Highland Retreats - Pahang Cameron Highlands
There is much to see and do in Cameron highlands, the largest of Malaysia highland resorts. Be it walks through lovely little villages and charming butterfly, strawberry and honey bee farm. Situated 1,500 metres above sea level, about 2 hour away from Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands comprises a series of little township that include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja.
The Adventures Begin The journey from the foot of the hill to the summit is an adventure in itself. You can get there via the town of Tapah or through the new highway at Simpang Pulai. the route via Tapah take you past natural waterfalls, hot springs, Orang Asli (indigenous people) villages, religious shrines, souvenir shops, roadside markets and much more. A quick stop at Kuala Woh, unveils a recreational park with natural hot springs, while further on at Chenderiang and Lata Iskandar, beautiful cascading waterfalls beckon.
Ringlet The first of the Cameron highlands townships lies 1,135 metres above sea level. If you are driving, you will probably want to stop here for petrol and to take in the surrounding attractions that include a market, a temple, a magnificent Tudor styled hotel called The Lakehouse, and several delightful flower nurseries. A right turn just after Habu will lead you past a multitude of vegetable farms and and straight to the sprawling Boh Tea Estate where you can tour the Boh factory and indulge in a cup of hot tea. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you may want to get off the beaten track and try the Dayang Endah trail that will lead you to the Robinson Waterfall. This hills also offer a host of other trail that involve either a gentle scroll or a half-day trek for the very fit.
Back on the main road to Tanah Rata, you will come across Cameron Bharat Tea Plantation and the Tea Shop with its unique souvenirs, scrumptious scones and more tea. In the valley below, the enchanting dark green terraces of the tea plantation are the perfect backdrop for a photo.
Tanah Rata At 1,300 metres above sea level, the main township of Tanah Rata offers attractions like the Nine Emperor God Temple, the Parit Waterfall, a Hindu Temple and the Rainbow Garden. There is no lack of accommodation here as you can choose from a range of first class hotels, motels and apartments.
If you want to experience a bit of nostalgia, drop by Bala's Holiday Chalet & Restaurant or the Smokehouse Hotel, both reminiscent of country inns. The Smokehouse Hotel has mange to retain much of its country house charm complete with latticed windows, wooden beams and rose garden with white iron-wrought garden furniture.
Its interiors filled with antiques from a bygone era, portraits of the British Royal Family, rich dark carpets, heavy sofas and four -poster beds, complete the pretty picture.
Brinchang Beckons 5km up the road is Brinchang, the highest -lying township in Cameron Highlands. Its attractions include a Sikh temple, the ornate Sam Poh Temple, numerous amenities and a handicraft centre. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy teeing off at the 18-hole Cameron Highlands Golf Club, the only course on the hill. The nearby Cactus Valley which features thousands of cacti on display, also boasts a comprehensive variety of plants and foliage as well as apple trees, passion fruit and other temperate climate fruits. Several strawberry farms dot the area.
Some grow strawberries organically in coconut husks placed on stilt-like platforms off the ground. Here you can pay a small fee to pick fresh succulent strawberries or simply purchase the assortment of homemade jam or dried strawberries. A short distance away, the Multicrops Central Market and Kea Farm offer you fresh highland produce at a fraction of city prices. From big ripe brinjals and juicy avocados, to multi-coloured dried flowers and dainty little souvenirs, you will want to spend some time here exploring the many delightful finds.
On your descent, stop by the Butterfly Farm and Butterfly Garden to view the many beautiful species, including the renowned Raja Brooke. Nearby, strategically placed giant comic replicas of honey bees will lead you to the Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm. Here you can view bees gathering pollen amidst the plush sweet scented gardens and orchards, as well as savour and purchase bottles of pure honey. Do also drop by the adjacent Rose Valley where about 450 varieties of roses flourish.
On the left of the Butterfly Farm is the picturesque Sungai Palas Boh Tea Estate. Stop by at the factory to learn about tea processing or watch an audio visual presentation and sample some Cameronian tea. The same road leads you to Gunung Brinchang, reputedly the highest road in Peninsular Malaysia at 2,00 metres above sea level. Enjoy the panoramic views from the mountaintop.
The Descent
If you came up the hill via Tapah, you may want to try the newer Simpang Pulai route on your descent to Highway Exit 137 leading to the North-South Expressway. This new 59km road is pleasant scenic drive as the turns are not so tight. On the way down, you will pass the Blue Valley Tea Estate and the townships of Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja, as well as farming communities living on the hillside. The enchanting views of the Peninsula's main mountain range and the luxuriant mist-filled forest, will take your breath away.
Practical Tips Cameron Highlands offers many delightful jungle trails for nature lovers. However, during the poor weather conditions, please consult your hotel or guesthouse on the suitability of the trails before embarking on your trek. It is advisable that you begin earlier i the day and not late in the afternoon, as some of these walks may take up to a few hours and you may not finish before nightfall. Do inform your hosts or local authorities of the route you are taking, and when you plan to get back.
Getting There Cameron Highlands is accessible either via Tapah or the new highway at Simpang Pulai. If you are driving up from Kuala Lumpur, the Simpang Pulai exit is another 45 minutes north of Tapah along the North-South Expressway. The ascent along this route is much smoother and less precarious than the route from Tapah.
Bus and taxi services are available from the Pudu Raya Terminal in Kuala Lumpur and take you all the way up to Tanah Rata. Alternatively, take a train to Tapah and then continue your journey via taxi or bus up to Tanah Rata.
Highland Retreats - Pahang Cameron Highlands
