Taiping is generally considered to be one of Malaysia’s best places to visit if you are looking to unwind and relax. Close to the historical town is Bukit Larut, formerly known as Maxwell Hill. A former getaway for British colonial administrators, this is also the site of Malaysia’s oldest hill resort. Coincidentally, Bukit Larut Resort is reopening for business on 1 April this year.
Founded in 1880s
Image Credit: SRTG on Wikipedia (Left), Bukit Larut Hill Resort on Facebook (Right)
The resort, which was established in the 1880s, had been closed since November 2019. Heavy rains during that month had caused a series of landslides. With the resort’s safety in doubt, the place was shut down for repairs and renovations. At the time, Perak Tourism Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee estimated repairs to the hill structure would cost RM8 million.
Historical bungalows restored
Image Credit: Bukit Larut Hill Resort on Facebook
Fast forward to 2025 and the resort is ready to be back in business. On Facebook, the resort posted a press release by the Taiping Municipal Council announcing the decision. The resort’s bungalows, which are available to guests as accommodations, have been painstakingly restored. These old colonial bungalows date back to the 1880s, hence the need for careful repairs.
Cool temps and cool nature
Alongside Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, Bukit Larut is among the best spots to beat the Malaysian heat. Average temperatures in the surrounding area are between 15°C and 25°C during the daytime and 10°C during the night. In addition to the cool climate, the jungle around Bukit Larut is rich with biodiversity, with many unique plants and animals waiting to found by hikers. Jungle trekking is a common activity for visitors to the resort.
Where to stay
Image Credit: Bukit Larut Hill Resort on Facebook (Left), SRTG on Wikipedia (Right)
Staying at Bukit Larut’s bungalows will set you back between RM500 and RM1,000 per night. Cheaper accommodations are also available in the form of individual rooms, which have a price range between RM150 to RM500 per night. These rooms come equipped with beds, washrooms and basic kitchen facilities. And if you are looking for the full outdoors experience, open campsites are available for rent at RM30 for Malaysian citizens and RM60 for foreigners.
The council’s press release also announced the implementation of a mandatory QR code scanning system, which visitors must use when entering and exiting the resort. This is in addition to an indemnity form required prior to entry. These measures are aimed at properly managing visitor flow while preserving the resort’s natural beauty.
Should you visit?
Having one extra place to add to your to-visit list is nothing short of great. So, the next time you are trying to escape the sweltering heat of the Klang Valley, you will know where you can head to. Just be sure to bring a coat and mosquito repellent with you.
Bukit Larut Hill Resort
Address: Bukit Larut, Perak, 34000 Taiping
Contact: 05-8077241
You should also check out: Ready, set, go: What karting at Asia’s newest & largest circuit in Cheras was really like
Feature Image Credit: SRTG on Wikipedia (Left), Bukit Larut Hill Resort on Facebook (Right)
