6 Cool climate destinations in Malaysia to escape the heat

Cool Getaways: 6 Destinations in Malaysia to escape the heat

Angela Goh

31 May 2017

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Kundasang
Located just 6 kilometers from Mount Kinabalu Park, Kundasang is a small town in Sabah with an elevation of around 2000 metres above sea level. This makes it one of the coolest areas in Sabah, with temperatures dropping to 13ºC once the sun goes down. A popular getaway for the locals on weekends, be sure to book accommodation in advance if you are planning on a quick retreat here. The area boasts incredible views due to its close proximity to Mount Kinabalu. Tourist attractions include the Kundasang War Memorial and the Desa Cattle Farm.

Accessibility: Kundasang is located between Kota Kinabalu (~100km) and Ranau (~20km).

Photo: Getty Images
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Bukit Tinggi
A peaceful hill with a small village located around 800 metres above sea level, Bukit Tinggi is a place that you might not immediately consider as a getaway destination (possibly because this might be the first time you’ve heard of it), but if you are itching for a distinctly different weekend escape while surrounded by a climate that is infinitely cooler than the dusty streets of KL or the concrete jungle of Singapore, the attractive French-themed village and resort of Colmar Tropicale will impress. With beautiful architecture, lovely fountains, cobblestoned streets, and a truly vintage feel, the village is definitely a memorable one. Other attractions on Bukit Tinggi include the Zen-inspired Japanese village and the rabbit farms.

Accessibility: Bukit Tinggi is located just under 50 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Getty Images
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Fraser’s Hill
Surrounded by pristine virgin forests, tourists adore the remote Fraser’s Hill for its quaint ‘little colonial town’ vibes, thanks to the many colonial-era bungalows used as accommodation here. Offering visitors recreational outdoor activities such as golfing, birdwatching, horse-riding and archery, as well as natural landscapes like the Jeriau Waterfall, Fraser’s Hill is perfect for a short weekend getaway.

Accessibility: Fraser’s Hill is approximately 100 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: @kobidass
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Bukit Larut
Located 10 kilometres from Taiping, Perak, Bukit Larut (once known as Maxwell Hill) is the oldest hill resort in the country. It remains a popular highland destination for visitors due to its status as an adventure destination (think hiking, trekking, birdwatching, hill climbing). With an altitude of 1250 metres above sea level, it is also considered the wettest place in Malaysia due to its heavy downpours. This also makes it a cooling location, boasting daily temperatures averaging between 10ºC and 25ºC. With its superb views and a refreshingly green environment, it also makes a great day-tour location if you are in Taiping.

Accessibility: Bukit Larut is located a mere 10 kilometres from the historic city of Taiping, which itself is approximately 48 kilometres northwest of Ipoh.

Photo: Getty Images
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Cameron Highlands
Sweeping vistas and sloping valleys of tea plantations, peaceful strawberry farms, famous steamboat restaurants, and an amazing night market experience, Cameron Highlands is definitely a destination for great photo opportunities and, of course, fresh and crisp air that is several degrees lower than the more urban settlements of Malaysia. Cameron Highlands is also home to lush forests and incredible nature, so if you’re a hiking buff with an adventurous soul, there are plenty of green hills and trekking trails to get your heart rate up while enjoying the surrounding flora and fauna.

Accessibility: Cameron Highlands is just over 200 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Getty Images
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Genting Highlands
Of course we weren’t going to leave Genting Highlands off this list! Popular amongst foreign tourists, Genting Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most well-known attractions, and for good reason, as it is home to amusement parks and casinos. But don’t miss out on other intriguing sights as well — the scenic Chin Swee Caves Temple will impart an unforgettable cultural experience, and the family-friendly Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm will provide good educational fun for the kids.

Accessibility: Genting Highlands is located about 60 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.

Photo: Getty Images

The perfect weekend holiday spots for those of you sick of the notorious heat in your hometown.

Whether it’s the school holidays and you want to whisk your little ones out of the city to enjoy a cooling vacation elsewhere, or it’s your own personal downtime and you are looking for a brief respite from the oppressive heat of home, you can rest assured that Malaysia offers some incredible destinations to experience low temperatures and cleaner air.

From the sprawling tea plantations and famous steamboat houses of Cameron Highlands to the impressive vistas and curious French-themed village of Bukit Tinggi, you are certainly spoilt for choice where this country is concerned. Hidden gems like Bukit Larut (the oldest hill resort in the Malaysia) and Fraser’s Hill (surrounded by untouched virgin forests) offer beautiful nature and outdoor adventures, while popular hotspots like Genting Highlands remain a top contender.

Learn more about these destinations in the gallery above and take your pick. You don’t have to travel too far from your city to indulge in wintry weather!

Angela Goh

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