Colmar Tropicale in Bentong, Pahang
Colmar Tropicale is the kind of place that’ll make you forget you’re in Malaysia.
Tucked in Bukit Tinggi, near Genting Highlands, the charming village has all the makings of a countryside destination in France – think cobblestone streets, timbered buildings, and cafes serving food with a view of nature. But you won’t need a passport to travel to this attraction, which sits on a hilltop just a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur.
To help you navigate your way through Colmar Tropicale, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to things to do and where to eat here.
Table of Contents
What is Colmar Tropicale based on?
If you’re wondering why there’s a French-inspired village in Malaysia, Colmar Tropicale was built as an attraction to replicate the charms of an existing town in Alsace, France, called Colmar. It opened to the public in 2000, with buildings that you’ll see here closely inspired by the ones in Riquewihr, Turckheim, and Kaysersberg – three villages that surround Colmar.
A fountain featuring two storks sits at the village’s entrance, as a gift to Malaysia from the Regional Council of Alsace in recognition of Colmar Tropicale’s replication of the town.
Image credit: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
As it sits approximately 2,600 feet above sea level, over 80 acres of untouched forest, Colmar Tropicale experiences a cooler climate, which makes exploring its various attractions different from your usual excursion in Malaysia.
Is there an entrance fee to Colmar Tropicale?
Colmar Tropicale charges an entrance fee of RM14/adult and RM7/child (4-12 years old). It includes all-day access to the village and the Japanese Botanical Garden. Tickets can be purchased at the attraction if you’re on a day trip, otherwise, it’ll be included in your hotel booking.
Do note that only cashless payments are accepted.
– Things to do at Colmar Tropicale –
Colmar Tropicale is one of several attractions on Berjaya Hills, a highland resort destination. The village comprises quaint cottage-style buildings that house hotel rooms on the top floors, and retail shops and eateries on its ground floor.
It’s a short drive and shuttle bus ride from other must-visit spots on the hilltop, including a Japanese-inspired garden and an adventure park.
Marvel at a charming French-themed village
Image credit: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
Put on your best walking shoes, as the main attraction at Colmar Tropicale is soaking up the charming sights on a stroll while enjoying the cool breeze. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a French village, with quaint cobblestone streets lined with European-inspired buildings.
Image credit: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
Come with a fully charged phone as taking photos is a must here. At the end of the street, a watchtower overlooking the long stretch of cobblestone street is worth venturing up to for an unblocked view of the entire village and surrounding hills.
If you have kiddos, hop on a miniature bus or train that ferries passengers up and down the street for a fee of RM10/pax. You can purchase a token to hitch a ride on either vehicle from a red telephone box that’ll be hard to miss. Do take note that the machine only accepts cash and doesn’t dispense any change.
There are also outdoor zumba sessions on Saturdays at 9pm and Sundays at 3.30pm, and stage performances between 7.45pm and 10.30pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays.
Opening hours: 7am-10pm, Daily
Go on a family-friendly virtual reality ride
It’s not all countryside fun at Colmar Tropicale. You can hop on a 9D Virtual Reality Adventure ride, where motion seats and surreal graphics make for a scream-worthy experience that’s suitable for all ages. Choose from three adventures – Dinosaur Tour, Land of Silence, or VR Universe – to deep-dive into a universe where dinosaurs, zombies, or robots roam.
A ride will set you back RM25/pax.
Conquer a high-adrenaline zipline course
Image credit: @thechateauresort via Instagram
Challenge yourself at Adventure Park, which features one of the longest flying fox ziplines in Southeast Asia. It stretches a whopping 1km long. Set 100 metres above a tropical forest, ziplining here with the cool mountain breeze is priced at RM84/pax, with a safety harness, straps, and a helmet provided.
Image credit: @thechateauresort via Instagram
Other activities to check out at the adventure park include canopy walk (RM31/pax) and rock climbing (RM40/pax), as well as group-friendly activities like paintball warfare (RM95/pax) and target shooting (RM20/pax). All sessions come with safety gear included.
Don a kimono and stroll through a Japanese garden
Exploring a Japanese garden with cool weather in Malaysia is not a far-fetched dream at the Japanese Village in Berjaya Hills. Perched on a hill, the garden is reachable via a 5-minute hike up 88 steps. But the views of the surrounding nature during the brisk trek make it worth it.
Once you’re at the top, you can shop for Japanese-inspired handicrafts and Colmar Tropicale souvenirs at a gift shop to the right, or continue your exploration of the Japanese Botanical Garden to the left.
The zen garden has a serene pond and photo corners like a chashitsu, or Japanese tea house, that serves as a perfect backdrop. You can also rent a kimono and yukata for RM25 to stroll around the garden in and feel like you’ve truly left Malaysia.
Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily
Explore a scenic equestrian trail
Image credit: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
Saddle up for a gallop through lush forests on horses with Berjaya Hills Horse Trails. Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, you can enjoy exploring the serene hilltop resort on horseback with an expert guide leading the way.
Image credit: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
Horse trail rides are priced from RM30 (10 minutes) for a Lead Ride and from RM90 (30 minutes) for a Riding Lesson. The latter is suitable for those trying horseback riding for the first time.
Opening hours: 10am-4.30pm, Daily
Play golf among the clouds
Image credit: @thechateauresort via Instagram
Tee off at Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club, located 2,500 feet above sea level. With breathtaking views and a cool highland climate, this 18-hole course offers a unique challenge for golfers of all levels.
The rates for visitors are priced RM70/pax on weekdays and RM100/pax on weekends.
– Where to eat at Colmar Tropicale –
Colmar Tropicale has a collection of eateries for everyone to enjoy. If you’re just stopping by on a day trip and start feeling peckish, there are quick-stop shops like Starbucks, 7-Eleven, and Krispy Kreme to get snacks. For a more proper sit-down meal, there are restaurants serving a mix of Malaysian, Japanese, and French cuisines too.
Ryo Zan Tei
Image adapted from: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
Tucked inside the Japanese Village, Ryo Zantei is a Japanese restaurant with an extensive menu that covers well-loved dishes, from appetizers to mains like noodles, rice bowls, and sushi. Have your pick of classics like Onsen Tamago Udon (RM25), Tempura Udon (RM37), and Unagi Nigiri (RM15).
Opt to dine indoors in a Japanese-inspired dining area, or outdoors in a deck area that overlooks a garden and a million-year-old rainforest.
Opening hours: 10am-5.30pm, Daily
La Boulangerie
Image adapted from: Janet, Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
For a sweet escape, pop into La Boulangerie, where you can indulge in French pastries, sandwiches, and desserts all day long. Pair your choice of food with a freshly brewed tea or a specialty coffee for the perfect pick-me-up.
Opening hours: 9am-4:30pm, Daily
La Blason
If you’ve worked up a raging appetite, La Blason draws a crowd for their breakfast and dinner buffets in Colmar Tropicale. Enjoy a spread of local and Western dishes, for RM58/adult and RM29/child.
Opening hours: 7am-10.30am & 7pm-10pm
Le Poulet Roti
Image adapted from: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
Le Poulet Roti is where you can savour mouth-watering chicken dishes that blend local and international flavours. Each bite is a treat, and the inviting atmosphere makes it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
– Where to stay at Colmar Tropicale –
Image credit: Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills
Staying at Colmar Tropicale will feel like stepping into a charming European storybook – each room opens up to a view of the surrounding mountains and the charming French-inspired streets below. The options of accommodations range from cosy rooms to spacious suites, with prices between RM150 and RM600 per night.
Image credit: @thechateauresort via Instagram
Nearby Colmar Tropicale, there’s also the luxurious The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort, with plush rooms, suites, and a swimming pool overlooking mountains and amenities such as a fine-dining Indian restaurant and a spa and wellness centre.
Image adapted from: @thechateauresort via Instagram
A stay here will set you back about RM400-1,000 per night.
How to get to Colmar Tropicale
Getting to Colmar Tropicale from KL is quick and easy. A 45-minute drive along the Karak Highway takes you straight to Berjaya Hills. Head out from the end of the MRR2 Expressway at Gombak, and follow the signs to Bukit Tinggi.
For those without a car, a shuttle service departs daily from Berjaya Times Square in KL to Berjaya Hills in Bentong so that you can enjoy the scenic journey without hassle. A van departs from Berjaya Times Square at 10am and 6pm, and from Berjaya Hills at 8am and 4pm.
A 2-way trip is priced RM60/adult and RM55/child, or RM38/pax for a 1-way journey from either location.
How to travel around Colmar Tropicale
Once at Berjaya Hills, a free shuttle is available to take you to other spots within the hillside attraction such as the Japanese Village and Colmar Tropicale, making it easy to explore the area even without a private vehicle.
There are designated waiting areas at each attraction.
Explore a French-inspired village in Malaysia, Colmar Tropicale
The drive to Colmar Tropicale is more than just a trip – it’s a chance to leave the city behind and enjoy a beautiful getaway. With its charming atmosphere, fun activities, and tasty food, this hidden gem offers a unique experience close to Kuala Lumpur.
Also read our guides to other must-visit attractions in Malaysia:
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia, Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills via Facebook
Additional reporting by Janet.