I am sure most of you have visited Fraser's Hill (FH) at least once in your life. I vaguely remember going up there with my family when I was only about 6-7 years old.....I could not remember much all that have happened and could only recall that my mom had to visit a clinic after stepping on a nail. Ouch!
So after 26 years.....here I am at Fraser's Hill again.
Two hours away from Kuala Lumpur and about an hour drive from the town of Kuala Kubu Baru, I finally reached the hill tops. It is quieter and less popular than the other 2 mountain destinations (Genting, as it is nearer to the city and Camerons for its many family-oriented activities and vegetations). There is basically nothing much to do in Fraser's hill except if you are into bird-watching (FH boasts over 250 species of birds, including some migratory birds from as far as Siberia) and jungle trekking (Fraser's Hill has about 10 trails).
If you attempt to visit this place, do take note of two important facts.
1) There's no petrol stations in Fraser's Hill. Thus, you would need to pump up at Kuala Kubu Baru before heading upwards.
2) Be mindful of the 'Gap' schedule as the journey up and down Fraser's Hill is only ONE WAY at any one time. So, you will need to find out what time you should be at the Gap if you want to head up or down the hill. Odd hours - Up, Even hours - down
Map of Fraser's HillPopular landmarks:
1) The clock tower at the center of the town
2) Post office
3) Fraser's Hill Golf Club (FHGC)
There are only two eateries (the rest are in the hotels) called Hill View Restaurant and Piccadilly Cafe (newly open) which are centrally located.....next to the clock tower. Since I cannot stomach spending RM 10 on a roti canai/prata for breakfast, my husband and I ate at the other alternative restaurant most of the time. Price is reasonable (KL price).
We stayed at Shahzan Inn for its location and also availability......most of the resorts and hotels are fully booked as it is the holiday season. It is a pity that many of the colonial-styled bungalows look as they have seen better days. The best time to visit FH would be in June, when the weather is good and the birds come out to play! A 3D2N trip is more than sufficient to see the whole of Fraser's Hill.
'Must' visit in FH:
1) Jeriau waterfall (see map attached)
Good picnic spot for the entire family. Spotted many birds along the trail
2) Bishop trail
I did not manage this as i've heard it is full of blood-sucking leeches during this time of the year, but highly recommended by the residents of Fraser's Hill (2 hours trek one-way)
3) Allan's water
A small lake next to the Abu Suradi trail (did this trail, got bitten by a leech)
4) The clock tower
In the month of June, international as well as local bird watchers gather at the hill resort to participate in the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race, a non-competitive event that requires bird watchers to race against time to spot as many bird species as possible within the routes in Fraser's Hill. The next race would be held on the 20-21 June 2010. Some of the common birds found in FH are barn swallows, minivets, drongo, Mountain fulvettas and Grey wagtails.
Pic above: Streaked spiderhunter
Pic above: Black-throated Sunbird
Pic above: Long-tailed Sibia
Pic above: Silver-eared Mesia (centre) and Spectacled LaughingthrushIf you love the tranquility of the nature, the cold and misty weather and birds.......this place comes highly recommended.
