Today is not going to be an easy day as we have about 1350m to climb up to Tanah Rata, the city in Cameron Highlands. This area is famous for its tea valley(s?). That’s what we want to see. On the way there is a waterfall too and lots of nature. Tomorrow we will have the same kind of road but we will cycle downhill! Enjoy the visit :-)
Map.
The last night sleeping next to the train station was okay. No one bother us but there was always something going one around. I did not sleep very well. This morning we started cycling around 6:45am. Soon after I’ve seen this: Martin, there is some work for you here :-) This communication tower turned to a tree. Maybe the company wanted that. I’m not sure…
The first part from Tapah road to Tapah was flat. The rest of the day is going to be very different.
Rah, Few days ago (maybe even yesterday) I was complaining about public parks. Where were they? This is one here.
Looks like the swings from all around the country are all here ;-) That’s why we cannot find proper parks anywhere else.
Break time. We stopped at the petrol station to filter some water and then we will have something to eat.
Let’s go now.
We have a about 60km uphill to get from 50m high and up to 1400m, approximately.
Some local villages.
Few! Let’s have a break. The first stop is about 22km from Tapah. There is a waterfall. We will enjoy a cold bath.
The road is not super steep but it looks endless.
2 hours later, Lata Iskandar (Lata means waterfall in Malay) is here!
We won’t have to walk very far to see it :-)
First thing, I’m going to wask my clothes. My backpack is my bucket :-)
Now my clothes are clean, let’s have a walk.
Mmmh, where are these stairs leading?
That’s a kind of lookout.
Well, OK. I expected something better.
Going down to the touristy village.
Wish is here along the road.
One waterfall = 100 shops.
Mmm, this corns smell so good. I could not resist. 4 Ringgit.
The next step to get to Cameron Highlands is 38km long. That should take around 4 hours minimum. If we want to arrive before dark we cannot stay 3 or 4 hours at the waterfall. This time it’s 1:30pm and we are back on the road.
The air becomes fresh now, that’s good.
The Malaysian forest is huge, thick and green.
The blue Mountains! Oups, sorry that’s not Australia ;-)
24km done! Soon Ringglet for a longer break. I will wait for Stephane too because he is following somewhere.
Ringglet city or village.
Oooh, that was a long time I did not eat sushi nice lollies. Plenty of sugar :-)
We were lucky to swim in clear water few hours ago because this is not the case anymore. What are they doing here? It could be a nice clean lake but the seem to exploit it in some case.
I have a tiny feeling like I’m in the mountains but it’s not like France.
Lots and lots of farms here. These mountains are heavily industrialised. The tea plantation might be somewhere around? Is it the right road?
Aaah, finally? All this kilometres for this!
A tea valley.
This looks nice.
I’m not sure if there is more spot to seen this so I take many pictures ;-)
There is a café where we can have some local tea. Let’s try this.
Nice but I expected to see leaves. Maybe it’s a basic Lipton one.
The view from the café is great.
One more.
Two more.
That’s the café where I was minutes ago.
Last one?
Nope :-)
I’ve been here and not for nothing.
99% tea, 1% sky.
Selamat Datang! (Welcome). This is Tanah Rata! Our destination for today. Few!
The design of those buildings are very different than any other in Malaysia.
Same kind of “mountain” feeling but it could be better :-)
After walking around for a little while we decided to eat something a bit more special tonight. We deserve it! We found a restaurant called Barrack café which is very nice.
The food is more expensive but delicious. 27.50 Ringgit for a shared tea pot, French fries and a meal. It my budget for a day but that’s exceptional tonight :-)
That’s the terrace.
And some decoration.
Finally, we came back to the entrance of the city (where the welcoming sign is) to sleep. There is a small public park (one again!) It’s very dirty but it will do for the night. See ya!
Ces collines de thé sont impressionnantes. Après les espaliers de riz, et les étendues de palmiers, il ne faut pas s’étonner. En tout cas la perspective est agréable. Je suppose qu’ils ont du sacrément déboiser pour ces cultures, on voit la forêt dense au fond sur tes photos. J’adore ton menu spécial au resto : Frites !!! Lol
Wow, luxury Christmas western dinner!
The tea plantation looks pretty.