TRANQUIL
Bukit Larut
Contact Info
Bukit Larut Local Authority (under Taiping Municipal Council)
- Tel: 605 807 7241
- E-Mail: ppbl@mptaiping.gov.my
Bukit Larut is the smallest hill resort in Malaysia. The best feature about this hillside resort is that nature has been left alone to flourish so bountifully. Gazetted as a permanent forest reserve in 1910, Bukit Larut’s untouched montane forests are filled with bird life while squirrels and gibbons roam around freely. This resort is especially popular with nature lovers, bird watchers, day trippers and others looking for a tranquil getaway. Perched 1,250m above sea level, Bukit Larut was formerly called Maxwell Hill. It derived its name from George Maxwell, a British Resident of Perak who set up the hill station about a hundred years ago to serve as a cool retreat for colonial officials wanting to escape from the humidity of the lowlands. With Taiping’s lush greenery, giant trees and placid lakes, it is easy to see why Maxwell chose this hill. Before you ascend the hill, it is worthwhile to visit Taiping’s many attractions such as the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari, the war cemetery, museum and the beautiful lake gardens.
Among the many trails here, the Gunung Hijau trail is the best for bird watchers. It spirals up towards Gunung Hijau at 1,449m above sea level. On a clear day, you can see all of Taiping town and even the Perak coastline from this vantage point. For nature lovers, the Mountain Giant Fishtail Palm, wild orchids and many other exotic species can be found here. There are various bungalows and rest houses offering comfortable accommodation, most of them built about a century ago. Transportation to the summit of Bukit Larut is by a jeep, for which a small fee is charged. In the olden days, pony back rides and sedan chairs were the only mode of transport up the hill. Today, 13km of tarred road takes you to the summit. The roads are still narrow and steep with 72 very sharp bends.
Bukit Larut is situated about 290km from Kuala Lumpur and 9km from Taiping. This hill resort is only accessible through a jeep service that is operated by the local authority. Situated at the foothill, the local authority office serves as a one-stop centre for all arrangements pertaining to your visit such as transport and accommodation bookings. Please contact in advance to make your arrangements.
Tips
Transport to the hilltop will be arranged on a first-come-firstserved basis according to jeep availability. Visitors are advised to arrive early.
