To have both French town and Japanese village amongst other unique attractions within the same place was almost impossible to imagine, which is why I had to check out Berjaya Hills- located about 45 minutes drive away from Kuala Lumpur- for myself.

Day 1: 12 hours in France
Upon reaching the resort highland, my first stop was Colmar Tropicale, a unique French-themed town that's inspired by the famous 16th century Colmar Village in Alsace, France.

What struck me was how the place looks exactly alike like the ones I had seenin photos of villages in France, from the cobbled pathways to the clock tower and drawbridge that leads to the entrance of Colmar- there was even a moat underneath the drawbridge.

What you see at the entrance is just a taste of what's to come. It is when you arrive at the centre of the village that you can fully revel in its charms: the colours of the buildings, narrow alley-ways, timber-framed townhouses decorated with French-style windows- all built in exact replica of the real Colmar in Alsace.

It looks like a picturesque European town indeed, and I later learnt that Alsace is located near the border of France and Germany, which is why the architecture is a beguiling mixture of Germany and French styles.

Although Colmar Tropicale is just a small place, there is much to discover. There are plenty of outdoor sidewalk cafés where you can just pull up a chair and relax with a cuppa or sandwich under the umbrella shade, French-themed restaurants, a bakery and even a wine and cigar bar.

In addition, there is also a swimming pool and sand court where they conduct team-building activities. The cool highland air lends to the charm of the place, and I was happy to simply walk around, breathing in the fresh air and feasting my eyes on the soothing sights.

Idecide to go with the flow of the place and have an authentic French dinner. La Cicogne is a fine dinning eatery, but according to Björn-Henning Buth, General Manager of Berjaya Hills, no strict dress rules are imposed here.

Family outings are encouraged and at times, visitors may also be joined by some unexpected guests - animals and insects from the 150 million-year-old rainforests that surround Colmar.

"Once I saw a baboon eating a corn. He was enjoying himself so much he didn't notice I was coming from behind! When he realized I was there, he turned and looked at me with a bewildered expression, before scampering away into the jungle….leaving his half-eaten meal behind!" Björn recalls with a laugh.

At right, after the day-trippers have left, Colmar is a perfect picture of serenity and you'd be wise to bundle up as the temperature dips further. A stroll is a good idea- especially if you've stuffed yourself at dinner. I decided to turn in early as Japan waited the next day.

Day 2: From France to Japan in 10 minutes
I started my day with a hearty breakfast at La Blason and asked for a table outside, taking the opportunity to bask in the crisp morning air, and imagined myself in France, dining at one of its famous sidewalk cafés.

This would be my last slice of the French experience, as I had arranged to visit the Japanese Village, just 10 minutes away.

The Japanese Village is set amidst a tropical rainforest 3500 ft above sea level, developed with the environment in mind: minimum deforestation and the greens were conserved as much as possible.

My first stop was the Tea House, which was built by Japanese craftsmen using material imported from Japan. How's that for authenticity?

I was also greeted by two of their staff, dressed in bright kimono (traditional garment worn by the Japanese), who offered mehot green tea. Just like the Japanese, they move about daintily in their clog-clad feet and bow in greeting.

The tea ceremony in Japan is like a welcome ritual for guests who wish to enter their house. There are certain procedures both the hosts and guests have to be aware of, in order not to be misunderstood. This tradition is still practiced in some homes in Japan and gives every visitor a good glimpse into the Japanese way of life.

To make the experience more realistic, you can rent a kimono for RM20 to wear during the ceremony.

Accommodation is available in the form of the Ume Tatami Suite, a big bungalow nestled amongst the lush tropical forest, offering exclusive privacy for its guests. The suites is modeled after Japanese ryokans (traditional guest houses or inns), but are given a twist that combines Western and Japanese lifestyles- guests get to live the life of olden day Japan while enjoying modern amenities.

Relaxation and pampering are found at the Tatami Spa, where each treatment room comes with its own massage area, living room and wet area with a scrub bed and hot tub facilities.

Step outside and an onsen (outdoor rock bath) awaits, with steam rising from its hot water. This spring bath is very popular in Japan, especially in winter. The same atmosphere is replicated here at the Village, with the mountain providing a natural cool.

I continued my tour with a walk through its Botanical Garden, a 1km-long stretch that's surrounded by more than 500 species of trees and herbs. Nature lovers and birdwatchers would have a whale of a time here, but even for non tree-huggers like me, the place provided an interesting getaway.

You really feel as though you've flown a few thousand miles and landed in Japan! It's ideal for a quiet stroll, or if you want to get active, the Village can arrange jungle trekking, compass and map reading and jungle night walks.

My Japanese experience was completed with a meal at the Ryo Zan Tei restaurant. Authentic Japanese cuisine aside, the tranquility of its surrounding rainforest enhanced the ambience and heightened the whole experience.

About Berjaya Hills

To Get There:

Information: Visit www.berjayahills.com or contact Berjaya Hills at the sales office at + 603 21429611

Coming soon: a French spa resort
This month, Berjaya Hills introduces another part of France with the opening of Chateau Spa Resort, a French-themed boutique spa hotel modeled after the 18th Century medieval 'Haut Koesnigburg' Castle in Alsace, France.

The Chateau will comprise 215 exquisitely furnished guestroom, featuring luxurious 18th century Renaissance décor. Besides the facilities and treatments, the spa resort also offers health, beauty, dietary and detoxification programmes.

Other facilities include a French fine dining restaurant (with a two-storey wine cellar), function rooms, conventional halls, shops, swimming pool, and yoga and aerobics rooms.