Fraser's Hill

Fraser's Hill is named after Louis James Fraser, a Scotsman who prospected for gold in Australia but eventually struck tin here instead in the 1890s. Employing Chinese miners to do the hard work for him and earning his keep by operating mule trains down the mountain, Fraser set up opium and gambling dens to increase his profits, which may have had something to do with his subsequent mysterious disappearance. The tin ran out in 1913, but the lush valley within was rediscovered as a colonial hill resort that, thanks to its 1524 m elevation, enjoys considerably cooler temperatures than Kuala Lumpur. By 1922 a road had been cut through the mountains to the valley, which soon sprouted bungalows and even one of Malaya's first golf courses.

Not much has changed since, and Fraser's Hill retains a wonderfully weird mixed-up character, where locals eat curries off banana leaves in a English cottage next to a golf course while the call to prayer sounds from the mosque.

The top activities in Fraser's Hill are hiking, golf andbirdwatching.

Birdwatching

One of the most popular activities in Fraser's Hill is bird watching given the many different species of birds in the locality, particularly in June when the International Bird Race event is held here due to many migratory species passing through. Famous local identity Mr. Durai, special officer to the Minister of Tourism, is a local resident and birdwatching expert. He is available for guided walks and his keen eye and library of bird call whistles will have you seeing many more different birds than if you tried finding them yourself. Mr. Durai can be contacted on durefh@hotmail.com or 0139831633. He charges a token amount for the guided tours. He also conducts nature night tours.

Hiking

There are eight signposted around Fraser's Hill , although some have been closed at least temporarily after a well-publicized incident in 2005 when three young boys got lost in the jungle. Watch out for leeches.

• Hemmant Trail. An easy 20-minute trail along the north side of the golf course.
• Bishop's Trail. Effectively a continuation of the Hemmant Trail, this is a slightly more challenging half-hour track through the jungle. Slippery when wet.
• Pine Tree Trail. A challenging 6 kilometer trail up and down hills to the eponymous Pine Tree Hill, and you'll have to return the way you came to boot. This is a full-day hike that will take 7-8 hours at a moderate pace.

Golf

• Royal Fraser's Hill Golf Club. (All day 9 hole - Walking course) A short but very tight course. Open daily 8AM-7PM, green fees RM30/40 weekdays/weekends (whole day). Carry fee RM10. Golf sets available for rent at the Sports Complex.

Tennis

With such a delightful climate, Fraser's Hill ought to be perfect for tennis. Unfortunately, the courts have been neglected. Both Pines Resorts and SilverPark have courts, but they have fallen into disrepair. There are two public courts on the Pines Road (next to the Pahang Instana), but they are barely playable. The courts are filthy, so be prepared to discard your balls after a few plays (they turn from yellow to black).

Buy

While you can get your fill of Fraser's Hill T-shirts and fridge magnets from the souvenir shops around the clock tower, the most useful local fashion accessory in these parts is a pair of leech socks. Baggy stockings of unbleached cotton worn over your pants, these not only prevent unwanted blood transfusions, but also double as handy Christmas decorations if you paint on a reindeer or two.

• Kraftangan & Cenderamata Bukit Fraser,a souvenir shop at the Sports Complex. T-shirts (RM19.90 to 35.90), fridge magnets, accessories (3 For RM10), and local souvenirs. Open on weekends/holidays only.

Eat

• Arzed Restauarant, Food Garden ( Children's Playground ) - Rotis, local ala carte, Ice Creams, Smoothies. Price range : RM 4.50 - RM 6.50

• Food Court, Jalan Genting (just south of the mosque; uphill from clock tower). This is actually just a small cluster of hawker stalls serving up cheap and tasty, if somewhat flyblown, local food. Most meals under RM5, but prices may add up if you order off the menu.

• Hillview Restaurant, Puncak Inn (at clock tower) serves Chinese and Western food. Tasty and relatively good value; Chinese meal for four at RM60. Serves excellent hot soup which is perfect for such cold weather. Has recently moved to the new food court near the playground. From puncak inn, drive all the way straight till you see a roundabout, take a left turn. The restaurant directly on your left.

• Smokehouse Restaurant, is an expensive place for a western food but well worth a visit. A ribeye steak costs about RM55. There is a corkage charge of RM40 if you decide to BYO.

Drink

Nightlife in Fraser's Hill is basically nonexistent, but the Smokehouse can serve you a pint of Guinness.

Sleep

Most visitors come during the weekend, so it's not unusual for rates to be discounted as much as 50% on weekdays.

reference:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Fraser's_Hill