Fraser's Hill

[dhorje]

Fraser's Hill derives its name from Louis James Fraser[1], a solitary Scottish pioneer [2], who set up a tin-ore trading post in the 1890s. Years ago, when the hills and mountains on the Titiwangsa Range looked too daunting to even contemplate climbing even by the British army, Scotsman Fraser was already recruiting a handful of guides and coolies to take him on his expedition to explore the upper ridges for gold and other precious metals. After hacking his way up the last 300m (height) to the top, he came upon an enchanting forest in the clouds. The moist environment creates a sublime forest of moss-draped trees and filmy ferns. The forest looks prehistoric, feels prehistoric and even smells prehistoric.

 

He found rich tin deposits and stayed on to open a mine in the 1890's and employed Chinese miners to work the area. The tin ore was then transported down a perilous route on mules, winding down the side of the range to the nearest town, Raub. To lift the spirits of his Chinese workers, Fraser operated an opium and gambling den at the camp. This shrewd method of retaining his wealth certainly worked well.The wages paid out to the coolies would more often than not find their way back into the Fraser's ledgers through these dens.

 

Despite his newfound wealth and status Fraser mysteriously disappeared without a trace some 25 years later. He left behind everything he had worked hard for over the years. A search party was sent by the C.J Ferguson-Davie, Bishop of Singapore to look for him. The camp and mine were found deserted. They never found Fraser. Instead they discovered the perfect place for a hill station- a retreat from the heat of the lowlands. In 1919, work started on the access road to the hillstation from the Gap and by 1922, the hillstation named Fraser's Hill was opened to visitors. The hill station covered 140 hectares of land and had over 50km of jungle paths. In a 1927 book called Handbook to British Malaya, it mentioned that there were 9 government bungalows for the use of government officials, 4 houses built with the help of Red Cross for ex-servicemen and women, 3 private homes, a 'country club', a golf course, and water supply was complete and of course a post office.[3]

 

Fraser's Hill is measured at 1,260 meters above sea level. Year round temperatures are between 17°C~25°C / 63°F~77°F. This resort is situated approximately 64.6 miles / 104 kilometers from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

 

March 19th 2010.

 

We left home at 7am heading to Fraser's Hill. We wanted to take a break from the soaring heat in the city.

We reached the foot of Fraser's Hill at almost 9am. The route to the top of the hill was very winding. It took about 40 minutes to reach to the top. 1/4 way to the top, Cocoa began to throw up. I couldn't stop the car because the road was very narrow. Poor Cocoa had to endure for more than 30 minutes. I felt sorry for her.

 

Some scenic scene along the way to Fraser's Hill.

 

 

On reaching Fraser's Hill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Joolesgreyuk]

Well Cocoa certainly gets around. Lovely pictures, thanks for sharing them.

 

Searing heat? What is that?? LOL

[judygram]

What beautiful scenery there, I love your pictures and Cocoa looks like she fits right in.

 

Poor dear couldn't take the winding roads but she doesn't look any worse for the wear of the ride, she does lead quite the adventurous life doesn't she.

 

Thanks for sharing these pictures with us as a lot of us will never get the chance to see it otherwise.

[jessdecutie18]

Very pretty pictures... it's amazing Cocoa gets to come to all these places with you!

[Greywings]

So Grey that the food is more important than the scenery. lol

[Greywings]

So Grey that the food is more important than the scenery. lol Thank you for sharing your lovely trip with us, beautiful photos.

[Luvparrots]

What lovely scenery and beautiful photos Sanggay! Thank you for sharing them all with us!

[SunnyBird]

Thank you for sharing those beautiful photos and telling us a bit about a place unfamiliar to many of us. By the way, just curious, what is Cocoa eating in that last photo where he's standing on the stone table?

[dhorje]

That is water apple.

 

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