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"On Easter Day, 1967, American businessman and founder of the modern Thai silk industry James H.W. Thompson disappeared while supposedly on a stroll in the jungle-clad Cameron Highlands, central Malaysia." Thus runs the blurb of William Warren's compelling and even eerie book Jim Thompson: The Unsolved Mystery, which appears to be the definitive account of the man's life and the theories swirling around his presumed death. The main ones are that Thompson a) got lost in the jungle, b) was abducted for reasons of ransom or politics, or c) committed suicide. Unfortunately none of these theories has a shred of evidence to substantiate it; Thompson might just as well have vanished into thin air, and his disappearance holds much the same fascination for idle people of Bangkok as does the JFK assassination for idle people everywhere.

Cactus Valley

Castus Valley

 

Cactus Valley is one of the biggest and most popular tourist destination located at the cool mountains of Brinchang, Cameron Highlands.

Cactus Valley boast of having one of the most variety of cactus plants, some as old as 60 years. Hydroponics mehod of cultivating crops such as tomatoes, strawberry and others are being practiced.

Cactus Valley also have the most comprehensive variety of plants and foliage including roses, calla lily impatiens, fuchsia, ananas/vriesea, camellia, hibiscus, rhododendron, bird of paradise, glory bush, clivia miniata, peaches, hippeastrum, geranium, coleus, gerbera, oncidium and many other. 8 varieties of apple trees, passion fruit plants are also cultivated in Cactus Valley. Cactus, fresh strawberry, potted plants, souvenir items and dried flowers are available for sale at Cactus Valley. Your visit to Cactus Valley will be one of the most wonderful experience in your life.

Rose Centre

Roses are another Cameron Highland's product that is able only to be grown in cool climate. Therefore, if you are in Cameron Highlands, never miss out paying a visit to the rose garden. There are two rose gardens in Cameron Highlands for visit - Rose Valley and Rose Centre.

All visitors are allowed to wander into the farms and gardens. You will be able to see many varieties of roses in all shapes and sizes. You will be able to see black rose, green rose and thornless rose plants. Besides roses, carnation, rare orchids, fushias, chrysanthemums, lily, gerbera, diamond, lady shoe, honeysuckle, camelia, gipsy and many more are also displayed in these rose gardens.

Inside Rose Centre, they have a landscaped gardens. Rose Centre has a glorious hilltop view. The view is perfectly beautiful. Besides that, they have dramatic sculptures. It is something that you should never miss out. These sculptures are outstanding and it is definitely good for photography.

The best time to pay a visit to these rose farms and gardens are during August - September. This is because flower festival is occasionally held during that time. All the highlands growers and local business communities will come to the highland to decorate their motorized floats. These motorized floats are then parade through the town.

Butterfly Farm

At 1,500 meters above sea level, Cameron Highlands is home to a number of birds and insects not found in the lowlands. A selection of the unusual butterflies, moths and insects indigenous to the area can be found at butterfly farms in the Green Cow area.

There are two butterfly farms in Cameron Highlands and the are both located around the Kea Farm (Green Cow) area. They are situated not far from Kea Farm, along the way down hill to Tringkap. Both of the farms are just a short walking distance away from each other.

Get a change to see many different species of butterflies which used to be a common sight in the highlands many years ago. A walk through an enclosed area where each species of butterfly is happily floating around in a lush, plant-filled garden is the highlight.

Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm located 5 km north of Brinchang, which open daily from 9 am - 6 pm. Butterfly Farm is nice to visit not so much for the butterflies as the variety is limited but perhaps more for the other insects such as the leaf insects, rhinoceros beetles and even reptiles. Located in Kea Farm. The entrance fee is RM3 for adult and RM1.50 for children.

Cameron Highlands Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden is another butterfly farm with almost the same display of insects and reptiles but they have quite a collection of cactus on sale in their shop. Various species of butterflies and live insects can be found here. It also has a small bonsai garden and souvenier shop. This farm is located around Kea Farm area too. It opens from 9.00am to 6.00pm daily. The entrance fee is RM3 for adult and RM1.50 for children.

Raja Brooke butterfly

In Butterfly farms, there's one special species, the Raja Brooke butterfly (Troides Brookiana), is famous for its black and shimmering teeth-shaped electric green markings on its wings. This beautiful butterfly was discovered by the naturalist Alfred R. Wallace in 1855, and was named it for Sir James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak. It's considered a rare species, and therefore is protected by the endangered species act.

Moreover, the Raja Brooke butterfly is one the national butterfly of Malaysia . It originally belongs to Papillonidae butterfly family. They considered as a strong fliers with three fully developed pairs of legs. Furthermore, these types of butterfly can only be found from the tropics to more temperate regions.

Even though, visitors can buy the Raja Brooke butterfly from the souvenir shop, however, visitors are not allowed to take out of the country due to the law prohibiting in export of endangered species. Of course, visitors are allowed to bring other beautiful butterflies. Therefore, visitors can hang out in the butterfly souvenir shop and take a look around, to see whether you want to take back framed preserved butterfly as a decoration.

Refflesia

It lives as a parasite on the Tetrastigma vine, which grows only in primary (undisturbed) rainforests. Rafflesia lacks any observable leaves, stems or even roots, yet is still considered a vascular plant. Similar to fungi, individuals grow as thread-like strands of tissue completely embedded within and in intimate contact with surrounding host cells from which nutrients and water are obtained. Perhaps the only part of Rafflesia that is identifiable as distinctly plant-like are the flowers; although, even these are unusual since they attain massive proportions, have a reddish-brown coloration and stink of rotting flesh, which is why it was nicknamed the "corpse flower". This scent attracts insects such as flies which then pollinate the rare plant. It is not to be confused with the Titan Arum, Amorphophallus titanum, which is also commonly referred to as the "corpse flower".

Rafflesia arnoldii is rare and fairly hard to locate. It is especially difficult to locate the flower in forests as the buds take many months to develop and the flower lasts for just a few days. The flowers are unisexual and thus proximity of male and female flowers is vital for successful pollination. These factors make successful pollination a rare event.

How many of these plants still survive is unknown, but as the remaining primary forests of Borneo and Sumatra disappear, it can only be assumed that their numbers are dwindling. Many are known to be nearing extinction. Some environmentalists are thinking of a way to recreate the species' environment, in an effort to stimulate a recovery in the population of this endangered species. This has proved unsuccessful so far, but the efforts have continued. Steps are also being taken to conserve the forests of Sumatra and Borneo.

Please contact local campanies to visit rafflesia flower because only 4WD can through the destination.

Facts About Rafflesia

* Rafflesia is the largest individual flower. Titan arum bears the largest inflorescence.

* Rafflesia is a parasite which attaches itself to a host plant, Tetrastigma vine, which grows only in undisturbed rainforests, to obtain water and nutrients.

* The genus Rafflesia is named after adventurer and founder of the British colony of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles.

* Dr Arnold is remembered in the species name as Rafflesia arnoldii.

* Rafflesia is the official state flower of Sabah in Malaysia, as well as for the Surat Thani Province, Thailand.

* Rafflesia manillana, the smallest species in the genus Rafflesia is also has 20 cm diameter flowers.

* Rafflesia flowers are unisexual.

* Forest mammals and tree shrews feed on Rafflesia fruit which is 15cm in diameter, filled with smooth flesh and thousands of tiny hard coated seeds.

* It is believed that rafflesia is related to poinsettias, violets, passionflowers, and other members of the order Malpighiales.

* The rotten smell of the flower is due to the reddish tentacle-like, branched ramentae, inside the corolla of petals.

* Rafflesia is an endangered or threatened genus.

* Rafflesia arnoldii does not have chlorophyll, as all the green plants have and so it cannot undergo photosynthesis.

Jungle trekking

meron Highlands: Jungle Trekking Trails

Hit the jungle trails early to avoid afternoon showers and to enjoy the rainforest in the warm sunshine. Please take heed of the field notes to determine the best trail to hike depending on your fitness, time available and possible wildlife and plant sightings. Enjoy the variety of Cameron Highlands trails to explore the the special ecology of the highlands.

Trails	Rating	Field Notes
Trail 1	Tough	A climb up to Gunung Brinchang (2032 meters) starting north of Brinchang town; over 1-hour walk up with another hour walk back on road; alternatively drive to summit and walk down Trail 1; another option is to trek back and forth on part of the dense mossy forest ridge trail to Gunung Irau (2090 meters) that takes 3-4 hours one-way; all trails not well marked; use a guide.
Trail 2	Tough	Need to be fit and prepared for this 1.5 hour up and down walk over rough terrain; not well marked and merges with Trail 3 for a longer trek; starts in Brinchang at Sam Poh Buddhist Temple
Trail 3	Moderate to Tough	Starts at Arcadia Cottage near the golf course; a 2.5 hour steep climb to Gunung Beremban (1841 meters); shorter alternate paths to Trail 2 and Trail 5; longer treks join Trail 7 or Trail 8 from atop the mountain (allow 2 more hours)
Trail 4	Easy	A 30-minute stroll to Parit Waterfall, the path is paved in stretches with a turnoff to the watchtower; start near the Forestry Department
Trail 5	Easy to Moderate	A 1-hour walk over wooded terrain that merges with Trail 3 to split off towards Gunung Beremban or to Arcadia Cottage, with the option to shift to Trail 2 to Sam Poh Temple; start at MARDI (Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute)
Trail 6	Moderate to Tough	A poorly marked and confusing path that starts at Bharat Tea Estate road, continues along ridge and merges with Trail 10 at Gunung Jasar summit (1670 meters); 2.5 hours but easy to get lost so use a guide; do not be confused by another Trail 6 runs short from Parit Waterfall to join Trail 5
Trail 7	Very Tough	A 2-hour haul starting from MARDI with a steep ascent to Gunung Beremban on overgrown path; descend from the top on Trail 3 (recommended) or hike down Trail 8 for another 2-3 hour adventure
Trail 8	Very Tough	A difficult 3-hour climb starting from Robinson Waterfall to Gunung Beremban
Trail 9	Moderate	A 1-hour hike down from Robinson Waterfall to the power station following pipeline on a slightly steep descent with some difficult scrambling; alternatively walk down Trail 9A and return up via this path (2 hours) or take a local bus back to Tanah Rata.
Trail 9A	Moderate	Less steep than Trail 9 along a gradual path that exits near vegetable farms and the Boh Tea Plantation road after 1.5 to 2 hours; alternatively walk up Trail 9 behind the power station or take a local bus back to Tanah Rata
Trails 10, 11 and 12	Moderate to Tough	An arduous climb up to Gunung Jasar, the path starts near Oly Apartments and continues towards Gunung Perdah (1551 meters); to avoid the summit splinter off to Trail 11 along a parallel path to Gunung Perdah where both trails merge with Trail 12 to the weather station near the golf course road; unclear on markings and time estimates; Trail 12 also leads down to exit out of the Orang Asli village with a walk back by road or straight back via Dahlia Villa
Trail 13	Moderate	Start behind Cameronian Holiday Inn for a 1.5 hour walk with a stream that merges with Trail 14
Trail 14	Moderate	A good day hike to experience enclosed, mossy forests on way to Gunung Mentigi (1535 meters) before exiting on the Tanah Rata road; return via local bus; may need a guide and can last up to 4 hours

Cameron Highlands: Jungle Trail Map

Study the Cameron Highlands trail map to find the starting points and exits for the various trails. Not all trails are marked well and it does get confusing at times. Have an alternative plan to exit early or head back the same way in case of bad weather or time constraints.

Cameron Highlands: Wild Species And Wild Photos

All of the Cameron Highlands trails are good for brisk morning walks and great exercise outdoors. Try approaching jungle trekking by taking it slow and easy to enjoy the nice little surprises hidden in the montane rainforest.

On each trail you can find interesting plants and animals or observe rainforest birds or beautiful orchids. Take a pair of binoculars or a camera and linger among the fungi, mossy forest and monkeys to capture a glimpse of these diverse habitats.

Trail	Wild Features & Photography Options
Trail 1	highest peak G. Brinchang; excellent mossy forest; pitcher plants, orchids, fungi; birdwatching
Trail 2	birdwatching; small stream; millipedes; moss, pitcher plants, orchids
Trail 3	vistas of Tanah Rata; monkeys; birdwatching; gingers
Trail 4	steep trail to watchtower with panoramic views; ferns, gingers
Trail 5	secondary forest; stream; snakes, millipedes; bird's nest fern, palms
Trail 6	scenery of G. Jasar; Orang Asli village
Trail 7	secondary forest; rattan, ferns, orchids, palms
Trail 8	Robinson Waterfall; forest scenery
Trail 9	birdwatching; lizards; frogs; squirrels; Robinson Waterfall; fungi, ferns, orchids, gingers, lianas
Trail 10, 11, 12	panoramic views; Orang Asli village; butterflies; flowers, wild pepper
Trail 13	small river; tree ferns; mossy forest
Trail 14	mossy forest; lianas; historical war remnants

Asli People @ village

The Orang Asli are the indigenous people who dwell in the forest of Peninsular Malaysia. The name is Malay for, literally, "original people", and is a collective term to denote the 18 sub-ethnic groups generally classified as Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. In the Orang Asli census of 1997 number them around 105,000 people. 

Orang Asli can be found in many different parts of Malaysia, and their choice of lifestyle is dependent of where they dwell. The Orang Laut, Orang Seletar and Mah Meri live along the coast and are fishermen. The Temuan, Jakun and Semai have taken to agriculture, some even manage to own rubber, oil palm and cocoa plantations. Still, about 40% of the Orang Asli population continue to be forest dwellers. They cultivate hill rice, and engage in hunting and gathering, and trade in forest produce such as petai, durian, rattan and resins. The forest dwellers include the Semai, Temiar, Che Wong, Jah Hut, Semelai and Semoq Beri. A small number continue a nomadic lifestyle deep in the rainforest. This includes Negrito groups such as the Jahai and Lanoh.

It is incorrect to assume that the Orang Asli live isolated and cut off from out outside world. Economic dealings with the communities on the fringes of the forest has been going on for hundreds of years, especially between the Proto-Malay groups with the neighbouring Malay communities. They traded their forest produce for salt, knives, metal axe-heads, among others.

The Orang Asli Today

Visitors hoping to see orang asli in "forest attire" is certainly in for grand disappointment. Yes, they wear modern clothes too. And they would appreciate it a lot if visitors come with used clothes which they can use. As far as appearance goes, they look Malay. Naturally there is a difference between the Orang Asli and the Malays that tell them apart. The majority are stoutl their features are rugged and their height is by average lower than the Malays.

Visits to Orang Asli villages deep in the forest of Cameron Highlands is now available. These are arranged with the ecological guides, who will provide the necessary information on these people, and at the same time, educate visitors on the forest planst and herbs. 

Orang Asli would appreciate it if you bring along a donation of used clothing. The photographs in this gallery are taken from our ecology trip with AsiaExplorers members made to visit the Orang Asli.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are some of the best attractions of nature in Cameron Highlands. Many streams meander through the rainforest areas, flowing into tributaries that lead to the larger rivers in the lowlands. A few break into large torrents that cascade down steep boulders, forming the waterfalls that we love so much. If you ever visit the Cameron Highlands, you should experience at least one of the three most popular ones; Lata Iskandar, Robinson or Parit Falls.

Honey Bee Farm

The Bee Farms in Cameron Highlands allow visitors and tourists to see how honey is cultivated here from bees on a moderate scale. The delicious nectar is harvested from the combs made by bees that are housed in an elevated wooden box. One such honey bee farm is located near Ringlet, in a secluded corner reached from a narrow alley branching off the main road.

A rather beefy middle aged Chinese man named 'Ah Choo' runs this farm, which is surrounded by patches of crops and gardens of plants. A small wooden bungalow sits in the middle, and at the sides, there are rows of elevated boxes housing honey bee colonies. During the afternoon, you can see hundreds of bees buzzing around the boxes, but don't get too near as these bees may sting if they perceive you as a threat.

Inside the bungalow, there is a small shop that retails the honey harvested from the farm. The honey, processed into different types of products, is packaged in bottles, jars and boxes, making it a good buy if you're into wholesome organic products. You can also visit another bee farm near Brinchang before Tringkap, a short drive down away from the Butterfly Garden.

Mossy Forest

The mossy forest grows around the peak of Gunung Brinchang, the second highest mountain in Cameron Highlands. This is also where the highest tarred road (leading to the peak from Kea Farm) in Malaysia is located. Tourists and visitors on holiday to the Cameron Highlands are highly encouraged to visit this beautiful mountain, which is full of the treasures of nature. The road also provides easy access for most vehicles to the peak.  At 2000 meters above sea-level, the scenery from the peak is amazing and breathtaking, allowing you to gaze across an endless landscape of mountains and forest. In addition, the strong winds and chilly mist provide an exhilarating touch to the atmopshere. To catch the view, you can climb a watch tower perched on the peak alongside some telecommunication towers. through the mossy forest that grows on this mountain is home to a wide variety of birds, snakes, frogs insects and plants. The endemic Trimeresurus nebularis, or the Cameron Highlands pit-viper, occurs here, being found no where else in the world. During the night, insects and montane frogs can be heard calling, punctuating the silent atmosphere with their voices.

SERVICE PROVIDED

TOUR OF HIGHLANDS :
- D'Highlander Explorer
- Rafflesia 4x4 Adventure
- Gunung Brinchang Adventure
- Eastern Valley Discovery
- Sight Seeing Tour
- Jungle Trekking
- Night Jungle Wonders
- SunRise Spectacular
- Hotel & Apartment Rental
- Package & Program Organizer
- Car & Motorbike for Rental


OVERLAND PROGRAM :
- White Water Rafting
- Orang Utan Island
- Ipoh Tour


TRANSFER SERVICE :
- To Taman Negara
- To Perhentian Islands
- To Gua Musang
- To Pangkor Island
- To Penang Island

TRANSPORTATION :
- Limosine
- Minivan
- Taxi
- Coach


FLIGHT TICKETS :
- AirAsia
- Malaysia Airlines
- Others

Strawberry Farms

Cameron Highlands is the only holiday destination in Malaysia where strawberries are grown and harvested commercially. The strawberry farms found here are also open for visitors, making them one of the top tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands. The farms are great places for shopping products made from strawberries, such as jams and tarts. The best season to enjoy strawberries is usually from April till June, the driest months. The strawberries harvested during this time are at its sweetest due to the decrease of humidity in the air, which somehow affects the taste. The strawberry farmers explain that heavy moisture (rain) soaks the plants, causing them to bear fruits that are less saturated in sweetness. Still, visitors can enjoy strawberries all-year-round in the Cameron Highlands, sweet or not. About a decade ago, this little berry was grown from the ground up, in typical soil beds. Today, modernity has caught up with the farmers, for they now raise the plants using hydroponic methods. Growing them in bags mixed with rich soil results in faster fruit production, while stacking them on racks increases the quantity that can be produced at any time. The strawberry farms can be found mostly before and after Brinchang, along the main road. Visitors and tourists can pluck their own strawberries from these farms as well as buy them in traditional markets, night or day. Shops are also open in these farms that sell strawberry-derived products which include jams, tarts, scones, cordial juice and other treats.

To visit any of these farms; meaning to actually enter the area where the strawberries are grown, you'll be required to make a purchase of at least half a kilogram. This minimum amount can be plucked directly with your hands inside the farm. A basket will be given to visitors which, at the end of the day, will be weighted and charged accordingly. Inside the farm, you can see how the strawberries are grown. Wooden racks stack up layers of strawberry plants nestled in soil bags. Water sprinklers feed these plants at certain intervals during the day. A roof of taupalin sheets provide shade and protection from excess rain water. If you intend to pluck strawberries, here's a tip; only harvest the large strawberries for they are the sweetest. Anything smaller than your thumb size will tend to be very sour. Also, as mentioned earlier, the rainy season affects the taste of the strawberries. Excess rain and humidity in the air make the strawberries that are produced during this time have a soggy taste. The drier months between April till June is when the strawberries are generally at their sweetest.

Gunung Brinchang Cameron Highlands

Gunung Brinchang is the home of the famed mossy forest in Cameron Highlands. From anywhere in Brinchang, the sharp peak portruding from a level range lined with telecommunication towers, can be seen. The peak is often obscured by mist in the mornings and late afternoons. The view tends to clear in the late mornings and close to dusk. If there is heavy rain, then forget about getting a view at all. The gravel road that leads to the peak from near the Butterfly Garden is a 9 km stretch that has been recognised as the highest road in the country. This is because the peak of Gunung Brinchang stands at 2,000 meters high. There is a watch tower at the peak which is small and often crowded with visitors; wait your turn patiently to climb up the steel ladders and then grab the amazing view of clouds and forest. Some families or groups of young travellers also like to come up here during the night, camp and enjoy a barbeque fire on the mountain tops.

BOH TEA CENTRE

 
LOCATION:
Cameron Highlands (or Tanah Tinggi Cameron in Malay) is located in the state of Pahang. Currently, there are two main roads that connect major towns in west coast of Peninsula Malaysia (such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang) to this popular highland resort town. The older access point is the Tapah - Ringlet route while the newer access has since been built from Simpang Pulai - Kg Raja.

The tea centre is accessible from a small road turn a few kilometres north of Brinchang town. To be exact, as you head north, Kea's Farm to your right should be a good landmark to indicate that a left-turn into Sg Palas Tea Plantation. Boh Tea Centre is located at the end of this small road.