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Fraser Hill -
Places to Visit from Kuala Lumpur
Places to Visit - A Day Trip Out of Kuala Lumpur
Located About 103km from Kuala Lumpur and rising 1,500 meters
above sea-level, Fraser's Hill is perhaps the prettiest of the Malaysian Hill
resorts and truly an idyllic place for one to rest and to escape from not only
the heat and humidity but also the hustle and bustle of the city.
Fraser's Hill derives its name from Louis James Fraser, a colourful Scottish
character. Many colourful stories about the life of this adventurer, including
rumours that he managed an opium and gambling den frequented by miners in the
hills of Pahang. However, in the early 1900's, Fraser vanished without a trace,
and his disappearance remains a mystery to this day. In 1910, Bishop
Ferguson-Davie from Singapore tried to search for Fraser but failed. In the
process however, he discovered a perfect mountain retreat which he persuaded the
authorities to develop as a highland station named Fraser's Hill.
Today, Fraser Hills is today popular for its beautiful scenery of lush
vegetation in the beautiful hillside surroundings and the colourful blooms at
the Flower Nursery. There are also the pristine Jeriau
waterfall, The Paddock; an equestrian centre which also has an archery range,
 numerous jungle trails, and a 9-hole golf course. Bird watching is also a very
popular pastime here and also a nature education centre where visitors can learn
about the flora and fauna of the area.
Fraser's Hill still retains its old colonial charm. The cottages here resemble
those found in their English villages, equipped with a cosy fireplace and
meticulously cared for garden plots. the residents still do the occasional
afternoon of croquet with friends , followed by afternoon tea and evening
cocktails.
Bird Watching
Fraser's Hill has long been a top bird watching destination for local and
international birdwatchers. The relatively undisturbed jungle-lad mountain
terrain and the cool climate attracts over 250 species of local and migratory
birds flocking here together, with some coming from countries as far as Siberia.
The highlands contain a high proportion of the endemic birds that
are found only in Malaysia and nowhere else in the world. Two of the three
endemic birds of the Malay Peninsula, and 20 of the 33 endemic birds of Borneo,
are found only in the highlands. Examples are the Malaysian Whistling Thrush,
the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant, and the Kinabalu Friendly Warbler. They are often
brilliantly coloured – for example, the Long-tailed Broadbill, the Green Magpie,
and the Crimson-breasted Wood Partridge. They are easily spotted and tamer than
birds elsewhere
 The
Jeriau Waterfalls
Located just about 5km from the town, you would be tempted to have a cool dip in
its crystal clear water. From the road, paved footpaths lead visitors to the
waterfall. Public visitors facilities include a picnic area, shower rooms and
changing areas.
Flower Gardens
The cool climate promotes a profusion of blooms in startling shades of colour.
Fresh cuttings of roses, dahlia, chrysanthemum, daisies or potted fushchia or
geranium can be bought at the nurseries in Fraser's Hill.
Golfing
Cool and invigorating throughout the year, it has one of Malaysia's earliest
golf courses which were constructed on Fraser's Hill in 1925. A short and tricky
9-holes golf course at Royal Fraser's Hill Golf Club which follows the contours
of the narrow valley is open to the public. Its unique feature is the
three-tiered 7th fairway which takes the shape of a man's body.
Eating
Out An excellent range of eating places, both western and local can be found on
Fraser's Hill. Steak houses serve fine traditional British fare - a legacy of
early British settlers.
Stay
This hill station was also a place built where the British army sent their
injured soldiers to convalesce for which the Red Cross set up a little
rehabilitation centre here. The place is now converted into a hotel called Ye Olde Smokehouse.
Instead of hospital bunks, the interior is now decorated with eclectic furniture
and collectibles, some of which seems to be leaning a little toward bric-a-brac
items. With open wooden beams, log fires and lithographs of the old Fraser's
Hill, the place exudes fading elegance. English Tea and scones are served at the
patio or in the restaurant. The rooms each with its own with individual
characteristics are worth a stay in, if only to experience a little of the past.
Best way to Visit -
Day Trip to Fraser Hill & Templer Park
Tour
The tour would take you to Fraser Hill, as well as a brief stop
at Templer Park
PLACES TO VISIT ~ A DAY TRIP OUT OF KUALA LUMPUR
Cameron Highlands /
Fraser Hill /
Genting Highlands /
Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary /
Kampung Kuantan Fireflies /
Bukit Melawati /
Melaka
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