Get Away: A Day Trip to Fraser Hill

For a relaxing weekend getaway from Kuala Lumpur, consider heading to Fraser Hill. Located on the Titiwangsa mountain range of Malaysia, this colonial era hill station is about two hours away from the city by car. It offers not only a respite from the bustle of the city, but plenty of sporting opportunities as well with ample world-famous golf ranges.

Image: Khalzuri

The hill is named after its settler, Louis James Fraser, a Scotsman who struck and mined tin here in the late 19^th century. After the tin ran out, the area was expanded as a hill station because of its lush natural surroundings. Since the expansion was done mainly during the colonial period, you will find many colonial era relics, such as the charming Tudor-style houses and resorts.

The Fraser Hill Silverpark Resort is a great place to stay if you’re looking for lodging with all amenities included. Its on-site activities include tennis, horseback riding, archery, rowing and biking. It is also located a short 15 minutes away from the Fraser Hill Development Corporation Golf Course. This course is perfect for passionate golfers, and also offers classes for those who are new to the sport.

There are also beautiful nature trails for those interested in getting to know their natural surroundings more intimately. These guide you through the rich highland forest, and there is quite a variety to choose from. The longest trail is the Pine Tree Trail, for which you require a guide.

Wildlife – and more specifically birds – abound freely in the Hill. Birdwatchers will be in heaven as there are ample opportunities to go bird watching, as well as over 260 species located on the Hill. Try to make it during the International Bird Watching Race, where bird-watchers compete with each other to spot the most birds!

The isolated position of Fraser Hill makes waterfalls here a delight to visit, as the water flowing along the hill is untouched by the outside world. There are several waterfalls located around the hill, with the Jeriau that is about four kilometers away from the center of town. A little farther out you can find the Telaga waterfall, about fifteen kilometers away from the town’s center, where you can spend the day with the family and have a picnic.

Image: Daecon

There is quite an array of food options in Fraser, and options for all budgets. At the lower end of the scale, there is the Food Court at Jalan Genting. This is more of a collection of stalls, than a court, and serves traditional Malaysian food at decent prices. The Hillview Restaurant, at the clock tower in the town’s center, serves Chinese and European food. Try the hot soup there, which will be a relief in the unexpectedly cold hill weather. For a splurge, try the Smokehouse Restaurant, which is possibly the most expensive dining option on the Hill.