Malaysia 1998 Part 2: Cameron Highlands

We travelled by bus from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands (road is the only way to get there), it was a journey and half I can tell you!!!!!. There is a daily bus service from K L. We got a rickety old coach (if you can call it that!!!) that had no air conditioning and it was a very bumpy ride indeed!!!. It took about 6 hours to get there. I believe now there is a new expressway Simpang Pulai road that is a lot better and you can get from K L to Cameron Highlands in about 3.5 hours, and I am sure the transport is a lot better too!!!!!

Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's biggest Hill resort. Cameron Highlands is a leading producer of Flowers, and has lots of fruit farms and Tea Plantations. We decided on Cameron Highlands as it seemed a good alternative to the more popular touristy Genting Highlands. It reminds you of an Old English Village and does have an English Pub/Restaurant. The only way to get around the highlands and down to the village is either by taxi or bus, you are much better getting taxis as they are quicker and cheaper. I stayed at the Merlin Inn Hotel (now the Cameron Highlands Resort Hotel).

It is on top of a hill but has stunning views over the highlands, there are also other hotels such as the Strawberry Resort among others. For discount rooms see Asia Rooms. We had 3 nights in Cameron Highland's and spent 1 day at the famous Tea Plantations, which was very interesting, I did notice it seems to be the women who do all the hard work outside carrying all the baskets!!!! How do they work in that heat!!!!!. In the Tea Plantations, they have a tea shop where you can buy every flavour of tea imaginable and there are tasting sessions also.

We also visited a strawberry farm where you can pick your own fresh strawberries (there are lots of strawberry and fruit farms here) and one for the many flower Nurseries. I wanted to buy some flowers as they were so beautiful and fresh but with us travelling so much, I just couldn't. If you can't decide what to buy then you should visit the market which has everything under one roof. Another thing that we did while there was visit

Cactus Valley which is interesting to see and again there is a shop to buy some cactus. There are also butterfly farms to visit.

The village is 5 -10 minute drive and has a few shops, and restaurants. There are also lots of little stalls selling noodles, and snacks.

There seems to be a tradition in the Highlands of having afternoon tea and scones and there are a few hotels and restaurants that offer this. The Highlands do have an English feel to them although I am glad to say that at least we never saw any Union Jack shorts or towels!!!. The highlands attracts walkers, golfers (they are very big on golf, and there is a large golf course!!!) and nature lovers. There are lots of other things to do in the Highlands such as Camping, Mountain Hiking and Jungle Trekking. If you are feeling energetic a walk to the village will take you about 30 - 45 minutes depending on how quick you walk. We did it once and it is hard because of the heat and it is quite hilly.

You will get used to seeing lots of temples in Malaysia whether it be Buddhist, Sikh or Hindu and Cameron Highlands is no exception. They are all as grand as each other and I never get bored of going in and having a nosey. The Hindu Temples are the prettiest in my opinion as they are always so colourful in bright pastel colours. The Sam Poh Buddhist Temple is worth a look situated on a hill overlooking Brinchang Town. The Buddhist and Hindu Temples are so peaceful and quiet and just nice to be in. The Buddhist Temples have incense burning in them and there is always fruit at the front of them and usually there are stone lions guarding the temple.

You do not have to pay to go in the temples, but they have a donation box for you to give what you like. Your Hotel should book any tours or attractions for you, there is also a tourist information centre in the Main Village. Alternatively you can book through a tour company such as Titiwangsa Tours, C. S Travel Tours, Golden Highland Adventures and Cameron Secrets.

There are three main villages in the Cameron Highlands (or Townships as they are know in Malaysia). They are Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang. They are all fairly close and only a short taxi ride away from each other.

Cameron Highlands is inexpensive and apart from flowers, tea and fruit, there is not really anything (other than eating and drinking!!! Obviously...) to spend your money on, unless you play golf. The hotels are also inexpensive and English is widely spoken.

It is a lot cooler in the Highlands than in the beach resorts and main Cities. Monsoon season is from November to February and the dry season is from February to April although it can rain throughout the year. The coolest time to travel is between December and February. If you are planning a few days in the Highlands, I would recommend sensible shoes as you will do plenty of walking!!!, something waterproof and some warm clothes and long trousers

especially if you are planning to visit the tea plantations. I made the mistake of wearing jeans and with them being quite heavy, they were just awful and sticking to me. I would definitely recommend a stop in the Highlands as it is not too touristy and it is nice and quite and a complete change of scenery from the Smoggy Cities and Beaches.