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Genting HighlandsCity/Region: Hill Resorts
Genting Highlands has none of the colonial old world atmosphere of the other hill stations. Its main purpose is to entertain Kuala Lumpur's more affluent citizens. To this end the resort offers a casino, cable car, four-hectare (10-acre) artificial lake, 18-story hotel, theme parks, horse ranch and a golf course. The hill resort is less than one hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur and offers a welcome respite from the city's humidity, standing at 6,562ft (2,000m) above sea level. Most Malaysians flock here to enjoy the vibrant nightlife
of dinner shows, discos and gambling.
Fraser's HillCity/Region: Hill Resorts
Louis James Fraser was a controversial, solitary figure who arrived at the seven hills that have come to be known collectively as Fraser's Hill. The English pioneer disappeared under mysterious circumstances before the area's potential as a hill station was recognized. It rests at 5,000ft (1,524m) above sea level within the state of Pahang, and is north of Genting Highlands. It is a peaceful and cool place, preferred by bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Jungle trails, waterfalls and colorful nurseries nestle peacefully in the landscape and are complemented by golf and horse-riding activities. The scenic route from the base of the station twists and turns along a 22-mile (35km) stretch. Accommodation is provided by any one of the range of hotels, chalets and colonial bungalows.
Cameron HighlandsCity/Region: Hill Resorts
Cameron Highlands is the largest hill resort in Malaysia located at the northwestern edge of Pahang state, at an altitude of 6,001ft (1,829m). This fertile region comprises a series of villages scattered along the main road amidst terraced plantations bursting with vegetables, tea, flower and strawberry plantations. Colorful rose gardens and Tudor inns share the best of British customs within a climate suited to more refined activities. The scenic drive along the main route of the Highlands can be taken at a leisurely pace to include a stop at the Kuala Who Forest Recreation Park and the Lata Iskandar waterfall. The pleasure of visiting Cameron Highlands (besides the temperate conditions) is the choice of attractions. Whilst the emphasis is on relaxation this can be achieved with the inclusion of strolls through Brinchang's market square, pottering around the handicraft stores or unwinding at the Buddhist Temple. Besides Brinchang, Ringlet and Tanah Rata are quaint towns to explore. Other popular activities in the area include trips to the tea plantations, strawberry farms and waterfalls. Walks are numerous and scenic and can be enjoyed at leisure over a few days. The Highlands' 18-hole, par-71 golf course is open to the public.
Bukit LarutCity/Region: Hill Resorts
Bukit Larut, known formerly as Maxwell Hill, is the oldest hill station in Malaysia and is situated seven miles (12km) from Taiping, at an altitude of 3343ft (1,019m). This cool and peaceful hill station has resisted the sweep of commercialism. The journey to the top of the hill station is an exhilarating climb that can only be undertaken by four-wheel drive. From the summit, a panoramic view of the coast from Penang to Pangkor can be enjoyed. Eight bungalows nestled on the hill provide the only accommodation. A Land Rover at the foot of the hill departs hourly.
Tioman IslandCity/Region: The Islands
Tioman (known locally as Pulau Tioman) is a magnificent, ecologically rich and picturesque island, regarded as a jewel in the sea. The 24-mile (39km) stretch of land shelters dense jungles flourishing between mountain peaks. Descriptive appellations like Dragon-Horn Hill and Lizard Village are inspired by the tropical charm of the island and its legendary namesake, a fairy-tale dragon princess. The island was aptly chosen as the location for the mythical Bali Hai in the film
South Pacific. Pristine beaches hug the island's perimeter, lapped by the clear water that reveals luminous coral reefs and abundant marine life. The settlements of the island comprise a handful of villages located around the coast, while the hilly inland area is virgin forest, best explored along the famous Cross-Island walk. Scuba Diving and snorkeling equipment can be hired, and PADI courses are offered in Salang and Air Batang. June to August is high season; November to January is monsoon season, and the island is almost deserted over this period. There are daily flights to Tioman Island from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Departure point for boats is from the coastal town of Mersing, the journey taking one to two hours. There is also a daily high-speed catamaran service between Singapore and Tioman, a 4.5-hour trip.
LangkawiCity/Region: The Islands
Langkawi is the collective name for a group of 104 tropical islands located 20 miles (30km) off the northwestern tip of the peninsula. Pulau Langkawi is the largest and most developed island that draws visitors to its duty-free shores. Much of the island's prolific development has been focused in the town of Kuah, also the embarkation point for visitors traveling by ferry. Many visitors leave the shops behind in favor of the mountainous interiors, limestone outcrops, waterfalls, hot springs or pristine beaches. The best of these beaches, Pantai Kok, lies reclusively on the island's western side, a short distance from the spectacular Telaga Tujuh Falls. The island's mystique would be incomplete without a legend. The story relates that a Malay princess was wrongfully accused of adultery and sentenced to death; her dying words laid a curse on the island. Her tomb and the associated Padang Masirat ('the field of burnt rice') can be found a few miles west of Kuah. Langkawi can be reached by boat or air.
Perhentian IslandsCity/Region: The Islands
The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian) are made up of two islands, Perhentian Kecil (Small Island) and Perhentian Besar (Big Island), and are situated about 12 miles (20km) off the north-east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. They are located within the Terengganu Marine Park and offer a largely undeveloped tropical paradise with stretches of white sand, wildlife, and nearby coral reefs. Diving and snorkeling trips around the islands are offered. Perhentian Besar offers more upmarket accommodation than its neighbor, and Three Coves Bay on the north coast is the best place to watch turtles between May and September. There is not much in the way of nightlife on either island as no alcohol is allowed. The islands can be reached from the town of Kuala Besut; taxi boats shuttle visitors between the two islands. The east coast monsoon often renders the islands inaccessible between November and January.
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