Cameron
Highlands
Agrotechnology Park
Orchids
While others are cutting down
trees and obliterating natural greenery to make way for costly and dubiously
feasible development, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
(Mardi) is looking at the many species of temperate crops and plants, including
roses, anthuriums as well as fruits, vegetables and herbs, to prop up the hill
resort's reputation as one of Pahang's leading destinations.
| The agrotechnology park is divided
into six main areas: the English Garden, Herb Garden, Orchid Garden,
Rose Garden, research centre and an information centre,
where tourists can also buy
souvenirs.
Mardi's Agrotechnology Park
is home to 40 varieties of roses, 10 strawberries, 100 citrus fruits, at
least six types of anthuriums, four varieties of apples, and pears and
persimmons. Mardi's
Agrotechnology Park is home to 40 varieties of roses, 10 strawberries,
100 citrus fruits, at least six types of anthuriums, four varieties of
apples, and pears and persimmons.
The Herb Garden boasts more than 50
species of temperate and local herbs. Visitors can also try their hand
at planting the herbs and learning more about them. A green house,
housing various types of flowers and vegetables, is sited at the
research centre. One of the centre's functions is to do research on the
production of new plants, protection from diseases and insects as well
as new plant management techniques. |
|
Anthuriums |
Persimmons
The English Garden boasts of two
black and white quaint cottages which come with two or three rooms at
"affordable prices", beautifully designed
according to 16th century Tudor architecture.
There are also plans to restructure and redesign
some of the old buildings around the area for affordable homestay.
Besides homestay there are looking to introduce a Pet Garden with goats and
rabbits for children to study and play with.
One activity planned is jungle trekking to the nearby Bukit Beremban area and a
choo-choo train ride. They are also in the midst of coming out with various
packages and programmes for visitors.
The Mardi in Tanah Rata is also the venue of
the annual Flower Festival held in August, an event where flower-decorated
floats compete for prizes.
The Mardi Agrotechnology Park in
Tanah Rata is open from 8pm to 4.30pm daily. For RM2 (adult) or RM1 (child) per
entry, you get to walk through an English garden, Temperate Herbs patch and
Orchid House or look at the latest strains of flowers from Holland at the 4ha
site.
GETTING THERE
Cameron Highlands is accessible via the North-South Highway using the Tapah
exit. The drive up can take at least two hours for those who are not familiar
with roads there. There are also regular bus services from major towns in the
West Coast. The Agrotechnology Park is in the vicinity of Tanah Rata.
For more details on the Cameron
Highlands Agrotechnology Park,
please call: 03-89437001 or fax 03-89483664
