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Lovely though the beaches in Malaysia are, there are times when a brief sojourn to a hill resort sounds like a refreshing idea. In Peninsular Malaysia, there are three hill resorts that are very popular with tourists and locals alike. It is not unusual for suburbanites to drive to Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands or Frasier’s Hill just for a weekend getaway. These three places offer a respite from the heat without the aid of air conditioning.
Genting Highlands
Let’s take a look at Genting Highlands first, a very popular place to be especially during the weekends. This hillside resort has southeast Asia’s only legal casino. Situated about 56 km from Kuala Lumpur, it draws thousands of gamblers and sight seers everyday. During the weekends and holidays, all the major hotels are booked to the hilt. Be sure to book ahead if you are planning to go especially during super peak and peak season. Apart from the casino, there is a theme park that offers roller coaster rides and all the usual rides and games. For those who want to look at the scenery from a top, there are cable car rides which will provide a breath taking view of the mountains and the surrounding green plush jungle.
Genting has a few golf courses to offer the avid golfers who would like to work on their swing. There are also jungle treks for nature lovers and enthusiasts. For those who prefer to be on the water, there is a lake next to the casino that has boat rental facilities. This is a favorite activity for couples who are courting.
Cameron Highlands
200 km north of Kuala Lumpur in the state of Pahang is Cameron Highlands. This hill resort has many guest houses and hotels. Cameron Highlands is dotted with charming Tudor houses and flower gardens and the atmosphere here is relaxing. The cool climate is very conducive to agriculture and it is here that Malaysia grows its tea. Cameron Highlands is named after a British surveyor William Cameron, who discovered the place in 1885.
There are tea plantations where tours are given, right along side are strawberry fields and commercial rose gardens. There are road side stands and farmer’s markets where the day’s harvests are sold. Ringlet is the first town along the road up to the hill resort. It is the main agricultural center. Further along is Tanah Rata, where cottages, chalets and bungalows abound. The public golf course that has 18 holes is a splendid place to spend the afternoon.
The next town is Brinchang, which stands at 1,524 meters above sea level, making it the highest town in this resort. There are many signs along the road that indicate which of the vegetable farms or plantations and fields are open to the public. In the Brinchang market, handicrafts made by orang asli can be found for sale. Orang aslis are the aboriginal people of Malaysia.
Frasier’s Hill
This is the smallest resort of the three but no less charming. Frasier’s Hill is 104 km north of Kuala Lumpur and can be reached via Gap where there is literally a gatehouse which controls traffic going up and down the hill. The road is wide enough for one lane only and therefore certain times are set aside for traffic going each way. Odd hours are reserved for traffic going up hill and even hours are for traffic going down hill. The road is open only from 6.30 a.m to 7 p.m daily.
Frasier’s Hill is a small community of colonial bungalows, hotels and houses. There is a pleasant nine hole golf course in front of Merlin Hotel. Peak season for Frasier’s Hill is the weekends, public holidays, and April to December. Weekdays are quiet and rooms are much cheaper. Head out to Jeriau Waterfall for a brisk dip in the water or hike on the jungle trails. Children can play in the local park play ground or roller skate at the local roller skating rink. There is a stable where ponies can be rented for rides.
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