Discover your perfect stay in Arau.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Arau
Find the perfect place to stay in Arau








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Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Arau
In Arau, the top choice for families is Royal Resort Arau, a boutique hotel nestled near Perlis State Park. It offers spacious family suites, a kids' play area, and complimentary breakfast. The lush garden pool terrace and nature trails provide a peaceful retreat. Guests can enjoy local delicacies like coconut rice and pulled tea at the riverside café, immersing in authentic rural life while being just a 15-minute drive from major attractions.
The central district of Arau is the most convenient area for lodging, offering easy access to key landmarks. Hotels like Arau Garden Hotel are located steps away from the Perlis State Government Complex and Arau Night Market. With vibrant street food scenes and excellent safety, it's perfect for experiencing local culture. Plus, it’s only 30 minutes from popular sites like Batu Malam Cave System and Sungai Mokka Waterfall, combining comfort with adventure.
Stay at Green Valley Homestay, located near Sungai Mokka Waterfall. This hillside homestay features private viewing decks overlooking the cascading falls. They offer guided hikes into the Batu Malam Cave System, revealing stunning stalactites and underground rivers. Early morning eco-tours allow you to hear birdsong and stream sounds, while nearby wild orchid reserves attract photographers seeking untouched beauty.
Don’t miss the Traditional Malay Weaving Workshop at the Arau Old Market Community Center. Led by local artisans, this hands-on session teaches visitors how to use traditional wooden looms to create Batik Pekak, a symbolic pattern representing family heritage. Afterward, enjoy Nyonya glutinous rice dumplings made with coconut milk and pandan leaves, gaining insight into Perlis’s rich multicultural roots.
Visit the Arau Night Market, one of the most popular night bazaars in Perlis. With over 60 stalls, it serves grilled seafood, satay skewers, and local durian desserts. On Fridays and Saturdays, live performances include Malay traditional dances and acoustic guitar sets, creating a lively atmosphere. Some vendors even host dialect games, letting travelers engage with locals through fun cultural interactions.
For couples, Lakeview Cottage Arau is an exceptional choice. This secluded villa sits beside Arau Reservoir, featuring a private balcony and starlit rooftop deck. Enjoy candlelit dinners with organic local ingredients and handmade wine. Morning bike rides around the lake or making wishes on the Lovers’ Bridge create unforgettable moments. The hotel also offers a custom honeymoon package with rose petal beds and couple’s spa treatments.
Yes, many top hotels such as Arau Garden Hotel and Weston International Hostel have Chinese-speaking staff who can assist with reservations, menu translation, and transportation. They provide Chinese-language travel guides and maps detailing attractions, restaurants, and transit options. It’s recommended to confirm language support in advance via their official website or phone.
Visit the Orang Asli Cultural Hub near the Batu Malam Mountain Entrance. Run by local tribal members, this half-day program includes workshops on bamboo weaving, natural dye-making, and traditional tool displays. Try on ancestral attire, craft utilitarian items from gourds and vines, and savor meals made from wild tubers and yams. This immersive experience supports sustainable community development.
Yes, Arau Bus Terminal is centrally located and within a 10-minute walk of most hotels. Buses operated by Konsortium Bas Negeri connect Arau to Kangar, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang with frequent departures. Some hotels, like Royal Resort Arau, offer free shuttle services to the terminal. Additionally, shared e-bike rental stations are scattered across town, ideal for short explorations.
Must-visit spots include Arau Lovers’ Bridge and the Sungai Mokka Waterfall Viewpoint. The bridge, spanning the Arau River, glows golden at sunset against a backdrop of hills and paddy fields—perfect for romantic shots. The waterfall viewpoint offers dramatic vertical drops and moss-covered rocks, ideal for forest-themed photography. Don’t miss the Arau Old Street Mural Alley, filled with vibrant tropical murals by local artists—great for colorful, Instagram-worthy moments.
Arau is a tranquil town in Perlis, Malaysia, known for its rural landscapes and slow-paced lifestyle. It boasts abundant agricultural resources, particularly rice fields and orchards, showcasing the unique charm of Malaysian countryside. Arau's cultural heritage is rich, blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, offering visitors a glimpse into diverse religious festivals and traditions.
Key attractions in Arau include the Perlis State Park, featuring lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. The fishing village of Kuala Perlis provides an opportunity to experience local fishermen's lives. Additionally, Arau's rice fields turn golden during harvest season, creating a stunning vista for photography enthusiasts.
Arau's street food is predominantly Malay-style. Must-tries include Nasi Kerabu (blue rice with assorted side dishes) and Laksa Perlis (a sour-spicy noodle soup unique to Perlis). Local stalls also serve Satay (grilled meat skewers) and Rojak (fruit salad with peanut sauce), both bursting with unique flavors.
Public transport in Arau is limited; renting a car or using Grab is recommended. Main roads are well-maintained, but some rural paths may be narrow. Bus services from Kangar (Perlis' capital) to Arau are infrequent, so check schedules in advance.
The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is cool and dry. Avoid the monsoon season (April-October) to prevent disruptions to outdoor activities.
Language: Malay is primary, but English and Chinese are understood in tourist areas. Internet: 4G coverage exists in town but may be spotty in villages. Payments: Cash dominates; some merchants accept Touch 'n Go e-wallet. Emergencies: Arau has small clinics; serious cases require hospitalization in Kangar. Travel insurance is advisable.
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