Malaysia is a tropical country and in most places, it is warm if it is not raining. So if you got a little tired with the warm weather or when it gets too hot, there are still destinations in Malaysia where you can get cool, natural and refreshing breeze.
The best is that these places are not too cold and is just perfect to chill and relax. Explore these highlands and escape from the hot weather with amazing hill view at the top.
Cameron Highlands – Pahang
Cameron Highlands is indeed one of the best choices and needs no introduction. The hills have been a favourite weekend destination of many families. With the abundant fresh air, vegetable farms, strawberry and tea plantations, it has been one of the most popular choices for a relaxing getaway in Malaysia.
If you’re a fan of glamping, you can even check out some of the nice spots on top of the hills.
During the day, the temperature seldom rises over 25 °C (77 °F); at night, it can drop to as low as 9 °C (48 °F) at the higher reaches.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 3 hours
Fraser’s Hill – Pahang
Fraser’s Hill is a small mountain village located on the Titiwangsa Ridge in Raub, Pahang. It is also one of the place to go if you need to spend some time to relax and enjoy the nature as the hill is famous for its biodiversity.
There are also several bungalows and resorts to have a couple of night stay at the cooling hills.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 2 hours
Genting Highlands – Pahang
One of the most visited hills in Malaysia as it is built with casinos and theme parks, Genting Highland attracts people from all ages. With the latest shopping mall, theme park, exclusive branded restaurants and of course, the casino up there, it attracts even more crowd to the peak. You’ve got to plan your itinerary well when it comes to seasonal holidays as the visitors storming the destination.
It is pretty convenient to travel up the highlands as there is a proper route built towards the top for vehicles, even bigger ones such as buses. Otherwise you can also take the cable car to Genting Highlands where you can also enjoy the view of the nature while traveling up there.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 1 hour
Bukit Tinggi – Pahang
Bukit Tinggi is famous for its French-themed village, Colmar Tropicale. Not far away from Genting Highlands, some of the visitors will stop by Bukit Tinggi before going or leaving Genting Highlands. Even though it is just a small place, there are several things to do at the French-themed destination. There is a rabbit park, Japanese village, massage spa and even taking a stroll around the village can be a fun thing to do.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Penang Hill – Pulau Pinang
With a long history, the highest peak in Penang island has been opened since 1788 when Francis Light cleared the hill which was then used as a retreat area for the British away from the heat of the lowlands and malaria. Some of the buildings on Penang hill is almost as old as the buildings in George Town as well including the Crag Hotel, the post office, David Brown restaurant. There is even an old post box which was built during the Queen Victoria reign.
Other than the historical interests, there’s also the Habitat, a skywalk, Teddyville Museum, Monkey Cup Garden, Little Village and many other things to do.
As it is located in Penang island itself, traveling to Penang hill means that you’ve got plenty of other places to visit across the island.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 4 hours
Kundasang – Sabah
Kundasang is the closest town to Mount Kinabalu and has a panoramic view of the highest mountain in Malaysia. It is famous for its vegetable market which is open seven days a week.
The destination is also known as the ‘New Zealand of Borneo’ for its geographical terrain which is similar to New Zealand. There is also a dairy farm in Kundasang, tea plantation or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go paragliding to have a great scenic view of the surroundings.
As you can’t travel through land directly from Kuala Lumpur, you’ve got to take a flight to Kota Kinabalu before going to Kundasang.
Traveling time from Kota Kinabalu: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Bukit Larut – Perak
Bukit Larut is a hill resort in Perak which was established since 1884. It is very rich in biodiversity with over 600 different highland plant species. The hill is only accessible via a four-wheel drive vehicle or by foot, as the road is too steep for other means of transport.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 3 hours
Kelabit Highlands – Sarawak
Located between the Gunung Mulu National Park and East Kalimantan in Sarawak’s remote northeastern corner, the Kelabit Highlands is a haven for adventurers. The valleys in the region are dotted with cottage-like home where the locals live in as well as paddy fields and majestic peaks including Sarawak’s highest mountain – Gunung Murud. Temperatures at the Kelabit Highlands can drop to a refreshing 15 degrees at night.
The only way to Kelabit Highlands is to take a flight from Miri to Bario.
Janda Baik – Pahang
Located just about an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Janda Baik is a getaway spot surrounded by beautiful nature. There are a handful of different accommodation options in that area for you to choose from. You can spend a night in a resort, a cosy private villa, a campsite or even glamping in one of the fine spots of Janda Baik.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 45 minutes
