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| Fraser’s Hill | ||
| State | Pahang | |
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| Residents | unknown | |
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| height | unknown | |
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| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
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Fraser’s Hill(Malay: Bukit Fraser) is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters in the mountains in the center of the Malaysian peninsula. The first British hill station in Malaysia during colonial times offers breathtaking views, highland weather and colonial architecture. You can either enjoy them extensively for a few days or as a Day trip of Kuala Lumpur from visiting. And the average daytime temperatures of around 20 ° C invite you to escape from the heat of the lowlands.
background
The place is named after the Scotsman Louis James Fraser, gold prospector in Australia, who eventually mined tin on the Malaysian peninsula. He hired Chinese workers for the hard work and to maximize his profits he also set up opium and gambling dens, possibly a reason for his mysterious disappearance. The tin mining ended in 1913 but the resort at 1524 meters above sea level with its pleasant temperatures continued to enjoy great popularity. In 1922 a road was built through the mountains to Fraser’s Hill. Soon bungalows and even one of the first golf courses in Malaysia were built. Since then, the place has not changed much and still exudes its cultural and colonial mixture. Locals eat curries made from banana leaves in an English cottage next to the golf course while the call to prayer echoes from the mosque next door.
getting there
Public transport does not go to Fraser’s Hill. So you have to get a car in one form or another. The journey takes place on an uphill winding road that leads through dense forest.
By train
With the KTM Komuter you can go from Kuala Lumpur until after Kuala Kubu Bharu drive (change in Rawang). At the train station you have to look for a taxi or a local driver. You can get into town for around RM 80.00 each way. It is advisable to arrange the pick-up for the return tour with the driver, as it is difficult to find a taxi in town.
In the street
Fraser’s Hill is about 100 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. That is a drive of approx. 2 hours. For a long time there was only one access road with an 8-kilometer stretch of only one lane width, called "The Gap". The traffic alternated uphill and downhill. Since 2001 there is a new road on which the traffic is now downhill. It goes uphill on the old way. However, a road can also be affected by landslides and for repair work. Information on road conditions is available in Kuala Kubu Bharu and robbery or the police station in Fraser’s Hill (60-9-3622222). You can also arrive completely by taxi. Simple taxis in KL do not make the trip, but you can order one at the Puduraya bus station or call: Selangor Radio Taxi (tel. 03-2936213) or Comfort Taxi (tel. 03-7330495). Price around RM 200. You can bargain down for a return trip.
mobility
To orientate yourself in Fraser’s Hill is simply the entrance into the valley via "The Gap" is in the southwest corner and the center of the village is essentially the intersection of Jalan Genting and Jalan Lady Guillemard with the striking clock tower. Most of the restaurants and shops are also located here. The golf course occupies the upper part of the valley and the residences and bungalows can be found on the surrounding hills. The best way to get around is with your own car - but there is no gas station. So you should start your trip to the place with a full tank. In an emergency, you can ask locals who may sell petrol in liter bottles. The area and town can also be explored on foot on hiking trails.
Tourist Attractions
Fraser’s Hill is located on a total of seven hills on which a number of typically English gray stone bungalows are distributed. These are often surrounded by English gardens with roses and mallows.
- 1 Clock tower.
In the center of the village stands this very British-looking stone clock tower with its vine covered with wine. It was designed by the Malaysian landscape architect Z.Jaal and built by the Frasers Hill Development Corporation in 1989.
- 2 Jeriau Waterfalls (5 kilometers from the city center and then a 5 minute walk). The waterfall is 6 meters high and falls into a shallow pool, which is suitable for swimming. A picnic area and toilets are also available. Bird watching is also possible at the waterfall. Danger! After rain, the footpath to the waterfall is quite slippery.
activities
Fraser’s Hill offers a number of outdoor activities, first and foremost hike, Bird watching and golf.
hike
The place can get quite crowded on the weekends. The hiking trails, however, make it possible to escape the crowds a little. There are a total of eight marked hiking trails around the place. Some may still be banned due to a past incident that was publicized. In 2005 three boys got lost in the jungle looking for lychees.
- Hemmant Trail - Small 20-minute hiking trail along the golf course (the trail is named after the builder) in the center of Fraser’s Hill. Ideal as a circular route to explore the town center. Start is at the information center. Then it's 200m uphill on Jalan Genting. Turn right at the sign for Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Center. Then the path leads through the forest and along the golf course back to the ring road. From there you can walk back to the information center on the road or continue exploring the Bishops Trail.
- Bishop's Trail - Actually a continuation of the Hemmant Trail, this is a slightly more demanding hiking trail into the jungle of half an hour in length. There is a risk of slipping when wet. The path was named after a clergyman who went in search of Louis Fraser in 1910 but did not find him. Finally he built the spiritual center in the place. The path is well signposted and provided with markings and informative boards.
- Pine Tree Trail - This is a demanding 6-kilometer hiking trail that climbs up and down to the eponymous Pine Tree Hill leads. You also have to hike the way back - all together a 7- to 8-hour hike at a normal pace.
See also:Fraser’s Hill / Gpx
Bird watching
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Fraser’s Hill is a world famous bird watching hotspot. Over 250 species have been recorded here so far. The winners of the annual June event Bird Race registered up to 70 species in one day. During the competition, migratory birds also pass this place in transit.
golf
- 1 Padang Golf Bukit Fraser.. Tel.: 60 (0)9-3622129. A short and narrow nine-hole course set in an old tin mine. The place is public. Golf equipment can be borrowed from the Sports Complex. A walk around the golf course is also highly recommended.Open: daily 8 am-7pm.Price: RM 30/40 (Mon-Fri / Sat-Sun).
additional
- There is one on the ring road 3 Paddock Here you can find yourself in the horse riding and Archery to attempt.
tennis
The climate on Fraser’s Hill is actually good for tennis. Unfortunately, the existing tennis courts have been neglected. Both the Pines Resort and the Silver Park have spaces that need an overhaul. There are two public spaces on Pines Road (next to Pahang Istana), but they are difficult to play on and are dirty.
shop
Of course, the souvenir shops near the clock tower offer lots of items, from T-shirts to fridge magnets. Perhaps the most useful souvenirs are those Leech socks (Leech socks) - puffy socks made of unbleached cotton that are worn over trousers. They not only protect against unwanted blood transfusions, but are also suitable as Christmas decorations.
- Kraft Tangan & Cenderamata Bukit Fraser (at the Sports Complex). Open: only open on weekends and public holidays.Price: T-shirt: RM 19.00-35.90; Assecoirs RM 3.00-10.00.
kitchen
- 1 Arzed restaurant (Food Garden (at the children's playground)). Rotis, local a'la card cuisine, ice cream and smoothies are on offer.Price: RM 4.50 to 6.50.
- 2 Food court, Jalan Genting (south of the mosque, uphill from the clock tower). These are actually a number of food stalls that serve inexpensive and tasty local cuisine.Price: usually under RM 6.00 for a dish.
- 3 Hillview Restaurant, Puncak Inn (New food court at the children's playground (from the Puncak Inn uphill to the roundabout, keep left there and then immediately on the left). The Hillview offers tasty Chinese and Western fare. The hot soups are particularly good in the cool climate.Price: Chinese dishes around RM 60.
- Restoran Hill View, Puncak Inn. Tel.: 60 (0)9-3622231. The restaurant is run by a local family. Chinese cuisine and typical pub food are served. Recommendations are the chicken and the lamb chops.Open: daily 10: 00-21: 00.
- Mimi Taman Strawberi Dan Kafe, Jalan Genting, across from the mosque. It offers strawberry tea, juices, waffles, chicken rice and some typical Malaysian dishes, among other things.Open: daily 9 am-5pm.
- 4 Smokehouse Restaurant. Slightly more expensive western fare, but worth a visit.Price: steak approx RM 55; Corkage for your own drinks: RM 40.
nightlife
There is no nightlife in this place, but the Smokehouse is a good place to go for a pint of Guiness in the evenings.
accommodation
Most of the visitors come on the weekend. So discounts of 50% on weekdays are quite possible.
medium
- Jelai Highlands Resort, Jalan Ampang. Tel.: 60 (0)9-3622600, Mobile: 60 (0)12-3048249. The slightly older resort looks better than it is from afar, but it's functional. It is best to book by phone (try several times), it is not always picked up immediately.Price: Twin: RM90 / 110; Double (queen) RM 130/160 (weekdays / weekends).
- 1 Fraser's Pine Resort (less than a 10 minute drive from the clock tower). Tel.: 60 (0)9-3622122. Only poorly maintained area. The decor is old and dusty.
- 2 Shahzan Inn, Jalan Lady Guillemard. Tel.: 60 (0)9-3622300, Fax: 60 (0)9-3622284. 94 rooms, WiFi, massage, table tennis, games room.
- 3 Puncak Inn / Puncak Apartment / Puncak Bungalow (In the center, by the clock tower). The Puncak Inn as well as the bungalows and apartments have been renovated and offer good accommodation at affordable prices.
- Private apartments are also available Contact: [email protected]
Upscale
If you want to stay more expensive, you can get one private bungalow rent. The price range is quite high and ranges from RM 300 / day for a small, crumbling bungalow to RM 1500 for a nice little house including housekeeper. All bungalows have several bedrooms and are designed for four or more people. Bookings can be made under the following contact: Fraser's Hill Development Corporation / Information Counter / Puncak Inn, tel. 60-9-36220007.
- 4 Ye Olde Smokehouse, Jalan Jeriau. Tel.: 60 (0)9-3622226, Fax: 60 (0)9-3622035. This Tudor style home is your best bet for some colonial swagger. The building dates from 1924 and is filled with some bells and whistles. Rooms on the ground floor are not recommended as you can hear the guests walking on the upper floors. Breakfast is very good, but dinner is quite expensive.Price: from RM 280 including full English breakfast.
Practical advice
One should be exploring the place at Fraser's Hill Tourist Information Center Start in Jalan Genting (at the entrance to the Gap). There you will find information about the hikes and a map (albeit a scale-free) map.
security
The hiking trails are well marked, but challenging. Long hikes should therefore be announced in the Tourist Information Center (09-3622007). The paths are slippery after the rain and one should take measures against leeches. Malaysian tigers have also been sighted, but they shy away from humans. You shouldn't leave anything in the car during excursions and hikes. There are always incidents of break-ins and theft of cars.
