Perlis water festival draws 55,000-plus visitors

The crowd at the 2026 Kuala Perlis International Water Festival cheering on the traditional boat race teams.

OVER 55,000 people attended a two-day water festival at Kampung Wai, Kuala Perlis, bringing a positive spillover effect to the local economy.

Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said the eateries, homestays, hotels and guesthouses were among those that had benefitted.

Participants of a water pillow fight trying to knock each other off a pole.

“This is a very good achievement. Many business premises, eateries, homestays and hotels are full,” he told reporters at the conclusion of the 2026 Kuala Perlis International Water Festival.

Locals dressed in traditional clothes to grab the attention of judges for the ‘Kampung Nelayan Tradisi’ themed village beautification competition.

He said 19 villages took part in various competitions during the festival, which included village beautification that demonstrated community spirit.

“Regardless of whether we win or lose, the spirit of coming together in Kuala Perlis will continue to be strengthened.”

Teamwork in action during the traditional boat race.

He said, as quoted by Bernama, the festival would be continued next year with several improvements and greater emphasis on the village beautification competition.