Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Cameron Highlands (2008)

Big forest bamboo shoots collected by the local aborigines for sale

Tampoi sold by the local aborigines


View of the highlands on the way up


Welcome to Cameron Highlands


Some plants for sale

Salad leaves and white radish

Baby bok choy (left) and leeks

Sweet cherry tomatoes


Fresh sweet corns. Good on its own. No need to cook 'em.

After a long hiatus (more than 10 years!), I returned to Cameron Highlands with my parents and cousins. My parents are regular visitors of Cameron. We used the Simpang Pulai route on our way up and the long, winding Tapah route on our way back. If you've motion sickness, use the Simpang Pulai route.

A bit about Cameron:

Cameron Highlands is a highland region located about 121 km east of Ipoh and about 214 km north of Kuala Lumpur, in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. At 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level, it is the highest area on the mainland, enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 25°C and rarely falls below 12°C year
round. Cameron Highlands is a district in the state of Pahang Darul Makmur although the road entrance is via Tapah and Simpang Pulai in the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan. The size of the whole Cameron Highlands district is roughly two and a quarter times the size of Singapore.

Cameron Highlands was discovered by government surveyor William Cameron on a mapping expedition in 1885. However, it was Sir George Maxwell, Chief Secretary during 1920
1926, who was responsible for putting Cameron Highlands on the map of Malaysia. Upon the initiative of Maxwell, the highlands were developed as a hill station. The cool weather attracted people to build homes and retreats on the plateau and before long, a small community was established.

Cameron Highlands comprises a series of little townships inclusive of Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. Visitors can take a walk through little villages, visit the butterfly, fruit, vegetable and apiary farms, and sprawling tea plantations or dine at the delightful Tudorstyled country inns.

Sources: Wiki and Tourism Malaysia.

3 comments:

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello :)

Many thanks for the excellent photos and the useful write up about Cameron Highlands.

It looks like you are going to a hill station after a long time. It will be quite cold compared to the climate in the plains.

It is amazing to see how aborigines try to earn some money.

The vegetables look fresh and heavenly. Did you buy some to take home?

Have a nice day :)

SkyJuice said...

You're welcome, Joseph. :-)

My mum loves Cameron Highlands for its variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. We wouldn't have returned without getting some back. The fresh produce is much cheaper than those sold in the plains. Many Cameron farm owners are contracted to supply to hypermarts/supermarkets in Malaysia and Singapore.

SkyJuice said...

I like the cool air in Cameron. Wasn't that cold the day I went, so there was no need to wear another layer on top of my t-shirt. It's usually colder at nights especially on rainy days.