The cool and peaceful highland resorts make great vacation retreats. Places like Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands (all in Pahang) and Maxwell Hill (Perak) serve as an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and tropical heat.

Kayangan bungalow, Fraser's Hill

Fraser’s Hill houses an abundant variety of birds in its jungle; Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea plantations, flowers and vegetables; while Genting Highlands is popular for its theme park and casino. As Malaysia’s smallest and oldest hill station, Maxwell Hill offers a quiet getaway complete with quaint colonial bungalows and rest houses.

But for those who enjoy mountaineering, you’ll be delighted to take on the challenge Gunung Kinabalu (Sabah), Southeast Asia’s highest peak, offers as well as the many mountains waiting to be conquered such as Gunung Tahan (Pahang), Gunung Ledang (Johor), Gunung Mulu (Sarawak) and Gunung Jerai (Kedah). Most of these well-known mountains are located in gazetted national parks so they offer many other activities such as jungle trekking and birdwatching.

Gunung Kinabalu

In Malaysia, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a relaxing highland holiday or one where you can get a good workout because you can find it all here.