Delving into the heart of Malaysia, a treasure trove of wonders awaits the intrepid traveller in Perlis, the country's smallest yet profoundly captivating state. Nestled at the northernmost tip, where it kisses Thailand's southern border, Perlis is a testament to the beauty and diversity that Malaysia proudly offers. It's in this unassuming corner of the world that one discovers Nat Pokok Getah Arau—an enchanting destination that effortlessly marries the allure of nature with the rich tapestry of local culture and history. A visit here isn't just a journey through a physical landscape, but a deep dive into the vibrant soul of Perlis itself.

Stepping into Nat Pokok Getah Arau, you're immediately enveloped by an air of mystique and serenity that only such timeless places can possess. For the discerning traveller with a penchant for cultural immersion and an appetite for the culinary delights hidden within Malaysia's borders, this market presents an unparalleled opportunity.

Through this enlightening article, we're not just recounting facts and figures. Instead, we're inviting you to lose yourself in the essence of this remarkable place—where every corner turned and every path followed unveils new dimensions of Perlis' heart and spirit.

Read also: 10 Must-Try Local Food in Perlis

Table of Content

1. Authentic Local Market in Perlis
2. Local Produce of Perlis
3. Cheap Traditional Perlis Food
4. Market Finds: From Live Animals to Antiques
5. Tobacco: Rokok Daun Tembakau
6. Kopi Timbang Perlis
7. Contact Information

Nat Pokok Getah: Perlis Local Market

Nat Pokok Getah: Perlis Local Market

Authentic Local Market in Perlis

Step into the heart of authentic Malaysian culture at Nat Pokok Getah, a morning market that captures the essence of this vibrant nation in every corner. As dawn breaks, join the lively throng of locals, where the air is filled with spirited chatter and the aromatic allure of delectable breakfast offerings. Witness the comical dance of carts brimming with the day's freshest picks, from radiant fruits to crisp vegetables, while neighbours engage in earnest conversations, exchanging recipes or the day's first smiles.

This isn’t merely a place to refill your pantry; it’s a cherished ritual, a space to weave into the daily lives of Perlis's residents, sharing moments of joy over steaming cups of teh tarik.

An elderly man in his vehicle at Nat Pokok Getah

An elderly vendor selling vegetables at Nat Pokok Getah

Time passes slower in the northern countryside.

The locals have chosen to live fully and nonchalantly in the present. There is no hurry or pressure in getting things done. Every smile is sincere, and every conversation struck bears a purpose. Life is perceptibly more meaningful, joyful and composed here. 

A vegetable seller at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

A food vendor at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Breakfast at Nat Pokok Getah can be a rewarding experience

A butcher at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Local Produce of Perlis

Nat Pokok Getah is a wonderland for both culinary experts and seasoned home cooks. Nat translates to a market, and pokok getah means rubber tree. Located within a rubber estate in Pauh, vendors from across the region come together to form this morning market on Fridays and Sundays. It first started in 1998, and has thrived ever since as it has been bringing profitability to the vendors and convenience to the buyers.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the market is that it is always shaded - all thanks to the huge surrounding rubber trees that form a natural canopy.

The rubber trees surround the market to form a natural canopy

Perlis is the perfect starting point for those looking to discover and explore the amazing raw ingredients and yields from this region. Bordering Thailand's Satun province, it harvests the best crops both countries have to offer:

Pekasam are typically freshwater fishes preserved in salt, tamarind, brown sugar and roasted rice.

The seasonal and highly demanded Perlis Sunshine Gold mangoes 

Burung Puyoh or Japanese quails

Burung Puyoh or the Japanese quails

Buah Kerdas or Genuak - a type of edible stinky fruit

Urap Jagung (steamed corn with grated coconut), Ubi Kayu or tapioca, and Emping Padi (young green rice with grated coconut) 

Pre-made sauces and condiments for popular Malay dishes

A vendor arranging his goods for sale.

A fish vendor at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

A variety of local mollusks

More mollusks

At RM10 per plate it's an absolute steal!

Cheap Traditional Perlis Food

Immersing oneself in the heart of Perlis, the pleasure of partaking in a strictly Malay breakfast at a local gem becomes a memorable experience, overflowing with rich flavours and bold spices that tantalise the palate. Here, where tradition meets affordability, you can indulge in a truly satisfying meal that includes a main course, a refreshing drink, and a delightful dessert, all for the astonishingly modest sum of under RM10.

This culinary journey promises not only a feast for the senses but also offers a glimpse into the genuine essence of Malay cuisine, making it an irresistible stop for those who venture to explore the unique and vibrant food landscape of Perlis.

Local food sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Mee Sup Daging at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Nasi Ayam at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Beautiful donuts sold at the market

Fresh goat milk

An "economy rice" stall that allows customers to select any combination of dishes, typically served with a portion of rice or noodles.

Market Finds: From Live Animals to Antiquities

Venture beyond the customary array of fresh produce and gastronomical delights at Nat Pokok Getah, where a fascinating alcove brimming with the unconventional awaits the discerning explorer. Here, the lines between culinary ingredients and companions blur intriguingly among the live animals on offer; a unique tableau that invites curiosity and conversation.

Delve deeper, and you’ll uncover a haven for collectors and fashion-forward adventurers alike, with rare antiques whispering stories of bygone eras and ‘bundle’ stalls – the local vernacular for secondhand clothing – presenting a kaleidoscope of styles ready to be reimagined. Nat Pokok Getah’s eclectic array ensures that each visit promises not just a journey through flavour but a voyage through history and culture, making it a must-explore destination for those eager to imbibe experiences that are as rich as they are rare.

Live animals sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Fishes sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Fishes sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Antiques sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Old artifacts sold at Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

Traditional alternative Malay medicine

Used phones and gadgets

Used shoes sold at the market

Tobacco: Rokok Daun Tembakau

Amidst the rustic charm of Perlis, a remarkable discovery awaits the adventurous and the culturally curious: local tobacco, a treasure unlike any found elsewhere. Presented not in the usual form, but rather in sheets, this exquisite tobacco is meticulously sold by the gram, allowing for a fully customisable experience.

Here lies an array of flavours and intensities, each tailored to match individual preferences, inviting connoisseurs and novices alike to partake in the crafting of their own cigarettes. This not only presents a more economical alternative to the commercial options available but also offers a deep dive into the traditional practices of the region.

Engaging with this unique aspect of Perlis provides not just a momentary delight but a lasting connection to the heritage and cultural nuances of this enchanting locale.

Local tobacco is manufactured in the form of sheets and is sold by the gram.

A vendor preparing an order by cutting the sheets and weighing the tobacco

Kopi Timbang Perlis

Venturing into the vibrant marketplace, one is greeted with the alluring aroma of 'Kopi Timbang', a locally cherished coffee, meticulously sold by weight, promising an authentic taste of tradition. This intriguing method of procurement allows coffee aficionados to witness the care and attention poured into every purchase.

Available in two distinct variations, the black and white, each comes with sugar already infused, catering to various palates with its rich and comforting flavours. It’s an experience that not only awakens the senses but also connects one with the local coffee culture, offering a unique insight into the community’s way of life.

Kopi Timbang or local Perlis coffee sold at Nat Pokok Getah

The machine used to grind the local coffee beans

Nestled at the zenith of Malaysia and cradled just beneath the Satun province of Thailand, Perlis might be the smallest state in the country, yet it holds wonders that defy its diminutive size. Among these, Nat Pokok Getah stands out as a marvel not to be missed. This breathtaking location offers more than just a visual feast; it provides a window into the verdant heart of Malaysia's agricultural prowess, where the serenity of rubber trees stretches as far as the eye can see.

As you chart your next journey, make a note, a mental bookmark, if you will, to wander through this captivating plantation. It's not just an exploration of land but an immersion into the very soul of Perlis.

Contact Information

Address: Kampung Kubang, 02600 Arau, Perlis

Opening time: 8am-1pm