NOSTALGIC
Fraser’s Hill
Contact Info
Tourism Pahang
No. 33 & 33A ICT Hub, Indian Town, Jalan Putra Square 4,25200 Kuantan, Pahang
- Tel: 09-568 1623
- E-Mail: Pahangtourism2015@gmail.com
- Website: www.pahangtourism.org.my
Puncak Inn Fraser’s Hill
Jalan Genting 49000 Bukit Fraser Pahang
- Tel: 609 362 2007
- Fax: 609 362 2201
- E-Mail: puncakinn2@yahoo.com
ORIGINS
Fraser’s Hill owes its name to a Scottish trader, Louis James Fraser, who established a tin ore trading station in the forested mountains between the Selangor-Pahang border at the end of the 19th century. Fraser was known to have used a mule train to ascend the hill and trade-in tin ore until the fateful day that he mysteriously disappeared in the dense forested hills. A search was mounted for Fraser but he was never found. However, the potential of the hills as a cool getaway was uncovered. The hills were surveyed and eventually developed into a hill retreat named after the missing Scotsman in 1919. Access to Fraser’s Hill is only possible by road via the ‘Gap’ at the base of the resort. Once you get through the Gap and into Fraser’s Hill, you will feel as though you have gone back in time to a bygone era. Fraser’s Hill is akin to a little Scottish village with granite-coloured, mock-Tudor buildings dotting the landscape. The town is relatively small, with much of the activity centred on a market square dominated by a little clock tower. Most of the town’s amenities are housed in colonial-style buildings.
The Scottish charm has been carefully replicated elsewhere throughout the resort so as to harmonise with the environment.
From Ye Olde Smokehouse’s country home ambience to the many Tudor-style public rest houses and privately owned bungalows, right up to the Paddock housing the resort’s horses and the myriad flower gardens, the colonial influence is evident everywhere. To support the many conservation efforts being carried out in this naturalists’ paradise, the Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC) was set up in 1997. Sitting smack in the centre of town, it should be the first stop for those looking to learn more about the resort and its abundant flora and fauna. To maintain the relatively unspoiled beauty, FHNEC and various other parties are undertaking conservation efforts to preserve the eight scenic nature trails in the vicinity. Considered one of Malaysia’s premier locations for bird watching, this hill resort hosts the annual Fraser’s Hill International.
Bird Race. This bird watching competition requires bird watchers to spot as many bird species as possible within the resort’s routes. Information on hundreds of bird species ever recorded in Fraser’s Hill, both local and migratory, can be found at the Bird Interpretive Centre (BIC) at Puncak Inn. Visitors to Fraser’s Hill have an abundance of relaxing activities to indulge in. From a game of golf at the 9-hole Royal Fraser’s Hill Golf Club to fishing and boating at Allan’s Water, from strolls among the many beautiful flower gardens to splashing about in the icy cold Jeriau Waterfalls, there are enough leisurely pursuits to keep you occupied. Accommodation at Fraser’s Hill includes serviced apartments, medium to large bungalows and hotels.
BUS, TAXI AND TRAIN SERVICES
Direct bus services are available from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB). From the KKB Bus Terminal, you can take a taxi to Fraser’s Hill. Another option is to take the KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral to KKB. From there, you can take a taxi to the hill resort.
Fraser’s Hill is an hour and a half away from Kuala Lumpur by car. En route, you will pass the town of Kuala Kubu Bharu and the journey thereafter will take approximately 45 minutes along a winding stretch of road. The old road is now used solely for going up the hill while the new road (Quarry Road) takes you down the hill. Another alternative route is via Bentong, which takes you straight to Tranum before reaching the hilltop via the Gap.
Tips
While the drive up the hill is a pleasant one, the winding roads can give passengers motion sickness. You may want to roll down the windows for some fresh air and drive a bit slower. If you are descending the hill in the evening, do stop to take in the spectacular sunset amidst the nearby Kuala Selangor Dam. Aim to drive up the hill in the daytime, as the winding roads can be quite precarious.