The Highlands of Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant as well as hassle free destinations in South East Asia. Apart from its fabulous beaches, enchanting mountains, interesting museums, beautiful parks and gardens, Malaysia is also much famed for its stunning highlands, located on the majestic mountain ranges of Central Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.

With cooler climates, mysterious lakes, rainforest, abundant wildlife, the highlands of Malaysia boast of a number of attractions in the form of hills and resorts, each of which presents an amazing landscape rich in flora and fauna. Most popular among the retreats of the highlands of Malaysia are Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser's Hill, and Bukit Tinggi.

Cameron Highlands is a premier hill resort, tucked away placidly amid the clouds at an altitude of 1829 mt above the sea level, in the northwestern region of Pehang State. Named in honor of William Cameron - a British surveyor who discovered the resort in 1885, Cameron Highlands is acknowledged as the 'Green Bowl of the Country,' since it is one of the largest producers of vegetables, fruits including strawberry, and tea in the country.

Cameron consists of a series of townships including Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. Perhaps most popular among the attractions of Cameron Highlands is its tea plantation such as, Boh Road Habu, located about nine kilometers from Ringlet; Bharat Tea Estate - the second largest tea producer of the nation; and Sungai Palas Tea Estate, a destination offering breathtaking views.

For adventurers and nature lovers, Cameron Highlands offers excellent options. All of the peaks in the area such as Gunung Brinchang, Gunung Beremban, Gunung Jasar, Gunung Perdah and Bukit Mentigi, serve as a perfect base for hiking.

Additionally, the highland's amazing, mossy forests are a superb option for trekkers. Nature lovers can take a visit to the popular Parit Waterfall and Robinson Waterfall, which are located near Tanah Rata. For golf freaks, there is a superb 18-hole golf course in Brinchang, which allows you to play golf while enjoy breathtaking views of the lush surroundings.

Options are also available for sightseeing in the form of Butterfly Farm, where one can find a rare selection of butterflies including Raja Brooke butterfly, apart from some indigenous moths and insects, and Cactus Valley, boasting of one of the rarest variety cactus plants, which is of more than of 60 years old.

The leading producer of flowers in the country - Cameron has to its credit a large number of incredible flower nurseries, of which many of them are situated alongside the main road from Ringlet. An amazing variety of flowers of different colors and shapes can be found here.

Cameron is also much sought after for its rose gardens, prominent being Robertson Rose Garden, rendering superb views of the surrounding hills. Cameron's soils are also considered fertile for many vegetable and fruits to grow such as tomato, cauliflower, and cabbage. Take a visit to Strawberries Garden, where freshly picked strawberries are available for affordable prices.

Must-visit destinations also include Pasar Malam (Night Market), dotted with a variety of stalls selling items like souvenirs, fruits, plants, and handicrafts, and Orang Asli Village, which is inhabited by Senoi, Temier, Jakun and Negrito.

Genting Highlands - Founded in 1965, Genting Highlands is one of the most developed as well as accessible mountain retreats in Kuala Lumpur. Attractions, among many others of the place, are Ringgit theme park, a sprawling facility with more than 40 rides such as roller coaster and splash pool; World Plaza - an elegant shopping complex with more than 70 outlets; and Casino de Genting - the only licensed facility in the nation. Genting also provides options to enjoy a variety of activities, like, jungle trekking, horse riding, abseiling, and golf, with such facilities as the Awana Golf and Counrty Club.

Fraser's Hill - Named after Louise James Fraser - a Scottish adventurer who founded a tin-ore trading station during the 19th century - Fraser's Hill is a tranquil getaway, placed at an altitude of 1,524 mt above sea level. Located 100 km from Kuala Lumpur, the resort takes after an English village, with its verdant landscape and granite-colored buildings. Included in its attractions are the Fraser's Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC), Royal Fraser's Hill Golf Club, Jeriau Waterfall, and a small market square with a clock tower. Above all, the Fraser's Hill is also a venue for the most thrilling Fraser's Hill International Bird Race.

Bukit Tinggi - Spread across 16,000 acres and surrounded by lush green rainforest, Bukit Tinggi is a charming destination in Pahang. Situated just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Tinggi has to its credit attractions like Bukit Tinggi Golf and Country Club, Rabbit Park and Deer Sanctuary, and Colmar Tropicale Resort, and Japanese Village.