Arau, Royal town in Perlis, Malaysia.
Arau is a royal town in Perlis and serves as the home of the main palace with colonial-style architecture alongside government offices and traditional markets. The central district mixes administrative spaces with areas where locals and visitors move through daily commerce and public life.
The settlement was established as an administrative center in the 18th century and later became the official royal seat of Perlis. This shift in status shaped how the town developed and what buildings were constructed there.
The town hosts traditional Malay ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year, where visitors can observe how local customs remain woven into community life. These events take place in public spaces and religious sites, reflecting the daily practices of residents.
The town is accessible by train, with regular services running to Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities. The compact town center is best explored on foot or by using local transportation options.
The palace here blends colonial building methods with Moorish decorative elements, a combination found only in Malaysian royal residences. Many visitors miss how this mixture of two distinct architectural traditions creates something quite specific to the place.
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