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gates to open for traffic going up and down
Fraser’s Hill, which was done at intervals.
When more people discovered the
Gap later, it thrived with honeymooners
and nature-lovers checking into well
appointed and cosy rooms with scenic
views of the pristine rainforests. A local
family managed the hotel and provided
job opportunities to those living nearby.
Some staff members, including engine
driver C. Samykannu, stayed on for over
three decades, taking care of the guests’
needs. Samykannu, who has since passed
on, took charge of the generator as the
colonial bungalow did not have electricity
in the early days.
The establishment was self sufficient
too, with a vegetable patch in the beautiful
garden. The family who managed the
place also served delicious food such as
piquant noodles, spring chicken and an
acclaimed English afternoon tea spread.
Currently owned by the Selangor gov-
ernment, the caretakers were asked to
vacate the premises in 2007 as there
were plans to refurbish the mansion.
However, the allocated money ran short
later, and the project was abandoned.
Interestingly, the resthouse is mentioned
What came next was one of the trip’s
highlights; swimming in the cool waters
of Kuala Selangor River, just a 15 minute
drive fromKKB. The river is a big draw for
fishing enthusiasts and families. There is
even an
orang asli
(indigenous people)
village,
Kampung Pertak
, to visit nearby.
The Gap
Just up the road from the town is the
historical Gap Resthouse. Though it is
abandoned, curious visitors like me still
make it a point to explore the rather
dilapidated premises.Watch out for broken
glass, sharp nails and other things on the
floor as you venture further inside, where
some of the decorative quoining and even
original stained glass windows remain
intact. The Gap, believed to be older than
nearby Fraser’s Hill was opened in 1927 as
a hill station getaway for the British. It was
also a rest area for visitors waiting for the
inHenri Fauconnier’s 1930 novel
The Soul
of Malaya
, describing some fascinating
British characters having a splendid
dinner at the Gap.
A dip in a natural hot spring was the
perfect way to end my short getaway.
This hot spring was discovered just a
decade ago and is a great way to ease
your stressed muscles and mind. Kuala
Kubu Baru had certainly won me over
with her charm.
A historical clock tower
built to commemorate the
coronation of King George VI
& Queen Elizabeth I (1931)
Original stained
glass windows
still intact at the
Gap Rest-house
The Gap Rest-house
Traditional shops and
eateries operate in old-world
shophouses