Introduction

Bukit Larut, formely known as Maxwell Hill, is Malaysia's smallest hill resort. Located in the state of Perak, it towers behind the idyllic town of Taiping.
Bukit Larut is approximately 1035m above sea level. For many of its visitors, the appeal of the resort lies in its unspoilt natural mountain beauty. Temperatures hover around 15?c to 25?c, sometimes dipping to 10?c in the night. Located in the wettest part of the country, this hill station experiences the heaviest rainfall in the country.
Tourist amenities are basic. Access to the resort is a long narrow 13km tarred road, not accessible to public vehicles. Visitors have to be driven up in the government Land Rover. For those who really wish to get away from the crowd and commune with nature in a refreshingly cool, tranquil environment, Bukit Larut is the perfect retreat.

History
Bukit Larut is named after George Maxwell, a British resident of Perak who sought a hill station to escape from the heat of the lowlands, a hundred years ago.

What To See and Do
Nature's Splendour
Visitors who come up to Bukit Larut are largely nature lovers, bird watchers, day trippers and tourists who seek a change of climate and pace. Besides leisurely strolls through colorful gardens, or mere relaxation, the visitor also has the option of playing tennis, just below the clouds.
Bird life is plentiful. Sightings of montane forest birds can be done even without venturing on long walks as the undisturbed environment attracts several birds. The best trail for birdwatchers is the Gunung Hijau Trail which spirals up towards the summit of Gunung Hijau, one of the peaks in the hills. From here, on a clear day, an uninterrupted view of Taiping town and the Perak coastline can be seen.
The unspoilt montane forest is also home to smaller fauna such as gibbons while its flora comprises species such as wild orchids, Mountain Giant Fishtail Palm and many species of bracken-like ferns.

Food
Malaysian and European food are available at the Bukit Larut Resthouse. At the bungalows, meals can be arranged with the caretaker. Visitors are also allowed to do their own cooking. At some of the bungalows barbeque pits are provided.

Accommodation
There are number of rest houses and bungalows offering reasonably comfortable accommodation.

How to get there
By road:
Bukit Larut is about 9km from the town of Taiping. At the base of the hill is the office where one may buy book accommodation. The Land Rover service up the hill runs hourly from *am to %pm daily. Fares range from RM2 to RM2.50 depending on one's destination.