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A Truly Authentic Local Market: Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

A Truly Authentic Local Market: Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Malaysia is truthfully one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and my recent trip to Perlis - the smallest and northernmost state in Malaysia - has opened my eyes to many more amazing wonders.

A Truly Authentic Local Market: Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Nat Pokok Getah is more than just a morning market: it is a copybook example of everything Malaysia represents. Amidst the bustling carts loaded with commodities and freshly harvested produce, the locals - both young and old - gather blithely to share a hearty breakfast, stock up on household necessities, or simply to discuss their plans for the day.

Read also: 10 Must-Try Local Food in Perlis

An elderly man in his vehicle at Nat Pokok Getah

An elderly vendor selling vegetables at Nat Pokok Getah

Time passes slower in the northern countryside.

The locals have chosen to live fully and nonchalantly in the present. There is no hurry or pressure in getting things done. Every smile is sincere, and every conversation struck bears a purpose. Life is perceptibly more meaningful, joyful and composed here.

A vegetable seller at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Top Attractions You Should Visit in Perlis

A food vendor at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

top attractions & food recommendations in perlis

Breakfast at Nat Pokok Getah can be a rewarding experience

A butcher at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

The Wonderful Local Produce of Perlis

Nat Pokok Getah is a wonderland for both culinary experts and seasoned home cooks. Nat translates to a market, and pokok getah means rubber tree. Located within a rubber estate in Pauh, vendors from across the region come together to form this morning market on Fridays and Sundays. It first started in 1998, and has thrived ever since as it has been bringing profitability to the vendors and convenience to the buyers.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the market is that it is always shaded - all thanks to the huge surrounding rubber trees that form a natural canopy.

The rubber trees surround the market to form a natural canopy

Perlis is the perfect starting point for those looking to discover and explore the amazing raw ingredients and yields from this region. Bordering Thailand's Satun province, it harvests the best crops both countries have to offer:

Pekasam are typically freshwater fishes preserved in salt, tamarind, brown sugar and roasted rice.

The seasonal and highly demanded Perlis Sunshine Gold mangoes

Burung Puyoh or Japanese quails

Burung Puyoh or the Japanese quails

Buah Kerdas or Genuak - a type of edible stinky fruit

Urap Jagung (steamed corn with grated coconut), Ubi Kayu or tapioca, and Emping Padi (young green rice with grated coconut)

Pre-made sauces and condiments for popular Malay dishes

A vendor arranging his goods for sale.

A fish vendor at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

A variety of local mollusks

More mollusks

At RM10 per plate it's an absolute steal!

Cheap & Authentic Local Food at Nat Pokok Getah

It was quite an experience to have my breakfast here. The selection is kept strictly and delightfully Malay - packed with immense flavors and spices. Best of all, visitors can enjoy a satisfying meal completed with a drink and dessert for just under RM10.

Local food sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

kuala perlis seafood restaurant opening hours

Mee Sup Daging at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Nasi Ayam at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Beautiful donuts sold at the market

Fresh goat milk

An "economy rice" stall that allows customers to select any combination of dishes, typically served with a portion of rice or noodles.

Live Animals, Secondhand Goods & Antiques for Sale at Nat Pokok Getah

Besides fresh produce and food, there is an entire section at Nat Pokok Getah dedicated to selling unconventional items such as live animals (either for eating or as pets - I honestly cannot tell the difference today anymore), rare antiques and bundle - a local slang for used clothes.

Live animals sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Fishes sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Fishes sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Antiques sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Old artifacts sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Traditional alternative Malay medicine

Used phones and gadgets

Used shoes sold at the market

Local Tobacco & Kopi Timbang at Nat Pokok Getah

One of the highlights of the trip was trying out the local tobacco and coffee in Perlis.
The tobacco is like nothing I've seen before - they come in sheets and are sold by the gram. There are different flavors and intensity to suit individual preferences, and these roll-your-own cigarettes are a lot more economical compared to commercial brands.

Local tobacco is manufactured in the form of sheets and is sold by the gram.

A vendor preparing an order by cutting the sheets and weighing the tobacco

Kopi Timbang or "scale coffee" is local coffee sold by weighing it on the scale. There are two variations available - black and white - which already have sugar added in them.

Kopi Timbang or local Perlis coffee sold at Nat Pokok Getah

The machine used to grind the local coffee beans

Nat Pokok Getah in Perlis is a sight to behold. It can easily be ranked as one of the top attractions in this tiny state located at the top of Malaysia and right below the Satun province of Thailand. Don't forget to include this as your travel destination when you visit the region in the future. Happy exploring!

Nat Pokok Getah

Address: Kampung Kubang, 02600 Arau, Perlis

Opening time: 8am-1pm

For related travel articles, click here.

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Malaysia Mosques Travel

Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis: Floating Mosque of Perlis

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis: Floating Mosque of Perlis

While many tourists are familiar with the world-renowned Langkawi, Perlis - a state located just 30 miles from the island - is often overlooked. As Malaysia's most northern state that borders Thailand's Satun province, this smallest state in the country has a lot more to offer beyond just delicious food, traditional morning markets and the majestic limestone hills and caves, such as the historical Gua Kelam which is rich with mining histories and artifacts. Have extra time on hand? Why not visit one of the state's most iconic mosque that is built on the sea?

Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis: Floating Mosque of Perlis

There are several must-see attractions in Perlis, such as the incredibly beautiful Al Hussain Mosque that will surely charm both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Dubbed as one of the most beautiful mosque in Malaysia, Masjid Al Hussain makes up for what it lacks in size with the most amazing unobstructed view of the Strait of Malacca.

The majestic Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis

Top Attraction in Perlis

Built next to the Kuala Perlis Jetty, the structure extends over the sea that has helped it to earn the nickname of a floating mosque. When the tide is at its highest, the mosque appears to be drifting over the sea and this view - accompanied with the setting sun, makes the experience extra memorable and magical.

Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis is one of the greatest spots in Perlis to admire the sunset. The unique colour combination of the sky form an enchanting and rather dramatic backdrop for the mosque, while the mellow sea breeze makes the stay worthwhile and delightful. Don't forget to whip out your camera to capture the sweetest shots to bring home!

The breathtaking sunset at Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis

Beautiful, unobstructed view of the Strait of Malacca at Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis

Architecture of Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis

One of the greatest feature of Masjid Al Hussain is its walls - instead of being painted, it is exquisitely adorned with the most beautiful selection of marble, pebbles, quartz and granite. The uniquely tactile and textured surface enhances the delicate lines on its grand gold-and-blue dome, which is constructed using aluminium and protective Polyvinylidene Diffluoride (PVDF). The mosque also takes pride in its twin minarets which are the world's first hexagonal minarets.

As the sun sets, the building comes alive and is illuminated with outdoor lights with each colour representing the different prayer times of the day. As Perlis is still relatively undeveloped compared to other states in Malaysia, you will find birds and insects such as dragonflies roaming freely around the compound. The peaceful environment allows you to feel calm and humbled as you immerse in the heavenly positive energy.

Soak up the amazing and calming energy at Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis

How to Get to Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis

As there is no direct flight to Perlis, you can hop onto a plane and land at one of the nearest airport either in Alor Setar or Langkawi.

If you are coming by car, take the North-South (PLUS) Highway and make your way to the Changlun- Kuala Perlis highway to arrive at Kuala Perlis - the second-largest town in Perlis. Alternatively, take the ETS train from KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur and get off at Arau.

Masjid Al Hussain Kuala Perlis

Lot 5392, Persiaran Putra Timur, 02000 Kuala Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia

Contact number: +604-985 5000, +6011-3545 1301

Facebook | Website

For related articles, click here.

Don't forget to visit the distinctive Masjid Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail during your trip to Perlis too!

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This beautiful mosque reminds me of the Green Dome of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi. Located in Kangar of Perlis - the northernmost state in Malaysia, it is said to be the favourite place of worship for the Raja of Perlis. 🇲🇾
A post shared by Grace Ng (@rollinggrace) on Mar 1, 2020 at 4:37am PST

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Malaysia Restaurant Reviews

Breakfast by the Paddy Field: Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis

Sunday, April 12, 2020

There isn't a better way to experience Perlis than to have a local breakfast by a paddy field. After all, the main economic activity at the northernmost state in Malaysia is rice farming, so Perlis has nothing short of the most beautiful views of expansive paddy fields and the best rice dishes to offer its visitors.

Read also: Malaysia's Most Unique Restaurants

Breakfast by the Paddy Field: Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis

Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis is located right by the main road

Beautiful view at Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis

Warung Tepi Sawah gets filled up really quickly, so be sure to get here early!

Breakfast by the Paddy Field: Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis

We arrived at Warung Tepi Sawah a little over 10 in the morning, but it was already brimming with people. Cars of customers were parked on both sides of the road, causing a mild congestion but the food and view that await you will definitely be worth the obstruction and delay.

Once inside, you need to search high and low for a vacant table or stand around and wait until there is one. A server will come to take your orders (although you might need to catch their attention with either a wave or an eye contact as everyone is pretty busy) and everything in the menu except Nasi Lemak will be brought to your table. For Nasi Lemak, simply make your way to the counter up front to grab your own portion.

The making of Warung Tepi Sawah's signature Roti Bakar Telur Gedik

Roti Lenggang with sambal at Warung Tepi Sawah

Capati Peknga station at Warung Tepi Sawah

Menu Warung Tepi Sawah

One of the many skillful cooks at Warung Tepi Sawah

Menu Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis

We had to try everything on the menu.

All the dishes offered here are authentically local - using locally sourced ingredients and cooked the local way. If you are hoping to try dishes that can only be found in this region of the world, be sure to order Roti Peknga - a type of soft coconut flatbread that is dipped in either curry or sambal, as well as Roti Lenggang which is a type of thin savory pancakes very similar to crepes - also to be dipped in curry or sambal. (You'll soon notice that most Malay dishes in Malaysia are wonderfully accompanied by flavorful dips and sauces!)