Located in the mountains of Bukit Tinggi in Pahang, Colmar Tropicale Resort is ideal for a short weekend getaway, since it’s quite close to the city (about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur), but far enough to be a relaxing retreat.

Owned by hospitality and entertainment conglomerate Berjaya Group, the quaint enclave is fashioned after a French village, with moats filled with mallards, ducks, and black and white swans. The name Colmar is also inspired by an ancient medieval town in France.

The buildings here are made to look like medieval buildings, complete with spires and turrets. Conceived as an integrated resort, it has hotel rooms, restaurants and cafes, as well as various facilities such as a spa and retail spots.

Despite being high up in the hills at an elevation of 2,600 metres, the place was sunny and warm during our visit. By the time we got to the village proper, we were hot and sweaty. An unfortunate effect of global warming and rapid development is that our mountains are no longer as cold as they used to be – it’s not so bad in Bukit Tinggi, but in places such as Cameron Highlands, the difference in temperature is apparent. It can be cooling on some days, so have a light jacket handy.

The story of how the resort came to be is an interesting one. It was said that then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad visited the original Colmar in France, and was so charmed that when he returned, he convinced Berjaya Corporation CEO Vincent Tan to develop a hill resort based on the town. Colmar Tropicale opened in the 2000s. Its unique theme makes it a popular destination for domestic tourists, since it means they wouldn’t have to travel to another continent to experience a slice of Europe.

The village’s main thoroughfare features two rows of buildings, with colourful facades and steep gabled roofs, after the fashion of Colmar’s original architecture. Another feature that they’ve replicated is the signature half-timber look with dark criss-crossing beams on the exterior – although this is purely aesthetic rather than structural.

The hotels here feature similar medieval designs, complete with suits of fake armour and wooden counters. Charming old-style paintings adorn the walls.

You’ll also find a few chic cafes, French restaurants, and bakeries with al fresco seating, so you can imagine that you’re having a cup of coffee somewhere in Europe. Typical of tourist traps, however, everything is on the pricier end.

Other themed touches include a fountain and a novelty wishing well where you can throw in coins for a wish.

Tucked at the end of the street was a small funfair-like area with game booths where visitors can try to win stuffed doll prizes.

We climbed up the watchtower at the far end of the street, which is about five-storeys high and affords nice views of the valley below.

The ‘village’ itself is small and can be completed within an hour or two – but if you’re a stickler for pretty photos, then Colmar Tropicale is an Instagrammer’s dream. For those planning to spend longer up in the hills, there are other attractions to check out such as an Adventure Park, a Japanese garden, a mini zoo, and a temple, which can be completed within the day. Overnight stays can be booked at colmartropicale.com.my. 

Visitors to the resort have to pay an entrance fee, which is RM14 for adults and RM7 for children (ages 4 to 12). This includes access to the French village, the adjacent Japanese Garden and Botanical Garden, and the Rabbit Park. For a hassle free day trip, plan an itinerary that includes the majestic Batu Caves temple in Gombak before heading up to the hills.

Getting There

The best way to get here is by private vehicle via the MRR2 Expressway at Gombak, connecting to Karak Highway. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle from Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur, which starts from RM60 two-way for adults, or RM38 one way. The earliest shuttle departs KL at 8am, with the last shuttle leaving Berjaya Hills at 4pm.

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