For the average couple, planning a trip can be quite costly and time consuming. Sometimes, all you want to do is to pack, take a drive somewhere and relax. Well, here’s good news, located just under an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur is Colmar Tropicale. Nestled among lush greenery, this medieval French village is a sight to behold especially for the romantics at heart.
Getting There
Whilst there are no available public transport to Colmar Tropicale, you can either drive up or take their shuttle services to and fro Berjaya Times Square.
One way trip: RM25 or return trip for RM40. The morning shuttle leaves at 9.30 a.m and the afternoon shuttle at 2.30 p.m while returns are at 12.30 and 4.30 p.m. There are also shuttle services on the resort’s Safari buggy to get from one place to another within the resort. Entrance fees are RM12 for adults and RM8 per child.
Check in times are at 3.00 p.m.
Where To Stay
For couples, you may opt to stay at Colmar Tropicale itself and wake up to the beautiful French village. There is also the Ume Tatami suite for those wanting to experience authentic Zen living located within the Japanese Tea Village. You get to enjoy up to 25% off room rates if you book 30 days in advance. For more affordable accommodations, we suggest you head over to the Bukit Tinggi Golf & Country Club just a stone’s throw away.
What To Eat
There is a wide variety of food to please even the pickiest of men from French (La Cigogne) cuisine to Italian (La Flamme).
If these Western bites don’t tickle your taste buds there’s always local favourites at Le Blason as well as a more oriental Japanese eatery conveniently located in the Botanical Gardens. Bento set meals are a crowd favourite here for lunch. Don’t forget to grab a croissant La Boulangerie for that afternoon tea snack as you watch the sun set over the hills.
At night, enjoy the breeze along with a drink at Le Bistro where there’s always good company and good food to be shared.
What To Do
The Japanese Tea Garden is the first of its kind in the world as it is housed in the middle of a rainforest complete with exquisite detailing by a team of Japanese landscapers flown in from Japan. Here you are also able to experience the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (RM28) and also rent a kimono (RM20) while you’re at it! Take an educational tour around the Botanical Garden, if you’re lucky you might even spot a rare bird or two amidst the gorgeous flowers!
Berjaya Hills is also home to an 18-hole award winning golf course, said to be one of the most challenging golf courses in Malaysia what with its natural hilly landscape but where better to golf than a cool climate up in the hills? Indeed a golfer’s dream come true.
If you like horses, take on the stables for riding lessons and hit different trails that range from mild to challenging depending on your preference for a fee between RM60-RM100 for a 30minute to one hour lesson. Otherwise you could just opt for a lead ride by one of the trainers for RM25 per person.
The Rabbit Park is a must visit should you want to get up close with these furry creatures. for a small fee of RM3.00. If you have kids, they’ll definitely love you for bringing them here as they’ll be able to get up close with deers, donkeys, storks, guinea pigs and yes, rabbits. The Organic Farm is also worth a visit simply to learn how crops are planted and while you’re there you can even grab some vegetables which are in season!
After a long day of exploring, wind down with a spa treatment at the La Lavande Spa or the Ume Tatami Spa in the Japanese village ranging from massages to facials to manicures and pedicures.
Overall, Colmar Tropicale has a charm that slows down time and brings about a sense of melancholia. It is worthwhile to drive all the way even if its to just watch the swans paddling lazily around the moat or to read a book in one of the many little cafes. So the next time you need that quick fix from a stressful week, you know where to go.
For more information visit their website.
*Disclaimer: Pictures are courtesy of Berjaya Colmar Tropicale and Revven
