Strawberries, tea and trekking

Arriving in the Cameron Highlands brought some relief from the oppressive humidity of the jungle. The Cameron Highlands are perhaps Malaysias coolest areas with the temperature hovering around low 20s. As a result they offer the ideal climate for vegetable and tea growing. The activities on offer largely revolve around these activities.

Our first day saw us take on a butterfly and strawberry farm. Whilst the butterfly farm did allow us to see a range of small life up close some of the enclosures for the animals/insects/arachnids etc. left a bit to be desired. For example the scorpian area featured a selection of dead scorpians alongside the living. The rabbits also seemed to have nasty case of mange!

The strawberry farm didn't seem worth much time as strawberry picking, and eating, is not exactly unfamiliar to brits. However a quick pit stop for a strawberry juice and slice of strawberry cake proved entertainingly kitsch. The slightly shabby cafe with an electronic version of jingle bells on repeat and roadside stalls offering everything strawberry from doormats to dried strawbs, baby gros to ear muffs.

Not sounding too inspiring so far, although actually being in the cooler climate and schlepping around tourist attractions was quite relaxing. A wander round the Sun Poh Buddhist temple next. An impressive temple, with some giant golden buddhas and plenty of devotees making offerings was worthwhile.

Food in Tanah Rata, the main backpacker stop was pretty good. Southern Indian food popular, with banana leaf meals around 8Mr (£1.50). These consisted of rice, some dhal, coconut veg, a samosa, popadu
ms, yoghurt, herbal soup and lime pickle plus a dish of choice. Breakfasts again revolving around Roti and accompanying Dhal.

The following day we had planned a longer walk, to climb the highest local peak however Em was a bit under the weather with a cold so we opted for a shorter walk up the closest peak to Tanah Rata. This turned out a bit longer then expected, and the paths steep and muddy however we made it via the odd altercation with thorn bushes and just the 1 leech. Of note the trails are fairly narrow and overgrown.

The next day and with onwards travel to Penang booked in the afternoon we took in  perhaps the most popular tourist attraction. A visit to a tea plantation, visiting the Boh Sungais Palas estate. A standard trip revolves around a tour of the factory and tea overlooking some stunning views of the plantation. Tea making in nut shell seems to constitute: picking, semi drying (withering), crushing, fermenting, grading then drinking.

Onwards then to Penang!