Malaysia
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Written by: Debbie Salcedo
06/29/05

Title: "Colonial Living in the Cameron Highlands"
About: Travel and Tourism Malaysia

Located in Malaysia’s lush interior, about 160 kilometers northeast of Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands boasts of one of the finest climates in Southeast Asia. This is one of the reasons why it was hailed as one of the most important hill stations during British colonial times. The Highlands itself make for a wonderful day trip with its beautiful scenery, an abundance of colorful butterflies, exotic orchids, waterfalls, and tea plantations which were originally laid out by the British settlers.

There are several hiking trails for laid out for daytime walks into the jungle. The walks range from short paved trails to small expeditions. The information center in Tanah Rata distributes a trail map and a brochure that describes the level of difficulty - if it says a trail is only suitable for the fit, it would be wise to follow it.

     

Also ask whether the trail has been maintained; neglected trails can become impassable, forcing hikers to turn back.

The tea plantations are a perfect example of the beauty of contrast. The fields of tea plants are a dramatic contrast to the surrounding jungle vegetation. Tours usually include a guided walk through the fields and a visit to the processing plant where the drying and packing is done by hand.

The hill station also offers a decent golf course and excellent accommodations - worth the long, winding drive. Visitors may want to book rooms at the very British Ye Olde Smokehouse Hotel. Even if they don’t, visitors are encouraged to try or observe afternoon tea at the Hotel.

Visitors planning a trip to the Cameron Highlands from Penang by land, they may find it interesting to stop by the town of Taiping. Located approximately 97 kilometers south of Penang, the old mining center features a beautiful lake, British colonial inspired architecture, mist shrouded hills and Malaysia’s oldest museum.

There is also the nearby Maxwell Hill, a hill station whose appearance has remained pretty much unchanged since it was first set up in the colonial days.

 

Visit Beautiful Malaysia today!