Arau

Arau is the royal capital of Perlis, home to the Raja of Perlis and the state's ceremonial administrative centre. Located about 10 km south of Kangar, Arau is a modest town of approximately 20,000 people whose main claim to fame is its railway station — a stop on the KTM West Coast Line that serves the entire state. The town's most prominent landmarks are the Istana Arau (the royal palace) and the adjacent Royal Museum.

Arau is primarily a commuter town for Kangar and a transit point for travellers moving between Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi (via the Kuala Perlis ferry), and Thailand. There is little conventional tourism within the town itself, but its relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Perlis's key attractions make it a pleasant stop. The town is notably orderly and clean compared to other Malaysian state capitals.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (AOR) in Alor Setar, 50 km south. Hat Yai Airport (HDY) in Thailand is 120 km north.

By Train

Arau station is the main railway station for Perlis on the KTM West Coast Line. KTM ETS trains run regularly to Butterworth (2 hr, from RM 18), Ipoh (3.5 hr), and Kuala Lumpur (5.5 hr, from RM 48). The station is about 1 km from the town centre.

By Car / Road

Arau is just off the North-South Expressway (E1), exit 187. It is 10 minutes south of Kangar and 30 minutes north of Alor Setar. The Arau bus terminal has limited connections to Kangar, Kuala Perlis, and Padang Besar.

Arau is very compact — the town centre, railway station, and palace are all within walking distance. Taxis are scarce; Grab is available but with limited coverage. Renting a car in Kangar or Alor Setar is recommended for exploring the wider state.

• Istana Arau — the Royal Palace, a traditional Malay wooden palace on tall stilts with intricate carvings; the palace grounds are accessible but the interior is closed to the public

• Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja Perlis) — housed in a former palace building next to the Istana; exhibits regalia, photographs, and artefacts of the Perlis royal family (free entry)

• Masjid Arau — the town's main mosque, a modern design with a prominent minaret

• Pekan Arau — the old shophouse district with traditional coffee shops and a daily wet market

• Visit the Royal Museum — explore the exhibits on Perlis's royal history, regalia, and cultural artefacts (free entry)

• Photograph the Istana Arau — the traditional Malay wooden palace on stilts is the most photogenic landmark in town

• Walk through Pekan Arau — browse the old shophouses and experience a slice of daily life in Perlis's royal town

• Kedai Kopi Hock Hin (Jalan Besar Arau) — a classic Hainanese coffee shop with roti bakar, half-boiled eggs, and coffee (RM 3–6)
• Restoran Seri Arau (near the station) — Malay nasi campur and curries; RM 5–10
• Pasar Malam Arau — grilled seafood, apam balik (sweet pancakes), and local kuih for RM 2–5

• Kopi — at the traditional coffee shops around the market (RM 2–3)
• Teh tarik — at the mamak stalls (RM 2–3)

• Budget: Arau Rest House (near the station, RM 40–60/night, basic rooms)
• Mid-range: Hotel Sri Arau (RM 60–100/night, clean and central)
• Upscale: None in Arau — best options are in Kangar or Alor Setar

• Pasar Malam Arau (Thursday evenings) — a night market with clothing, snacks, and local produce
• Arau shophouses — basic provisions, fresh bread, and local snacks

• Kangar (10 km north, 15 min by train or car) — Perlis's state capital for shopping and dining
• Kuala Perlis (15 km west, 20 min drive) — the Langkawi ferry jetty and seafood restaurants
• Padang Besar (35 km north, 30 min drive) — Thai border crossing and duty-free market
• Alor Setar (45 km south, 35 min drive) — Kedah capital with Zahir Mosque and the Paddy Museum