Colmar Tropicale, commonly known as the Bukit Tinggi French Village, sits at 800 metres elevation in the Pahang rainforest about 60 kilometres northeast of Kuala Lumpur. The resort is modelled on the town of Colmar in Alsace, France, and includes a Japanese garden, a botanical walk, and a rabbit park alongside the European-style streets.
There is no direct public transport to Bukit Tinggi — a rental car or private transfer is the only practical way to get there. This guide covers the driving route, costs, and what to expect on the road.
Route options from Kuala Lumpur
The most common route is via the Karak Highway (E8). From central KL, take the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) or the MRR2 to connect to the Karak Highway heading east towards Bentong. The Bukit Tinggi exit is about 50 km along the Karak Highway. Total drive time is 60-90 minutes depending on KL traffic at departure.
After exiting the highway, the final 8 km to Colmar Tropicale is a narrow two-lane mountain road with switchbacks and steep grades. The road is paved and well-maintained but requires careful driving, especially in rain or mist. Drive during daylight if this is your first visit — the road has no street lighting.
Practical details for the drive
Toll costs : Expect RM 10-15 in tolls each way via the Karak Highway. If you use DUKE or AKLEH to reach the highway from KL, add RM 5-10 for those segments. A Touch 'n Go card or RFID tag is essential — some toll plazas have no cash lanes.
Fuel budget : The round trip is approximately 130-150 km. Budget RM 25-35 for fuel in a compact car (Myvi, Axia) or RM 35-50 in an SUV. Fill up before the Karak Highway — there are no petrol stations near Bukit Tinggi.
Parking at Colmar Tropicale : Free parking is available at the resort entrance. On weekends and public holidays the lot fills by mid-morning, so arrive before 10 AM or be prepared to park along the access road and walk up.
Entrance fees : As of 2026, adult day-visitor entry to Colmar Tropicale is RM 18 (Malaysian) or RM 36 (non-Malaysian). Children under 12 pay reduced rates. The Japanese Village has a separate entry fee of RM 10-15. Check the Berjaya Hills website for current pricing before you visit.
What to see at Colmar Tropicale and Bukit Tinggi
The French Village itself takes about 1-2 hours to explore. The cobblestone streets, half-timbered facades, and clock tower are primarily photo opportunities rather than deep cultural exhibits. The real value for visitors is the setting — cool mountain air, well-maintained gardens, and a break from KL's heat.
Beyond the French Village, Berjaya Hills (the resort complex that contains Colmar Tropicale) also includes the Japanese Village, a botanical garden walk, a rabbit park, and horse riding. If you visit all sections, plan 3-4 hours at the site.
Combining with Bentong or Janda Baik
Bentong town is 20 minutes downhill from Bukit Tinggi and is worth a meal stop. The town is known for bean curd (tau fu fah), ice kacang, and seasonal durian stalls. Janda Baik, a popular glamping and nature area, is 15 minutes further south and works well as a second stop if you are making a full day of it.
Which rental car for the mountain road?
| Vehicle type | Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Axia, Bezza) | Yes | Handles the route fine; engine works harder on steep grades |
| Compact (Myvi, Vios) | Yes — recommended | Best balance of comfort and fuel efficiency for mountain roads |
| SUV (Aruz, HR-V) | Yes | Extra comfort and ground clearance; easier on switchbacks with passengers |
| MPV (Alza) | Yes | Best for families or groups of 5+; wider cabin is more comfortable on bends |
A rental car is the only practical way to reach Bukit Tinggi — and the mountain drive through the rainforest is half the experience.
Is the drive worth it?
Colmar Tropicale works best as a half-day trip combined with a stop in Bentong town (famous for its bean curd and durian stalls) or as a leisurely full-day outing. The mountain setting is genuinely scenic, and the lack of public transport means the site is far less crowded than equivalent attractions closer to KL.
Any compact rental car handles the route comfortably. An SUV or MPV adds comfort on the switchbacks and is worthwhile if you are travelling with young children or more than three passengers.
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- Categorized in:Driving guides, Road trips
- Last update:20 March 2026