Malaysia : Road Trip to Cameron Highlands

[Hotshot85]

Enjoy your trip...been to all the attractions?tonight should have a pasar malam in brinchang.hope you din missed it. cheers.

 

Hello! And thanks.. yep, already been to the attractions we intended to head to hehe.

 

Just an update to all: Arrived at Swiss Garden, Kuantan a few mins ago for a dinner stopover(thats almost 8hrs since i set off). Travelling from CH to Gua Musang is a breeze, the long and windy road from blue valley onwards is wide and very very few cars. Do note though some areas will be under maintenance and there'll be detours to get around it. Make sure you really slow down in time the moment u see the awas signboard and barriers. I almost crashed into a oncoming loggin truck while making a tight 90 degree left. However, from GM onwards to Kenyir lake was a nightmare. Many parts of the road were still under construction. The numerous large potholes really gave me a nightmare haha. Was worried my Rex's bumper, suspension or transmission will give way. If any of you do happen to travel in this area, there'll be a few police "checkpoints". Head towards them to verify your direction to take, as there were a few forks that were unlisted on the map since its those FELDA area. From LK, headed towards the general direction of route 3 to proceed to kuantan. Heavy rain in a few spots here and there so visibility dropped severely. Unpredictable weather plus lorries lane hogging slowed the whole journey by alot. But if u prefer a route out of the norm, I'd highly recommend the coastal roads if u ain't rushing for time.

 

Well, gonna enjoy my dinner now, will upload pics when I'm back. Drive safe everyone!

 

[Voodooman]

Hello! And thanks.. yep, already been to the attractions we intended to head to hehe.

 

Just an update to all: Arrived at Swiss Garden, Kuantan a few mins ago for a dinner stopover(thats almost 8hrs since i set off). Travelling from CH to Gua Musang is a breeze, the long and windy road from blue valley onwards is wide and very very few cars. Do note though some areas will be under maintenance and there'll be detours to get around it. Make sure you really slow down in time the moment u see the awas signboard and barriers. I almost crashed into a oncoming loggin truck while making a tight 90 degree left. However, from GM onwards to Kenyir lake was a nightmare. Many parts of the road were still under construction. The numerous large potholes really gave me a nightmare haha. Was worried my Rex's bumper, suspension or transmission will give way. If any of you do happen to travel in this area, there'll be a few police "checkpoints". Head towards them to verify your direction to take, as there were a few forks that were unlisted on the map since its those FELDA area. From LK, headed towards the general direction of route 3 to proceed to kuantan. Heavy rain in a few spots here and there so visibility dropped severely. Unpredictable weather plus lorries lane hogging slowed the whole journey by alot. But if u prefer a route out of the norm, I'd highly recommend the coastal roads if u ain't rushing for time.

 

Well, gonna enjoy my dinner now, will upload pics when I'm back. Drive safe everyone!

 

Looks like you will reach Singapore after 1 am, assuming average speed of 130kmh. I hate driving on Route 3 at night, especially if it is raining. Drive safe and thanks for the descriptive report on Gua Musang to Lake Kenyir route.

 

[Hotshot85]

You're welcome bro. Decided not to continue the journey anymore for tonight. Bad weather plus fatigue.. doesnt make a good combination for driving I guess. Checked into Classic Hotel (super budget) to catch some shut eye haha.

 

P.S. Wasn't really clear on my description regarding the police checkpoints. If you do happen to spot one, dont run away and change to another direction/fork. Going to them should generally mean that will be the correct heading. However, to double confirm, do ask them too since they're familiar with the area. Most seem to be able to speak basic english.

Edited April 29, 2012 by Hotshot85

[Shibadog]

Hi all,

 

I made a trip to CH a few mths ago. From my home to CH and back, total 1400km, 199 liters of petrol, toll charges approx rm160. Went up by Simpang Pulai, down via Tapah. Enjoyed both the drive and the stay in CH.

 

My party spent two nites in SPM Resort Home - a bungalow. Quite well maintained and located along a nice ridgeline just off Tanah Rata.

 

Went up to the lookout tower at Gunung Berinchang after stopping by Sungei Palas tea centre. The drive was steep and narrow but the key concern was having to go off the road in some areas when encountering oncoming vehicles (usually the car on downslope give way to the car heading up.) My sump guard scrapped the ground/edge of road on some sections and had to look for a good place to reenter the tarmac. Also a bit muddy but my tires had no problem with traction. I was wishing i had more ground clearance... Not recommended for lowered rides.

 

Night market was fun. Regret did not keep spare capacity during steamboat dinner for tidbits from the night market.

 

I saw a few shops in CH selling local durian. Anyone tried? price ranged fm rm8-rm20 per KG. I did not try cos the durians looked really aged (brown and dry husks and stems) but i am not sure if this is the characteristic of local durians. I heard that highland durians are good... I may make another trip to CH soon and hope to try the durian.

 

cheers~

[The_Bear]

Hi all,

 

I made a trip to CH a few mths ago. From my home to CH and back, total 1400km, 199 liters of petrol, toll charges approx rm160. Went up by Simpang Pulai, down via Tapah. Enjoyed both the drive and the stay in CH.

 

My party spent two nites in SPM Resort Home - a bungalow. Quite well maintained and located along a nice ridgeline just off Tanah Rata.

 

Went up to the lookout tower at Gunung Berinchang after stopping by Sungei Palas tea centre. The drive was steep and narrow but the key concern was having to go off the road in some areas when encountering oncoming vehicles (usually the car on downslope give way to the car heading up.) My sump guard scrapped the ground/edge of road on some sections and had to look for a good place to reenter the tarmac. Also a bit muddy but my tires had no problem with traction. I was wishing i had more ground clearance... Not recommended for lowered rides.

 

Night market was fun. Regret did not keep spare capacity during steamboat dinner for tidbits from the night market.

 

I saw a few shops in CH selling local durian. Anyone tried? price ranged fm rm8-rm20 per KG. I did not try cos the durians looked really aged (brown and dry husks and stems) but i am not sure if this is the characteristic of local durians. I heard that highland durians are good... I may make another trip to CH soon and hope to try the durian.

 

cheers~

 

Nice drive. Maybe I will check out SPM resort home the next time I am going. I always want to do my own steamboat in CH but most hotels dun haf the facilities.

 

The durian from Tapah used to be quite famous before all the D24, catmountain thing started. Not too sure about those in CH.

[TameDriver]

 

I have this ex-colleague who grew up in CH who did recommended the local durians to us....

 

I have tried it at a roadside stall in Tanah Rata, not cheap becos supply is inconsistent,

has to be scavenged by the Orang Asli as these were wild durians.

Appearance- small, irregular shaped with small closely distributed thorns.

Flesh- thin and pale.

The only nice thing I find eating durian there was becos the weather is cool and I dislike warm durians!

 

[The_Bear]

I have this ex-colleague who grew up in CH who did recommended the local durians to us....

 

I have tried it at a roadside stall in Tanah Rata, not cheap becos supply is inconsistent,

has to be scavenged by the Orang Asli as these were wild durians.

Appearance- small, irregular shaped with small closely distributed thorns.

Flesh- thin and pale.

The only nice thing I find eating durian there was becos the weather is cool and I dislike warm durians!

 

Ahhh....I remember seeing the Orang Asli's selling them in their huts midway up from the Tapah route. Small ones.

[Shibadog]

Nice drive. Maybe I will check out SPM resort home the next time I am going. I always want to do my own steamboat in CH but most hotels dun haf the facilities.

 

The durian from Tapah used to be quite famous before all the D24, catmountain thing started. Not too sure about those in CH.

 

 

Ah... SPM Resort Home dun allow cooking :)

 

thanks tamedriver for the FR on durians. I also prefer to eat cold durians. Sometimes will buy on the way to genting and eat in the open park areas

[Berncsp76]

Hi

 

Glad you enjoyed the trip.

 

Any nice pics taken? the bungalow you mentioned with how many rooms available? whats the damage?

 

Lowered cars are ok to go, just do go real slow and more patience.

 

I will be back there probably towards end of this year to enjoy the cool cool atmosphere.

 

[Berncsp76]

Ahhh....I remember seeing the Orang Asli's selling them in their huts midway up from the Tapah route. Small ones.

 

 

yeah I remember trying them but it was moons ago, probably about 20years back...

 

Taste wise did leave impression on me but was having serious flu bout this cant really smell...

[The_Bear]

yeah I remember trying them but it was moons ago, probably about 20years back...

 

Taste wise did leave impression on me but was having serious flu bout this cant really smell...

I had some by the waterfall. Dunno if they are the same type.

[The_Bear]

Hi

 

Glad you enjoyed the trip.

 

Any nice pics taken? the bungalow you mentioned with how many rooms available? whats the damage?

 

Lowered cars are ok to go, just do go real slow and more patience.

 

I will be back there probably towards end of this year to enjoy the cool cool atmosphere.

 

1 year since my last visit to CH. Need to plan but schedule quite packed.

[Shibadog]

http://spmresort.blogspot.com/

Hi

 

Glad you enjoyed the trip.

 

Any nice pics taken? the bungalow you mentioned with how many rooms available? whats the damage?

 

Lowered cars are ok to go, just do go real slow and more patience.

 

I will be back there probably towards end of this year to enjoy the cool cool atmosphere.

 

 

 

Hi,

 

http://spmresort.blogspot.com/ is the link for the bungalow. It is split into 3 separate units, each with own living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. At 1st i was concerned cos payment is made via e-transfer into their SG bank, but we had no problems when checking in. Email them for more info.

 

Patience? a bit difficult when hv an oncoming car charging upslope towards u But if you ask me, yes i will do it again

 

year end - wouldn't it mean more rain? but cooler yah. Shiok.

 

rgds~

[Spanly]

Intend to drive to CH for the very first time this coming mid June... did Genting a few times before but this would be much tougher... reading thru the advice fr the bros here, i would take the easier but longer new road

 

Intend to stay at the Hotel Equatorial... how do I go visit the night market from there? Need to drive(but I read difficult to find parking?) or is there shuttle service fr the hotel? Any advice on decent steamboat to try (or just have it at the hotel restaurant)?

[Shibadog]

Intend to drive to CH for the very first time this coming mid June... did Genting a few times before but this would be much tougher... reading thru the advice fr the bros here, i would take the easier but longer new road

 

Intend to stay at the Hotel Equatorial... how do I go visit the night market from there? Need to drive(but I read difficult to find parking?) or is there shuttle service fr the hotel? Any advice on decent steamboat to try (or just have it at the hotel restaurant)?

 

Bro,

 

Same as u, i drove to genting a few times before heading to CH. Initially i was apprehensive but realised it was not that bad In fact i felt more relaxed in CH than Genting.

 

i dunno if the hotel has shuttle (machaim genting shuttle fm HH to FWH )

 

if u drive to the nite mkt, suggest u arrive at 5pm or so as it will be easier to find parking. Can park at designated carpark lots (some must pay rm3-5?) while some cars just park along side streets where they can find space and not blocking traffic. If u reach early, can hv dinner and jalan-jalan before exploring the night mkt.

 

i had steamboat in Brinchang. Quite a few shops to choose from. Approx rm18 per pax.

 

some useful sites below.

 

http://www.cameron-highland-destination.co...-brinchang.html

 

http://www.cameronhighlands4u.com/map.html

 

have fun!!

[Voodooman]

Intend to drive to CH for the very first time this coming mid June... did Genting a few times before but this would be much tougher... reading thru the advice fr the bros here, i would take the easier but longer new road

 

Intend to stay at the Hotel Equatorial... how do I go visit the night market from there? Need to drive(but I read difficult to find parking?) or is there shuttle service fr the hotel? Any advice on decent steamboat to try (or just have it at the hotel restaurant)?

 

CH is an easier drive than GH if via Simpang Pulai.

 

Equatorial CH is at least 1 notch below the standard of Equatorial Melaka and Equatorial KL. It is definitely not 5 stars, perhaps 3 or 3.5 max. So manage your expectations.

 

For steamboat, can try Highland Restaurant at Brincang or Ferm Nyonya at Tanah Rata.

 

T-Cafe (now Lord's Cafe) is worth a visit, not bad for scones.

 

For night market, just go Brincang earlier for dinner at around 6 pm and thereafter the pasar malam, there should be an available lot if you are early.

 

[The_Bear]

Intend to drive to CH for the very first time this coming mid June... did Genting a few times before but this would be much tougher... reading thru the advice fr the bros here, i would take the easier but longer new road

 

Intend to stay at the Hotel Equatorial... how do I go visit the night market from there? Need to drive(but I read difficult to find parking?) or is there shuttle service fr the hotel? Any advice on decent steamboat to try (or just have it at the hotel restaurant)?

 

I rather choose Strawberry Park over Equatorial if prices are equal. I have stayed both and SBP gives a more rustic feel. Furthermore, the turnoff into SBP from the main road is less than 1km to Brinchang. It means either you have a short jam into town or park near the junction (anywhere will do) and walk. The jam from Equatorial to Brinchang can be very bad especially around dinner time. It can take more than 1 hour just to reach town.

 

Most of the steamboats are similar and nothing great to shout about. But the Tze Char at OK Tuck in Brinchang is the best so far.

[Zenithpool]

Can go smoke house see see look look. The oldest hotel in CH, nice place to chill or take photo. But price there is quite ex.

 

If stay at Equatorial, once u drive out to the main road, turn right, after the S-curve, turn left will be Boh Tea. nice place to lim teh there too. Their tea house got a small part extended out from the top of the hill so got quite nice look over the tea plantation. Before reaching the Boh Tea, got a Y-junction where if u turn left, will lead u to the highest point in CH. up there got a metal tower where u can climb up and overview the whole CH. too bad that day when I drive up, its raining and fog cover the whole place cant see anything.