Singapore Hotels & Malaysia Hotels
About Singapore Malaysia

CAMERON HIGHLANDS 2

There are no visitor information services here. They've been closed for a very long time, and have no immediate plans for reopening. Walking in each town is a snap because the places are so small, but the towns are far apart, so a walk between them could take up much time. There are local buses that ply at odd times between them for around RM3 (US80Q), or you could pick up one of the ancient, unmarked taxis and cruise between towns for RM4 (US$1.05). You'll find banks with ATMs and money-changing services along the main road in 'Fanah Rata.

The best choice for accommodations here is The Smokehouse Hotel. Situated between 'I'anah Rata and Brinchang, this picturesque Tudor mansion has pretty gardens outside and a charming old-world ambience inside. Built in 1937 as a country house in the heyday of colonial British getaways, the conversion into a hotel has kept the place happily in the 1930s. Guest suites have four-poster beds and antique furnishings, and are stocked with plush amenities. The hotel encourages guests to play golf at the neighboring course, sit for afternoon tea with strawberry confections, or trek along nearby paths (for which they'll provide a picnic basket). It's all a bizarre escape from Malaysia, but an extremely charming one (Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang Darul Makmur; ,05/491-1215; fax 05/491-1214; RM400-RM600/US$105-US$158 suite).

For a more economical place to stay try The Cool Point Hotel (891 Persiaran Dayang Endah, 39000 Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang Darul Makmur; OS/491-4914; fax 05/491-4070; RM125-RM180/US$33-US$47 double). Cool Point has an outstanding location, a 2-minute walk to Tanah Rata. While the modern building has some Tudor-like styling on the outside, the rooms inside arc pretty standard, but the place is very clean. Make sure you book your room early. This place is always a sellout.

Most of the sights can be seen in a day, but it's difficult to plan your time well. In Cameron Highlands I recommend trying one of the sightseeing outfits in either Brinchang or Tanah Rata. C. S. Travel & Tours, 47 Main Rd., Tanah Rata (10 05/491-1200; fax 05/491-2390), is a highly reputable agency that will plan half-day tours for RM15 (US$3.95) or full days starting from RM80 (US$21). On your average tour you'll sec the Bob tea plantation and factory, flower nurseries, rose gardens, strawberry farms, butterfly farms and the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple. You're required to pay admission to each attraction yourself. They also provide trekking and overnight camping tours in the surrounding hills with local trail guides. Treks are RM30 (US$7.90), camping RM150 (US$39) for 2 days and 1 night. Bookings are requested at least 1 day in advance. Also, pretty much every hotel can arrange these services for you.
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