This row of immaculately arranged tomatoes was taken at the plantation at Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands. Most visitors often missed the varied vegetable and strawberry plantations located behind the rows of shops selling souvenirs, strawberries and vegetables. Venturing behind the shop, Kea Strawberry Farm (blue signboard), a narrow path leads one down to the many vegetables and strawberries grown in a shelter and in the open on a hill. You can buy them fresh off the soil from the farmers if you are interested. We have some fun descending the flights of steps in the cool weather and also get to see some uncommon plants such as the Lover's fruit and a strange looking bitter gourd plant.
"Wow Factor": 3/5 - Enjoyable enough as a buildup to the Tea Plantation further up the road.
That's us, excluding me.
BOH TEA PLANTATION, SUNGAI PALAS - (from main road left turn towards gunung brinchang)
Personally, the highlight of our trip is the visit to this tea valley, even though we did not arrive on time to join in the guided tour. Resplendent and majestic, the panaromic view of the tea plants against the hilly backdrop is just breathtaking. This is a must-see stop to Cameron because there is no where else quite like it in Singapore, and I understand also in Malaysia. The tour is conducted daily 4 times a day at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Each tour, lasting 45mins, includes a talk, a tea-tasting session and a walk in the plantations. After the tour, most people are so awe-inspired (you will be surprised how little you know about something as simple as the innocuous tea), you will be hooked on tea - at least for a moment long enough for you to impulse-buy the range of tea products that are on sale! Got to admit, talking from own experience...hmm.
"Wow Factor": 5/5 - Excellent, wasted trip to Cameron Highland if this is missed!
STRAWBERRY PLANTATION - (outside equatorial hotel)
By the time we get to this self-pick Strawberry Plantation, they have stopped the self-picking trade for the day at least, due to "run out of strawberries"; a sign they put up in front of the wooden gate. You still get to walk inside the "plantation", which is actually the size of about 2 basketball courts, but they are fenced up. I understand that to partake in the self-picking activity, you have to put a deposit at the front counter, after which a staff will handover a small tray to you, and from there you go in and "salvage" whatever is left behind by the people in front of you. Only 2 persons at a time are allowed.
"Wow Factor": 2/5 - Visit once to satisfy your curiosity and pay an exorbitant price for the "ooh-so-sour!" strawberries.
NIGHT MARKET/PASAR MALAM - (main roadside at brinchang town)
You cannot miss this night market as you drive along the main road up from Tana Ratah or Ringlet, where most tourists stay. Situated along the main road, this night market invariably causes a jam of vehicles heading from both the North and South. Parking your vehicle is a challenge. On the outside, the night market looks no different from the omnipresent ones we have in Singapore. However, the variety of stuff sold are refreshingly different and many of the things are only available up there. You get to buy local snacks, souvenirs, handicrafts, fresh honey, strawberries, super-fresh vegetables and even funny looking gourds (pictured below).
You cannot miss this night market as you drive along the main road up from Tana Ratah or Ringlet, where most tourists stay. Situated along the main road, this night market invariably causes a jam of vehicles heading from both the North and South. Parking your vehicle is a challenge. On the outside, the night market looks no different from the omnipresent ones we have in Singapore. However, the variety of stuff sold are refreshingly different and many of the things are only available up there. You get to buy local snacks, souvenirs, handicrafts, fresh honey, strawberries, super-fresh vegetables and even funny looking gourds (pictured below).
"Wow Factor": 4/5 - Wow! So different, with so wide a variety of items. Excellent for picking up super fresh veges and local delights.
ISKANDAR WATRFALL - (main road, 22km from Tapah Highway)
You also can't miss this Waterfall on the way up the winding road, 22km from Tapah Toll. Approximately 1/2 hour into your drive up, you notice cars park along the narrow road and roadside stalls selling Orang Asli-made handicrafts and such. The Waterfall appears on the left and you quickly find a space to slot in your vehicle. If this is your first ever encounter with a waterfall of any kind, you will be wowed by the sight of cascading water rushing down from high...it is estimated at approximately 30m. The water is cooling, but for anyone thinking of taking a dip in the pool, I advise not. Not least because of hygiene concern, but you really don't have time to dry yourself before getting into your car again.
"Wow Factor": 2/5 - Must-see for first-timers, but for most others, how much excitement can one get just staring at running water.
