Day 94: Penang to Tanah Rata

Trip Start Sep 21, 2006
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Trip End Jun 01, 2007


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Flag of Malaysia  ,
Sunday, December 24, 2006

I'm heading into the Cameron Highlands for Xmas and a couple of days trekking. The hills are densely forested so it's more obvious when logging, developments and roads cut into the landscape.
Towards Tanah Rata the bus grinds to a halt, struggling more than mountain bikers around the steep bends. Passengers have to get off and meet the bus again on the descent. The roads are packed with holiday visitors checking out the pick-your-own strawberry farms, apiaries and nurseries and queues form.We're an hour late getting into Tanah Rata (eight hours journey) and, typically for a Christmas tale, there's little room at the inn. After being sent away from various lodgings, I have to settle for a dorm in an old Nissan hut. But the setting, at Father's Guest House, on a hill across from a convent is peaceful, surrounded by gardens and friendly.
It proves to be a good choice. I book a seat at their Xmas party. With hearty food, wine, games around a campfire and good company, Xmas turns out to be a more lively and sociable night than I expected.
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