A cool getaway

A late posting, but would be something to catch up on, or to put in your next itinerary…

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TWO DAYS AWAY

Cameron Highlands

GIVEN the hordes of tourists trooping up the winding roads to Malaysia's most well-known hill station, you would expect Cameron Highlands to be positively mobbed. Surprisingly, the first thing that hits you when you arrive is the pervading calm.

Overdeveloped? Yes, to some extent. But, rolling greens still dominate the landscape, and the lodgings here are pretty scattered, out of town and secluded. Choose the right place to put up and tranquillity's a given. This, and the cool climate, makes the hill retreat a good weekend getaway from the sweltering heat and bustle of cities.

However, just in case you do tire of holing yourself up in comfortable lodgings and enjoying the air, here are five other things to do. Tan Chui Hua

1 Sunrise from the peak

Take a drive up to Gunung Brinchang (2,032m) for sunrise. On a good day, you get a breathtaking view of the Titiwangsa range, with swirling thick, white mists, dubbed the "White Witch" by locals.

The snag? You have to drag yourself out of those warm covers and reach the peak before 7am. Bring a windcheater.

Cameron Highlands Resort

2 Tea and scones

Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea plantations. Set aside one afternoon to savour freshly brewed tea - try local brands such as Boh, Blue Valley and Bharat.

For best views of the highlands, drive up to the Boh tea plantation at Sungai Palas. Its tea house with glass walls may look out of place, but you get a pretty backdrop as you go "ummph" with every cup of lime and ginger tea, lychee rose blend or just plain Sungai Palas afternoon tea.

The most atmospheric spot goes to the Smokehouse Hotel, a Tudor-style lodge built in 1939. Colonial charm oozes, or rather, what we usually imagine colonial charm to be. In any case, it lives up to its reputation and its gardens are very picturesquely English, interspersed with some tropical blooms.

Have a cup of tea with Devonshire cream, along with scones and jam. Bring a book along to while away time in very pleasant surroundings.

3 Strawberry moments

There are a number of small strawberry farms, more for local produce than anything else.

The fruits here are tangy rather than sweet, but you get to pick the berries yourself. You can also stop by bee farms and nurseries.

Sample strawberry-inspired snacks from strudels to chocolates at Strawberry Moment, a theme cafe in Brinchang town.

Strawberry moments

4 A walk in the clouds

Moss drape from one tree to another, while heavy mists render the scenery surreal. Gunung Brinchang's fantastical cloud forest, referred to locally as "Mossy Forest", is one of the few cloud forests in Malaysia. Such forests are often swathed in clouds and characterised by dwarfed trees, orchids, mosses, liverworts and ferns.

Go on a guided trek up through the forest to Gunung Irau (2,110m), the highest peak here. The less adventurous can explore the fringe on a newly-built forest boardwalk.

5 Knead those knots away

Go for a foot reflexology and massage treatment after your trek. There are a number of parlours in Tanah Rata town with decent menus.

Or, splurge on an appointment at The Spa Village. Located at the Cameron Highlands Resort, it offers exotic treatments such as mint and thyme body scrub and strawberry aroma massage. You can also soak in a tea bath and listen to music on headphones.

Getting there

Take an eight-hour overnight bus from Golden Mile Complex to the hill station.

5 things to bring

• Light cold wear for night time.
  
• Books for whiling away afternoons.
  
• Sunblock - it's cool, but the sun's still shining strong!
  
• Lip balm, moisturiser and hand cream to keep the skin from drying out.
  
• Good walking shoes for long strolls in the mountains.
  

Stay

There's a glut of choices. Guiding criteria include pretty gardens, location and views. For rock-bottom-basic backpacker lodges, check out Tanah Rata town. Upscale stays are centred in Brinchang town. En route to Brinchang, there are picturesque home and farm stays. Families and big groups can consider renting a villa or apartment.

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From TODAY, Living – Weekend, 29/30-Aug-2009