Cameron Highlands

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We have just had the most fabulous 3 days up here in the cool Cameron Highlands.

We have been staying in a little town called Tanah Rata, which has such a lovely vibe to it. The first day we just mooched a bit, ate good food and got to know the place. The second day we booked ourselves on an all day trip with a brilliant company called Eco Cameron, they specialise in all things nature with an environmentally friendly approach. Our guide turned out to be somewhat of a legend with all things nature and botanical, Francis you were da man!

Our day of adventure started out with a 2 hour trek through the rainforest in search of the famous Rafflesia flower, these things are so rare and only grow in certain parts of Asia. The trek (or my graveyard) as I thought it was going to be was hard going to say the least. The pace was fast and uphill in many parts and the humidity was unbearable but well well worth it so spend that time with Francis learning about the Rainforest and its nature, not to mention being at one with the rainforest. His knowledge was incredible!

Some of the things we saw was wild ginger, cinnamon plant, pitcher plants, wild orchids, lots of edible berries which we munched on along the way and citronella plants, tons more but cant remember the names. All of which had a use or could be eaten in order to survive in the forest.

Finally we found the Rafflesia flower which was absolutely beautiful and worth every drop of my sweat.

Francis then tought us how to use a blow pipe and we was helped with this by the indigenous orang asli people who use these still today to hunt in the rainforest. I was more than impressed by my aim, pretty good shot if I dont say so myself. Had to buy a handmade one by the orang people didnt I, so I'm armed with a blow pipe and darts, watch out you lot......with one puff of air I could give you a very sore ass.........

Off to the BOH tea plantation next, this place was unreal, the views OMG! Founded by an scotsman no less but employs mostly local people.

Another trek into the Mossy Forest, much more sedate this time but so dramatic in there. It felt magical.......is all I can say about it and the pics probably dont do it justice but trust me on his one, it was stunningly beautiful.

We had 3 other people with us on the tour and they became good pals by the end of the day, we bonded over sweat, mud, laughter, aching muscles, bone shaking 4x4 drives and at the end of the day food and BEER! Muriel from the Phillipines and Lahomie and Quentin from France top laughs was had. We asked Francis to drop us all off at Brunching night market on the way home and ate some lovely street food (Audrey that cockle noodle dish was deeeelish) Adam and Quentin bonded over gadgets and camera lenses.....

On our last day we got wheels baby!......I said wheels baby!..... Oh the freedom, I'd forgotten just how much I loved having a motobike when we are away. Off down little back streets, whizzing around, stopping where we wanted to, getting waved at by the locals (seems the Indian Malaysians love westerners and go out their way to smile and wave). Went to another tea plantation and again OMG the views! We stopped at a bee farm and bought some honey, called in at a Strawberry farm (strawbs are the Cameron Highlands usp), been to the Smokehouse which is a mock tudor house built in the 30's under British rule and had afternoon tea which was delightfully civil.

It's been an amazing time here but ready to move on now, Penang calls.......

Being re united with our rucksacs really is what it's about. We are so lucky to be able to do this.

Peace out y'all xx

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Comments

[Sue Ladiges]

"Wow"
Youv'e definately got a "Wow" !! xxx

[Julie]

Amazing
Fabulous photos...& script.. Looks & sounds amazing xx