Fraser's Hill is, perhaps, the prettiest hill resort in Malaysia . Nestling at 1,524 metres above sea level on the majestic Titiwangsa Range, it is about one and a half hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. This charming little hideaway with a population of about less than 1,000 people is not unlike a quiet Scottish village. Granite mock-Tudor cottages sit amidst the brilliant coloured blooms of an English-style garden. Some of these bungalows are private residences but some have been converted into public holiday bungalows. They enable visitors to enjoy a country-style holiday in a cool, refreshing ambiance where evenings bring on swirling mists descending upon the little hamlet and cold winds blowing through towering pine trees. Fraser's Hill takes its name after a Scottish adventurer, Louis James Fraser who set up a tin ore trading station in the forested mountains on the Pahang-Selangor border. In later years, Bishop Ferguson-Davie mounted a search for Fraser but could not find him. Instead, the potential of the hills as a cool getaway was uncovered.

The 'Town' Centre

Life in the little hamlet of Fraser's Hill revolves around the market square dominated by a small clock tower, the most photographed object on this highland retreat. Picturesque colonial-style buildings have found new use as the post office, police station, clinic, tourist information centre, cafes and restaurants. There is a Nature Education Centre and an active bird watching group. Though equipped with adequate visitor amenities, development at this resort has been careful to harmonise with the environment.

Bird Watching

Fraser's Hill has long been a top bird watching destination for local and international birdwatchers. The relatively undisturbed jungle-clad mountain terrains and the cool climate attracts over 250 species of birds, some coming from places as far as Siberia and Northern Japan . On the second weekend of June each year, international as well as local bird enthusiasts gather at the resort to participate in the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race, a non-spectator event, which requires participants to compete in sighting, identification and recording as many number of species of birds within the  Fraser's Hill environs.

Nature Walks

The beauty of Fraser's Hill is best experienced as one walks through the green splendour of a jungle trail with tree ferns moistened by dewdrops and birds chirping in the trees. There are seven well-kept jungle trails criss-crossing the hill resort, each named after expert guides and colonial figures.

Picnicking

The Jeriau Waterfall is about five kilometres from the town centre. Slightly lower in altitude, the waterfall area offers picnic sites with cool a mountain stream gurgling amidst the verdant green environs. A Muslim prayer room, barbecue pits, and toilet facilities are available. The place can be very deserted and quiet during weekdays.

Golfing

There used to be two golf courses at Fraser's Hill. However, the Fraser's Hill Golf & Country Club at Jeriau is now closed for good. Now, only the 9-hole government golf course near the town centre is operating. However, the club house is undergoing renovation and word has it that there are better things in store. Green fees can be paid at the temporary cabin next to the post office. The course is open to the public and is one of the earliest highland courses ever to be built during the colonial era.

Boating and Fishing

Allan's Water, a former reservoir-turned recreation lake offers boating and fishing.

Flower Gardens

As in other hill stations, temperate flowers bloom profusely in Fraser's Hill. Fresh cuttings of dahlias, chrysanthemums, daisies, fuchsias and geraniums can be bought at the nursery. Potted plants are also available.

Eating Out

A modest range of eating places serving both western and eastern fare can be found in Fraser's Hill. Some of the caretakers at the bungalows used to serve up great steaks -- both Malayan colonial style and traditional English or American. The shops that used to occupy the lots below Puncak Inn at the town centre have been relocated. The two Malay food outlets are now temporarily moved to the open-air site next to the Temerloh Bungalow (closed). This temporary location is much better with the view of the rolling hills in the distance. You can have your food al-fresco, served up by the same operators although for now they will remain as stalls for awhile.

The Restaurant at Shahzan Inn offers a good range of selections on the menu, with the most popular being their pizzas. The restaurant is a highly recommended place for a quiet meal in a peaceful ambiance.