Travel guide – hill resorts
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Overview
Cameron Highlands is the largest hill resort in Malaysia located at the northwestern edge of Pahang state, at an altitude of 6,001ft (1,829m). This fertile region comprises a series of villages scattered along the main road amidst terraced plantations bursting with vegetables, tea leaves, flower and strawberry plantations. Colourful rose gardens and Tudor inns share the best of British customs within a climate suited to more refined activities. The scenic drive along the main route of the Highlands can be taken at a leisurely pace to include a stop at the Kuala Who Forest Recreation Park and the Lata Iskandar waterfall. The pleasure of visiting Cameron Highlands (besides the temperate conditions) is the choice of attractions. Whilst the emphasis is on relaxation this can be achieved with the inclusion of strolls through Brinchang’s market square, pottering around the handicraft stores or unwinding at the Buddhist Temple. Besides Brinchang, Ringlet and Tanah Rata are quaint towns to explore. Other popular activities in the area include trips to the tea plantations, strawberry farms and waterfalls. Walks are numerous and scenic and can be enjoyed at leisure over a few days. The Highlands’ 18-hole, par-71 golf course is open to the public.
Louis James Fraser was a controversial, solitary figure who arrived at the seven hills that have come to be known collectively as Fraser’s Hill. The English pioneer disappeared under mysterious circumstances before the area’s potential as a hill station was recognised. It rests at 5,000ft (1,524m) above sea level within the state of Pahang, and is north of Genting Highlands. It is a peaceful and cool place, preferred by bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Jungle trails, waterfalls and colourful nurseries nestle peacefully in the landscape and are complemented by golf and horse-riding activities. The scenic route from the base of the station twists and turns along a 22-mile (35km) stretch. Accommodation is provided by any one of the range of hotels, chalets and colonial bungalows.
Genting Highlands has none of the colonial old world atmosphere of the other hill stations. Its main purpose is to entertain Kuala Lumpur's more affluent citizens. To this end the resort offers a casino, cable car, four-hectare (10-acre) artificial lake, 18-storey hotel, theme parks, horse ranch and a golf course. The hill resort is less than one hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur and offers a welcome respite from the city's humidity, standing at 6,562ft (2,000m) above sea level. Most Malaysians flock here to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of dinner shows, discos and gambling.
Maxwell Hill, known locally as Bukit Larut, is the oldest hill station in Malaysia and is situated seven miles (12km) from Taiping, at an altitude of 3343ft (1,019m). This cool and peaceful hill station has resisted the sweep of commercialism. The journey to the top of the hill station is an exhilarating climb that can only be undertaken by four-wheel drive. From the summit, a panoramic view of the coast from Penang to Pangkor can be enjoyed. Eight bungalows nestled on the hill provide the only accommodation. A Land Rover at the foot of the hill departs hourly.
Climate
Malaysia has a tropical, humid climate with temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C), though it is cooler in the highland areas. The major change in seasons is marked by the arrival of the monsoons that bring with it heavy downpours on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, the northeastern part of Sabah and the western end of Sarawak (from November to February). Boat trips to the islands do not run during the height of the monsoon. The best time to visit Malaysia is between April and October.
Health
Some tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and travellers should seek medical advice regarding any recommended vaccinations before travelling. Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue fever, which has no vaccination or immunisation. There has been an increase in cases of dengue fever since January 2005. Malaria risks are isolated to the inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where there is an all-year risk. Since April 2005 there has been a severe outbreak of typhoid in Kelantan. Dysentery and travellers' diarrhoea afflict travellers in Malaysia; visitors should stick to bottled water and avoid uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads. A further health hazard in Malaysia is air pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has the worst air quality in Asia with very high Benzene pollution levels. This could aggravate cardiac or respiratory problems. There were outbreaks of bird flu in 2004 in poultry in the Kelantan State, but no human infections have been reported. Although the risk is very low, travellers should avoid contact with domestic, caged or wild birds and ensure that poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. An outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in 2006 has spread across Sarawak and Sabah; children are particularly susceptible and several schools and day care centres have been closed. The hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high standard. Medical insurance is recommended. Travellers older than one year coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
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