Amongst other things, Perlis is one of the many states in Malaysia which is fondly known for its affordable shopping, so what better way to explore the state than starting at its vibrant local markets. Brace yourself - these shopping gems offer everything from sweet and savoury treats to reasonably cheap clothes and accessories due to its proximity to the border of Thailand, which makes a trip here totally worth it. Be spoiled for choice and literally shop ‘til you drop without burning a hole in your pocket!
First stop is the Arked Niaga Padang Besar in Perlis, known to be packed with stalls and vendors offering something to suit every shopper. Thanks to its proximity to the Thailand border, Arked Niaga Padang Besar combines the latest in casual clothing to local snacks, knick-knacks as well as souvenirs and mementos unique to Perlis.
With the setup of a huge, vibrant bazaar, this marketplace is a treat if you’re looking for both local and international items at super affordable prices under one roof. Arked Niaga Padang Besar is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
To reach Arked Niaga Padang Besar, visitors can take the ETS from KL Sentral and head to the Padang Besar Train Station. From there, take a taxi or any e-hailing service to reach the market. If travelling by bus, hop onto one that takes you to Terminal Bukit Lagi in Kangar. From there, the regular MyBus Perlis number T11 will take you directly to Padang Besar.
Conveniently located opposite Arked Niaga Padang Besar is Padang Waremart; a large shopping complex featuring a good selection of specialty products for you to choose from. Padang Waremart is highly famous for its wondrous array of snacks and treats, and what truly sets it apart is the unique items that you can discover here and nowhere else. Padang Waremart is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Getting to Padang Waremart is similar to the directions to Arked Niaga Padang Besar. By bus, take the service straight to Terminal Bukit Lagi in Kangar and from there, hop onto MyBus Perlis number T11, which will take you directly to Padang Besar. Alternatively, try out the ETS from KL Sentral that travels directly to the Padang Besar Train Station, where you can hop into a taxi or e-hailing car to take you to Padang Waremart.
No shopping trip is complete without a stop at this famous yet iconic flea market that is only open from Fridays to Sundays weekly, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Pasar Nat Pokok Getah (the word 'nat’ comes from the Perlis and Kedah slang which means “day market”) is located amidst a large rubber tree plantation, hence ‘Pokok Getah’ (rubber tree) as part of its name.
Amongst the many wonderful offerings here are also a wide range of the freshest fruits and vegetables that you can choose from.
Fresh produce aside, you will also find a large range of clothing choices here, featuring both new or pre-loved options to add to your wardrobe.
As you venture along, you will also spot second-hand household items such as cookery, radios and televisions amongst many more. To top it off, most of these items come with an incredibly affordable price tag, allowing you to pick up as many items as you like without worrying about going over budget.
Last but not least, remember to save some space in your shopping bags for some of the freshest seafood also available at Pasar Nat Pokok Getah.
To get to Pasar Nat Pokok Getah, simply hop onto the KTM to reach the closest station, which is the Arau Royal Railway Station. From there, it is an eight-minute drive from the market via taxi or any e-hailing service.