The Royal Town Of Arau

 Bandar Diraja Arau(The Royal Town of Arau) is the royal capital of the state of *Perlis*, Malaysia. It is located about 14 km southeast of Kangar, the state’s administrative capital.

 History and Royal Significance

Arau has been the royal seat of Perlis since the state's formation in 1843, when the Jamalullail family was recognized as the hereditary rulers. The first Raja of Perlis was Raja Syed Hussein Jamalullail, and the current monarch, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, has reigned since 2000.

Istana Arau (Arau Palace), built around 1905 during the reign of Raja Syed Alwi Jamalullail, serves as the official residence of the Raja of Perlis. The palace features colonial and pseudo-Moorish architecture and is the site of key royal ceremonies such as coronations and investitures.

Modern Importance and Education

In addition to its royal role, Arau is a hub for education and transportation. It hosts institutions like Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Perlis Matriculation College, attracting students from across Malaysia. The  Arau railway station is a key transit point for travelers heading to Langkawi via Kuala Perlis.

Cultural and Social Appeal

Arau retains the charm of a small, peaceful town enriched by royal heritage. It features historical buildings, royal mausoleums, and mosques. The local community actively shares daily life, events, and small businesses through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.