FRASER'S HILL

FRASER'S HILL

I have been but 'once' to the cooling Fraser's Hill, a highland resort destination.

The hill is nestled among the mountains of of the Titiwangsa Ridge in Raub, Pahang, which takes two hours drive from Kuala Lumpur.

It's location is one of Malaysia's few pristine forests, with a high level of biodiversity, first recognised by the botanist H.N. Ridley in 1897.

Fraser's Hill derives its name from Louis James Fraser, a solitary Scottish pioneer, who set up a tin-ore trading post in the 1890s. 

COOLING FRASER'S HILL RESORT

The British army had not explored the Titiwangsa Range, Fraser employed guides or coolies for an expedition to the upper ridges, prospecting for gold or other valuable metals. He also found rich tin deposits, and recruited Chinese workers to open a mine. A steep tract was constructed for mules to transport the tine-ore down to The Gap and on to Raub.

Fraser operated a gambling and opium den at the workers' camp, through which he profited a second time for the wages paid to his workers.

CLOCK TOWER AT TOWN CENTRE

However, Fraser vanished without a trace some 25 years later. In 1951, the Malayan Emergency, the British High Commissioner in Malaya Sir Henry Gurney was killed near Fraser's Hill in a random assassination by Communist guerillas. Fraser Hill was also a rest centre for the British Forces based in Malaya and Singapore during the 1960s.

As the weather in Fraser's is cooling and invigorating throughout the year, the Hill remains popular with locals and Singaporeans for company retreats and weekend breaks.

JERIAU WATERFALL

Malaysia's earliest highland golf course was constructed on Fraser's Hill in 1925. The 9-hole course was built on former tin mines.

In 1970, an 18-hole course was added at Jeriau, about 3km from town.

Tourists can also drop by the beautiful Jeriau Waterfall, nearby. 

READY FOR JUNGLE WALK

Besides, tourists can also indulge in the several hiking trails around the hill.

Fraser's Hill is a notable centre for bird watching activity. For those who fancy bird watching, do drop by Fraser's Hill to capture over 270 species of local and migratory birds flocking here together.

SEPTEMBER 12, 1998