Fun in Cameron Highlands & Kuala Lumpur

First Day in the Cameron Highlands

2005-05-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

It was after exams, so James and I thought it would be a good idea to go for a short budget trip to somewhere near to enjoy ourselves. After much talking about it, we've decided to visit the Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur.

On 24th of May 2005, after an almost nine hours of bus/cab ride, we've finally reached our first destination, the Cameron Highlands.

A morning silhouette shot before moving off to tour around.

2005-05-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is the place where we would be staying for the next two days, Cameronian Inn. For only rm22.5 per night, it is good value for money. There's a huge dining room for occupants to eat and chat, a Tv room to watch movies and cable Tv, and a lounge with computers for internet access.

2005-05-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is the famous BOH Tea Plantation of Cameron Highlands. The view from top is simply breathtaking. In the past, workers had to hand-harvest the tea leaves. But nowadays, they have machines to assist them in harvesting, thus increasing the efficiency.

More pictures of the plantation below:

2005-05-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is a pitcher plant, also know as the "Monkey's Cup". It is an insectivorous plant with pitcher-like leaves that attract and trap insects. Some of these pitcher plants grow up to a very large size (think cucumber).

Below are some casual shots of nature:

2005-05-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Next, we visited the Rose Garden. Although this place used to be a tourist attraction, no one longer visits here anymore. Most people would go the newer "Rose Centre" instead. Nevertheless, we went up there for a short walk, and were pleasantly surprised that the flowers are still well-maintained by a care-taker.

Flowers like this are all over the place, making the surrounding very tranquil and beautiful.

These bottles actually contain rose syrups. Each of them produces a different scent, and they are drinkable.

A view from the Rose Garden.

These flowers are called the Ladies' Shoes, because they resemble shoes after blooming.

2005-05-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

After the Rose Garden trip, we moved to the upper part of the mountains. The more adventurous ones went for an easy jungle trek, while the rest took a rest next to our vehicle.

A scenic view.

A small waterfall near the area. (Apparently, there is a much bigger waterfall over 30 metres tall, but we didn't get the chance to visit it.)

An overall view from the View Tower after completing the short trek.

A short suspension bridge over the small waterfall. Taken after returning from the Tower.

This is one huge spider! It's very colourful, and about half my palm size. :P

2005-05-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

It was noon soon, and we got back to Brinchang for lunch, before heading off for the second part of the tour.

A shot of the local children, taken from our vehicle.

Elder sister taking care of her brother.

Local kids on their way to school.

This is one of the alleys at of Brinchang. Somewhat reminds me of the older streets in Singapore.

2005-05-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

After lunch, we visited the Catus Valley. It was drizzling on our way there, but fortunately most parts of the Catus Valley is sheltered.

One of the many pots for sale. Don't be fooled by the look of this catus. the furry-like objects on the plants are actually needle-sharp, and you can get injured by just knocking accidentally onto them.

Catus formation.

More variety.

They do grow flowers at the Catus Valley too.

2005-05-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Next destination was the Brinchang Strawberry Centre. We learned that growing strawberries in Cameron Highlands in different from elsewhere. Since strawberries thrive in cool surroundings, the mountain retreat offers the perfect spot for their cultivation. Strawberries here are grown all year round.

A red one.

And a few not-so-red ones.

Cheap and sweet strawberries for sale!

2005-05-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

Next, we were off to view other kinds of plantations. We saw the growing of several crops, including cabbages, lettuce, capsicums, brinjals, chrysanthemuns, etc.

Huge piece of vegetation, pleasing to the eyes.

Views from the top of a 'canteen'.

That's James.

This is the chrysanthemum farm.There is a wide variety of colours for these flowers. Yellow, orange, red, ....

Guess what is this? The piece of yellow plastic is coated with honey, and the lightbulb will be switched on at night to attract the flies. When the flies fly towards the yellow plastic sheet, they would be stuck to it. This helps to stop the insects from destroying the crops. This clever invention is clearly a better alternative to using pesticide on the plants and flowers.

Don't ask me what crops these are. I've forgotten. :D

After we bidded farewell to the boss of the chrysanthemun farm, he closed the gates, and his dog was trying to get out from under the gates. Maybe it didn't bear to see us leave? lol...

And some shots of the long and winding roads of the highlands:

2005-05-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 6am on the second day, and walked along the streets near our hostel in a windbreaker. It was still dark, and the moon is still bright. However, we were told that the people here wake up and start work very early.

This is one of the few good shots I have, of the morning light. I wished I'd brought my tripod along!

And one more. The silhouette on the left are steel rods from an on-going construction site.

2005-05-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

---The photos taken during trekking on the 2nd day is not up yet. Do come back and check it out soon! ---

2005-05-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

It's the third and final day in the Cameron Highlands. We booked a VIP express bus at rm20 and left for Kuala Lumpur. Below are some parting shots taken from inside the bus. It had been a nice trip here, where we get to see plenty of things that we would never get to see elsewhere. I truly enjoyed my stay here. :)

As the bus travelled down the winding road, we were still able to see many huts along the road.

The way down...

Thank you for viewing!! :)