PERAK-MAXWELL HILL

Bukit Larut was formerly called as 'Maxwell Hill'. It was founded in 1888 by William Edward Maxwell, who was the Assistant Resident of Perak in 1875. The English loved it, as the quirky weather here reminded them so much of home.

Bukit Larut, is one of the oldest hill resort. It rises to a height of 1,035 meters, and is just 10 minutes drive from Taiping, Perak. It is located in the wettest part of the country, as the hill station experiences the highest rainfall in the country.

OH I FELL DIZZY,WHEN The road leading up to the 1,000m high summit, winds through lush shady forest. After the ride up, you will be rewarded with fresh and cool hill top air and a breathtaking view at the Larut Rest house.

Maxwell Hill / Bukit Larut has remained pretty much as years ago and is not nearly as developed as other popular hill resorts of Malaysia such as the Cameron or Genting Highlands


Bukit Larut is home to rare species of flora and fauna The hills abounds with groves of evergreens and vibrantly colored roses, dahlias, daisies, pansies, petunias, lupins, and marigolds and the cool climate also favors golden sunflowers which is reputedly the largest variety in the country. Midway to the top is the Tea Garden House that was once part of the tea-estate. The view at this point is magnificent and features the entire Taiping town as well as the Lake Gardens.

On either side of the road leading to Maxwell Hill lies the Commonwealth war cemetery with many gravestones marked 1941 which was based on a single company of men fighting for the British regiment that held grounds against Japanese invasion here in Taiping. This war cemetery was built by the British army after the defeat of the Japanese forces for graves brought from the battlefields, temporary burial grounds and from villages and other civil cemeteries. There are 2 entrances to the gravesite. Christian graves lie to the south eastern side of the road and the Muslim and Gurkha section on the opposite side. This is the only British war cemetery in Peninsula Malaysia. There is one other – The War Cemetery in Labuan in East Malaysia.

All in all. it provides total isolation from the world below. No TV, no radio, no cars, no newspapers - nothing. Nature, fresh air, good company and good spirits are all that's needed for trip to Maxwell. Okay, and a raincoat!


Accommodation
Bukit Larut has the atmosphere of a colonial hill station, with row of modest, welcoming bungalows equipped with all necessary amenities.


Getting There
By Road : On the North-South Highway, take the Taiping exit out of the highway. Follow the signs to Taiping after the toll and from Taiping town head towards the lake gardens. There are signs showing the way to Bukit Larut ( Maxwell Hill)