The Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysias most extensive hill stations.

The size of Singapore, it occupies an area of 712 square kilometres (275 sq mi) in the Titiwangsa Mountains. To the north, its boundary touches that of Kelantan; to the west, it shares part of its border with Perak. Situated at the northwestern tip of Pahang, the Camerons is approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) from Ipoh or about 200 kilometres (120 mi) from Kuala Lumpur. It is the smallest constituency in Pahang. Discovered in 1885, it consists of three districts, namely Ringlet (5,165 hectares (12,760 acres)), Tanah Rata (2,081 hectares (5,140 acres)) and Ulu Telom (63,981 hectares (158,100 acres)). Its eight sub-districts are Ringlet, Tanah Rata (the administrative centre), Brinchang, the Bertam Valley, Kea Farm, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. All are nestled at different elevations ranging from 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above the sea level. The mean annual temperature of the resort is about 18 C (64 F). During the day, the temperature seldom rises above 25 C (77 F); at night, it can rarely drop to as low as 9 C (48 F), on the higher lands.[2] The retreat has a diverse population of more than 38,000 people. It comprises Bumiputeras (Malay (7,321); others (5,668)), Chinese (13,099), Indians (6,988), non-Malaysian citizens (5,193), and other nationalities (202).[3] Most of the residents here are entrepreneurs, service industry employees, farm workers, retirees or government representatives. The languages spoken are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are the main religions of the haven. Developed in the 1930s, the tableland is one of the oldest tourist spots in Malaysia. Apart from its tea estates, the plateau is also noted for its cool weather, orchards, nurseries, farmlands, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, wildlife, mossy forest, golf course, hotels, places of worship, bungalows, Land Rovers, museum and its aborigines (Orang Asli). The only way to the Highlands is by road. It could be reached from Ipoh, Kota Bharu, Kuala Lipis, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Raub, or Singapore. The accesses are via Tapah, Simpang Pulai, Gua Musang or Sungai Koyan. Tapah and Simpang Pulai are the approaches from Perak. Gua Musang and Sungai Koyan are the entryways from Kelantan and Pahang, respectively. CLIMATE The Cameron Highlands is one of the few places in Malaysia that is blessed with a tropical climate. Its mean annual temperature is about 18 C (64 F); its yearly precipitation is more than 2,800 mm (110 in). The lowest temperature recorded here was on Wednesday, February 1, 1978 the temperature dropped to a low of (7.8 C (46.0 F)). [22] The Geography and Environment Cameron Highlands is unlike any other constituency in Malaysia; it is not only home to hundreds of floral species that are rare to the tropics; it is also an area with a substantially different ecosystem. In 1958, the outpost was declared a reserve for deer. Four years later, it became a venue affording protection to animals and birds.[23] Located on the Main Range (Banjaran Titiwangsa), about 75 percent of the division is nestled above 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). The humidity is high with no marked dry seasons. Its wettest months are from October to November; its driest period is from January to February. The "Camerons" is one of the few places in Malaysia that serves as a habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are more than 700 species of plants that grow here. The vegetation changes as one ascends the mountain. The ward is known for its tea growing, vegetable farms and flower

nurseries. Its woodlands form the prevailing natural ecosystem within and around the prefecture. Besides its flora, the district is also acknowledged for being a shelter for a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles and insects. Of these, the Sumatran serow, Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and Malayan Whistling-Thrush are listed in the 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Geographically, the Camerons is located on the highland spine of Peninsular Malaysia. Its height varies from 1,070 metres (3,510 ft) to 2,031 metres (6,663 ft). There are eight mountains at the retreat. They are Mount (Malay: Gunung) Batu Brinchang (2,031 metres (6,663 ft)), Mount Berembun (1,840 metres (6,040 ft)), Mount Irau (2,091 metres (6,860 ft)), Mount Jasar (1,696 metres (5,564 ft)), Mount Mentigi (1,563 metres (5,128 ft)), Mount Perdah (1,576 metres (5,171 ft)) and Mount Siku (1,916 metres (6,286 ft)). Mount Swettenham (1,961 metres (6,434 ft)) is located on its border with Kelantan. At the top of Mount Batu Brinchang is a radio and television station. It was constructed by the British in the early 1950s. Close to it is the mossy forest. The trail to the forest starts from the Sungei Palas Boh Tea Plantation. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the woods by road. The Camerons is unique when compared to the other hill stations in Malaysia it is drained by eight rivers. The main rivers are the Bertam, Telom and Lemoi (Malay: Sungai Bertam, Sungai Telom and Sungai Lemoi). Their high points serve as the water catchment for the Pahang and Perak rivers (Malay: Sungai Pahang and Sungai Perak). Overall, the resort is still forested (estimated at 71 percent). Jungle trails lead visitors to scenic spots, waterfalls and aboriginal villages. Most of the tracks here begin at Tanah Rata. There are more than eight paths to pick and choose from. Depending on its distance, some routes can take as long as five hours to cover. Apart from its walks, the sanctuary is also known for it aborigines. The aborigines or Orang Asli are basically jungle dwellers. On the surface, their lifestyle has always been made out to be backward. But this has altered over the years. While many have left to take up residence in the nearby towns, there are still some who prefer to treat the woods as their home. To date, there have been many changes at the sanctuary. During the colonial era, the county was developed to be "a healthy hill station similar to Nuwara Eliya. [25] Today, it is different. During the Post-Independence Period (1957-1973), vast tracts of forests were cleared for agriculture and infrastructure development. After 1974, more land was cleared for housing schemes, power plants, logging activities, livestock farming, hotel construction, agriculture, small-scale industries, human resettlement and road building. There is no doubt some of the advances have brought on economic benefits. This, however, has come with a price. Over the years, the development (in this area) has been at the expense of the weather and the environment. [26] Landmarks and tourism[edit source] During the colonial era, the Camerons was a haven for the home sick. At present, it is a stopover for those who want to escape from the heat of the lowlands. Over the years, there have been many improvements at the province. Here are some landmarks that have withstood the test of time. Agricultural Experiment Station (MARDI) Established in 1925, the Agricultural Experiment Station was set up to determine the types crops that could grown at the tableland. For a start, studies were carried out on cinchona (Succirubra and Ledgeriana), tea (Dangri, Dhonjan, Rajghur, Charali Assam, Amulguri and Dutea), coffee (Mysore variety), orange, lemon, pomelo, tree tomato, guava, strawberry and three species of grass (Australian blue couch, carpet and Guinea grass).[27] It was confirmed the uplands could support the growing of tea. This gave the British the

impetus to develop the place. In 1971, the station became a part of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Today, it still conducts research on a wide variety of crops that are grown at the district. All Souls' Church Located in Taman Sedia, Tanah Rata, the plateau's little Church of England was once acknowledged by the early members of its congregation as The Cameron Highlands Church. The history of this establishment can be traced back to the 1950s when its services were held at either the Cameron Highlands Hotel (now the Cameron Highlands Resort) or the former Slim School. In 1958, the church was offered a piece of land which used to adjoin the previous school. The plot, which was owned by Miss Anne Griffith-Jones (18901973), was transferred to the Diocese on the understanding that a church would be built on it. To get things going, the British army donated a sum of RM$1,000 to the church. Further to this, they also gave it a dismantled Nissen hut. It has since served as its roof structure to this day. The construction of the church commenced in 1958. It was completed that same year. It was given the name All Souls Church during its consecration on Thursday, April 30, 1959. The Right Rev. Bishop H. W. Baines, the Bishop of Singapore and Malaya, conducted the services. Balas Holiday Chalet The inn is one of the oldest buildings at the resort. Built in 1935, it was once known as the Tanglin Boarding School. Founded by Miss Anne Griffith-Jones, the school began with less than 20 pupils. Its curriculum was based on the British education system. The school continued to grow until the outbreak of the Second World War. After the war, it reopened but was placed on armed guard. It closed in 1948 due to the advent of the Malayan Emergency. Cameron Highlands Golf Club It began with a six-hole golf course in 1935.[28] In the early days, the club was patronised by the wealthy. Back then, it was common to find tiger paw prints in the bunkers! Today, the club is a lot different from what it used to be. Apart from its improved facilities, it has also undergone a change in name. It is now addressed as the Kelab Golf Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS) Cameron Highlands. Chefoo School The first Chefoo School was opened in China in 1881. Its curriculum was based on the British education system. In 1952, the school moved to the Cameron Highlands due to the redeployment of missionaries throughout East Asia. Initially, the boarding school functioned from the Overseas Missionary Fellowship bungalow. In 1960, it relocated to a two-hectare site at Jalan Sultan Abu Bakar. It remained here for four decades. In June 2001, the school had to close due to a drop in its student intake. The following year, the estate was sold to the Methodist Church in Malaysia. It is presently known as the Methodist Centennial Chefoo Centre. Cluny Lodge (Singapore House) The three-storied flat was built before World War II. It sits atop a knoll overlooking the town of Brinchang. The building was bought over by the Singapore Government in the 1960s. Since then, it has been used by the employees of the Singapore Civil Service as their lodging house. Fosters Lakehouse The inn was once the address of the late Colonel Stanley J. Foster. Constructed in 1966, it took

Colonel Foster almost four years to complete it. Situated at the 30th Mile of Ringlet, the Lakehouse is perched on a hill overlooking the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake. It has a lush forest as its backdrop. HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad Previously identified as The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, HSBC Bank was the first financial institution to operate at the Highlands. In 1945, its banking services were carried out at the Cameron Highlands Hotel (now the Cameron Highlands Resort). Later, it moved to the British Military Hospital (now S.K. Convent). In 1947, it relocated to the Main Road at Tanah Rata. It has been here to this day. Kamunting Road (Jalan Kamunting) There are five houses located along the main corridor of Kamunting Road (Malay: Jalan Kamunting). They are Moonlight bungalow (A47), Sunlight mansion (A46), Unit A43, the Lee Villa (A44) and the Lutheran Mission Home (A45). The precinct was in the news when Jim Thompson disappeared from the Cameron Highlands on Sunday, March 26, 1967. More than 500 people came here to look for him. They included the police, the army, Orang Asli trekkers, Gurkhas, tourists, residents, mediums, scouts, missionaries, American school students, members of the Perak Adventurers Club and British servicemen convalescing at the retreat. After searching the area for days, Thompson was not to be found. Lutheran Mission bungalow The manor was constructed before the outbreak of the Second World War. Tucked at the far end of Kamunting Road (Malay: Jalan Kamunting), it captured the headlines when Jim Thompson vanished from the neighbourhood on Sunday, March 26, 1967. The police were told he did stop by at the premises at around 4pm. While he was at the chalet, he did not speak to anyone. After taking a look at the garden, he left the place and returned the same way from where he came.[30][31] Moonlight bungalow Located at A47 Kamunting Road (Malay: Jalan Kamunting), the mock Tudor-styled home is still a draw for the many who have had an interest in the life and disappearance of Jim Thompson. The pre-War unit was first built in 1933 by Societe Francaise des Mines dEtain de Takka, a French mining company located in Gopeng, Perak. During the Malayan Emergency (19481960), its name was changed from the French Tekka bungalow to Moonlight. After the Emergency, the land was sold to the Lings. Later, it became the property of an Ipoh lawyer. Over the years, the ownership of the bungalow has changed hands many times. Before the present owners moved in, "Moonlight" belonged to a Chinese businessman followed by a resident from Kuala Lumpur. It was later taken over by a Caucasian who then sold it to a hotelier. Today, the house is worth more than a million US dollars.[34] It is now called the Jim Thompson cottage.[35] Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) bungalow The lodge was built in 1933 to provide accommodation for Christians who were involved with the preaching of the gospel. From 1952 to 1960, it served as the campus for the former Chefoo School. Thereafter, it became a venue for Christians to gather for their church activities. Pensionnat Notre Dame (S.K. Convent) The Convent Primary School was once a boarding school for the children of the resorts expatriate community. Its history dates back to the time when the hill plain was first developed.

In the late 1920s, the Bishop of Malacca, H.E. Monsignor Emile Barillon wrote to the British government seeking a grant of land at the constituency. His purpose was to oversee a Catholic post comprising a monastery, a convent (Pensionnat Notre Dame), a retreat (Fathers House) and a church. His request was granted on condition a European boarding school was included in the plan. The construction of the Pensionnat Notre Dame began in 1929. Despite the many difficulties, it was completed in 1934. H.E. Monseigneur Adrian Pierre Devals blessed the structures foundation on Monday, July 9, 1934. The first Mass was celebrated on Sunday, May 26, 1935. The Hon. Mr. C. C. Brown, the British Resident of Pahang officially opened the complex on Saturday, July 27, 1935.[37] Thereafter, the school continued to grow. In less than three months, the student intake grew from 18 to 70. By 1940, it had more than 240 pupils. This, however, came to a halt during the Second World War (1941-1945). The Japanese turned the place into a hospital. After the war, the school was reopened but it functioned from huts within its compound. The British continued to use the site as a hospital. Known as the British Military Hospital, it was leased from the church to serve as a convalescent depot for the members of the British Army.[38] When the British withdrew in 1971, the Gothic-styled building was returned to the Catholic community. It was renamed Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan (S.K. Convent). Sunlight bungalow The double-storied mansion was once used by a British company to house its staff. The pre-War abode is located about 50 metres (160 ft) from Moonlight bungalow. It is approximately three kilometres from Brinchang or about four kilometres from Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata Post Office The post office was opened by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the then Chief Minister of Malaya on Friday, June 25, 1956. Located on the Main Road (Malay: Jalan Besar), it is one of the few post offices that continue to provide its customers with a Poste restante service. Ye Olde Smokehouse Inn Built by William J. Warin in 1939,[29][39] the mock Tudor-styled hotel is renowned for celebrating everything British. The inn is modeled on its namesake, the Smokehouse in Beck Row, Mildenhall, England, the United Kingdom. The interior is reminiscent of an English country house with open fireplaces and woodpanelled walls. Outside, the landscape would pass for an authentic English garden. The landmark overlooks the Sultan Ahmad Shah golf course on the Tanah Rata-Bringchang road junction. It is still a popular place for visitors to gather for their afternoon tea and scones. Townships and settlements[edit source] The Cameron Highlands is one of the 11 constituencies of Pahang, Malaysia. Occupying an area of 712 square kilometres (275 sq mi), the district comprises three townships and five settlements. All are nestled at different elevations ranging from 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft). The three townships are Ringlet (1,100 metres (3,600 ft)), Tanah Rata (1,400 metres (4,600 ft)) and Brinchang (1,450 metres (4,760 ft)). The five settlements are the Bertam Valley, Kea Farm, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. The eight vicinities are linked via a 34-kilometre-long road which stretches from Ringlet to Kampung Raja. Below is a brief description of the eight neighbourhoods. The Bertam Valley is a scenic spot about two kilometres from Ringlet. It is involved with the growing of fruits, flowers and vegetables. It is now the Highlands' new entryway from Pahang via Sungei Koyan from Raub or Kuala Lipis. Brinchang is the "Camerons" second biggest town. The majority of its visitors are from Singapore or

Malaysia. It is close to the "central market", orchards, nurseries, museum and golf course. Besides these attractions, the place is also known for its teeming Night Market. The outdoor bazaar is usually held during the Malaysian school holidays or on weekends. Kampung Raja is a residential area. It is the first colony after the turn off from Simpang Pulai. From here one can proceed to either Ipoh in Perak or to Gua Musang in Kelantan. Kea Farm is located at an altitude of (1,600 metres (5,200 ft)). It is one of the highest villages in Peninsular Malaysia. It is adjacent to the tea estates and Mount Batu Brinchang (Malay: Gunung Batu Brinchang). Kuala Terla is a farming commune. Its main activity is the cultivation of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Located about four kilometres from Kampung Raja, it has a mixed population comprising Chinese, Indians and Malays. Most of the residents here have no difficulties communicating in Malay. Ringlet is the first town after the turn off from Tapah. It is one of the agricultural hubs of the resort. A wide variety of vegetables are grown at this township. The cool climate also favours the growing of passion fruit, strawberries and grapefruit. Tanah Rata is the administrative centre of the retreat. The police station, government offices, hospital, schools, library, post office, shops, banks, eateries, inns, chalets, bus station and taxi stand are all within walking distance. Amenities aside, the town is also noted for its intricate network of jungle tracks: trails 4 and 9 lead to the waterfalls; the rest meander to mountains, scenic spots or aboriginal villages. Most of the walks here are fairly well marked. They generally intersect with each other to form a loop around the city. Tringkap is a farming enclave. It is a focal point for the growing of vegetables. A high percentage of its crops are grown on tiered terraces. The bulk of its produce is exported to Singapore.

THINGS TO DO . Boh Tea plantation No Cameron Highlands visit will be complete without a visit to the Boh Tea plantation. The tea company was founded in 1929 and covers three plantations or tea gardens as they are known. These are Fairlie Tea Garden, Habu Tea Garden (which was the first garden) and the Sungai Palas Tea Garden. The travel across these plantations offer views that are breathtaking, as visitors make their way through rolling hills on narrow hillside roads. The Sungai Palas Tea Centre offers visitors a chance to learn about how tea is processed and packaged in a guided factory tour, finishing off with a nice pit stop at their cafe to enjoy a variety of teas and cakes. To enter the Sungai Palas plantation, visitors have to take the lane near the Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm in Brinchang, which is the same route visitors use towards Gunung Brinchang. The tea centre operates from 9am to 4pm and is closed on Mondays. 2. Jungle walks Nature lovers and walking enthusiasts can take advantage of the hilly terrain and tracks to enjoy Cameron Highlands natural beauty. This hill station offers walks of varying difficulties, with some being a casual stroll while others are more strenuous. Some of these tracks take you into the jungle and offer views of the misty mountains. The tracks are marked 1 to 10, with a range of difficulties,

from climbing Gunung Brinchang or crossing Gunung Beremban. An easy one is Track 5 or Path 5 where you can walk through the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institution and head on the road towards Tanah Rata. Visitors are advised to speak to a local guide on the current situation of walking tracks before embarking on a walk alone, as some trails may be close due to bad weather. Those keen on doing strenuous hikes are also told to bring sufficient equipment like torchlights, warm clothing and water, and to not leave without informing a guide or hotel staff as the tracks may be more difficult to tackle than expected. Locals often talk about the mysterious disappearance of American entrepreneur Jim Thompson during a hike in 1967. Even local guides and Orang Asli trackers who know the terrain like the back of their hands failed to find him. 3. Farms Cameron Highlands cool temperatures are conducive to plant a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Farms are located across the highlands main towns, starting from Ringlet right up to Brinchang. Visitors are encouraged to head to Tringkap or Kuala Terla to have a look at the larger vegetable farms which grow crops like cabbage, cauliflower and spinach. Cameron Highlands also boasts large strawberry farms, so be sure to stop by the Big Red Strawberry Farm, also known as Taman Agro Tourism Cameron Highlands to hand-pick strawberries or enjoy some freshly made strawberry ice-cream. This beautiful hill station also offers travellers a chance to explore flower farms, located in the Bertam Valley, Kampung Raja, the Blue Valley and Habu area. Many varieties of daisies, roses and chrysanthemums thrive in this environment. 4. Steamboat cuisine Although not originally from Cameron Highlands, the Chinese Steamboat has caught on at the hill station and visitors can choose from the dozens of restaurants that offer this cuisine, loosely based on the fondue concept. Patrons get meat, vegetables and noodles to be dipped into a boiling pot filled with stock or spicy Tom Yam soup. 5. Temples Those who want to learn more about the culture and practices of people living in Cameron Highlands, can opt to stop by the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, in Brinchang. This temple sits on a hill overlooking Brinchang and offers patrons a good view of the town. It was built in 1972 and houses a large Buddha statue. Another temple is the Sri Thandayuthapani Swamy Temple, a colourful Hindu temple visited often by the tea-picking communities in the highlands. 6. Markets Markets anywhere in the world are a pleasure to visit. The ones in Cameron Highlands consist of two types, the Pasar Pagi (Morning Market) and the Pasar Malam (Night Market). The morning market is located in the centre of the Kea Farm town and operates daily from 8am. The night market is situated in Brinchang, and sets up at about 3pm till late. Visitors can buy just about anything in these markets, from fruits to gifts and souvenirs. 7. Butterfly farm Families and nature lovers can enjoy the butterfly farm where several species of this colourful insect live. It is essentially a garden built on a hill slope, and known to be one of the older tourist attractions in the area. The Butterfly Farm is located close to the famous Kea Farm, about 3km from Brinchang. Among the highlights of this farm are free-flying butterflies, a tortoise pen and a mini

insectarium. Open daily, tickets are between RM2 and RM5, with a free guided tour when available. 8. Bee Farm A not-too-distant cousin from the butterfly attraction, is the bee farm. There are several farms of this sort in the area, in Ringlet, Tringkap and Kea Farm. Watch how local honey is cultivated and learn to appreciate the role of bees in balancing the ecosystem from the exhibitions at the farms. Dont forget to sample the various types of honey available. 9. Waterfalls Beautiful waterfalls are often part and parcel of lush hilly terrains and mountainous regions. There are several waterfalls in the area, one of which is on the way to the highlands, if visitors are travelling from Tapah. This is the Lata Iskandar waterfall, a popular picnic spot and a pit stop for drivers and passengers to stretch their legs and enjoy cool, fresh air. Two other famous waterfalls are the Parit Falls, located off Trail 4, and Robinson Waterfalls which hikers can get to from Trail 9. 10. Cactus Valley Cactus Valley boasts a large variety of cactuses, some as old as 60 years. Patrons who are curious about the cactus can explore the colourful spiky plants, which come in all shapes and sizes. Located on a hillside area close to Brinchang, the farm also cultivates a range of flowers, apple trees and passion fruit plants.