This region that is opened up, and developed to what we know as Fraser’s Hill resort is situated on seven hills. The natural terrain together with the subsequent enhancement have earned the area a reputation as being the best R&R  destination in peninsular Malaysia. For me, a hard core nature lover with other agenda in mind, the place is for jungle trekking, bird watching. The trails in Fraser's Hill  have also proven that there are many potential sites to view the Malaysian fauna and floras.

A bit of background. It peaks at 1,524 meters and is named after British adventurer Louis James Fraser who operated a mule station to service the mining trade. The resort was actually founded by Bishop Ferguson-Davie who in the midst of locating the missing Fraser saw the potential of the place as a retreat in1910. Development work commenced in 1919 and until today has converted the place into an environment reminiscence of the rustic solitude of English countryside.

Besides the notes above which I copied from my own websites on Waterfalls, there are enough of other websites giving more information on Fraser's Hills. So I need not repeat what information is already given. I have started the page by introducing the place is haven for nature lovers and those with an adventurous spirit. In fact, the hill resort is just the opposite from the impression that I give.

Fraser Hills is a retreat. A place where city folks fed up with the warm weather and the hassle of daily life, escape to. Here the very fresh air, a complete change in climate, is the place where you would seat down, relax and read a book. If you need to, take long walks along the many winding and hilly roads. Of course, having interest in nature would be a bonus. So for those of you who are thinking of joining a tour for some sight-seeing trips to this mountain resort! - Think twice. While there are breath taking views but never that many scenic sights to meet with your expectation. Recalling the long winding stretches of mountain roads and the amount of "rewards".  There are no mushroom farms or strawberry parks to cater to tourist needs. No shopping malls and no sea-food restaurants.

This hill resort is situated in the heart of the Main Range. The access road to hill resort is at a branch off from the Kuala Kubu- Raub Highway that crosses the Main Range from West to east. At the highest point of this cross country highway there is a famous Rest house - aptly named The Gap.  The road to Fraser's Hill starts at The Gap. In the latest development,  there are now 2 roads to the hill resort. One going up and another for the downhill traffic. You must have heard that in the past, there was only one road. The original and existing road was suppose to do that role, with traffic allowed uphill during the odd hours and those descending during the even hours. For some years. the slope stabilization job on the new road did not hold well. That made the new road for ascending unsafe and was closed for those years. Even the new road existed, traffic was reverted  to the old system of odd hours up- and even hours down.  Now that situation is finally rectified.

By the way, the Kuala Kubu-Raub Highway is federal road No. 56. How long is this dedicated mountain road? The signboard tells all. By car you would need 20 minutes. In the old days for example, coming down time -even. The gate would be opened at the top from 12,00 noon-12.40 pm. The roads both up & going down are interesting to birders. Most stretches road would overlook steep slopes that also comes with good view of the canopies of tall trees. Birders love such setting offering them the rare chances that they miss.

Using the new route up, you would have crossed the State boundary at The Gap. You would be in Pahang State when you take on the new road to ascend. But in the old days, by the original road, you would be ascending on the Selangor side of the boundary. Once you are on top, passing the check point at the gate, you would have crossed the State line into the State of Pahang. The first sight to greet you will the town center. A small round-about with restaurants, bars and mini-markets. Real "mini" though, keep your expectation real low!

It is also in this vicinity, you will find all there is for Fraser's Hills.  Including the old 9-holes golf course. Clun house [not shown] at the right of the picture. Look at it positively, with one glance you can see what Fraser's Hill has to offer the urban folks. Many visitors with other ideas or no objective in mind, get landed here, ended with great disappointment. The lack of facilities and the sluggish services. Remember this is a hill station serving very small groups of people!

To me, this was a tiny school with few classes. I was surprised that the community of locals, Chinese origin, mainly working as caretakers, could support a Chinese medium school. While the hillocks were covered with trees giving a scene of evergreen tropical forest, nestled among the slopes of these hills must be a fair numbers of holiday villas.

From the town center, it not difficult to enquired about accommodation. It may not be that easy as there are no "help desk". Visitors could choose from the few hotels that are within walking distances from the town center. Two things is for sure about modern days travelers - they would have done their homework by searching the net and most visitors to the Hill resort do come with their own transport. Hence, going around and shopping for a place to stay in never a problem. Prices are very reasonable, especially on weekdays. The whole place looks deserted after all Frasers Hills  is a weekend destination.

 Talking about hotels,  there are couple of pictures here - Top, the land marks buildings like this one - the Silver Parks that caters for a good cross section of visitors. Then below the better known Ye Old Smoke house are good examples of the old and new.

Most hotels are no where in the 5 star class. Most of your basic needs are easily satisfied and do not expect any services that is out of this world. Remember how isolated this resort is and the low traffic is not helping the small band of locals to offer a wide variety of services.

 But some exceptions too, there are also places that you could get the urban standard of services. There an establishment like a pub, The Tavern is town or this bar at the new gold club located in another hillock some distance away from town.

It is normal for rooms in these bungalows, particularly those belonging to State Governments to be rented out to individuals through formal applications. The catch is - you need to have the whole place as they are available to single applicants

 Food and meals itself, should not be a problem. Besides the restaurants and bars, there are also eateries that caters for the local community. As usual, the better choices are available during the regular meal times. Any time of the day, it should not be a problem to get some fried noodles or "Roti Chennai". The eateries are gathered in the town square. For us, we would go out of the town center and seek out a couple of stalls where the locals patronize. This one, my favorite is hidden behind the mosque.

Having said that much, it is best to plan your trip. Even though it is a short day trip to see how the place is like. You could cover all the paved roads within the resort's complex all within half an hour.  What you have seen? A deserted hill station with nothing by roads and trees! This is not doing justice to yourself and the place. Then you could mention and comment on the  waterfall  as the only attraction. Nope! this waterfall is not meant to be interpreted this way as I know for a fact that there are a few better picnic places at the foot of Fraser's Hills. In other pages you could see that there are pavilions and shed for you to have a family picnic in Fraser's Hill. I think this function of having a family picnic is subsequent and not the real plan to drive that far for a picnic.

A simple sketch map is available to guide you as to where you can drive. I cannot tell you how to enjoy meeting up with so much sights or  seeing "nothing". It really up to your own interest and exposure. Most of all how can you capitalize on the really cool climate and the  pleasant country settings.