Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2012

Tourism Ministry official briefed us of the Tourism Hunt activities.

Bukit Gambang Resort City, Malaysia -- When you talk of Malaysia, the first thing that comes to mind is Kuala Lumpur and its famous Petronas Towers.  Until recently, I’ve never really seriously thought of coming back to Malaysia after my first not-so-pleasant trip in 2008 with a mad cabbie.  

Yes, I enjoyed pretty much of my trip – the hotel was very nice, food was fabulous and the best part, shopping at KLCC during the Merdeka celebrations was unbelievably low. But other than that, I thought Malaysia was so much like the Philippines and I didn’t really have to travel here to enjoy what I already enjoy back home.  But thanks to an invitation from Tourism Malaysia-Manila, my view of Malaysia has completely changed.  

Malaysia is definitely more than just Kuala Lumpur and Petronas.  Or good food and shopping. As a participant in the on-going Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2012, I’ve been awed by the beauty of this country.  The well-built and wide highways makes driving across the country more fun. We took off from Putra Jaya last Thursday from the Tourism Ministry grounds, with no less than Tourism Minister Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen doing the flag off.

Day 1 of our road trip, Sept. 21. (Officially Day 2 of the Tourism Hunt) We headed to the east coast and the first stop was at Kuala Bharu, a charming small old town.  We pretty much created traffic jam in an otherwise sleepy little town. After a short historical walk hunt, we proceeded to Fraser’s Hill which is one of Malaysia’s popular mountain resorts.  Unlike Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill is a quiet get-away where families can bond with nature.  It has a golf range, a lake where one can ride boats, and best of all, it has a forest with rich fauna and flora.  One of my team mates and I did a little adventure in a 1,000-meter trail where we saw (and hear) birds of different species.

Pullman Lakeside Resort became our home for two days. Beautiful architecture.

Team Gorgeous or officially, Team 18 composed of Joel and myself from the Philippines and Faiza and Rebecca of Malaysia

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Participants getting ready for the flag off.

We officially took off at the grounds of Tourism Malaysia office in Putra Jaya, with no less than Tourism Minister  Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen sending us off.

Off to the east we go.

That's our car, during a short stop to stretch and have a leak break before the long drive.

Our first pit stop: Kuala Kubu Baru. We went around the town for a historical walk.

A man-made dam on the way to Fraser Hill.  It's forest everywhere on the way up.

The long and winding road going up to Fraser Hill.

Finally!  We arrived at Fraser Hill, an old mining town founded by Scottish miner Louis James Fraser.

Next: The beauty of Fraser Hill