LOCATION:
About 2 hours from downtown Kuala Lumpur (100 kilometers), passing by Ulu Yam lake, the spectacular highway of Kuala Kubu Baru - Gap, and finally into the district of Raub in Pahang where Fraser's Hill is located.

DESCRIPTION:
One of the oldest hill resort in Malaysia, established during the period of British occupation of Malaya. Along with Maxwell Hill in Perak, Penang Hill and Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill is among the few hill resorts established in the early turn of the centuries.

Located at 1,524 meters above sea-level, Fraser's Hill preserves its old world charm and small resort town ambience. I try not to dwell much on the historical part of it, but this hill resort was founded by an English adventurer named Louis James Fraser, some sort of tin ore trader, in the 19th century. Further development ensued by the later British occupiers and subsequently comes under the jurisdiction of Raub District Council of Pahang in present day's Malaysia.

It takes about 2 hours from KL, passing by Kuala Kubu Baru town in Selangor, going through beautiful hilly roads to Gap gate. At this gate, cars have to wait for their turn to make the 8-km uphill climb. Similarly for downhill movement, one either has to wait or proceed depending on the stipulated schedule (see further below).

After some strenuous climbs, you will be greeting with the main landmark of Fraser's Hill, which is the town's clock tower at a mini roundabout. There are a few basic commercial outlets here - gift shops, some cafés, a post office, etc.

One should not restrict the visit to just the small town centre. There are more to Fraser's Hill than meet the eyes. Beautiful golf courses, imposing views of the Titiwangsa range, rich flora and fauna diversity, waterfalls, and delectable selections of colonial bungalows of exquisite design.

MY VERDICT:
A very nice hill town resort without any of those predictable tourist trappings. Extremely peaceful with eye-soothing greenery.