C is for Cameron Highlands

C is for Cameron Highlands.

Cameron Highlands is a popular holiday destination in Malaysia. The cool temperate weather is one of the main draws to this hill station with elevations ranging from 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level.

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).

Tea plantations in Cameron Highlands.. Wikipedia

The Time Tunnel museum located within the Kok Lim Strawberry Farm.. Wikipedia
Situated at the northwestern tip of Pahang, the “Camerons” is approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) from Ipoh, roughly 200 kilometres (120 mi) from Kuala Lumpur or about 355 kilometres (221 mi) from Kuantan, the capital of Pahang.

During the colonial era, the “Camerons” was a haven for those who were homesick. Today, it is a stopover for those who want to escape from the heat of the lowlands. [36] Over the years, there have been many improvements at the province. Some landmarks have withstood the test of time such as this, Ye Olde SmokeHouse Hotel, an English Tudor boutique style hotel, built in 1939 and is situated adjacent to a beautiful golf course.

As you can see from the map below (courtesy of Ye Olde SmokeHouse Hotel), there is a lot of things to partake in at Cameron Highlands.

Here's a You Tube video to give you an idea of one of the attractions or what's in store for you on a weekend visit to Cameron Highlands.

This video was published recently, May 20, 2017. Here's what the publisher, Expat Angela, has to say:

The next time you're headed up to the gorgeous hill stations of Cameron Highlands, plan your trip around the weekend so you can explore the delicious and fun night market there. Malaysia's Cameron Highlands Pasar Malam is the ONLY night market in all of the Cameron Highlands and it is full of some unique and tasty treats, tons of fruits and vegetables from local farmers, homemade honey and juices, and even locally made wooden and other handicrafts. And if you're coo coo for strawberries, well this place is your nirvana because they have everything from organic fresh berries to keychains and strawberry umbrellas!

I honestly had so much fun. My only regret was that it was raining and I had to hold my camera with only one hand! I ate a ton, shopped a bit, and really enjoyed the lovely friendliness of everyone I encountered.

Enjoy!

B is for Batu Caves

B is for Batu Caves.

When in Kuala Lumpur, capital city of Malaysia, (KL for short), chances are your guided tour itinerary would include a visit to the Batu Caves.

Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples (Hindu) located on the fringe of the city center in Gombak, Selangor. In fact, it is along the stretch of MRR2 (Middle Ring Road 2, one of a number of highways in the Klang Valley). It is visible from the highway itself. That's how easily accessible it is.

Rising almost 100m above the ground, the Batu Caves temple complex consists of three main caves and a few smaller ones. The limestone forming Batu Caves is said to be around 400 million years old.. Wikipedia. 272 concrete steps up will take you to the main Temple Caves.

Standing at 42.7 m (140 ft) high, the world's tallest statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity, is located outside Batu Caves.

The main temple of Murugan
Tip:
If you don't mind crowds or want to soak in some local culture, time your visit to Batu Caves to during Thaipusam, a Hindu festival that can see thousands making it to the caves either as devotees or plain visitors for a life-time experience. I kid you not. Kavadi-carriers are indeed a sight to behold.


Image source: Wikipedia

A is for Air Asia

The A to Z Blogging Challenge begins today! Exciting month ahead.

For the month of April, my posts here will primarily be on Malaysia, the theme I chose to write about for the Blogging Challenge this year. Welcome to Malaysia!

And let the Challenge begin!

A.. can be for many nice things in Malaysia but I have chosen Air Asia, but of course.

The World's Best Low Cost Airline is Malaysia's very own Air Asia. They have been the Best for the 9th year in a row. You read it right. This was revealed at the 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards held at the Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France in June last year, 2017.

When Air Asia has a Mega Sale, at least once or twice a year, I have lost count, one is able to travel with a '0' fare ticket to selected destinations. You only need pay surcharges. Now Everyone Can Fly so says Air Asia.. it's even on their aircraft livery.

Source: Yahoo.jp
Malaysia has seen an increase in air travel for leisure - in and around the country as well as overseas because of the availability of cheap airfares, thanks to Air Asia.

Imagine going to Johore Bharu, Bali, Hua Hin or Xian for as low as RM 29! For perspective, that's roughly USD7.50. Or visit Seoul, Jeju, or Busan for as low as RM 249 (below USD65)! Incidentally, these are their current offerings for a travel date later this year. See image below. For more information, visit the Air Asia website.

Ahem... a little digression here, a pretty picture no less. AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes married his Korean girlfriend, Chloe, in France.

B... comes up tomorrow. See you then.

You can read my posts for the 2016 A-to-Z Blogging Challenge.