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Romantic
images of Tea plantations, mountains and touches of Colonial England
were expected on my first visit to Malaysia in September 05. I
spent a week in the Highlands staying in a charming wooden guest
house; Twin Pines at Tana Rata, the small town at the heart of this
tourist centre
I must make
special mention of Twin Pines; Owned by an Indian Doctor and his wife.
This 60 year old wooden house was the friendliest of all the places I
stayed in Malaysia. You won't find luxury here; but a place of old world
charm and friendliness. I stayed longer than intended; just because of
the people I met there!
TANA RATA is
the main town here. It is little more than a single main street lined
with old shop houses and a lot of less distinguished modern apartments
with mock Tudor detailing. There some nice parks, golf courses and
plenty of places to eat. I indulged myself to lunch at the posh
Lake View Hotel shown on right. Built in the 1970s it looks quite
authentic with cozy inglenook fireplaces and old fashioned furniture.
There are plenty of colonial
houses; mock Tudor is seen even in new buildings
Parit Falls and Japanese bridge
There is some
good walking to be had here, in the cool weather of the highlands. there
is a network of scenic paths from Tana Rata. Away from the main
trails; routes can be hard to find. The Highest point is Gunrung
Brinchang which is easiest done by using the highest road in Malaysia.
This leads to a forest .... of telecom and radio masts . The only view
is from a viewpoint tower.
Fruit farms
Robinson Falls
Gunrung Brinchang 2000 m
The highlight
was a tour taking in Gunrung Brinchang the mossy forest which is a
unique cool rainforest environment. I was very lucky to see the rare
Raffelsia plant the worlds largest flower. This is found in cool
shady forests in the hills of Malaysia and Borneo. It grows for 20
months and flowers for 4 days then dies giving off a smell similar to
rotting flesh to attract insects. The one featured here was in perfect
condition 3 days into its flowering cycle.
mossy forest
Raffelsia
Pitcher Plant
Next ... Malaysian Rainforest >>
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