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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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Getting to Cameron Highlands from Melaka proved to be a relatively easy trip, even though it took all day and two buses to get there. The best part of the trip was the last leg where we weaved and wove up the side of the mountains to arrive in the small town of Tanah Rata. The bus driver was either a jerk or he had a twisted sense of humor with all of the locals that got on the bus along the way. I couldn't understand their conversations but a lot of the locals looked shocked after talking to him so I'm not too sure what was going on. The best part was that he smoked continuously but there was a big sign above his head saying "No Smoking". Obviously one to break the rules. By the time we reached Tanah Rata I was feeling a bit chilly in my tank top and pants. I've never felt so happy being cool.
I headed out that evening to eat at a restaurant, after being on a bus all day and eating only pumpkin seeds and crispy seaweed I was a bit hungry! I had some really great Indian food (on a banana leaf no less) and happily retired to my very own room - what a treat! Even though it didn't have a bathroom I didn't mind the walk to the toilet and shower. My only complaint being that the showers were essentially outside and it gets cold at night and in the morning so I was feeling a bit rushed in getting clean. But having a huge king size bed all to myself was bliss....
I signed up for a tour to the Mossy Fern Forest. There was a rather large group of us from the hostel signed up and we set off early in the morning, happily it was sunny as it had rained the previous night. Our first stop was the Boh tea plantation's fields where we got up close and personal with the tea plants. The fields were incredibly beautiful and I was fascinated by how the plants took on a different texture depending on how you viewed them. From here we drove up to the highest peak and then climbed up to a viewing platform. Surprisingly I had no issues in doing this, usually I wouldn't be able to make it up to the first level, I guess my fear of heights is subsiding. The platform had seen better days, it was incredibly rusty and although I wasn't nervous about being up so high I was concerned at the amount of people that were trying to cram up onto the top level, so I escaped. Our guides then led us on a walk through the forrest where they took the time out to explain all of the local plants and their uses. I was impressed with his knowledge and the forest was more jungle than anything. I was lucky to escape with only muddy boots as some people managed to emerge with their pants and shoes covered!
From here we headed to the actual processing plant for the Boh tea plantation where we were given a tour of the factory and given time to purchase some tea at their very modern cafe and store. The tour was lots of fun but it was only a half day. By the time it ended it had clouded over and it ended up raining for the afternoon.
The next day we awoke to another sunny morning and I met up with Rachel and Yvona, two Dutch women that I was on the bus with from Melaka. We took a hike on trail number 9 and 9A through the highlands. The highlands are not only known for their tea plantations but they are also the vegetable producing area and at the end of our trek we ended up at several vegetable farms where we caught the local bus back to Tanah Rata, ironically we had the same bus driver that took us up the mountain. We had considered walking back along the road but fortunately the bus came. It would not have been a pleasant walk with all of the traffic and the steep road.
The workers at the guest house were super friendly and helpful, they booked my ticket for the bus to Georgetown the next day and took the time out to chat with me. The ride to Georgetown from Tanah Rata was definitely a treat. The views of the valleys and rivers as we weaved and wove through the mountains were incredible. I would highly recommend heading in this direction from the highlands. One of the funny signs that Tim and Sue (South African couple I met on the bus on the way to Georgetown) pointed out to me was of the "self plucking" strawberries. Interesting concept!!! Check out the photo.
To be honest, I hadn't planned on visiting any cities in Malaysia but I am extremely happy that I have taken the time to visit both Melaka and the Cameron Highlands, I like Malaysia!
previous travel blog entry
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