FRASER' HILL, Aug 7 — Visitors to Fraser’s Hill have benefited from the misfortune of a certain Scottish explorer and trader who was involved in tin mining and traditional mule train activities in Pahang.
In the early 20th Century, Louis James Fraser mysteriously disappeared in the terrain's thick jungles, which then prompted Bishop CJ Ferguson-Davie and Reverend AB Champion to look for him, but to no avail.
Instead, the Englishmen founded the hill resort dubbed “little England,” exclusively for British expatriates, before it was opened to the public in 1922.
At 1,524m above sea level, Fraser’s Hill sits on seven hills and is synonymous with beautiful highland flowers, pine trees and rustic colonial bungalows.
Wildlife and numerous plants — including bamboo orchids and pitcher plants — thrive here and also over 250 local and migratory birds from as far as Europe and North Asia. This draws birdwatchers from around the world to converge here regularly.
The cool climate — at an average 20 degree Celsius throughout the year — is a great respite from the enervating humidity elsewhere.
A two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, you can take a new one-way link road to reach the hilltop, and descend via the narrow and winding “Old Gap” road.
The “Old Gap” at the final 8km stretch to Fraser’s Hill was used to go up and downhill, alternately at every hour.
Upon arrival, you’ll come across mock Tudor-style buildings in granite colour dotting the small hilltop town and its centrepiece is an old English-style clock tower.
Many activities are held at a market square, surrounded by historical landmarks such as the post office built in 1923, the police station and medical dispensary, both opened in 1919.
Medical attendants at the dispensary only perform first aid and attend to minor treatment.
Those with more complex conditions, or emergency treatment, are referred to Raub or Kuala Kubu District Hospitals, located 20km from Fraser’s Hill.
For stylish accommodation, check in at Ye Olde Smokehouse, resplendent in a traditional English countryside-style architecture.
Funded by the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St John of Jerusalem in England, the edifice was built in 1924 as a “gift” to old Malaya as a tribute to its occupants, including former members of the British imperial forces and their dependants.
It was also to “commemorate the unexampled co-operation between the empire overseas and the UK during the first world war from 1914 to 1918”, as highlighted on a signboard at the hotel’s reception area.
In 1937, the premises were transformed into a hotel, with rooms tastefully appointed with four poster beds, English-style furniture as well as antiques and a restaurant for fine dining.
A memorable stay here includes partaking in the afternoon tea at the hotel’s front lawn, overlooking other mountainous terrains in the distance.
Indulge in a delicious spread of freshly-baked scones served with homemade strawberry jam and a pot of aromatic tea.
Nature walks along eight different trails — located at different parts of Fraser’s Hill — are a hit among travellers.
Small animals such as monkeys and squirrels are easily spotted along the trails, all properly marked to indicate their varying challenges.
Birdwatchers have also raved about sighting some rare or elusive species along the Bishop, Hemmant, Rompin and Abu Suradi trails.
Amateurs can take to Kindersley Trail, named after RCM Kindersley, who was part of the original Fraser's Hill Development Committee responsible for developing the highland retreat during the British colonial period.
The 400m trail — introduced in 1928 for British officials and their families to attend church gatherings at the Methodist Bungalow (or now known as Raub Bungalow) — is now an important conservation spot for endangered flora.
The Hemmant trail, carved into the hillslopes, is also recommended for its picture-postcard views, including a nine-hole golf course designed by Frank Hemmant in 1920.
He carved the trail to facilitate survey work on the golf course which sits on a ravine. The trail starts at the junction of Lurah and Lady Maxwell Roads and ends behind a mosque.
The Pine Tree trail — at 1,505m above sea level — is the highest and most challenging compared to the other trails.
It takes four hours to navigate the many steep slopes along slippery mossy grounds and thick ferns, but you’ll be in awe with the breathtaking views — including those of the surrounding summits.
For safety reasons, trekkers are advised to inform the police or staff at the hotels where they’re staying at before embarking on this trail.
At Royal Fraser’s Hill Golf Club, you can attempt a tricky nine-hole green that’s built on a former tin mine.
The country’s first highland golf course is also unique for its three-tiered 7th fairway, designed to resemble a man’s body.
It then narrows down at the landing area and widens again at the approach of the green. Open to the public, a game here costs RM31.50 Mondays to Saturdays and RM42 on Sunday and public holidays.
Another popular pastime is going boating or fishing at Allan’s Water, a reservoir transformed into a recreational lake.
A leisurely stroll along the lake is also enticing while taking in the lush sights and cool mountain air — a perfect ending for your trip here.
