World · Malaysia Bureau
Perlis canal transformed into thrilling tourism attraction
A scenic waterway through Kampung Wai in Perlis has emerged as an unexpected tourist destination, offering visitors a unique journey past ancient geological formations. The route culminates in a dramatic passage through a 765-metre tunnel carved beneath the Nakawan Range.
LSN Malaysia ·
What was once merely a functional flood management canal has become an unlikely adventure destination for tourists exploring Perlis. Boat operators now guide visitors through Kampung Wai on a route that showcases the region's distinctive natural landscape.
The journey takes travellers past limestone formations that span millennia, geological features that form part of the area's rich natural heritage. The waterway winds through the village before reaching its most dramatic feature—a subterranean passage that extends 765 metres beneath the Nakawan Range.
The tunnel passage represents both a natural marvel and an engineering challenge for operators managing the tourist traffic. The confined waterway requires careful navigation, adding an element of adventure to what has become a popular day-trip destination.
Local operators have capitalised on growing interest in experiential tourism across Southeast Asia, positioning the route as an alternative to conventional attractions. The initiative demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be repurposed to generate economic benefits for rural communities while showcasing regional geological significance.
The Perlis attraction reflects broader trends in Malaysia's tourism sector, where off-the-beaten-path experiences increasingly appeal to domestic and regional visitors seeking authentic encounters with local geography and culture.