On the opposite end of Pahang from Kuantan are some cool mountain-side townships.
Far from the hot, tropical climate, these destinations allow you to experience moderate-climate weather and breathe refreshing, cold mountain air.
Peaking at 2,000 meters above sea-level, Cameron Highlands in Pahang resonates with the beauty and coolness of spring season, similar to that of a moderate-climate country.
Roses grow abundantly here, a paradox in this hot and humid country. And just like the flowers, the people of Cameron’s three main townships; Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang, beam with a radiant fairness, the effects of basking in pure mountain air each day.
Having such good weather; strawberries, tea and vegetables such as broccoli are grown here, earning it the name ‘Green Bowl of Malaysia’ as the produce supplies the needs of other states.
Every weekend, city sleepers head to Cameron highlands to enjoy the rejuvenating environment, a break from smog and smoke. It is also affords them the rare opportunity of picking tea leaves, plucking freshly-bloomed strawberries and cashing in on the cheap corn, celery and other greens.
There are plenty of elegant English-styled resorts and even some cosy inns, pretty chalets and comfortable rest houses for accommodation. Located approximately 45 km away from Tapah in Perak state, Cameron Highlands is the perfect getaway for those looking for rest from the rush of urban living. (Read More .)
At 1,500 meters above sea-level, Fraser’s Hill was founded by James Louis Fraser in the early nineties who mysteriously disappeared during a trip up the hill one day. It was used almost exclusively by British colonists as a retreat from the sweltering heat below. Today, Fraser’s Hil
l is no longer an expatriate community but a bustling town filled with colourful sights and people.
Resorts have sprung up to meet the supply of people from the cities who come here to enjoy the ‘soft’ recreational activities such as horse-riding, golfing and boating. The hill is also a haven for wildlife, drawing crowds of bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The resorts usually organise trekking and jungle walks in the night for those brave enough to venture in the dark.
The road to Fraser’s Hill is accessible via the road to Bentong town in Pahang after a turn-off from the Karak Highway. From there, it is a one-way drive up to the peak. Because of the danger of landslides, the road has been built narrow and tight so that traffic can flow in only one direction. Hence, there is a schedule for directional traffic that shifts each hour. (Read More .)
Berjaya Hills, at 800 meters above sea-level, brims with international culture. Enjoy freshly-baked baguettes from La Flamme Sidewalk Deli in the French Colmar Village or enjoy a bath at the Japanese Tatami Spa. You can also experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or feed koi in the Japanese village.
Admire the French-styled architecture of the Colmar Tropicale, while partaking in fine wines and cigars available in the shops. Each weekend, lively street performances are held around the cultural villages, creating a mood and atmosphere of mirth and celebration among the crowd.
For the children, there are over 200 furry bunnies for them to stroke in the Rabbit Park. They can even ride donkeys or feed roaming deer. The adults can, meanwhile, take a stroll in the botanical garden and admire the lush greenery and chirping birds.
An hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya Hills is a pleasant place to escape during the week or weekend. (Read More .)
Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is the second highest of the highlands, peaking at 1,800 meters above sea-level. Every night, businessmen and tourists throng Genting to try their luck at blackjack, roulette and one-armed-bandits in the country’s only casino. On weekends, families head up to the amusement park for fun rides and to enjoy a q uick dose of fresh mountain air.
From time to time, the Genting Highlands Resort organises concerts and musicals that attracts a large crowd to the mountain. Those who like golfing, on the other hand, usually take a weekend off in the Awana Resort located on a plateau towards Genting.
At 50 km away from Kuala Lumpur, Genting is probably the most accessible mountain retreat having wide, tarred roads all the way to the peak and down.
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