Our first holiday vacation of 2010 saw us traveling to Berjaya Hills, previously known as Bukit Tinggi, and Genting Highlands in Malaysia. This was basically a highlands holiday and we were blessed to see the lovely highlands flowers in bloom. As Malaysia is Singapore’s closest neighbour and easily accessible by road, we love to self-drive and explore Malaysia on a free and easy basis during our Malaysia vacation, this time putting up at Colmar Tropicale Resort in Bukit Tinggi as well as First World Hotel Genting in the Genting Highlands resort.
Escaping to the resort highlands, we were planning to enjoy some cool weather here in the tropics. Leaving home just after 0700 hrs, and being a Saturday morning, it was a smooth journey all the way to the 2nd Link at Tuas checkpoint. We were really blessed as there were no queues at all on both sides of the Tuas checkpoint and we were in Malaysia 40 minutes after we started our Malaysia vacation.
You will pass through a few of such toll booths along the way
Driving up on a beautiful Saturday morning, take the turning to Kuala LumpurWe were planning a detour to Malacca before heading to our destination, Berjaya Hills. We stopped by at one of the rest and relaxation stops along the way for a toilet break. A lovely Saturday morning and a smooth and pleasant drive saw us exiting at Ayer Keroh at 1000 hrs.
A mini van cum stall at the Rest & Relaxation areaBefore heading to Colmar Tropicale in Bukit Tinggi, resort accommodation for the night, we stopped by Malacca to run some errands and start our Malaysia shopping. The 2 ½ hour Singapore Malacca journey was a smooth drive.
We took the Ayer Keroh exit to do some shopping in Malacca firstHappy New Year 2010 greets you on the way in to Malacca city
Welcome to MalaccaIn Malacca, we came across the Melaka River Pirate Park. We did not even know that it existed as there has never been any promotional material about it.
Melaka River Pirate Park
and the rides 
We ended up with an Indian brunch in Mahkota Square comprising roti canai, an Indian flat bread. Total cost RM8.10 (USD2.40). This included 3 roti canai telur (Indian flat bread with egg) plus coffee and iced Milo. It is a common sight to see them twisting and tossing the dough to make the roti canai.
Love seeing how they swing and twirl the batter to prepare the roti canaiAdding the egg
before placing it on the pan
And Voila! The roti canai telurNext stop was Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Centre. This time we parked in the building that makes use of the auto-pay machine. 4 hours of parking cost RM2 (USD0.60).
We managed to get our name stickers done here in Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Centre. A set of 100 pieces cost approximately RM10 (USD3.00) depending on the size and design of the sticker. Purchasing 10 sets will get you 1 set free. We also passed by the Heritage Gallery and bought some local Malaysian products and tid-bits including crispy snacks for the family back home.
Cute little stickersGong xi fa cai - Chinese New Year decoration has been put up to celebrate the Spring Festival and you can see some beautifully decorated areas.
Gong Xi Fa Cai decorationSome of the Spring Festival stalls selling traditional Chinese New Year food
Chinese New Year hampers
Leaving Dataran Pahlawan at 1230 hrs, we headed towards Jaya Jusco in Ayer Keroh area to renew our Jusco card. As we were travelling in Malacca city, we spotted a sign indicated that a Jusco store was opening in Malacca city. However we were not sure if it was opened yet. Not wanting to waste any time, we decided to go back to the Jusco in Ayer Keroh as we needed to renew our Jusco card. Pay RM12 (USD3.60) for 1 year and enjoy discounts in Jusco and hundreds of outlets in Malaysia including Starbucks, Marrybrown and Hush Puppies. At the same time, we did some Jusco shopping as well.
Shopping in JuscoWe started our journey to Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi, at 1400 hrs. Stopping at a petrol station along Karak Highway for fuel, we reached our destination, Colmar Tropicale Resort, a French themed resort with beautiful panoramic views of the Pahang mountain range, at 1645 hrs.
Topping up at a petrol station before going up Bukit Tinggi
Sights along the way 
You will pass by the rabbit park as well as the horse trail before reaching the ticket booth.
Horse trail
TIPS FOR TRAVEL: Upon approaching the top of Bukit Tinggi, you would come across a ticket booth where entry was RM10 (USD3.00) per person. However if you can show them proof of your resort reservation, then entrance is free.
The ticket booth 
From there, it is easy to find the way to Colmar Tropicale Resort as there are clear signs pointing the way.
Sign to Colmar Tropicale 
Plantations along the way
The Colmar Tropical convention centre which we mistakenly thought was the resort
We fell in love with our first view of the Berjaya Hills Resort. Upon parking the car, we proceeded to the Hotel Reception to check in.Hotel Reception
In the lobby 
Upon checking in, we were assigned Room 9102 at Dahlia building. We had booked the superior room. It was very cozy and filled with French Alsation décor.
The spacious bedroom
Patio overlooking the pool and court
Bathroom with characterDahlia building
The swimming pool& the gym
Located 2700 ft above sea level, the charm and splendour of 16th century France is magnificently set in a rich tropical rain forest and is brought to life here. You can see a fountain, wishing well, viewing tower, cuckoo clock tower, bona fide traditional cobble stone village square and quaint buildings reminiscent of French architecture in Colmar, France here.
Viewing towerFuchsia building
FountainCarnival games
And prizesColmar Square
Lovely architectureAt a room rate of USD71 which we managed to get, it was a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere and cool weather. Outdoor dining and street performances can be found at the cobblestone central courtyard – Colmar Square.
We couldn’t wait to explore Colmar Square and the Resort surroundings. After snapping some photographs of our room with the 4-poster bed, we spent the next hour and a half walking around the resort admiring the highlands flowers, magnificent scenery and the charming buildings. It felt just as if we were in France.
Wishing wellAir well in one of the buildings
Colmar Square activities :-
GamesMake your own wax-hand
Sand artSales of dragon fruit enzyme
MassageChildren's playroom
Nature at its best 
Lovely view of Pahang mountainside
Golf course
Picturesque Colmar Resort
Even the rooftop has a beautiful design2 storks in front of the convention centre
A gift from the Regional Council of Alsace, the city of Colmar and the General Council of Southern Alsace. The art represents two storks in their nest, emblematic birds of Alsace symbolising fecundity.
The Convention CentreChildren's Playground
Graceful swans 
Dinner saw us in La Blason, a 24 hour dining restaurant, partaking in the international buffet @ RM45 ++ (USD13.50) per person. Inclusive of barbecue items, the food quality was just all right.
Buffet dinner at La Blason
Varieties of food 
Dessert 
Fruits 
We enjoyed listening to the Los Ecijanos Quartet who serenaded and entertained the diners. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time.
Los Ecijanos Quartet 
After dinner, we took another walk around the resort accommodation before returning to the room. We were a little disappointed to find that the elevator was still not working since before dinner. Also before we left the room at 1730 hrs, we had informed the operator regarding the bedside light in our room as well as the basin stopper that was not working. However these were still not rectified at 2100 hrs. Only after calling again did the maintenance employee come and they told us that they had come earlier to check on the heater. Looks like a miscommunication. As for the elevator, they had already informed the contractor about it and were waiting for the contractor to arrive.
The hospitality loungeClock tower
DrawbridgeCarriage
Colmar TropicaleThe sun playing hide-and-seek
Grand looking resort in the highlandsThis was a beautiful start to our first Malaysia vacation of the year with a smooth Singapore Malacca drive as well as Malaysia shopping. Even better was the speed at which we managed to go through the Tuas Checkpoint. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere of this French themed resort accommodation here in Bukit Tinggi, Berjaya Hills Resort. The wonderful varieties and colours of the highlands flowers also made it a delightful and memorable first holiday vacation.
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Interesting place... :)
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