and strategic border location.

In the recent Budget 2023, Perlis received a shared allocation of RM10 million (US$2.1 million) as part of the Malaysian government’s tourism recovery strategy to upgrade the Gua Kelam, or Kelam Cave, a 370m long limestone cave with its own underwater river. The RM10 million budget will also be used for two tourism products respectively in Terengganu and Pahang.

Meanwhile, the reopening of Padang Besar and the resumption of the Padang Besar-Hatyai, Thailand shuttle train service operation, since 15 July 2022 are set to expand the number of cross-border visitors from Thailand.

However, Perlis faces significant challenges in ramping up tourism. One, infrastructure constraints such as the lack of air connectivity and limited accommodation options deter more travellers from visiting the state.

Visitors can either drive or take the Electric Train Service (ETS) which connects Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar for a journey of less than six hours. For air travel, the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Star, Kedah serves as the main gateway though this still requires travellers to hire a car or make other land arrangements for the one-hour journey to Perlis.

Second, the absence of a large hotel may deter group tours or conferences from choosing Perlis as their preferred destination. The two- and three-star Seri Malaysia Perlis and Putra Regency Hotel respectively have a combined total of just under 300 rooms. Other lodging options are small operators running motels and homestays.

Despite the above challenges, Al Khaadem, an NGO based in Selangor, has chosen to host its Al Khaadem International Youth Camp (AKYC) in Perlis this year, with 100 participants representing countries such as Japan, Australia, the Maldives and the UAE.

Mohd Fahmy Ahmad Faudzi, camp director of Al Khaadem, believes that Perlis is a "hidden gem".

“Perlis truly is a hidden gem,” says Mohd Fahmy Ahmad Faudzi, Al Khaadem camp director. “The natural elements are spectacular as well as what they offer. We’re surrounded by paddy fields on one side, and the mountains, limestone outcrops and geo formations on the other, with activities such as caving, rock climbing and even kayaking in a cave!”

There are already plans to boost adventure tourism in the state. In June 2022, MyUS Venture Partners announced plans to enhance rock climbing activities in the state by building the Perlis Rock Climbing Base@Gua Kelam. According to Group CEO Dato’ Nellsen Young, this will support the state’s mission to put Perlis on the world rock-climbing map.

The Perlis Rock Climbing Base Camp@Gua Kelam is scheduled to begin operations in December 2022, ready to meet the surge of domestic and international visitors at the end of the year.

Travel industry players are confident that Perlis can boom with government support. “Perlis’ tourism products are certainly unique. What we need now is the state government’s support to scale the tourism infrastructure and expand on the existing facilities so that we can accommodate more visitors in future,” says Anas Akmal Arshad, director at UNIC Astana Holidays.