Day 146
Trip Start
Sep 14, 2006
1
130
169
Trip End
??? ??, 2007
Cameron Highlands,
Malaysia
Thursday, February 8, 2007
As soon as I was back in Tanah Rata I felt good. I have sorted my vaccinations out and can just kill time and kick back here before heading south to Singapore for my boat. The reasons I like the Cameron Highlands are probably covered in earlier blog entries but why not mention them again here?
The climate is spot on, nice sunny days without any of the stifling humidity that can slow you down in other parts of Malaysia or Thailand. In the evenings the temperature drops further and you have to dig around in your bag for the clothes you don't normally need (sweater, coat, long trousers). Sure it rains a bit but it's only water, right?
There is something decidedly English about the Cameron Highlands, you look around at the mock Tudor buildings, the hills, the roads and even the odd old red English telephone box and just get reminded of home!
Food here is great and very cheap. So many food stalls, restaurants and hawker stands. I like the Tandoori sets at the D'Chennai curry house best. Raja the boss there knows me by name and seems hurt if I don't come past for my evening meal.
Trekking is made accessible and easy by the dozen or so numbered and signposted walks. It's all free of course if you don't use a guide and there are always people up for joining you.
Then there's Daniel's Traveller's Lodge. I have never been at a more sociable guest house, travellers here are brought together round the nightly bon-fires or out front on the saggy sofas in a way that doesn't really happen to such an extent elsewhere. The staff are helpful, the rooms are good and with Cable Tv, the movie room and Gil's guitar playing entertainment is never far away. Walking back from a trek you know there will always be hot showers waiting.
So I'm happy to be here again for another week. I can save some cash, take stock, recharge, and generally have a good relaxing time amongst friends. Oh, and if that fever comes like the doc says I'll be in a good place to fight it off without being on the move through unfamiliar surroundings.
