Arau is the royal capital of Perlis in Malaysia, with a population of around 20,000. It is located in Peninsular Malaysia, 14 kilometers southeast of the official state capital of Kangar. The red-roofed Istana (Royal Palace) is a mixture of colonial and pseudo-Moorish architectural styles. Near the Istana is the Royal Mosque, which can hold some 7000 worshippers. This town is the disembarkation point for visitors travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi by train.