Bukit Larut, the smallest hill resort in Malaysia, towers over Taiping, famous for its lake gardens. The unique thing about this hillside resort is that nature has been left alone to flourish so bountifully. Gazette as a permanent forest reserve in 1910, Bukit Larut’s untouched forests are filled with wildlife such as birds, squirrels and gibbons which roam freely around. This resort is especially popular with nature lovers, bird-watchers, day trippers and others looking for a tranquil getaway.

Bukit Larut, perched 1,250 meters above sea level, was formerly called Maxwell Hill. It derived its name from George Maxwell, a British resident of Perak who set up the hill station about a hundred years ago to serve as a cool retreat for colonial officials from the humidity of the lowlands. With Taiping’s lush greenery, giant trees and placid lakes, it is easy to see why Maxwell chose this hill. Before you ascend the Bukit Larut, it is worthwhile to visit Taiping’s many attractions such as Taiping Zoo and Night Safari, the war cemetery, museum and its beautiful lake gardens.

View from Bukit Larut

Transportation up to the summit of Bukit Larut is by government Land Rover, for which a small fee is charged. In the old days, pony back rides and sedan chairs were the only mode of transport to go up to Bukit Larut. Today, a 13 kilometers tarred road has been constructed all the way from the foot hill to the summit. The roads are still narrow and steep with very sharp turns.

Among the many trails here, the Gunung Hijau trail is the best for bird-watchers. It spirals up towards Gunung Hijau at 1,449 meters above sea level. On a clear day, you can see all of Taiping town and even the Perak coastline from this vantage point. For nature lovers, the Mountain Giant Fishtail Palm, wild orchids and many other exotic species can be found here. There are various bungalows and rest houses offering comfortable accommodation, most of them built about a century ago. The Bukit Larut Rest House serves local and western cuisine.

Ascending Bukit Larut
Situated about 290 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur and 9 kilometers from Taiping, Bukit Larut is accessible only via government vehicles. This service operates between 8.00am to 5.00pm daily. Bookings for accommodation can be made at the office at the foot of the hill.

Practical Tips
It is advisable to bring along rain gear as it rains quite regularly in Taiping.

Business Hours and Operating Period:
Almost all the hotels, restaurants and private businesses are operating during the usual 8am to 5pm business hours. Some hotels are operating 24/7 and is hardly closed.

Do take note that some restaurants and government offices such as tourism offices are closed on weekend or during public holidays.

You are recommended to book your tour packages, tour guide, accommodation, hotels and car rentals in advance of your trips.

Please visit the following photostream for more pictures of Bukit Larut

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Location, Map and Driving Direction to Bukit Larut:

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