Perlis State Park

Perlis State Park covers the Nakawan range, a long limestone ridge running up the Thai border, and it protects something that exists nowhere else in Malaysia: semi-deciduous forest, where part of the canopy drops its leaves in the dry season because this corner of the country sits at the edge of the Indochinese climate zone rather than the equatorial one. The consequence is a set of species at their southern limit, including the stump-tailed macaque, found in Malaysia only here, along with serow and a distinctive plant list on the limestone. Trails run along and over the ridge with caves in it, there is a canopy walkway and basic accommodation at Wang Kelian, and the Thai border market sits just beyond. It is one of the least visited parks in the peninsula.

What you actually see

• Semi-deciduous forest - the only stand of it in Malaysia, leaf-dropping in the dry.
• Stump-tailed macaques - found in the country only in this range.
• A limestone ridge and caves - the Nakawan range along the Thai border.
• A canopy walkway - and trails from the Wang Kelian headquarters.

When to go

All year; drier December to March. A day, or overnight.

Honest expectations

Facilities are basic and the canopy walkway has been closed for maintenance at times. Trails are hot and the limestone is sharp. Wildlife sightings are not reliable. Very few visitors, which cuts both ways.

Nearby

Gua Kelam and Kaki Bukit are south; the Wang Kelian border market is close.