Delight In The Cool Comfort Of A Hilltop RetreatFraser's Hill derives its name from one of the more colorful characters in Colonial history, James Louis Fraser, an adventurer and fortune hunter. Stories about his life, included rumors that he managed an opium and gambling den that was frequented by miners. However, in the early 1900's, J.L. Fraser vanished, never to be heard from again. Later, in 1917, a couple of clergymen rediscovered Fraser's Hill on one of their wanderings. Realising its potential as a Colonial hill station, they managed to garner enough support from the authorities to built a road linking the Kuala Lumpur - Bentong / Kuantan Highway to Fraser's Hill.
When the popularity of Fraser's Hill grew, the expatriate community at that time took to building holiday bungalows on the higher slopes to get away from the unbearable heat of the lowlands. Fraser's Hill at one time was the playground of rich miners and planters from the surrounding areas. One of Malaysia's earliest Golf courses was constructed on Fraser's Hill in 1925 by engineer Frank Hemmant. Cool throughout the year at average temperatures of 58'F to 65'F, the attraction of Fraser's Hill as a tourist resort has not diminished through the years.
Today, Fraser's Hill is popular as a site for company retreats and weekends. The golf fanatic will find enough here to occupy his days and non golfers may just decide to while aways their time horseback riding or simply strolling down the picturesque lanes that weave through the green countryside. The fresh mountain air is cool and invigorating and when dusk falls, the mist that blows in brings back memories of a simple, gentle era.
The Gap
The drive up to Fraser's Hill is slow and winding, but the scenic beauty of the surroundings will undoubtedly take your mind off the meandering ascent. Before reaching the summit of Fraser's Hill, you will have to pass through the gap, a section of the road that is only accessible in one direction at a time. As such, the road is open for an hour to traffic heading uphill and vice-versa through the day. It is customary for travelers on route to Fraser's Hill to stop over at the Gap Rest house for tea while waiting for the road to be opened. The rest house also provides accommodation for those who arrive too late at night to make the final ascent to the top Fraser's Hill.
Golfing
One of the coolest and most beautiful courses in Malaysia, De Club Golf at Frazer's promises a challenging 18 holes for the avid golfer. De Club Golf was designed by world-renowned golfer and international consultant Rodger Davis, and features a colonial style clubhouse with tennis courts, food and beverage outlets and other amenities associated with a world class course. Plans have also been drawn up for a hotel and corporate bungalow to be built around the course.
Horseback Ridding
The Paddock at Fraser's Hill provides ponies for novices who would like to experience the pleasures of horseback riding and horses for more proficient riders. Horseback riding is an ideal way to explore Fraser's Hill and there are a number of trails that spiral around the hillside. There is nothing quite like feeling the rocking canters of a horse beneath you as the cool morning air whispers past your face. It is truly and experience you will never forget.Bird Watching
Fraser's Hill is also a haven for bird-watching with over 270 species of local and migratory birds flocking together here. Each year, the Malaysian Nature Society, in conjunction with the Fraser's Hill Development Corporation organizes the international Bird Race. This event has achieved tremendous success, with participants from all over the world converging at Fraser's Hill to see which team can sight, identify and record the most number of birds as stated in the official checklist. This world-renowned event seeks to promote Fraser's Hill as a bird sanctuary and encourages bird watching as a healthy outdoor activity which can be appreciated by all. Fraser's Hill is fast becoming a centre for bird watching enthusiasts.
Getting There
Fraser's Hill is approximately 104 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur. There are two alternative routes from the capital city to this quaint hilltop resort.
The first is via the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway, turning off towards Raub and then off to the left again before Raub to arrive at the Gap.
The other route is the scenic old road towards Penang, branching off at Kuala Kubu Baharu before proceeding to the Gap. At the Gap, due to the narrow road, there is a gate which allows for one-way traffic to the summit. This operates from 6.30 am to 7.00 pm and is open for ascending traffic at odd numbered hours and descending traffic at even numbered hours.
If you intend traveling by bus to Fraser's Hill, you will be able to catch it from Pudu Raya bus terminal in kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kubu Baharu. where you will have to take another bus up to Frazer's Hill. The bus traveling up to the summit leaves Kuala Kubu Baharu twice daily, at 8.00 am and 12.00 noon, while the downhill bus leaves Fraser's hill at 10.00 am and 2.00pm.
Taxis traveling direct to Fraser's Hill are also available from Kuala Lumpur.
