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Lofty mountains and foothills
of Malaysia are dotted with innumerable nature retreats for
those wanting to escape from the chaotic life and relax in
these beautiful ambience.
Ranging from the Genting Highlands; with it's sophisticated
nightlife and exotic theme park, to the English cottages.
Jungle trails and appealing gardens of the Fraser's Hill and
the Cameron Highlands; the challenge of dangerously huge Mount
Kinabalu to the almost untouched haven of Bukit Larut all
these ranges are possessed with a rare charm. Each of these
magnificently beautiful peaks are bordered by ancient pine
trees and covered in a flow of mist; with flowerless plants
sparkling with droplets of dew like they have been wrapped
in jewels and the temperate flowers in inviting shades and
colours; all this is truly worthy of appreciation.
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Genting
Highlands
With two theme parks offering
dozens of entertaining rides for the whole family; Genting
Highlands, located 50 kms from Kuala Lumpur, is the most developed
hill resort in Malaysia, at an elevation of 2000 mt above
the sea level.
The resorts offer a cool haven
from the chaotic city life. Many Malaysian people head for
Genting Highlands specifically for its nightlife. There are international
dinner shows and discos, while the world-class Casino in Genting
offers Blackjack, Baccarat, Keno, French Bull, Roulette, Tai
Sai and slot machines and Discotheques.
For golfers there is the 'Awana Golf and Country Resort' which
has a 18-hole--par 71 golf course and horseback performances
of the 'Awana Horse Ranch'.
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Cameron
Highlands
Situated at an elevation of
1829 mt above sea level, in the northwestern corner of Pahang,
lies Cameron Highland which is the largest and the most stylish
hill resort in Malaysia.
The area specializes in supplying of green peppers, cabbage,
carrots, lettuce and tomatoes to the major cities of Malaysia
and Singapore; it is also known as 'GreenBowl'.
Sporting relaxing activities like shopping, touring, dinning
and golfing; this beautiful hill station is built in the blissfully
peaceful English environment and has remained unaffected since
the colonial times. The busy market square of Brinchang, strawberry
farms, exotic waterfalls, tea plantations and the beautiful
rose gardens are the most popular attractions of the area.
A stoppage at Kuala Woh Forest Recreation Park which has a
hot spring and beautiful picnic spots; the drive up to Cameron
Highlands is most pleasurable.
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Gunung
Jerai
Once known as Kedah Peak,
Gunung Jerai which is a recreational park and a premier
hill resort, is situated at an altitude of 1200 mt,
in the northern state of Kedah. It played an important
role as a navigating point for sailors from Europe and
the Middle East.Offering lavish and striking views of
the far stretched paddy fields and the islands of Langkawi
and Penang in the northwest and the south respectively.
The beauty and splendour
of Gunung Jerai can be experienced best while trekking
through it's rainforest treasure. Brisk jungle
trekking for approximately 30 minutes leads to the spectacular
sight of breathtakingly beautiful mountain stream falling
down the hilly slope. With a rare and unique variety
of flora and fauna including rhododendrons, pitcher
plants and orchids, the Sungai Teroi Forest Recreation
Park is a mountain refuge. Leading to a picnic spot,
the Hiking trails a long the wooded area offers an opportunity
for relaxing walk.
Located halfway up the hill lies the Forestry Museum
which has lots and lots of information on the many species
of wood that are collected from the Malaysian highland
areas.
Easily accessible by road from the town of Gurun, which
lies 33 km south of Alor Setar.
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Fraser's
Hill
Fraser's Hill is famous
for its beautiful surroundings, serene, peaceful with
cool fresh air and luxuriant vegetation. It is 1524
mt above the sea level. Located to the north of Genting
Highlands and Pahang, about an hour and a half from
Kuala Lumpur, this place can also be described as a
birdwatcher's paradise.
Fraser's Hill is famous
for its beautiful surroundings, serene, peaceful with
cool fresh air and luxuriant vegetation. It is 1524
mt above the sea level. Located to the north of
Genting Highlands and Pahang, about an hour and a half
from Kuala Lumpur, this place can also be described
as a birdwatcher's paradise.
With a wide range of
colonial bunglows, hotels and chalets, accommodation
is easily available in this area. Besides a skating
rink and a playground for children, other attractions
of the area includes a very pleasant 9-hole golf course,
waterfalls, nurseries, riding stables and jungle trails.
The resort is about an hour and a half away from Kuala
Lumpur.
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Penang
Hill
With a population of about 1000 locals and an interesting
history; Penang Hill stands on the northern and the
highest part of the island. Situated at an elevation
of 800 m, it makes a most appreciated getaway. Significant
from an ecological view, the area provides excellent
bunglow accommodation.
With the funicular railway providing
easy accessibility to the hill, half the fun lies in
the journey, which takes about half an hour. The journey
passes through dense jungle vegetation resplendent with
ferns and pitcher plants, and you can also spor a monkey.
The area has well-maintained trekking
paths. The little square top of the hill leads downhill
to the "Moongate" at Waterfall Road approximately
300 mt from the Botanical Gardens, if followed through
eastward. With 50 species of birds to view, the climb
uphill to the Moongate takes approximately 3 hours.
Other notable peaks includes the 830 mt Western Hill
which is also the highest peak, the Strawberry Hill,
Mt Retiro and the Crag Hills. Apart from the magnificent
top view you can also treat yourself with the sweeping
views of the North Channel, the Race Course, Georgetown,
the Kek Lok Si temple at Ayer Itam, the many sea vessels
and Butterworth on the Seberang Perai mainland as well
as the Penang Bridge.
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Bukit
Larut
The oldest hill station of Malaysia, Bukit Larut,
formerly known as Maxwell Hill is located just 10 km
from the quiet Taiping in Perak. Situated at an approximate
elevation of 1035 mt, the resort lies in the wettest
part of the country, with the highest level of rain
throughout the country.
Not as developed as the Highlands
of Gentings and Cameron, this mountain's beauty is almost
untouched.
Preserving it's colonial atmosphere
with it's carefully cultivated gardens, permeate cool
atmosphere and modest but welcoming bunglows.
Gunung Hijau Trail, coiled in a plane towards the highest
point of the Gunung Hijau peak, is the best trail to
watch the abundant birdlife of the area. Home to squirrels
and gibbons, it also houses flora comprising various
species of bracken-like ferns, wild orchids and Mountain
Giant Fishtail Palm. Accessible only through a four-wheel
drive, a land rover which leaves every hour from 7 am
to 6 pm, is available at the foot of the hill.
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Kinabalu
Park
Located in the East Malaysian state of Sabah, Mount
Kinabalu also known as the summit of Borneo stands at
a height of 4095 mt, it is the highest point between
the Irian Jaya, Himalayas and the youngest non-volcanic
mountains of the world. Standing like fire, it forms
the main attraction of the Kinabalu Park and attracts
visitors seeking a refreshing change.
Covering an area of about 7537 sq.km,
it stores a wealth of flora. With over 1200 species
of orchids along with many endemic species of chestnuts,
oaks and rhododendrons; it is a centre for the pitcher
plant. The park headquarters is situated at a height
of 1500 mt is quite cool with an average temperature
20 degree.
Trekking is the main activity and the trail takes you
through the colourful rhododendrons, orchids, pitcher
plant and the mountain oak. The park headquarters has
many trails, forming a network of about 11 km well laid
out and sign posted with trail maps. The summit of Kinabalu
being the most exotic taking a minimum of 2 days and
a night.
Situated along the Kota Kinabalu-Ranau-Sandakan Highway,
the park headquarters is only 90 km from Kota Kinabalu,
the capital of Sabah. Exotic views of forests-clad mountains
and valleys can be seen enroute the park, during the
2 hour leisure drive, along the ridges of the Crocker
Range. Mini buses, taxis, self drive and hire cars provide
as transport to the park.
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