Taman Negara, Kangar, Perlis Malaysia

Perlis State Park doesn't share quite the same virgin forest as neighbouring Thale Ban National Park over the border in Thailand. The Malay side was once logged for timber, and though the forests are growing back it will take a long time before they return to their original state. Still, the Nakawan limestone range, part of the Setul formation, stretches through the park and boasts rugged peaks rising as high as 733m above sea level and more than 20 caves. Also still found here -- among countless walking trails -- are a great diversity of flora and fauna. The stump-tailed macaque, noisy white-handed Gibbon, serow (mountain goats) and more than 100 species of bird, including six species of hornbills, have been spotted here.

The park entrance is located at Wang Kelian, right on the border with Thailand, where there is a visitor's centre, park accommodation facilities, and most of the trails begin. If you would like to hire a guide or stay in one the simple but beautifully located wooden chalets overlooking the forest, call in advance to make a booking as the park is popular with school students and team building groups, especially on weekends. The chalets are set up a small road 800m behind the visitor's centre in a small landscaped area. Standard and deluxe chalets start from 50 – 80 ringgit on weekdays and up to 110 ringgit on weekends. A big dormitory costs 10 ringgit per person. There is no on site restaurant but when you check in you can let the park staff know when you want to eat and they'll cook up some local specialities.