The great diversity of Malaysia’s attractions includes several hill resorts that are located on the main mountain range of the Peninsular and in Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Each of them possess their own unique charms, ranging from the relatively un spoilt retreat of Bukit Larut to glitzy hill resort of Genting Highlands with its exciting theme park, casino and sophisticated nightlife. For adventurous, Mount Kinabalu, with its looming granite massifs, represents the ultimate challenge, while Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands with numerous jungle trails, English cottages and gardens will appeal to those inclined towards gentler pursuits. Whatever one’s choice, the jungle clad hills with an average temperature of 16 – 21 degrees Celcius offer a cool, refreshing getaway from the cities. Here ancient pine trees fringe hauntingly beautiful peaks enshrouded in swirls of mist; delicate ferns heavy with crystals of dew glisten like filigree silver; and temperate flowers in striking shades of colours invite gasps of admiration. Whether you are going for a day excursion or an extended stay, you will discover a holiday in Malaysia’s hill resorts to be an invigorating and pleasantly soothing experience.

GENTING HIGHLANDS

Genting Highlands, 2000 metres above sea level, nestled amidst the clouds and ancient rainforest in the state of Pahang. Genting Highlands, which is Malaysia's premier holiday destination, offers an exciting range of activities that are fun, fast-paced, and entertaining. The one-stop destination of fantasy, excitement and adventure, set amid cool misty mountains lures visitors by the droves for its non-stop entertainment. Termed as the 'City of Entertainment', the resort is popular with day-trippers and visitors seeking to indulge their senses in a realm of fantasy around the clock with indoor and outdoor amusement activities such as international theatre shows, casino, cinemas, amusement arcade games and numerous restaurants.

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's premier hill resort. Located in the state of Pahang, on the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia, at 1524m above the sea level, it is the largest of the Malaysian hill resorts. Much of its appeal lies in the neat sprawling tea plantation which date back to 1929, as well as terraced flower gardens, strawberry farms, orchards and vegetable gardens. Being a popular hill resort, Cameron Highlands is well developed with visitor amenities, tourist attractions, activities and range of accommodation for a comfortable, leisurely holiday in cool invigorating climate. Centuries ago, the dense jungle-clad mountainous terrain of the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia was home to the indigenous aboriginal people called Orang Asli, living on nature's sustenance found within the rich jungle preserve. In 1885, William Cameron, a British surveyor in the government service, went on an exploratory expedition of the mountain range for map-making of the Perak/Pahang border. He reported a 'fine plateau shut in by lofty mountains'. The cool climate which never ranged more than 20°C, along with its fertile soil also attracted a young British resident, John Archibald Russel, who saw the potential of the highlands was as an important cash crop in Malaya. Thus began Boh Estate, the first highland tea plantation in the country.

FRASER'S HILL

Fraser's Hill is perhaps the prettiest hill resort in Malaysia. It nestles at 1,524metres above the sea level in the state of Pahang, a one and a half hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. This charming little resort with a population of approximately 1,000 residents is not unlike a quite Scottish village. Granite-coloured mock-Tudor cottages sit amidst the brilliant coloured blooms of an English-style country garden. This enable visitors to enjoy a country-style holiday in a cool refreshing ambience where evenings bring on swirling mists descending upon the little village and cold winds howling through lofty pine trees.
Fraser's Hill takes its name after a Scottish trader, Lois James Fraser, who set up a tin-ore trading station in the forested mountain between the Selangor-Pahang border during the end of the 19th century. Using a mule train to ascend the hill, Fraser traded in tin-ore until the fateful day when he disappeared in the forested hills. The bishop of Malaya at that time, Ferguson-Davis, mounted a search for Fraser. The search failed to find him but the potential of the hill is as cool getaway was uncovered. The hills were surveyed and in 1919 developed into a hill resort named after the missing Scotsman.