We hatched a quite last minute plan to visit Cameron Highlands during the year end holidays. Booked an apartment from a friend’s friend. This time, Saro, Bavani, Ashok and their baby Ashvani joined us.

Day one started slow as we left home around 10am with Saro. Managed to catch up with Bavani, Ashok and Ashvani at Tapah R&R around 12pm. Spent some time at Baskin Robbins (it was 31st Dec!) and then continued on our trip.  Exited the toll at Tapah and took the road towards Cameron Highlands.

We stopped at Lata Iskandar waterfalls to take some pics.

About 15 minutes before reaching our destination, we stopped at Bharat Tea Shop. I ordered the brownie with ice cream topping, but I feel the dish tasted better last time.

Finally reached our apartment in Tanah Rata around 4pm.

From Cameron Highlands Selected Pictures

After freshening up, we went out to Brinchang town. The area was quite crowded and some of the roads have been converted into one-way streets to accommodate the traffic. Brinchang is know for its night market (pasar malam), which is nothing out of the normal for us Malaysian. During public holidays and school term holidays, the night market occurs daily and starts in the afternoon itself. You should try the sweet corns, ayam percik (kind of charcoal roasted chicken), fried mushrooms (make sure its fresh from the wok), and some strawberry based food stuff. Other than that, nothing much to do here.

From Cameron Highlands Selected Pictures

We then took our dinner at Restoran Sri Brinchang (Indian restaurant). Food was OK. AS it started to get cold, we returned to the apartment around 9pm, just in time to watch Varanam Ayiram on TV. So, new year eve was spent watching TV, playing with Ashvani and chit-chatting.

Day 2 (the first day of 2010) began with a visit to the nearby Murugan temple at around 9.30am. Then we had breakfast at cafe located in Equatorial Hotel compound before heading towards Kea Farm. Spent some time walking around the stall, and then we went to one of Then’s favorite places – Raju Hill Strawberry Farm, which is just across the Equatorial Hotel. Had the customary strawberry milkshake and bought some strawberries.

Next stop was Butterfly farm in Brinchang, which is on the way to Simpang Pulai, about few kilometres from Equatorial Hotel. There are two farms next to each other, and we visited the one on our right. It had a collective of insects and small animals as well. Took some shots of the friendly butterflies.

From Cameron Highlands Selected Pictures

It was quite tiring day, so we returned to apartment around late afternoon, after having late lunch in Tanah Rata. The roads were quite jammed between Brinchang and Tana Rata, so if you are not well prepared, can expect up to 5km of slow moving traffic! It was raining, so we didn’t venture out till night for a quick dinner at Restoran Sri Brinchang (again). We were among the last customers and the shops close up around 10pm.

Day 3 – We checked out from the apartment early, had breakfast at Restoran No 14 (I think).  We made our way to Sg Palas Boh Tea Centre, but somewhere along the way, Ashok and Bavani missed a turn, and they ended up at the Bharat Tea Shop which is about 8km after Brinchang. So, Saro, Then and I made our way to the top of the hill. The car park was packed to the brim. The centre too was packed. We managed to get a good seat near the windows. Had some delicious cakes and tea.

From Cameron Highlands Selected Pictures

Shopped for some tea bags and mixtures for souvenir, and left the place, heading towards Tringkap. We met up with Bavani and Ashok over there. Did some shopping (veges and plants). Then it was back to Brinchang for lunch. The restaurant is across the road from KFC (YES, Cameron Highlands got KFC now!) and food is cheaper than the other Indian restaurant located in the same row.

It was already 4.30pm. Ashok and Bavani decided to head back home while the three of us made one more stop at Big Red Strawberry Park (aka Taman Agro Tourism). The place has grown bigger since our last visit. Its expanding like nobody’s business. I just hope the hill doesn’t collapse! Anyway, spent nearly one hour there enjoying the flowers and plants.

From Cameron Highlands Selected Pictures

Finally, we also started our journey back down to Tapah at about 6pm. Caught up with Ashok and Bavani at the Tapah rest area. Chatted for a while before returning home to KL.

It was an enjoyable 3 days with Saro, Bavani, Ashok and little Ashvani! Till the next trip….

Read about previous trips to Cameron Highlands (1, 2, 3, 4)