When traveling to Malaysia, one typically will not consider tea plantations and mountain chalets. But when seeing the Cameron Highlands Malaysia in the country's inside, that is exactly what you will find.
A former hill station for English settlers to flee the intolerable heat of Kuala Lumpur, this enchanting place is essential stop for anyone seeing Malaysia. Abundant with lush jungle, rolling mountains, waterfalls and agriculture, you can lose themselves for times hiking its many trails and relaxing for afternoon tea and scones on a veranda overlooking breathtaking scenery.
The Cameron Highlands Hotels are a three hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur on a harrowing wandering road. The trip could be hair raising. Accidents happen and residents seem to be unfazed by the unpredictable driving. Sheer drops, narrow roads and a wandering route will get your own heart pumping. But you really can take comfort in the fact that you are riding in luxurious.
The buses are pure decadence in Malaysia. Super VIP buses for an only, $10 purchases you an over sized fully reclining seat, English films and western toilet up to speed. The streets are in perfect shape along with the drivers are fairly proficient. After you become accustomed to the dizzying speed of driving in Asia, it becomes more bearable.
The views enroute are beautiful. You're reminded of the rice terraces in Vietnam's Sapa. Only as an alternative to rice terraces, it really is tea plantations. Mountainous terrain full of trees full of lively green leaves blending together. Planted in tidy rows, it's as if a huge knife has sliced lines through the solid canopy creating winding patterns in the rolling landscape.
Upon arrival in the main town of Tana Rata, several touts from surrounding guest houses are there to greet you vying for the business. It may be an intimidating task choosing the perfect lodging, but there are loads of places to stay and it is easy to circumvent. Kang Travelers Lodge is a superb choice and once settled in, one must check out the cities many cafes and restaurants. Seated with a book and drinking tea and dipping scones are a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of all of Malaysia.
Dinner provides plenty of chances, but ensure that not to miss out on the Steamboat dinners at one of the many restaurants offering them. The thinly sliced meat with veggies and noodles cooked in a simmering pot at your own table provides welcome warmth for the great highland night.
It is the hiking along with the jungle that brings one to the Cameron Highlands however, so make sure to grab a map and set out for one of the various trails in the place. A need to do trail is Gunung Brinchang. It is the highest summit in Malaysia and starts from Sungai Palas. The 1 hour hike through the jungle trail takes you to a summit that offers stunning panoramic views. Clouds sail in and out through the mountains changing the scene with each passing second.
Once you've soaked in the sights, a gentle stroll down the trail goes past the Sungai Palas tea estate, providing exquisite picture opportunities. Deep-green lines are etched in the mountains where numerous tea plants neatly planted in rows and patterns. Catching a ride back to town is simple. Friendly people will offer a seat within the back part of the truck and you will stop for fresh fruit en route.
Several other trails might be explored as well, there are 14 in most. They take you to the lovely Robinson Falls, Parit Falls, to a Buddhist Temple and about the Cameron Highlands Golf course. It is really getting back to nature when one visits The Cameron Highlands in Malaysia Web Site.
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