Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Friday March 14, 2008
With an allocation of RM15.15mil from the Federal Government under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Bukit Fraser will soon have a new look with the upgrading of facilities, basic infrastructure, hotels and bungalows.
With all upgrading works expected to be completed by the end of the year, the hill resort is set to attract more locals and foreign tourists.
Central location: This colonial building, built in 1919, is home to the police station.
Pahang’s tourism agency Bukit Fraser Development Corporation chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said all five government-owned bungalows Chini (also known as Hollebeke bungalow), Bentong (also known as Cottage bungalow), Kuantan (also known as Cicely bungalow), Tioman bungalow and The Tavern would be refurbished.
According to Maznah, the Hollebeke (Cini) bungalow was among the earliest building established on Bukit Fraser in the 1920s.
“ It used to be the residence of the Bukit Fraser’s superintendent and later on, the official residence for the Bukit Fraser Development Corporation general manager.
“The word 'Hollebeke' is a name of an English fort during World War I.
She said the Cottage (Bentong) bungalow was the smallest bungalow on the hill.
Lovely: The post office looks simply charming, doesn’t it?
“It was formerly used as the site office of an engineer of the golf course on the highlands.
“Later on, the bungalow was used as the resthouse for the British Commisioner,” said Maznah.
Thee Cicely (Kuantan) bungalow is notable for its size.
Cicely was name of the wife of Pahang British Resident Edward John Brewster, said Maznah.
She said The Tavern, with its image of a western eatery, will remain as it is with some upgrades.
She said the restaurant’s operator would be allowed to serve western food including steak and scones to retain the “Little England” image.
Worn out: Part of what used to be a Tamil primary school.
“As for Tioman bungalow, it will be refurbished as a bakery cum cafe with the al-fresco concept to attract visitors to enjoy the cool weather.”
Maznah said there would be shoplots in Bukit Fraser to place the current operators in Puncak Inn and other traders
The plan include the construction of four shoplot units, 10 units of food stalls and a unit of a multi-purpose shop.
She said there would be improvements at the tourist complex.
Maznah said historical records showed that the golf course was built on the site of a former tin mine.
She said it was tin mining that brought development to the hill
Bukit Fraser is also rich in flora and fauna; some 260 species of birds have been recorded there.
It is also the venue for international events such as a bird race held every June since 1988.
Other annual events are woodball competition in May, Rainforest Art Contest in July and a photography contest in August.
Source: Star Metro
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