A cool retreat

I heard the animals calling out from somewhere - deep inside. Where would Scotsman, Louis James Fraser be ? It's a pity for soon after he founded the liveable plateau, he disappeared without any trace.

I can't say it was frazzled nerves that took me to Fraser's Hill, at 1524m elevation for a retreat. It was just that the Raya hols coupled with a need to touch base with the children (and nephew) that I decided we should head for somewhere relatively near to KL. Besides, it's been aeons since Fraser's Hill has popped in our radar for a short sweet break:)

Iconic clock tower in the town centre. Reminds me of a town square of ye ol' days.

The town centre awakes to the bustle of visitors

We were in luck as the accommodation at High Pines, owned by the Russell family of BOH Sdn. Bhd was available to us. My son took to the wheels and he did well managing the many narrow bends up from GAP where the controlled 8 km one way traffic starts.

The tall pines from our bedroom.

Breathtaking view of the Main Range, backbone of the peninsula from the garden of High Pines Bungalow, one of the highest points on Fraser's Hill.

One misty, moisty morning... who goes yonder? High Pines with its distinguishable red window frames.

Cheers! The hills are alive and life is great! The best view at High Pines. Just sitting on the bench and watching clouds float by. I had to still myself to enjoy it at its best.

The table was always set for us to have our meals. Thanks, to caretakers, Mr & Mrs Tan ! We enjoyed the curry tiffin lunch the best. Of course, tea is always BOH. No apologies for that!!

Fraser's Hill has been tagged a sleepy hollow even to this day. Some come for a day trip and a cursory visit. You're right to think that no spanking malls or disco or nightlife entertainment is available. Indeed, Fraser's Hill offers nature at its best, still unspoilt. Yearly, birders wing in from near and far to participate in the much touted Bird Race. The race is not with the birds but among enthusiast birders to spot as many birds as possible and jot down their sightings . A haven for many migratory birds , Fraser's Hill is reputed to be home to as many as 250 varieties. In fact, if you slow down , you're bound to see birds that will awe you with their plummage. We saw some during our evening walks.

I love to see the bungalows perched at different elevations, each with names that hark back to colonial days - names like Scott, Wavertree, Cicely ( Kuantan), Wray ( Temerloh), Richmond, Kingswood etc. In the garden of each bungalow, lovely flowers which are unique to the hill resort brighten the surroundings and add such a lovely charm to the hill resort.

Why hurry down to the humidity below and be in air conditioned malls? Fill your lungs with the nice cool , fresh air. Maybe in the day time you should try the 8 nature trails available. I did 2 - the Hemmant which was an easy walk and a more challenging Bishop's trail. We coped well with the non -existent nightlife. Board games just got our heads together and with red wine to imbibe, we weren't complaining! Mind you, we had socks on as the evening wore on. Fraser's Hill, nicknamed 'Little England of Malaysia' lives up to its name in more ways than one.

No barrier too huge at Bishop's Trail. Guess what, leeches were there but none loved me!

Food for the pitcher plant. I was lucky to find some along Bishop's Trail.

I was rather curious about the lumpy terrain of some parts of the spacious garden at High Pines. 'Wild boars come,' was Mr Tan's answer. Lucky thing I didn't come face to face with one as a dash and sprint will not win the day!

For the price of RM 10.00, take aim - you get 8 tries. Kids got their thrill on horse rides at the Paddocks.

What a nice address - 1919 ! Bet no letters ever get lost.

We had desserts at Ye Olde Smokehouse. The right ambience to have you want to linger.

View of the town centre from Scott Bungalow where we had lunch.