The Pinay Solo Backpacker

Colmar is resting in Alsace Region in France. This stunning enclave earned the moniker the “Capital of Alsatian Wine”.  Its claim to fame is its well-preserved old town, countless glamorous architectural landmark and museums.  But did you know there’s a version of this archaic village in Malaysia?

Tucked in the dense wilderness of Bukit Tinggi, Berjaya Hills in Pahang, is the gorgeous French-inspired highland resort aptly named “Colmar Tropicale”.  I have been to Cameron Highland, and I love it there, so I was looking forward to experience another highland resort in Pahang when I stumbled on a blog of a young Filipino engineer who witnessed the construction of this resort.

A gorgeous façade fringed by beautifully manicured gardens and a mammoth castle greets every tourist.  As soon as I got off the van, I can’t help but gape at a towering French-inspired  edifice – a colossal gate with towering towers made of bricks and manned by artsy horses! The cobbled street is dotted by pastel-colored buildings with brick roof! Colmar Tropicale is a genius! Suddenly I felt like wandering in an architectural history lesson of a scenic secret city clad by lush jungles and massif!

At Colmar Tropicale, the cobbled street is dominated by a mammoth clock tower.  I clambered at an edifice that’s akin to a brick-made watch tower to take a peek at the stunning vista of the highland resort and its surroundings. It felt like walking in a paradisiacal enclave, an old-fashioned town that I’ve dreamed of since childhood!

For someone like me who can’t afford Europe yet, Berjaya Hills is a great alternative. Not to mention that this charming enclave is just an hour away from Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s bustling capital.

Needless to say, it’s an idyllic place to wander, bike around, and feast on varied cuisines.  Kids will also love this place because it is dappled with toy shops. Not to mention that getting here is dirt cheap!

But there is more to Colmar Tropicale than French-inspired village, there is also a serene Japanese Garden where tourists can try on Japanese kimonos for RM20. They also offer outdoor adventures like paintball, war games, horseback riding, zip line, and canopy walk.

I’m just glad that I was able to experience Bukit Tinggi, Berjaya Hills and its archaic French-inspired village clad by pine-fringed mountains, undulating hills with vegetable terraces, and cool breeze touching my weary soul. Staying here longer could make going back to “real life” a little harder.

Coming up : “How to get to Colmar Tropicale ”and “How much will it cost you to tour  here”. Surprisingly, I did not have to empty my wallet to tour here. It’s cheap!

*This trip was made possible by Zest Air  and Tourism Malaysia.

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Related posts:

Kellie’s Castle, Ipoh : Because I Still Believe in Fairy Tales

Ipoh : Heritage Walk and Train Ride in  ”Taj Mahal”

Cameron Highland: Tea Plants and Migrant Workers

Cameron Highlands: Spring on my Mind

Petronas Tower: Bewitched by Twin Sisters

Malaysia : Loafing at Pulau Pangkor Beach

Malaysia : Laid-back in Teluk Nipah

*********************************************************************************************** About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo adventurer, a dream chaser and a student of life.  Her (mis) adventures are documented in this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For advertisement, partnerships and sponsorship, click here. or email me at thepinaysolobackpacker(at)yahoo(dot)com. **********************************************************************************************

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