Chilled Out at Fraser's Hill

Fraser’s Hill, in many ways, reminds me of Kundasang - both are known for their cool climate and crisp mountain air. The weather in these two highland retreats is quite similar, with relative humidity peaking around 89% and average temperatures hovering around 20°C. However, Kundasang tends to be wetter, receiving an average annual rainfall of about 2,900 mm, compared to Fraser’s Hill’s slightly lower 2,700 mm.

What sets Fraser’s Hill apart is how little it has changed since the colonial era. Development has been minimal, and much of the area remains cloaked in dense jungle. This timeless charm makes it an ideal place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle. In contrast, Kundasang has experienced rapid land development over the years - some of it rather haphazard - gradually diminishing its appeal as a peaceful, quiet retreat.

During our visit, I had hoped to explore the Jeriau Waterfall and trek some of the nearby mountain trails. We did drive out towards the waterfall, but our plans were cut short when we encountered a road closure sign - access had been cut off due to a landslide.

Our attempt to hike the nearby Bishop and Hemmant Trails was also thwarted, this time by the frequent wet weather. Adding to our hesitation was an earlier warning from my niece, who had mentioned that the trails were infested with leeches - a detail that certainly didn't help to boost our enthusiasm.

Awesome view from the balcony of Silverpark Apartment
where we stayed.

Sunrise at Fraser's Hill.

Mystic morning.

We were initially quite concerned about whether the accommodation we had booked would have a lift, especially since we were traveling with my elderly mother-in-law. Fortunately, the six-storey apartment where we stayed - on the fifth floor - was equipped with a lift. That made access significantly easier and more comfortable for her.

Interior of our accommodation.

We took a leisurely walk through the quaint little town, admiring several colonial-era buildings that still showcase classic British architecture. Much of our time was also spent appreciating the rich variety of plants and flora around our accommodation and in the nearby Taman Lady Guillemard. Bougainvillea, in particular, was abundant - its vibrant blossoms adding splashes of color throughout the area, as it seemed to be planted almost everywhere.

At the iconic clock tower at the town centre.

Taman Lady Guilemard.

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Spotting durians for sale at a roadside stall in the little town was an unexpected surprise - not something we associated with Fraser’s Hill! That evening, we enjoyed a takeaway dinner from Hill View Restaurant, topped off with the unexpected treat of fresh durians. Quite the memorable meal!

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We had planned to enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea and made a reservation at Ye Olde Smokehouse on 22 October. This charming boutique hotel, known for its colonial English architecture and vintage furnishings, is reputed for serving authentic English tea sets, complete with homemade scones and strawberry jam. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our plans due to a heavy downpour that afternoon.

That same evening, we opted for dinner at Aida Daniya Restaurant & English Teahouse. Perched on a hillside, the restaurant offers a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. Interestingly, the location of Aida Daniya is marked as Kilometer Zero of Fraser’s Hill - making it, in many ways, the symbolic heart of the town.

Dinner at Aida Daniya Restaurant & English Teahouse.