Had made many trips to Fraser Hills. Sometimes it was for walks along the Pine Tree or Bishop Trail, climbing Gunung Semangkuk, birding with Malaysia Nature Society - MNS or bringing visitors to chill out in the 18-20 degree Celsius environment. Frasers has not been as commercialized as Cameron Highlands and can be boring to the unimaginative or unadventurous traveller. Be warned couch potatoes and Facebook fiends.
Had afternoon tea at the GAP Rest House, a usual habit. This was because the last 7km of road to Frasers Hill could accomodate only 1 way traffic. At odd hours, we could ,say 1.00 pm, continue our drive. In even hours, one has to wait for the downward traffic to clear. Therefore, we usually stop for tea and scones at the GAP. This place had been operated by an old Hainanese family because they made excellent chicken chop, roasted spring chicken and butter cakes. All done in traditional wood fire. To those who have not tried, so sorry. They have since stopped operating there. Wonder where they went?
Reached our bungalow in the afternoon. Checked out the surrounding and gave a resounding nod of approval. It was quiet and secluded, a good place to unwind. There was a long driveway and an even longer walkway uphill to the property. The air was "numero uno" good and the silence from human activity was deafening. Felt relaxed immediately.
The main living room perched at the edge of the hill and we had good view of the Main Range or Titiwangsa Range before us. There were many windows to let in light and view. The lower walls were made of square stone encased in cement whilst the windows were wood throughout. Painted in white, it exuded colonial charm.
The interior did not disappoint either. The furnishings were plush and comfy. Lots of laces, floral prints, layers and flowers. There were 2 Chesterton chairs in front of the tv but instead of the usual checkered brown it was light pink in colour. In addition, there were 2 sets of dining table, an oval shaped 8 seater and a square 4 seater.
The children played gameboy, sang karaoke, played hide and seek and ran around the compound. The trip was short but it afforded time to be away from the norm and allowed more interaction time. More so for me being the typical Chinaman dad that have difficulty to bond like Mr. Brady of the Brady Bunch show.
Saturday, 6 November 2004
Tuesday, 2 November 2004
Colourfest in Cameroun Highlands
It was a family visit to Cameron Highlands and naturally flowers were a main draw. It was in the afternoon that we arrived at the Malaysian Agricultural and Research and Development Institute or MARDI in short. It was an agro technological park which meant lots of research on new plants, its diseases and care.
The park has its main building in Tudor architecture to give it an English feel. Weather was great that afternoon, cloudy and cool at 1200m above sea level. The place had different gardens that grew orchids, roses, herbs and flowers. There were not many visitors that day as the school holidays have yet to start and it was after all a working day.
We feasted our eyes on the myriad of vegetables and its colours. Yellow,red and green bell peppers which looked ordinary in supermarket displays somehow were more vibrant when viewed fresh on its branches. Bunches of fresh tomatoes were all over the floor, too heavy for the plant to carry upright.
Pink flowers grown in rows of hedge gave good depth for photography sessions. As usual, the children were most excited while their mum kept a watchful eye. By afternoon's end, my wife and I were exhausted, making us wonder why we go on holidays and find no rest.
After MARDI we visited the tea factory at BOH Tea Plantation, Sg Palas. Located in the next town of Brinchang, the drive took half an hour. BOH provides hourly guided tour for visitors to its factory.One can see how tea leaves become a heavenly brew. After the tour, you can relax by the tea house overlooking this verdant plantation. Neat rows of tea dot the whole valley and its greenery soothed our tired eyes, no computers or idiot boxes, just beautiful mother nature.
Don't forget to have afternoon tea here. Order some freshly baked scones with home made jam. Forget those from Tesco! You won't regret it. Cheers.
The park has its main building in Tudor architecture to give it an English feel. Weather was great that afternoon, cloudy and cool at 1200m above sea level. The place had different gardens that grew orchids, roses, herbs and flowers. There were not many visitors that day as the school holidays have yet to start and it was after all a working day.
We feasted our eyes on the myriad of vegetables and its colours. Yellow,red and green bell peppers which looked ordinary in supermarket displays somehow were more vibrant when viewed fresh on its branches. Bunches of fresh tomatoes were all over the floor, too heavy for the plant to carry upright.
Pink flowers grown in rows of hedge gave good depth for photography sessions. As usual, the children were most excited while their mum kept a watchful eye. By afternoon's end, my wife and I were exhausted, making us wonder why we go on holidays and find no rest.
After MARDI we visited the tea factory at BOH Tea Plantation, Sg Palas. Located in the next town of Brinchang, the drive took half an hour. BOH provides hourly guided tour for visitors to its factory.One can see how tea leaves become a heavenly brew. After the tour, you can relax by the tea house overlooking this verdant plantation. Neat rows of tea dot the whole valley and its greenery soothed our tired eyes, no computers or idiot boxes, just beautiful mother nature.
Don't forget to have afternoon tea here. Order some freshly baked scones with home made jam. Forget those from Tesco! You won't regret it. Cheers.
Sunday, 29 August 2004
National Day On Top Mt Kinabalu via Timpohan Trail
My buddy and I thought it would be great to climb Mt Kinabalu ( 4,095.2m or 13,432ft ) and celebrate National Day on its peak. This trip, we chose the most popular trail through the Timpohan Gate.
Arrived Kota Kinabalu, and went to the Gaya Street Sunday morning market. Bustling with tourists and locals, the whole street was closed to traffic to allow traders to sell their wares. You can find paintings, souvenirs, footwear, handicrafts and plants. Even saw ornamental air-plants being sold. Thought that was not a native flora of Sabah!
The atmosphere was great, truly relaxed as you browsed with locals and bargain with the traders for things that interest you. Sabahans like to use the word 'bah' in their slang. Just so like us to use 'lah' in the peninsular. Note also there a lot of migrants from Philippines that have made Sabah their home.
Kota Kinabalu to the Kinabalu National Park was about 2 hour ride away. As we near the park area, one can see many vegetable gerai ( stalls ) and signage for Kundasang Valley a few kilometres further. Remember to stop by one of these stalls and you will probably discover the tarap, a fruit that can't be found in the Semenanjung ( pic below ). Looks like a cross between jackfruit and durian. Pungent and banned from hotel rooms like the durian. Flesh was not as creamy as the durian.
The plan was head to Kinabalu Park for 1 night, then to a mid-point lodge at Laban Rata. After a few hours of rest, we would ascend Mt Kinabalu at 2.00am. The hike to Laban Rata was not that difficult if one trained adequately. However at Laban Rata ( 3,270m or 10,730ft ) the effects of altitude sickness may kick in. I had a mild headache and could not really sleep.
Although Laban Rata was only 2 km away from the peak, the hike can take 4-5 hours.The cold, wind and steep climb would play tricks on your resolve to scale the mountain. There were no vegetation at this stage, hence one need to climb and descend early before the sun comes out in force. What struck me was the size of this rock! For many hours, you would not be able to see the peak. It was full moon behind me and you can see your shadow ahead all the time.
We reached Low's Peak well before dawn and waited to greet the morning sun. The experience was surreal. Things that went through my mind was ;
- This was one giant granite.
- The silence was deafening.
- The first light that struck the horizon was mystical.
- Satisfied face of climbers was everywhere.
- Was truly humbled and life's challenges quickly fell into perspective.
On 31st August 2004, there was no conquering of South East Asia's highest mountain in my mind. Instead this Merdeka ( National Day ) was my most memorable. Lady Kinabalu has allowed me to savour her beauty and majesty. For the first time, I declared my 'Malaysia Boleh' in a positive way.
Arrived Kota Kinabalu, and went to the Gaya Street Sunday morning market. Bustling with tourists and locals, the whole street was closed to traffic to allow traders to sell their wares. You can find paintings, souvenirs, footwear, handicrafts and plants. Even saw ornamental air-plants being sold. Thought that was not a native flora of Sabah!
The atmosphere was great, truly relaxed as you browsed with locals and bargain with the traders for things that interest you. Sabahans like to use the word 'bah' in their slang. Just so like us to use 'lah' in the peninsular. Note also there a lot of migrants from Philippines that have made Sabah their home.
Kota Kinabalu to the Kinabalu National Park was about 2 hour ride away. As we near the park area, one can see many vegetable gerai ( stalls ) and signage for Kundasang Valley a few kilometres further. Remember to stop by one of these stalls and you will probably discover the tarap, a fruit that can't be found in the Semenanjung ( pic below ). Looks like a cross between jackfruit and durian. Pungent and banned from hotel rooms like the durian. Flesh was not as creamy as the durian.
The plan was head to Kinabalu Park for 1 night, then to a mid-point lodge at Laban Rata. After a few hours of rest, we would ascend Mt Kinabalu at 2.00am. The hike to Laban Rata was not that difficult if one trained adequately. However at Laban Rata ( 3,270m or 10,730ft ) the effects of altitude sickness may kick in. I had a mild headache and could not really sleep.
Although Laban Rata was only 2 km away from the peak, the hike can take 4-5 hours.The cold, wind and steep climb would play tricks on your resolve to scale the mountain. There were no vegetation at this stage, hence one need to climb and descend early before the sun comes out in force. What struck me was the size of this rock! For many hours, you would not be able to see the peak. It was full moon behind me and you can see your shadow ahead all the time.
We reached Low's Peak well before dawn and waited to greet the morning sun. The experience was surreal. Things that went through my mind was ;
- This was one giant granite.
- The silence was deafening.
- The first light that struck the horizon was mystical.
- Satisfied face of climbers was everywhere.
- Was truly humbled and life's challenges quickly fell into perspective.
On 31st August 2004, there was no conquering of South East Asia's highest mountain in my mind. Instead this Merdeka ( National Day ) was my most memorable. Lady Kinabalu has allowed me to savour her beauty and majesty. For the first time, I declared my 'Malaysia Boleh' in a positive way.
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