Fraser's Hill - Day 1

#1 Sitting pretty amidst the Pahang rain forest is the little hamlet of Fraser's Hill. Fraser's Hill was discovered by Louis James Fraser in the early 19th century, who himself mysteriously disappeared from the hill one day.

I think I've lost count now how many times I've been to Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. But our recent weekend getaway to Fraser's Hill, though, was our first time! Hence, it was a weekend getaway that I had been looking forward to for a while.

The climate in Fraser's Hill is cool and refreshing. Year round temperatures are between 18-23 degrees Celsius.

#2 To get to Fraser's Hill from the Gap, one must go up a narrow, winding, one-way road for 8 km. Traffic up and down is controlled by a gate system with uphill traffic limited to odd hours, and downhill traffic to even hours.

#3 When the Gap is the only option: Traffic control effective 7AM to 7PM.
Note: There's no control after 7.30pm and the gate remains open for both traffics.

When the new road is open: All downward traffic uses the new road, while the old Gap road is designated for upward traffic, with no time restrictions round the clock.

We arrived at the gate around 2.30pm and we have to wait for the next gate at 3pm.

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#5 There's a little stall by the road just a short distance away from the Gap.

While waiting for the gate to open for us to drive up, suddenly, we heard someone calling Ralph's name! We turned around and I saw a Mat Salleh guy.

Ralph said excitedly, "Oh my gosh! Michael!"

#6 It was certainly a happy coincidence that Ralph met his friend, Michael from UK.

Upon arrival,

#7 we were greeted by this exceedingly British-looking little stone building covered with creeper vines. The town is relatively small, with much of the activity centered on a market square dominated by a little clock tower.

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#9 This rustic stone-built bungalow is now the post office which dates back to 1923.

#10 Beside the post office is the police station which was built in 1919.

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#12 Sports complex in the town centre.

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#15 I was busy snapping away while Ralph was busy looking at the map / accommodations in Fraser's Hill. *LOL* Alright, we didn't book accommodation ahead of our arrival!

#16 We walked in to Jelai Highland Resort,

#17 but there was no one at the reception.
I looked around and I told Ralph I didn't really like this resort cos its kinda old and not that appealing, so we left.

#18 We would like to stay in Puncak Inn but it was closed for renovation.

The tourism board wants to preserve the English colonial concept which has been a main attraction at Fraser's Hill. A total of RM4.5 million has been spent to spruce up Puncak Inn and some bungalows.

#19 This looked inviting!

Fortunately, we met Mr. Nice Guy (I can't remember his name) here. He is the person in charge of all accommodations owned by PKBF and he suggested Fraser's Silverpark Resort.

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#22 There are studio apartments, 2 Bedroom Suites and 3 bedroom suites, with kitchenettes and balconies to choose from.

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#25 Things to do in Fraser's Silverpark Resort.

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My eyes set upon when I entered the huge, recently refurbished, furnished studio apartment! It was clean, cozy and very comfortable.

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#28 Kitchen with tea making facilities (without cooking facilities).

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#32 Balcony overlooking the surrounding hills.

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We finally checked in and we took a nap! We didn't want to get up, until Michael called us up to dinner. It was so sweet of him and his wife to invite us over for a BBQ dinner at their place. The funny part was we didn't know that they were staying at Fraser's Silverpark Resort as well! LOL! After freshening up, we drove out to town to get some drinks.

#36 The ONLY Mini-Market which supplies almost all daily wet and dry provisions opens from 9am to 10pm.

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#38 He was a bit drunk. Ha ha..

#39 He is Michael's student, Mustafa from Yemen.

We all had a great time and enjoyed a wonderful dinner! And, I just realized that I didn't take pictures of the food. Urgh!

#40 Nightlife in Fraser's Hill is basically non-existent.

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#42 Look at me! I was wearing a short jeans and sandals! It was FREEZING COLD at night and I nearly died! I hated being so forgetful. Oh well, serves me right.

Oh, by the way there is no petrol station up in Fraser's Hill, so remember to fill your tank before going uphill!

The next day,