When traveling to Malaysia, one ordinarily does not consider tea plantations and mountain chalets. However, once seeing the Equatorial Cameron Highlands in the country's interior, that is precisely what you would find.
A former hill station for English settlers to escape the excruciating heat of Kuala Lumpur, this charming area is a must stop for anyone seeing Malaysia. Abundant with lush jungle, rolling mountains, waterfalls and agriculture, one can lose themselves for times hiking its many trails and relaxing for afternoon tea and scones on the veranda overlooking breathtaking scenery.
The Cameron highlands are a three hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur on the harrowing winding road. The excursion can be hair raising. Accidents occur and local people seem to be unfazed by the unpredictable driving. Sheer drops, narrow roads along with a meandering route will get your own heart pumping. But you can take comfort in the truth that you're driving in luxurious.
The buses are pure decadence in Malaysia. Super VIP buses for a just, $10 purchases you an over sized fully reclining seat, English movies and western bathroom up to speed. The roads are in good shape as well as the drivers are quite proficient. After you become accustomed to the dizzying pace of driving in Asia, it gets more bearable.
The views en-route are stunning. You're reminded of the rice terraces in Vietnam's Sapa. Only as an alternative to rice terraces, it truly is tea plantations. Mountainous terrain filled with trees filled with lively green leaves blending together. Planted in neat rows, it's like a huge knife has sliced lines through the solid canopy creating winding patterns within the rolling landscape.
Upon arrival within the chief town of Tana Rata, several touts from surrounding guest houses are there to greet you vying for your company. It may be an unpleasant task choosing the right accommodation, however there are lots of places to stay and it is simple to circumvent. Kang Travelers Lodge is a superb option and once settled in, one has to check out the cities many cafes and restaurants. Sitting down with a book and drinking tea and dipping scones are a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the majority of Malaysia.
Dinner gives loads of chances, but be certain not to miss out on the Steamboat dinners at one of the many restaurants offering them. The thinly sliced meat with vegetables and noodles cooked in a simmering pot at your table provides a welcome warmth for the great highland evening.
It is the hiking as well as the jungle that brings one to the Cameron Highlands yet, so make certain to grab a map and set out for one of many trails in the region. A must do trail is Gunung Brinchang. It's the highest peak in Malaya and starts from Sungai Palas. The 1 hour hike through the jungle trail takes you into a summit that provides breathtaking panoramic views. Clouds sail in and out on the mountains changing the scenery with every passing second.
As soon as you've soaked within the sights, a gentle stroll down the trail takes you past the Sungai Palas tea estate, providing amazing photo opportunities. Deep green lines are etched in the mountains where millions of tea crops neatly planted in rows and designs. Catching a ride back to town is easy. Friendly people will supply a seat within the back of their truck and you can stop for fruit en route.
Other trails can be explored too, there are 14 in all. They take you to the beautiful Robinson Falls, Parit Falls, into a Buddhist Temple and around the Cameron Highlands Golf course. It is really getting back to nature when one visits The Cameron Highlands in Malaysia Website.
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