After crossing the border from Thailand into Malaysia, my first stop will be in Tanah Rata, the largest town in the Cameron Highlands. Relaxing on the Thai Islands will allow me to prepare mentally for my extended journey through Asia, but traveling to Thailand during the hottest season of the year is going to take a toll on me physically. To give my body a break from the heat, spending time in the cool highlands is going to be just what the doctored ordered. The main street in town is Jalan Besar and this is where you will find all the best nightlight, food, and shopping that the region has to offer.
However, if getting out of town is your goal, you have a number of interesting sights to see. As the region is cooler than a lot of the country, it is home to the vast majority of the country’s agriculture. Whether you are interested in sampling local honey, strawberries, or tea, you will be content in the Cameron Highlands. Who wouldn’t want to wander through a tea plantation with views like this? For more of a challenge, the hilly region also offers a number of different trekking opportunities and camping can really cut your accommodation costs, though I have read that hostels here are more affordable than in the rest of the country. As Malaysia is one of the most expensive countries in SE Asia, it will be important for me to keep my costs down. Sungai Pauh campsite only charges 3 MYR or less than 1 USD per night which is a deal that I simply cannot pass up. I am planning on spending at least one or two nights camping in the jungle. Does that terrify me? Yes. But am I stoked to try it out? Definitely. What could be more exciting than sleeping amongst the trees while monkeys and birds rest above me? In my opinion…Nothing. Due to the intense heat and the danger levels that are present in many of the jungles and forests of SE Asia, my time in the Cameron Highlands may be the only change I get. I should probably dust off my backpacking tent now and practice my solo trek survival techniques. The PCT is calling my name. Who’s coming with me?
