World apart: An historic and natural getaway nestled in jungle clouds

Away from the hustle and the bustle of Kuala Lumpur lies Fraser’s Hill, one of the most prominent locations of the Peninsula’s highlands. The area’s unique characteristics are a departure from the more commercialised Genting Highlands and a closer option than the considerably farther Cameron Highlands. It is the retreat of choice for those who seek a departure from the heat and frenetic pace of city living and want to enter a natural sanctuary in which to rejuvenate.

RETREAT: Located in the state of Pahang, the area known as Fraser’s Hill sits upon seven hilltops once known as Ulu Tras reaching high into the ancient jungle clouds. The area is 1524 metres above sea level on the Titiwangsa Range, some 100 km from the nation’s capital. Fraser’s Hill derives its current name from Louis James Fraser, a Scottish pioneer and prospector in the late 19th century who led an expedition to explore this previously untouched area. While Fraser did not find the gold he was looking for, he discovered tin in the dense and rich prehistoric rainforests of Ulu Tras. Here he began a tin mining operation, and worked for 25 years until his mysterious disappearance. The search party that went looking for Fraser never found his remains, but when they discovered the mines deserted, they recognised the potential of the place and later developed it into a hill station, naming the area Fraser’s Hill.

EAT: One Fraser’s Hill institution, Ye Olde Smokehouse, has been around since 1937 and once served as a Red Cross facility for recuperating British Army servicemen. The longstanding colonial manor was then renovated into a hotel and restaurant in unmistakable British style. Visitors find themselves transported to the British countryside, albeit surrounded by forests, with familiar treats such as cream tea, homemade scones, Beef Wellington and roasts with Yorkshire pudding. The Smokehouse shares this British heritage and décor with its sister institution, Scott’s Pub and Restaurant, serving local and imported beers and English ale.

There are several accommodations that meet a range of budgets, from private bungalows where generations of Hainanese service staff once lived, to resorts and mid-range hotels, such as Fraser’s Silverpark Resort, Fraser’s Pine Resort, Shahzan Inn Fraser’s Hill, Sri Peninjau Fraser’s Hill and Puncak Inn.

FORE!: Golfing has been a salient feature of the Hill’s development, with one of the nation’s earliest golf courses, the nine-hole Royal Fraser’s Hill Golf Club, built in 1925 atop Fraser’s old tin mines. In the 1970s, an 18-hole golf course was built in Jeriau, a nearby town in the highlands. Golfers can expect a comfortable experience with 17°C to 25°C temperatures year-round, although Fraser’s Hill is coolest at the end of the year.

Bird watching is another popular pastime here, owing to the large variety of flora and fauna thriving in the highland retreat, which is a registered protected area.

Over 270 species of birds can be found on Fraser’s Hill, and the spot serves as a stop for many migratory birds arriving from as far as Siberia, China and Japan. It is no surprise that Fraser’s Hill is the location of choice for holding the Annual International Bird Race in June where participants try to outdo each other in spotting as many species as possible within 24 hours.

TREK: Trekking is another favourite Fraser’s Hill activity. With eight nature trails to choose from, visitors can engage with the surrounding nature on both short and long trails, the most challenging being the 5.5-km Pine Tree Trail. The Fraser’s Hill Nature Education Centre links visitors with guides for trail hikes, as well as providing in-depth information on the hills’ natural escapes.

Jeriau Waterfall is another popular attraction, where visitors have the unique opportunity to dip in its refreshing waters while surrounded by cool jungle air. The Paddock offers horseback riding and archery activities, and young children are entertained at the public park on Fraser’s Hill with its purposely-built playground.

All in all, Fraser’s Hill lives up to it potential, charming local and foreign visitors alike for nearly 100 years.

Deep in the highlands of Pahang, another world awaits: a place where the prehistoric meets the modern day, enticing travellers with tranquillity, rest and renewal.