come along to Cameron

Talk about cool weather place for retreats in the country, Cameron Highland having largest hill resorts, 1500m above sea level, with three small towns: Ringlet, Brinchang and Tanah Rata, come top on the list. Though I have been here many times, but this place still never cease to amaze me with their continuous changing like a chameleon, both for good and bad, worth mentioning that there is now a newer route to reach this place from North-South expressway via Simpang Pulai exit (older way is via Tapah exit). Without further ado, let's hop on, follow the direction toward Kg Raja first farm to attract your attention is a chocolate shop named Green View Garden, little did I know that Cameron also has chocolate to offer.

Their European-style cafe in the garden looks like a good place to enjoy snack food or dessert. Delightful news to strawberry fans, this cafe offer strawberry flavor on almost all their dishes. I didn't try though, because has other food in mind :). Oh ya, grapes and hydroponic farms at their back yard are also opened to visitor.

At Brinchang, my gastronomy secret revealed, empty stomach was actually reserved for my favorite Indonesia style fried fish at You Hoo seafood restaurant. But the taste sometimes can be inconsistent. Sigh.

Accommodation at Bukit Ruil. Bring you back to Tudor style of living surrounded by lush greenery, associate with wonderful country home feeling of peace and serenity. So cool isn't it? -- that tells why no air-cond needed :). According to someone who care to take the thermometer reading, day time temperature here average at 23 degree celcius and can go as low as 16 degree celcius at night.
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Old time British afternoon tea is incomplete without scones, search the net, many recommend to have our scones at one homely feel T-Cafe, this cafe situated right above Marry Browns of Tanah Rata. Scones are generally dry and crisp, not recommended to consume it plainly, this bread is best taste by - split the scones in half then spread with jam and butter or whipped cream, eat while it's still warm. Also don't forget to try their mango lassi.
After a full stomach, time to rant, look out the window of T-Cafe, across the street you can't miss a building that suppose to be a taxi and bus station but apparently under utilized. Construct with lack of planning or incompetent planner? Public fund unwell spend or feel like doing charity? Your guess as good as mine. 田鸡不可泄漏 ?!

Show case of under utilized public transport hub

Low temperatures, high altitude and fertile soils. Best formula for farming and ideals for crops like tea, vegetable and fruits. There are four major tea plantations in Cameron that I'm aware of, two each from Boh and Barath. My favorite laze around place in the afternoon still none other than Sungai Palas Boh Tea Centre. How not to when you can enjoy your cup of tea, finger sandwiches or light pastries facing scenic panoramic view of tea plantation and day dreaming. Things to do here: Plenty of photo snapping opportunities, can also wander at their souvenir shop or join the factory tour. Before you waste your fossil fuel for nothing, take note of their operation hour: Open 9am-430pm, closed on Monday.

Obviously strawberry themed souvenir shops are aplenty in Cameron Highland. However, there are also Honey Bee Farm, Mushroom farm, Cactus Farm, Rose center, organic farming tour and etc awaiting your visit if you are complaining at lack of activities. Of course, like many thing in life, you have to look out for them, they don't come to you.

Hard Facts: Cameron Highland is normally packed with people during weekend and school holidays, to avoid the usual hassle that come with busy crowd and to achieve the objective to relax (after long distance travel), if possible best to plan your visit here on week days. Of course then you will not see the night market at Brinchang which only operate during weekend. Decide yourself which is of a bigger deal to you.

organic vegetable charcoal steamboat

Due to the cool climate and fresh vegetable easily availablity, steamboat for dinner is fairy popular here. Let truth be told, not every shop is honest, so it's wise to survey their reputation before choosing them. Easier said than done I know.

On your way back (if you take Simpang Pulai route), not a bad idea to do marketing of fresh vegetables, fruits or flower to conclude your tour. It worth the while, actuarist would agree so do flower mania :)