The Cameron Highlands are the largest and most genteel of the hill resorts in
Malaysia. It's located in Pahang's north-western corner, at an altitude of
1,829 meters. The Cameron Highlands were discovered by
William Cameron in 1885. In these days the British planters realized that
those mountains were very fertile. Because tea was prized commodity
among the colonies, they decided to grow tea on the slopes of the Cameron
Highlands.
British families who were stationed in Malaysia at the time also took to hills
in a respite from the hot, humid tin mines and rubber plantations. Some of the
old bungalows, which they left behind are still being preserved for viewing by
tourist, with a few facilities added for the conveniences of visitors. So, much of the character of the Cameron Highlands has
remained unchanged since colonial times.
Since that time the Cameron Highlands has developed into a favored getaway
among honeymooning couples. The cool, fresh
air on the highlands is also a retreat for city dwellers who want to retreat
temporarily from the noise and pollution in the city.
The drive time from Kuala Lumpur is about three and a half hours. It is a 295
km drive. The quickest route is by the North-South Expressway turning in near
the town of Tapah. From Tapah you will hit the long winding road (about 60km)
to Cameron Highlands. Driving up to Cameron Highlands is a pleasure in itself,
as many interesting stops along the way can be made. You can take a short break at the Kuala Woh Forest
Recreation Park. There are picnic areas and a hot spring.
There are several tour companies along the main drag
in Tanah Rata. Most have tours leaving around 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and include
visits to a tea plantation, where you see the tea-making process; a strawberry
farm; a butterfly farm; a rose garden; and the Sam Poh Chinese Buddhist temple.
I think they all cost around the RM15 to 20.
January is one of the main picking months for strawberries. They grow 4 crops a
year!
There are other more extensive tours of the region- including ones to an Orang
Asli village.
Orang Asli. Look at:
the dream people...
Instead of a package tour (for which I suggest
you consult several travel agents) you can rent a car and drive around. Car hire
is around $US 35 a day for a Group B car (1.5 liter four door manual sedan,) and
petrol was about RM1.30.
Nature lovers will enjoy the trails which takes
you to see some of the spectacular views of the highland forests.
You will discover the natural beauty of
Cameron Highlands. You can admire the various forest plants and animals. You
can also explore the more difficult trails. Please take a guide with you!
The Cameron Highlands are well known because of its tea plantations. You can
visit the tea factories to see the process of tea production and some have shops
where you can drink and buy tea. But in this cool climate tea is not the
only thing to grow on the highlands. On its fertile soil also grow: fruits and
vegetables like tomato, cauliflower and cabbage, roses and fresh strawberries.
Sometimes they call it: Malaysia's 'Green Bowl'.
The home of the Orang Asli, working on the
tea plantations
The most popular sights are the area's tea plantations and strawberry farms, its lovely rose
gardens and waterfalls, and the busy market square at Brinchang. In this town
of Brinchang you can also find colonial Tudor Inns, rose gardens, handicraft
stores and a Buddhist temple. Other relaxing activity's in the Cameron
Highlands are: touring, dining, tracking, golfing and shopping.
1 ) All Souls
Church
2 ) Bertam Valley
3 ) Bharat Tea Estate
4 ) Boh Teh Estate
5 ) Butterfly Garden
6 ) Cameron Highlands Golf Club
7 ) Cameron HighlandsGolf Course Inn
8 ) Equatorial Hotel
9 ) Father's Guest House
10 ) Lake House
11 ) Gold Dollar Tea Estate
12 ) Heritage Hotel
13 ) Kea Farm
14 ) Mardi
15 ) Merlin Hotel
16 ) Parit Waterfall
17 ) Police Station
18 ) Robinsons Waterfall
19 ) Rose Garden
20 ) Sg. Palas Tea Estate
21 )Strawberry Farm
22 )Ye Olde Smoke House
23 )Youland FlowerNursery
Ideally set in lush tropical forest,
the Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands is a boutique hotel nestled on
top of a hill, 1,500 meters above sea level. It's eye-catching tudor
styled architecture and elegantly sculptured garden provide an
ambience of an old English Country House, offering the promise off a
truly relaxed atmosphere. The Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands
offers a range of convenience, spacious and comfortable
accommodation featuring 165 guestrooms fully equipped with modern
amenities.
