CAMERON HIGHLANDS STILL SUPREME AS A TOURIST DRAW

By Zulkiple Ibrahim

CAMERON HIGHLANDS (Malaysia), Feb 10 (Bernama) -- "There are many things to
see and do in Cameron Highlands," Mike Richards, whom this writer met in Cameron
Highlands, said about Malaysia's premier hill resort.

Richards, who last visited this highland resort two years ago, said despite
the temperatures here are slightly warmer now, Cameron Highlands is still cool.

Located on the Titiwangsa Range, the temperature in Cameron Highlands can
drop to 16?C or lower at certain times.

"You can't beat the weather up here. Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's largest
highland resort. We enjoy walking through lovely little villages, the butterfly,
strawberry and honey bee farms. There are also huge and sprawling tea
plantations," he said.

Cameron Highlands is well known for its tea plantations. The two tea estate
owners are Boh and Bharat. Boh operates sprawling tea estates in Habu and sungai
Palas, measuring some 3,237.6 hectares of area while Bharat owns smaller tea
gardens between Brinchang and Tanah Rata, an area totalling 809.4 hectares.

Malaysians are familiar with the Boh range of tea while Bharat markets its
tea under the Cameron Valley range.

Drinking tea is popular here, among locals and tourists alike.

"Actually for the locals, having this beverage is more of a tradition.
however tourists say that the tea beverage tasted good here, as compared to the
lowlands," said resident and grocery shop owner Chin Leong.

FLOWERS, VEGETABLES

Cameron Highlands is a 'cool getaway' from the heat in the cities and that
is one of the main factor that attracts visitors particularly those from the
cities and other lowland areas in the country.

Due to its cool climate, Cameron Highlands is a primarily agricultural
domain.

You will find an abundance of vegetables and fruits farms here and the
lovely sight of extraordinary flowers that you cannot see flourishing elsewhere.

Ahmad Bahrain, a resident of Ipoh the capital of the northern state of
Perak, said his family visited Cameron Highlands regularly to buy the fresh and
cheap vegetables.

The vegetable market located metres from the Equatorial Hotel (near
Brinchang town) is 'overwhemingly' popular with visitors. At the market,
particularly in the morning during the weekend and public holidays, it is common
to see vehicles bearing outstation registration number plates parked on both
sides of the road.

At the market, 10 packets of various types of fresh vegetables sell for
RM10 (about US$3). There are fresh strawberries too, selling as cheap as two
packets for RM15 (U$4.8).

Most of the tourist spots are located around the route to Blue Valley.
Visitors will find the markets, vegetable farms, flower gardens, bee gardens and
butterfly gardens along this route. The road also branches out to the Sungai
Palas Boh tea plantation and visit the tea-processing factory to have a cup of
tea while enjoying the breathtaking view of the plantation.

Cameron Highlands is made up of three main towns followed by smaller
settlements - Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Kea Farm, Tringkap, Kuala Terla
and Kampung Raja.

In Brinchang, the night market which is open every Saturday night and on
holidays, features all kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruits and other products
of the highlands. This place can get really crowded during the weekends and
holiday season.

ACOMMODATION

Visitors should not worry about getting accommodation here as there are many
hotels as well as lodging houses and private apartments.

Apartment owner M. Krishnan said the private apartment units are fairly
priced. Each of his third-floor three-room units, located in the Greenhill
apartments in Tanah Rata, is going for RM150 (US$48) on a weekday and RM180
(US$58)on the weekend.

Each of the apartment is equipped with a refrigerator, television as well
as the necessary facilities apart from having two bathrooms. Comfortable indeed
for one who has a huge family.

With all the attractions and facilities available, Cameron Highlands reigns
supreme among the list of holiday destinations in Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA