F R A S E R ’S H I L L
B E R J AyA H I L L S
Nestled prettily amidst the Pahang rainforest is the little hamlet of Fraser’s Hill. Akin to a little Scottish village, Fraser’s Hill is characterised by granite coloured mock-Tudor houses and colonial-style buildings. The hill resort exudes a nostalgic charm, almost as if visitors have been taken back in time, to a bygone era. At 1,524m above sea level, the highland resort is a naturalists’ paradise boasting a wide range of plants, birds and animals. Fraser’s Hill is ideal for visitors who are interested in gentler pursuits.
If you have always wanted to see various cultures of the world in a single destination, then Berjaya Hills gives you the chance to do just that. Nestling serenely against 16,000 acres of rugged hills surrounded by the tropical rainforest, Berjaya Hills beckons with three different settings.
Must do: • Enjoy observing a variety of birds • Go horse-riding • Stroll along the scenic routes, flower gardens and parks • Play a round of golf • Trek along the nature trails
One of Malaysia,s premier locations for birdwatching, this hill resort is the venue for the annual Fraser,s Hill International Bird Race.
Tel: 09 362 2195 (Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation)
TRADITIONAL WEAVING Pek an and K uantan One of the state’s most prestigious products is the Kain Tenun Pahang, a fabric that is handwoven using time-honoured methods. Set within a well-landscaped area dotted with Malay traditional-style buildings, Pulau Keladi Cultural Village in Pekan is an excellent place to watch how this exquisite craft is created. Within the area lies another attraction, the birth place of Tun Abdul Razak (Malaysia’s second Prime Minister and father of the present Prime Minister). Traditional weaving can also be seen at Kampong Soi, Kuantan. Visitors can watch how the fabric is woven or purchase it as a souvenir. Tel: 09 422 8427 (Pulau Keladi Cultural Village) 09 556 2344 (Kampung Soi Gallery)
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Fraser,s Hill derives its name from Louis James Fraser, a Scottish trader who mysteriously disappeared here in 1916.
The main draw here is the French-style Colmar Tropicale, a replica of the original 18th century Colmar Village in Alsace, France. Tucked away higher up is the Zen-inspired Japanese Village. The third and newest attraction here is the Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort, a French themed boutique hotel and spa modelled after an 18th century medieval castle in France. Berjaya Hills is situated about 10km off the East West Karak Highway. It is a mere 60 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur. Must do: • Stroll around the cobblestoned courtyard • Dine at the French restaurants • Experience the Japanese tea ceremony • Indulge in a hot bath at Tatami Spa • Tee off at the 18-hole golf course • Cuddle the adorable rabbits at the Rabbit Park • Go horse-riding Website: www.berjayahills.com.my
C H E R AT I N G B E A C H Fringed by the waters of the South China Sea, Cherating Beach offers a quiet holiday amidst a rustic atmosphere. The shore is lined by hotels and resorts catering to all budgets, from backpacker’s inns to luxury beach resorts. Just nearby is Kampung Cherating, a tranquil Malay village that sits prettily amidst swaying palms and tropical vegetation. Cherating Beach is about 47km north of Kuantan. Other popular beaches in the vicinity are Chendor, Teluk Chempedak and Balok. Must do: • Go catamaran sailing • Try kayaking • Brave the waves and go windsurfing • Watch fascinating cultural activities at the Cherating Cultural Complex • Visit the Turtle Sanctuary • Take a river cruise along the mangroves • Watch how crafts are made at the Cherating Village
Cherating is the location of Asia s first Club Med. 11