PART 1: Jalan-Jalan
HIGHLIGHTS
21st-25th September 2015.
*This blog entry is best viewed on a wide monitor.
As-salamu'alaikum.
We set out on our journey from TTDI after Fajr prayer on Monday the 21st and arrived in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands (CH) at approximately 9:45AM. We had booked the hotel 3 months prior to the trip. The weather in CH was windy and cold as usual (in a good way). The temperature was around 19-20 degrees celcius. Our last trip to CH was back in February 2014. This was our second trip with Faree'ah and the third between me and Asma' (wifey). We were here the first time for our honeymoon.
The hotel that we stayed in.
The outdoor lounge of the hotel.
Alhamdulillah, the hotel receptionist was kind enough to let us checked in early. We checked in at half past eleven AM and settled in as soon as we could, as we were planning to go out after Zuhur, but the rain started pouring down soon after and it lasted for a few good hours. So no outdoor activities were done on the first day, but Alhamdulillah we had a bit of a rest after the non-stop drive from KL. And as the rain continues, the temperature dropped to 17 degrees celcius which is just nice for a short nap.
1) Habu Boh Tea Plantation
This is one of our two favourite spots in CH. The drive from our hotel in Tanah Rata took us at least 20 minutes to get here. Located in Habu, (south of Tanah Rata) this is one of the two main Boh Tea plantations in CH and the more charming of the two. The other one is in Sungei Palas in Brinchang (north of Tanah Rata). We were here on the second & final day of of our trip.
If you're coming from Tanah Rata heading towards Habu, at the main road you will have to make a left turn at an intersection, insha Allaah you won't miss it. From there you will have to drive a further 6 kilometres up and along the route you will come across a bee/strawberry farm and vegetable farms before reaching the Boh tea plantation.
Once you arrive at the tea centre, just follow this simple instruction:-
a) Hike up 174 metres towards the view point. This is where you'll get the spectacular views of the plantation and beyond. The tea factory and café can always wait.
Day 2: The scenery heading up towards the view point is simply breath taking.
Day 2: Having hot coffee and light snacks at the view point. We brought our own beverage instead of buying one at the café down below. Always come prepared.
Day 2: Faree'ah enjoying herself at the view point. The environment is safe for kids to run around and play.
Day 2: Doing what we do best, and enjoying it.
Day 5: The view point was surrounded by mist throughout the morning. It is such a beautiful place to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Faree'ah having a field day..
2) Mossy Forest, Gunung Brinchang
This is another favourite spot for us wanderers. It took us approximately 20 minutes to get to the mossy forest by car from the foot of the mountain. It is situated 2 kilometres before the peak of mount Brinchang (watch tower). The narrow and winding route going up to the top (via Sg Palas estate road) was quite bad due to harsh elements and other factors, so be prepared for the worst. Our car nearly got stuck in a gravel on the way up. That being said, the drive up to the peak itself is an adventure on its own. And we can't never get enough of this place. This is a must visit if you're in CH! You can feel the serenity & tranquillity of the surroundings once you set your foot on the planks of the boardwalk that stretches 150 metres through the mossy forest.
For those who are more adventurous and are able-bodied, they can continue trekking the trail beyond the boardwalk that leads to Mount Irau, the highest mountain in CH. Just make sure you are well-equipped with proper footwear, hiking equipments and attire for the arduous journey as the forest terrain is usually slippery & muddy.
It was raining earlier in the morning and the temperature was at 15-16 degrees celcius when we reached there at 10:20AM
The surreal fairy-tale like mossy trees and the misty surroundings.
The air quality up here was amazing.
It was foggy at the peak of mount Brinchang as it rained earlier that morning
Rain drops formed on this plant.
The steps are slippery at times. Be extra cautious on the boardwalk especially after the rain
2000 metres above sea level.
Always ready to pose for the camera. So natural.
Having a chill at one of the gazebos. Yeah.. literally chill!
* As you are coming down from the mossy forest via Sg Palas estate road, the scenic view of the green rolling tea hills is a good enough reason for you to stop on the side of the road, either to snap some picturesque photos or just simply to take a breather and enjoy the magnificent view.
3) Sungei Palas Boh Tea Plantation, Brinchang
The other main BOH Tea plantation is situated in Sg Palas. Since we were in the area, we made a short stop at the centre to buy some tea products. Although the view of the landscape is admirable, we didn't stay long there as the centre was crowded with visitors. The main attraction here is the café where it has an overhanging platform where you can get the best scenic view of the surroundings. But most of the time the café is overcrowded and the menu is overpriced. Hmm.. Not really our cup of tea. Pun intended.
Pathway heading towards the Sg Palas Boh Tea Centre
Outside the café
On the way back to the parking lot.
Captured this shot as we were leaving the Tea Centre, Ã la Toscana (Tuscany) countryside perhaps?
4) Tanah Rata Town
Since our hotel is located within the town centre, our late afternoon & evenings were spent out and about strolling around the town centre and areas adjacent to it. The weather was just nice for a leisurely walk especially for a person who perspires a lot like 'yours truly'.
Throughout our stay (on weekdays) at Tanah Rata, majority of the visitors we saw around town were Caucassians (Europeans/Americans) and Arabs. Local Malaysians would usually come to CH on weekends. So if you're planning to spend your holidays in CH, it is best to plan it on weekdays rather than on weekends as the place is less crowded and the traffic is less congested.
Road heading up towards the public library and a kindergarten. If you go further uphill towards the end of the road you will find a run-down looking private bungalow that used to be the holiday home for the Sultan of Pahang before it became Shahzan Inn. But from the looks of it, it's no more an inn. Our guess is, now it's just a private bungalow owned by someone.
Across the street from Tanah Rata bus terminal. Heading towards the park.
Town centre on the left, bus terminal on the right
In front of Planter's Hotel at sundown.
Just a short walk from the town centre and a stone's throw away from Century Pines Hotel & bus terminal, Taman Pertabalan Tanah Rata is currently undergoing major restructuring works. Once the restructuring is complete, it would be a great place to spend your mornings or evenings with the family for recreational outdoor activities. The park has seen better days, where families came for picnics and other leisure activities.
Public library. There is an eatery next to it called Selera Bonda.
Recreational area in front of the public library. Overlooking Taman Pertabalan park.
Durian is always a priority on our travels. You can see the Convent Primary School in the background. So if you're in CH you know where to find the durian stall. The only durian stall in the town centre. It's a 3-minute walk from our hotel. That's really convenient.
5) Tanah Rata - By The Golf Course
The golf course is a 5 minutes drive north from Tanah Rata town centre. The area is surrounded by private bungalows and luxury hotels/resorts such as Cameron Highlands Resort, Smokehouse Hotel, Iris House Resort & Hotel De' La Ferns. The Smokehouse Hotel in particular caught our attention. And here's why..
Smokehouse Hotel. Only patrons of the hotel are allowed inside the compound.
Even the road in front of Smokehouse Hotel captivate the eyes.
Across the road from Smokehouse hotel.
One of Smokehouse private bungalow
Gazebo next to Smokehouse private parking lot.
This English Mock Tudor style Hotel was built in 1939
The flowers are blossoming beautifully.
Be sure to check out this place.
Charming.
6) Strawberry Farm: Raaju's Hill, Kea Farm, Brinchang
In CH, there are plenty of strawberry farms to choose from. We've been to quite a few strawberry farms during our previous visits to CH. Raaju's Hill in Kea Farm was one of them. Situated on a hill ridge along the main road, the entrance to the farm is just across the road near to the entrance of Copthorne Hotel (formerly Equatorial Cameron Highlands Hotel). Just like most, if not all of the other strawberry farms, you can pick your own strawberries fresh from the farm. We don't really fancy picking on our own so we just buy them from the sales counter.
Shop selling varieties of chocolate & strawberry products.
Outside the shop having a strawberry lollipop. Faree'ah got a special mini fresh strawberry pack, a gift from Raaju's staff.
Photo taken from our previous visit in Feb. 2014. Café at Raaju's
Special strawberry ice cream with chocolate topping.
The luscious green view from inside the café.
To be continued..