Friday, August 21, 2015

Cameron Highlands: A Cool & Green Escape From KL City's Heat


Time for another update! This time, my family and I decided to revisit a popular haunt of ours for holidays, Cameron Highlands. The last time I came here was 5 years back, and boy, the place has changed a lot since my last visit.

This trip was absolutely different from the rest. Usually we stayed at apartments, but we decided to book at Century Pines Resort instead. The stay was comfortable, clean and quiet. I'd love to come back again, definitely! While on this trip, we also tried not to travel during peak times as the traffic snarl up and down the mountain can be terrible. A short 10 minute ride can easily take up to 30 minutes or more!



Since my last trip here, a few new attractions have sprung up, and one of the better ones is Cameron Lavender. To get here, take a drive heading towards to Boh's Sungai Palas Plantation from Brinchang and from there it's another 5 minutes drive.



While the entry fee may be a little steep (RM6 for adults, RM4 for children), rest assured there are many attractions worthy of photo opportunities in this attraction. I for one, thought it was an extremely worthy price to pay for the upkeep of the place. Don't forget to stop for a picture with this cute Beetle!



And when you're at it, make sure to try the Hokkaido Lavender ice cream flavour (imported from Japan)! Priced at RM5.90, there are many other flavours to choose from, such as strawberry, chocolate etc. but do make sure to try the lavender flavoured one! You won't regret it!



I saw some plants that looked so much like the lavender, but have a lighter green shade, as if it's been bleached. After doing some research, turns out the plant is a relative of the common lavender, also known as the Spanish Lavender. You'll never know what you'll learn by going on a trip!



I initially wanted to check out the Rose Centre attraction at Kea Farm, but since it was near closing time, it wasn't worth it. Judging from the leaflet though, there are many attractions in this centre as well. Do check it out if you happen to be at Kea Farm. I did manage to get a shot of this repainted jeep which was recently decommisioned in Cameron Highlands at Rose Centre though. Gone were the days where these jeeps ply the mountain routes daily for deliveries, as they were now replaced by the white Toyota Hilux.



Last but not least, the highlight of my trip was the short hike from Century Pines Resort to Parit Falls. To get to the waterfall, take a small slip route from the side of the resort (there is a orange signboard that says Parit Waterfall 400m) and walk through a dense jungle before coming to a opening where the entrance to the park where a recreational spot is located. Near the entrance a view of the waterfall is visible. Take a short walk and you'll see the waterfall. The walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and it's great to feel the cool air on your skin and breathe in the fresh unpolluted air.

This trip is a nature-filled one that made me see Cameron Highlands in a new light, from the tourist attraction it has evolved to be over the years. I will definitely come again in a few years time, and hopefully gain new happy memories.

Ever the traveller, the author is preparing for her trip to Japan in a few months. Stay tuned for updates on my coming trip to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo!

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