Colmar Tropicale: France in the Hills of Malaysia

Deep in the Malaysian highlands, just 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, there’s a place that looks like it was lifted straight out of a French postcard. Timber-framed buildings. Cobblestone streets. Colorful shutters and window boxes bursting with flowers.

But no, you’re not in Alsace!

What Is Colmar Tropicale?

Photo: Peter Coxhead (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A French-themed resort built to resemble the real town of Colmar in northeastern France. The layout is inspired by Alsatian architecture – narrow streets, sloped roofs, pastel facades, and a central clock tower that acts as the village’s gateway.

Photo: Peter Coxhead ( CC BY-SA 3.0)

It sits on Bukit Tinggi, a mountain area in the Berjaya Hills, offering cooler air and quiet surroundings. The entire resort is walkable and photogenic, with plenty of small cafés, souvenir shops, and terrace seating.

Love French and France

What Can You Do There?

Photo: Leonardo0511 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

This isn’t a theme park. It’s a peaceful, self-contained spot for relaxing walks, photo ops, and low-key family time. You’ll find:

  • A small petting zoo and pony rides for kids
  • Outdoor cafés serving Malaysian and Western food
  • A Japanese village and botanical garden just a short drive uphill
  • Occasional street performances and music, especially on weekends

There’s also a hotel inside the village, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the place once the day-trippers leave.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Photo: Abdulhakeem Samae (CC0)

It depends on your expectations.

Don’t come looking for deep culture or historical depth. Everything here is modern and built for ambiance. But if you’re in Kuala Lumpur and want a quick escape to cooler weather and a totally different setting, it’s a fun half-day or overnight trip.

Photographers, couples, and families with young kids tend to enjoy it most.

How to Get There

Colmar Tropicale is about 45 km from KL. You can get there by car, private transfer, or via shuttle bus from Berjaya Times Square (check schedules in advance). Roads are winding but well-maintained.

There’s a small entrance fee for day visitors, which includes access to the Japanese garden as well.

Worth it?

It’s a strange but charming place. Not French in spirit, but French enough in appearance to make you look twice.

And in a country where tropical heat and modern malls dominate most landscapes, a cobbled village in the clouds is an experience you won’t forget.

FacebookXPinterestWhatsApp