
Fraser's Hill
Location
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Delight In The Cool Comfort Of A Hilltop Retreat
Fraser's Hill derives its name from one of the more colourful characters
in Colonial history, James Louis Fraser, an adventurer and fortune
hunter. Stories about his life, included rumours that he managed
an opium and gambling den that was frequented by miners. However,
in the early 1900's, J.L. Fraser vanished, never to be heard from
again. Later, in 1917, a couple of clergymen rediscovered Fraser's
Hill on one of their wanderings. Realising its potential as a Colonial
hill station, they managed to garner enough support from the authorities
to built a road linking the Kuala Lumpur - Bentong / Kuantan Highway
to Fraser's Hill.
When the popularity of Fraser's Hill grew, the expatriate community
at that time took to building holiday bungalows on the higher slopes
to get away from the unbearable heat of the lowlands. Fraser's Hill
at one time was the playground of rich miners and planters from
the surrounding areas. One of Malaysia's earliest Golf courses was
constructed on Fraser's Hill in 1925 by engineer Frank Hemmant.Cool
throughout the year at average temperatures of 58'F to 65'F, the
attraction of Fraser's Hill as a tourist resort has not diminished
through the years.
Today, Fraser's Hill is popular as a site for company retreats and
weekends. The golf fanatic will find enough here to occupy his days
and non golfers may just decide to while aways their time horseback
riding or simply strolling down the picturesque lanes that weave
through the green countryside. The fresh mountain air is cool and
invigorating and when dusk falls, the mist that blows in brings
back memories of a simple, gentle era.
The Gap
The drive up to Fraser's Hill is slow and winding, but the scenic
beauty of the surroundings will undoubtedly take your mind off the
meandering ascent. Before reaching the summit of Fraser's Hill,
you will have to pass through the gap, a section of the road that
is only accessible in one direction at a time. As such, the road
is open for an hour to traffic heading uphill and vice-versa through
the day. It is customary for travellers on route to Fraser's Hill
to stop over at the Gap Resthouse for tea while waiting for the
road to be opened. The resthouse also provides accommodation for
those who arrive too late at night to make the final ascent to the
top Fraser's Hill.
Golfing
One of the coolest and most beautiful courses in Malaysia, De Club
Golf at Frazer's promises a challenging 18 holes for the avid golfer.
De Club Golf was designed by world-renowned golfer and international
consultant Rodger Davis, and features a clolonial style clubhouse
with tennis courts, food and beverage outlets and other amenities
associated with a world class course. Plans have also been drawn
up for a hotel and corporate bungalow to be built around the course.
Horseback Ridding
The Paddock at Fraser's Hill provides ponies for novices who would
like to experience the pleasures of horseback riding and horses
for more proficient riders. Horseback riding is an ideal way to
explore Fraser's Hill and there are a number of trails that spiral
around the hillside. There is nothing quite like feeling the rocking
canter of a horse beneath you as the cool morning air whispers past
your face. It is truly and experience you will never forget.
Bird Watching
Fraser's Hill is also a haven for bird-watching with over 270 species
of local and migratory birds flocking together here. Each year,
the Malaysian Nature Socienty, in conjunction with the Fraser's
Hill Development Corporation organises the international Bird Race.
This event has achieved tremendous success, with participants from
all over the world converging at Fraser's Hill to see which team
can sight, identify and record the most number of birds as stated
in the official checklist. This world-renowned event seek to promote
Fraser's Hill as a bird sanctuary and encourages bird watching as
a healthy outdoor activity which can be appreciated by all. Fraser's
Hill is fast becoming a centre for bird watching enthusiasts. |
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