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I recently took a little trip to Bukit Tinggi, Pahang (also known as Berjaya Hills), to spend some much-needed quality time with my best friend. Life has been a whirlwind for both of us lately, and we hadn’t had a proper catch-up in ages—so we decided to make it happen. I suggested Bukit Tinggi since she’d never been, and I had fond memories of my last visit back in 2013. I remembered the place as charming, lively, and a bit magical. But this time, it felt dull and even a bit boring, with not much to offer. Maybe we just picked the wrong time to go—I’m not sure, but it didn’t quite live up to the version I had in my head.

We left around 10:00 AM and arrived after a smooth 1-hour 25-minute drive from Putrajaya. We used Google Maps to ensure we wouldn’t get lost, but the route was super easy, especially if you’ve ever been to Genting Highlands—it’s just a short detour from there. If you’re planning a trip to Genting, consider dropping by Bukit Tinggi for a quick visit. 

📍 First Stop: Colmar Tropicale – A French-Inspired Fantasy (Sort Of)

Our first stop was Colmar Tropicale, a French village-themed resort modelled after the 16th-century town of Colmar in northeastern Alsace, France. The architecture is fascinating—definitely not what you usually see in Malaysia. It’s vibrant, photo-worthy, unique, and full of character—giving it a refreshing feel.

We took plenty of photos here, as every corner of the place is Instagram-worthy. The downside was that many others had the same idea, making it challenging to capture a clear background without people in the shot.

✅ Not as Chilly as You Think

One thing to note is that if you’re expecting a cool, highland breeze, you’ll be disappointed. The temperature here is pretty much the same as Kuala Lumpur. So wearing thick clothes isn’t a great idea! My friend wore a cardigan thinking it’d be cold, and regretted it later. We were sweating a lot!

Lesson learned: dress light!

📍 Exploring the Japanese Garden

Next, we skipped the mini zoo (not really her thing) and headed straight to the Japanese Garden—a must-visit in Bukit Tinggi. I missed out on the kimono experience during my last visit, so this time, I made sure to do it.

Renting a kimono costs RM25 (plus RM10 if you want to carry a traditional umbrella), and you get 30 minutes to explore and take pictures around the garden. Totally worth it, in my opinion—it adds a bit of cultural charm to the visit.

I also hoped to try out the Japanese spa to complete the experience, but sadly, it was still under renovation. Even so, the garden is beautiful, tranquil, and filled with Japanese elements. Just be prepared—it involves a bit of a hike. Okay, a lot. We were both winded by the end but laughing all the way.

Dining Options Are Limited

Here’s the part that let us down—food. By the time we were starving, the only eateries were those inside Colmar Tropicale, and most of them weren’t even open yet. The options were mostly Western cuisine, and nothing really tempted us.

Luckily, there was a 7-Eleven. We grabbed some snacks and planned to have a late lunch back in the city. Like us, many other visitors were looking for snacks, so we ended up in a long queue. We also picked up a fridge magnet from one of the souvenir shops—as always, I love taking home a little reminder of my trip.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag, But Still Worth the Time

We spent about 3 hours in Bukit Tinggi before calling it a day. Was it everything I hoped for? Not quite. It felt a little dull compared to my memories, and maybe we just caught it at a low point. But even so, I’m glad we went.

The real highlight was the Japanese Garden—and more than anything, getting to spend time with my best friend away from the city noise. Sometimes that’s all you really need.

Would I recommend Bukit Tinggi?
Yes—but maybe as a short detour or for a few hours, not a full-day itinerary. Just manage expectations, bring your own snacks, and wear comfy shoes!

Until next time.

X, Hani ❤️

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