Cameron Highlands Part 1

Maureen
Maureen
July 26, 2011
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If you are planning for a short getaway to Malaysia during the weekends, Cameron Highlands is definitely the recommended place to visit. Situated in the north-western corner of the state of Pahang, Cameron Highlands is a good place to get away from the tropical heat and busy city life.
The trip from Singapore to Cameron Highlands is approximately 9 hours (one way). Unfortunately, we only stayed for a night, so we didn’t really venture much. Plus the screwed up check ins and heavy downpour made our enjoyment time much shorter.

Cameron Highlands

However, I am still very much in love with this beautiful place. One of the places we visited before the heavy downpour was BOH Tea Plantation. No trip to Cameron Highlands is complete without a trip to the tea plantations. The cool climate provides an ideal place to grow tea. BOH has quite a few tea plantations there but the one at Sungai Palas is considered the most well-catered to tourists and more accessible.

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There are three main sections at BOH which includes the factory, a mini market selling BOH tea products and lastly the tea cafe. The cafe has a beautiful verandah where you can look out to the tea fields and enjoy a wide variety of cakes, pastries, scones and tea. What’s better than sipping tea, having some scones and escape from the busy city life in Singapore?
Tea and scones is a must on visits to Cameron Highland. Nothing beats the smells of scones. BOH’s Original Scones with Cream and Jam ($7.50) is light and fluffy. Taken with a cup of tea, clotted cream and Cameronian strawbery jam, these scones are simply marvelous.

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My friend was very hungry and she finished the Firecracker Sausage ($5.50) within minutes.

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We didn’t like the Sardine Puff ($4.50) as much as the skin is hard and dry.

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Strawberry Cake ($6) is made up of layers of moist chocolate sponge cake and light strawberry mousse.

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Chocolate Melt ($6) is pretty good, rich in taste and texture is soft.
Pair the cakes with a big selection of teas, exquisitely named tea blends like Gunung Chantik, Palas Supreme and Bukit Cheeding are featured on the menu, along with BOH alternative range such as Jasmine Green Tea, Chamomile, Peppermint etc.
Oh did I mention? The view here is magical.

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BOH Tea Centre @ Sungei Palas Tea Garden
Jalan Gunung Brinchang, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.
Phone: +605-4962096
Website: http://www.boh.com.my
If you are planning for a trip to Cameron Highlands, I suggest that you stay in the resorts or chalet instead of hotels. Many of these places has recreated an idyllic English Countryside’s environment. You can just hire a van to go travel to the various attractions.

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Where to stay?
1. Cameron Highlands Resort
Website: http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com
Cameron Highlands Resort is situated on the largest hill retreat in Malaysia, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, lush greenery, rolling hills and Tudor-styled cottages.
Be sure to visit the Jim Thompson Tea Room within the hotel premises. The elegant setting makes this the perfect spot for the time-honoured tradition of English afternoon tea. Sit back and leisurely savour finger sandwiches, light-as-air pastries and home baked scones.
2. The Smokehouse
Website: http://www.thesmokehouse.com.my/ch.htm
Located next to the Cameron Highland’s Golf Course is a quaint little country inn known as the famous Smokehouse. Built in 1937, it is one of the few older country houses. It has only 13 rooms available.
In order to preserve its laid-back country charm, one must either be an inn guest or dining guest to enter. Enjoy the wonderful traditional English breakfast, tea in the lush gardens with scones, cream and strawberry jam, and dine in probably the finest restaurant in the Highlands.
3. Bala’s Holiday Chalet Hotel
Website: http://www.balaschalet.com
Bala’s Holiday Chalet Hotel & Restaurant offers you good value for money. A charming English style inn with 30 cottage style rooms. The peace and tranquility combined with the natural surrounding has made it a favorite place for city folks to escape to over the weekends. Their teas and scones found its way into the inflight magazine of Malaysia Airlines as being the best in the highlands.
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