Things to do in Hill Resorts

Though once reserved for colonial officials and their families, Malaysia's hill stations have become popular destinations among locals and tourists alike. Scenic and refreshingly cool, the old stations offer visitors an enticing range of experiences, from leisurely forest walks in settings characterised by colonial quaintness to luxury resorts.

Bukit Larut, or Maxwell Hill, is the oldest hill refuge, and is a peaceful, old-fashioned place. Cameron Highlands is the largest hill resort and has been well developed for tourism, retaining some British traditions, but also encouraging commercialisation. Fraser's Hill is the preferred station for nature lovers, offering extensive hiking trails and natural attractions, with development limited to protect the rainforest. The Genting Highlands is a glitzy resort playground of casinos and theme parks, and bears no resemblance to the hill stations of old. Penang Hill is another popular resort. Also called Bukit Bendera, it has phenomenal views over Georgetown and the Penang Bridge.

Bukit Larut photo

Bukit Larut

Formerly known as Maxwell Hill, the holiday retreat of Bukit Larut is Malaysia's oldest hill station. Situated in the wettest part of the country, the peaceful site's history stret

Bukit Larut

Formerly known as Maxwell Hill, the holiday retreat of Bukit Larut is Malaysia's oldest hill station. Situated in the wettest part of the country, the peaceful site's history stretches back to 1884, and the area is blessedly cool compared to the lowlands.

Limited accommodation and a lack of development give the destination an old-world colonial charm, which the more popular hill stations no longer have. Eight charming bungalows nestle on the hillside, providing the area's only holiday lodging.

The route to the top of the hill station is an exhilarating climb through virgin tropical jungle. Travellers will need a four-wheel drive to undertake the journey. Private vehicles are not permitted, though a government-owned Land Rover makes regular trips up between 7am and 6pm. Visitors can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Malaysian peninsula's west coast from the summit. The vista runs from Penang to Pangkor.

Cameron Highlands photo

Cameron Highlands

Located at the northwestern edge of Pahang state, the Cameron Highlands hill station is the largest of its kind in Malaysia, and the fertile region is home to a scattering of villa…

Cameron Highlands

Located at the northwestern edge of Pahang state, the Cameron Highlands hill station is the largest of its kind in Malaysia, and the fertile region is home to a scattering of villages and terraced plantations. Visitors will enjoy the scenic drive along the area's main route, during which they can stop at the stunning Lata Iskandar Waterfalls and Kuala Woh Forest Recreation Park.

They can also stroll through Brinchang's market square, potter around handicraft stores, or sample the peace at Buddhist Temples. Ringlet and Tanah Rata are worth exploring for lovers of quaint towns; trips to tea plantations and strawberry farms are popular as well.

Frasers Hill photo

Frasers Hill

Louis James Fraser was a controversial, solitary figure, who set up camp on one of the seven hills' cool, lush summits. The area became known as Fraser's Hill. The Scottish pioneer…

Frasers Hill

Louis James Fraser was a controversial, solitary figure, who set up camp on one of the seven hills' cool, lush summits. The area became known as Fraser's Hill. The Scottish pioneer and opium-den operator disappeared under mysterious circumstances before the area's potential as a hill station was recognised. Others followed him and investigated the site, ultimately finding it perfect for a highland retreat.

The area lies in the state of Pahang and is north of the Genting Highlands. Situated around 5,000 feet (1,524m) above sea level, it is the only hill station within two hours' drive of Kuala Lumpur. Nature lovers and bird enthusiasts will enjoy the cool, serene region.

Jungle trails, waterfalls and colourful nurseries nestle peacefully in the landscape, complementing golf courses and horse-riding routes. Visitors will also find extensive hiking trails. Travellers can choose from a range of chalets, hotels, and colonial bungalows.

Genting Highlands photo

Genting Highlands

The Genting Highlands holiday resort has none of the old-world, colonial atmosphere of Malaysia's other hill stations. Instead, its main purpose is to entertain Kuala Lumpur's more…

Genting Highlands

The Genting Highlands holiday resort has none of the old-world, colonial atmosphere of Malaysia's other hill stations. Instead, its main purpose is to entertain Kuala Lumpur's more affluent citizens, chiefly through the presence of the country's only legal, land-based casino, a number of hotels, and a handful of theme parks. Visitors will also find a horse ranch, a golf course and an artificial lake.

The hill resort lies less than one hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, though holidaymakers can reach it via a cable car called the Genting Skyway. At 6,562 feet (2,000m) above sea level, the hill station's temperate conditions offer a welcome respite from Malaysia's humidity. However, its vibrant nightlife can account for the temperature rising in other ways.