| | | |  | | Highlands and Lakes Region Image Gallery | | | The Malaysian highlands are located in the central regions of peninsula Malaysia, renowned for their cooler climates, mysterious lakes and abundant wildlife. The mountain ranges, vast expanses of tropical rainforests, and the tea plantations present a myriad shades of green, with golf courses, jungle treks, strawberry and vegetable farms, beautiful roses and other flowers, butterfly farms, and incredible waterfalls to be discovered and enjoyed. The three main locations are the Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Fraser's Hill. | | | | | | Cameron Highlands, Pahang | | | Named after William Cameron, who discovered these highlands in 1885, the Cameron Highlands are1,829m above sea level and are regarded as the "Green Bowl" of the country, supplying much of its tea and vegetables. With mist shrouded mountains and cool weather, the area makes a welcome contrast to the hot semi-tropical climate of the lowlands. The hill resort stands on a splendid plateau in rolling green valleys, surrounded by the rugged granite peaks of the Titiwangsa Range, the tallest of which is Mount Brinchang at 2,032m. |
| | | Ringlet | | | A small township with access to flower nurseries and tea plantations. Nearby is the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake, an artificial lake that was formed by the damming of the Bertam River. Brinchang, just a few miles beyond, is known for its farms, flower nurseries, fruit gardens and long-established tea plantations. On the journey up into the highlands, the magnificent scenery changes from lowland mangrove, bamboo and palms, to denser rainforest of lush greenery, and as the heat drops away and the more comfortable mountain air takes over, montane oaks and laurels familiar to temperate climates are found. |
| | | Tanah Rata | | This is the main township and has many hotels, some good Indian and Chinese restaurants and a variety of English-style tearooms serving the local Cameronian brew, together with cakes and locally grown strawberries with cream. Stores offer everything from the practical to glass-mounted scorpions and butterflies. Nearby are local tea plantations, The Boh Tea Estate, and the Sungai Palas and Blue Valley tea estates. A visit to Ye Olde Smokehouse should be made to sample the traditional 'cream tea' or English roast lunch or dinner, and to view the ivy-covered mock Tudor resort.
Around Tanah Rata can be found a fine 18-hole golf course, many jungle walks, with brightly coloured butterflies around the waterfalls, and the Malaysian Agriculture Research Development Institute. There are swimming and picnic spots at Parit Falls and Robinson Falls, and trails leading up to Mount Jasar and Mount Beremban. As well as butterflies, red-bellied squirrels, wild pigs and an occasional tapir may be seen. |
| | | Genting Highlands | | | Nearest of the highland resort areas to Kuala Lumpur, the Gentings rise to 2,000m and Gunung Ulu Kali in the main range is a veritable playground in the sky. This exciting area has been themed to suit visitors from the capital and from Singapore and includes a wide range of facilities, from an 18-hole golf course to a giant theme park with cinemas, a theatre, monorail, boat-rides, thrilling roller coaster rides, and restaurants. A 32-lane ten-pin bowling centre is located here, together with a casino, which is Malaysia's only legal gambling house with Chinese and Western gaming tables. There is also an equestrian club, a mushroom farm and a wonderful cable car system. |
| | | Fraser's Hill | | | In marked contrast to the Gentings, this charming, old-fashioned hill station is built across seven hills, its highest point being 1,500m. Road access can be difficult as the countryside is wilder and less cultivated than that in the Cameron Highlands, but the sedate side of colonial life is also more recognisable here with the white and grey stone bungalows, with roses, rhododendrons, poinsettias, hollyhocks and dahlias growing in the gardens. There are opportunities for hose riding, several nature trails through the nearby forests, and a wealth of wildlife that can be found during pleasant rambles. There are more than 270 species of birds in the immediate area, and the Malaysian Nature Society supports an 'international bird race' every June, where teams compete to identify the largest number of birds. |
| | | Kenyir Lake, Terengganu | | | Deep in the heart of Terengganu lies Kenyir Lake, the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. There are 340 islands, which were once hilltops and highlands. A naturalist's dream, the lake has more than 14 waterfalls with many rapids and rivers, and is home to numerous species of freshwater fish and wildlife, amidst lush tropical jungle. A submerged cave - Tok Bidan Cave - is the site where archaeologists and historians have uncovered artefacts such as kitchen utensils, axes and tools dating back to the Neolithic era. |
| | | Bukit Tinggi, Pahang | | Perched some 2,600ft above sea level, resorts here offer cool mountain vistas and all the charm of alpen-like villages. With bracing fresh air, birds and solitude, the area offers a complete contrast to the tropical climate of the lowlands.
Colmar Village captures the essence of an authentic northwestern French village, with its artistry, quaint little gift shops, and beautiful town square. |
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