There are many trekking trails around Fraser's Hill, but the Pine Tree Hill trail is considered to be the most challenging at about 6km long. It's actually not a very difficult trail to the peak, and trekkers should, on the average, take about four hours at moderate pace to the peak. However, the trek gets challenging and difficult when one happens to trek along wet, muddy and slippery paths in the rain—which comes pouring down ever so often in Malaysian tropical forests.

The Trek
     The trailhead is found about 20 metres from the Seri Intan Hotel resort. It's also near the Admiralty and High Pines bungalows. The trail is well-trodden, but it seems well-maintained. Unlike so many other mountain trails, Pine Tree Hill is clean almost unspoilt by human garbage.

     There is only one well-used path with wooden trail markers indicating the distance up to the peak. The markers, however, are incorrect. The first 2km can seem an eternity if you were to follow the markers. And when you've come to expect long hours to cover the last 2km, you'll suddenly find yourself standing on the peak.

     Most people, especially bird-watchers, usually do Pine Tree Hill as day-hikes. Few camp overnight here because open spaces to pitch tents are far and between. At the peak, and at nearby places, it's comfortable to pitch up to four tents only;meaning that the peak can accomodate up to 15 campers comfortably. If many people insist on going on the trek at the same time, consider using fly-sheets instead of tents and getting some people to sleep standing.

     Final Pointers: It seems that as one walks along the trail, one can hear the sounds of streams. There is no water source, so bring lots of water to last you through the hike. Also, there are huts built along the trail to provide shelter and allow weary hikers to take a short respite. However, the three huts are built within the first 3km (2km if you follow the trail markers) of the trail.

To Get There
The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Fraser's Hill takes about two hours. Using the North-South Expressway, take the Rawang exit. Head north for Kuala Kubu Bahru. Along the way, you will pass through several small towns—Serendah, Batang Kali and Rasa. Keep an eye on the many signboards and use them to guide your way.

     From Kuala Kubu Bahru, take the road that leads to Kuala Lipis/Raub. Drive until you reach the Gap. This should take about 40 minutes. From there, the road leading to Fraser's Hill is very narrow and has to be controlled. The 8km of steep winding road, which passes through lush greens and idyllic scenery, has a scheduled one-way route to go up or down the hill. The road is open for 40 minutes to ascending traffic at odd hours of the day, and descending traffic at even hours.

Contact The Fraser's Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC) is a good place to get information on the various trek trails, and flora & fauna around the area. Website: www.wwfmalaysia.org/fhnec/index.htm E-mail: fhnec@hotmail.com See Map of Fraser's Hill and the trials you can hike