Kampung Warna Warni has won my heart. This previously overlooked Kuala Perlis fishing village is not only bursting with new life now, but also with color. A mind-boggling amount of color. Kampung Warna Warni translates to ‘colorful village’, but when it comes to this Perlis community project it is so much more.
The new colorful village of Kampung Warna Warni came to fruition during the 2020 pandemic. A brilliant idea from the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perlis himself, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who suggested to the villagers to paint the houses and buildings in their community bright colors to attract visitors, and help boost their local economy. Maybe at the time, he just meant to spruce things up a bit, but his idea certainly went beyond that, and the Royal Project of Transformation of the Colorful Village of Seberang Ramai Fisherman’s Heritage Village, Kuala Perlis was born.
What is amazing is that Kampung Warna Warni is not just a few households who jumped at this idea, but an entire community. Every single house in the Kampung Seberang Ramai fishing village is painted and decorated in a jaw dropping collection of combined imaginations. This is a fishing village mind you, not an ‘art’ community.
For anyone who has lived in a small community, you know there is always that one neighbor who will always refuse to be a team player. Much less be involved in any artsy fartsy project. But not Kampung Seberang Ramai. These folks work together, and the community pride is inspiring.
Meet Kampung Warna Warni
Previously known officially as Kampung Seberang Ramai, Kampung Warna Warni is the new name given by the Islamic Religious Council of Perlis. Within this main village are six sub-villages and as many individual village chiefs: Kampung Tengah, Kampung Hujung Tanjung, Kampung Tandiap, Kampung Seberang Alor, Kampung Seberang Jaya, Kampung Baru Seberang. It is obvious quite a few hands were involved in this massive project, but when it comes to individual homes surely the households themselves would have had the final say as creative directors. And I say, well done all! Kampung Warna Warni is a feast for the senses.
Exploring Warna Warni Village
Kampung Warna Warni is not a one visit wonder. It’s also much more than an Instagram photo op. This village community is a story to be savored. For first time visitors, the Choley (moto taxi) Tour is the way to go. The tour takes about 40-minutes to an hour and passes (presently) 12 of the official check points (aka highlights). There are more highlights, as well as more in development, but the Choley Tours gives a great overview look.
The drivers will also answer questions, although there may be some information limitations in the English language version. The royal project has also extended a bit past the rainbow bridge, but for first time visitors with limited time, it’s probably best just stick to the Choley Tour areas.
The Choley Tour drivers will briefly stop along the way (on request) if they have time, but their standard allotted tour time includes about 10 minutes at the rainbow bridge, which you will definitely want the full 10 minutes for just to get to the top of the bridge and savor the scenic view. You can also do a self-guided tour via rented bicycle, motorbike or on foot, but I still highly recommend the Choley Tour first and poke around later on your own.
The Kampung Warna Warni Choley tour costs about RM35 per ‘four to six’people, but depending on your group size, a blind eye might be turned if you want to add an extra few bodies. *And please, if you happen to be a ‘content creator’ don’t ask for freebies. Truly, any content you will obtain at Kampung Warna Warni is well-worth the price of admission, and for a good cause.
Here are Some of the Choley ‘Checkpoint’ Highlights
LAMAN CONGKAK
LAMAN LAKSA
JAMBAMATAN TUANKU SYED PUTRA
LAMAN BESTARI
ANJUNG PERSINGGAHAN RAJA
RUMAH PENGHULU OMAR
LAMAN BUNGA RAYA
RUMAH DODOL
LORONG NEGERI
PANTAI PULAU KETAM
Getting to Kampung Warna Warni
Located about 1.5 kilometers from the Kuala Perlis Ferry Jetty, Kampung Warna Warni is a 6RM GRAB taxi ride, the local taxi rate may differ. Getting a ride to Kampung Warna Warni is usually no problem, but it may take a little extra time to catch a ride back, so keep that in mind if you have a ferry to catch later.
There is also a bus that will take visitors from the ferry complex to Kampung Warna Warni and it’s just RM3 each way. Sorry I don’t have a photo of the bus, but the one I saw was grey. You can inquire about it at the jetty. At Kampung Warni Warna it will be parked in the parking lot. The bus schedule may or may not be set in stone, so just count your blessings if it is an option. Otherwise, save yourself some time and take a taxi.
Kampung Warna Warni is open daily from 8 or 9:00am until 7:30pm. You may find better lighting earlier in the day, but perhaps more village activities available in the late afternoon and weekends. Either way you must visit!
For more direct information call the Choley Tour Team; 019-444 9672/ 019-697 9694
And be sure to stop at the Mokti Ice cream Truck too!
Perlis itself is the smallest state in Malaysia and they have always marched to the beat of their own drummer as far as I’m concerned. Unlike many other states in Malaysia, Perlis has never gone much out of their way to ‘attract’ tourists, tourists seem to find their way there on their own. And for the intrepid traveler, Perlis is a gold mine to discover. Especially for international visitors.
For additional things to do in Perlis: Weekend Guide to Perlis for First Time Visitors
and Let’s Visit the Perlis Snake and Reptile Farm!
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