Cameron Highland

It was just a 'on-the-spot' kind of decision. Tong Seng said the gang is taking a short break in Cameron Highlands. I jumped at the chance. The last time I visited was more than 10 years ago! I remembered we stayed in the HSBC Bungalow courtesy of Andrew Lim who was working with the bank then. That was a good trip. So many memories.

We left early last Friday. The worst part of the whole trip was being caught in this horrific traffic jam. It took us almost an hour to get to the Sungai Buluh rest area. I was so glad to get out of Kuala Lumpur. We had a piss break at the Tapah rest area and pig out in the KFC corner (well we were in holiday mood). Alex (the driver for the trip) missed the turn off to the Highland (it was almost next to the rest area), so we drove further down to the next one, Simpang Pulai. I thought this route was more scenic and less demanding. In my younger days going up the Highlands was always a challenge because most of my aunties will get car sickness from the winding roads.

Alex drove a Toyota Alphard so the journey was very comfortable. I hardly felt the corners and ascent. Anyway I was too engrossed with the beautiful sceneries to mind the steep climb. Our first stop was the Boh Tea plantion. Along the way we passed through lots of vegetable farms. The vista of the tea plantation was breath taking, the open space totally covered with either jungle or tea bushes. We had a light lunch in the cafe. Needless to say the air was terribly invigorating, just as if someone had switched on a giant air-conditioner. After lunch we toured the little tea museum and factory. Although the displays were few but I found them interesting.

My primary reason for this trip is to exercise my camera. Unfortunately the weather got a bit dicey. I got a call from Stephen later in the day telling me Kuala Lumpur was practically flooding in a big storm. No wonder we had billowing clouds and intermittent showers all the time. Nevertheless I was stopping Alex every now and then so that I can take another shot. Poor guy was most patient.

We stayed in the Century Pine hotel. I guessed the room is decent enough. I had a big room with the balcony facing a copse of green trees. Dinner was sitting out in the open with a huge cauldron of seafood and vegetables. Yummy. After dinner we just while our time walking the one main street. I guessed the highlight was me finding a shop that stocked Mah Meri carvings. They were so gorgeous but for me still expensive. A small mask cost RM400! I know they are worth it since it is one of a kind and totally unique because no where in the world makes them. Maybe the next time.

The next day was a whirlwind of hotel hopping, farm visitation and even a stop at a Temple. So my camera was kept busy. We visited the other Boh tea plantation. This one much older. I even climbed up to the very top of the hill. Unfortunately it started to rain just as we 'conquered' the summit. I couldn't do much snapping because the rain was rather heavy. For dinner we went ang mor but the food was a big let down. That evening was a big wash out because it rained the whole night. I went and salivated at the Mah Meri masks again. Good sense prevailed and I did not buy anything. Maybe my lost. Aaaaargh.

The next morning, after breakfast, Chung and me hightailed to the little garden across the street. We went hog crazy taking pictures of all the flora there. Every blade and bloom was fresh and wet! The air was just incredible. We left the Highland early and along the way we did some vegetable and cactus shopping. We then beelined to Bidor. This place brought back so many memories. We ate at 'Pun Chun', of course we had their famous 'Arp Tui Mee' (duck leg noodles). I still remember my father always took us (I was pee wee then) to this shop on our way to Ipoh. I was always glad to see Bidor, it means we are almost reaching granny house.

Besides the famous noodle, you must (de riguer) buy the 'chicken biscuit' and 'sat keih mah' from the shop. Outside the shop you can buy 'petai' (just gathered from the jungle) and seedless 'kai see kor' (jambu).

I am so glad I went for this trip. Not for anything else, just all those old memories are themself priceless.