Tourists taking to the hills for a cool respite

Quick getaway: A large crowd queuing up to get on the cable cars at Awana Skyway to go up to Genting Highlands.

KUANTAN: The blazing weather in most parts of Pahang has resulted in many tourists visiting hilly areas such as Cameron High­lands, Fraser’s Hill and Genting Highlands. Some are coming from Singapore and even as far away as Europe.

Peter Leslie, who manages a tea plantation in Sungai Palas, Cameron Highlands, said all rooms at hotels and homestays had been fully occupied since Friday.

“The unfortunate few who could not find a room had to head back down to the city or seek accommodations elsewhere,” he said.

Leslie added that the temperature ranged from 16-18°C during the day and at nights, it fell to 10°C.

“In Tanah Rata, where the town centre is located, it can get a little warmer,” he said.

He added that it only rained for a short while.

Meanwhile, temperatures in Genting Highlands ranged between 17°C and 19°C on Friday, but rose on the weekend to 23°C.

On Fraser’s Hill, a hotel manager said it was 25°C yesterday and that most rooms were occupied by bikers, who came there for a cool respite.

“I only saw a few tourist buses come up,” he added.

One resident said fewer tourists were visiting Fraser’s Hill despite the cool climate because of the bad road conditions and poor facilities.