Kuala Lumpur Travel Answers

"Am I completely off track here ?. " Not completely, I guess! We have been to CH last year and absolutely recommend the place. Imo, one night does not do the justice, however, if this is the maximum you can spare than I would say that hiring a car would be the best bet. I would expect USD ~250 for the round trip but am not an expert on hiring cars...

It is a great idea to goto CH. I goto CH quite often to relax and enjoy cool weather. CH is a favourite tourism spot for local tourist. If your visit is on a weekend or Malaysian holiday, I suggest you spare more time for traffic jam. This year Chinese New Year I was there but not hurry, so I enjoy jamming of an extra 90 minutes in a car q while driving home. Even you stay 1 night, I guess you have about 36 hours so do not miss the fresh vege, fruit, flower farms and stalls along the road side. The night market in Berinchang start at 6 pm worth a visit. Try the charcoal steamboat dinner and do stop at either tea farm for some photo and a cup of tea. If you can spare another night, find a ranger at Tanah Rata for a half day jungle tracking. Do visit my Cameron Highlands travel page. Welcome to Malaysia.

Although it is MANY years sine we've been to CH, it really is worth the trip - and we drove before the express tollway. Took best part of a day to get from CH to KL, including the mountain road with lots of twists and turns (on the way up was in a very heavy rain storm). It was a real mistake we made in only staying 1 night - would have loved to explore the area. Not sure if its still there but we saw a thatched house surrounded by a rose garden - almost straight out of England and transplanted into Malaya (old Malaya)

I would cancel 2 nights in KL and spend the extra day in Cameron Highlands, but again it depends what you are into. I am a nature lover myself and not so keen on cities. Last year we flew to KL for the Grand Prix for 4 days. " days were taken up by the race but it is possible to get to Petronas towers early for the tour, then Batu Caves later in the day, Chinatown early evening then enjoy a meal at Jalan Alor later. If it wasn't for the Grand Prix i feel that 2 days in KL would be enough for me.

Imho it's too much travel from KL for one night in CH :( If you want to go somewhere cool for a change from KL, I would suggest Fraser's Hill - for just one night! It won't be as busy as CH or have tea plantations but the Smokehouse Hotel is there for your English afternoon tea and it's much closer to KL.. On the way back, you can stop for lunch at Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB) and on the way to FH you will pass by the Gap Rest House where you can take a break if you are too early for the one directional trip up (check whether it's odd or even hours to go up). The road, built by the British when they were here, winds up the contour of the hill and hugs it. You can get dizzy if you don't keep your eyes forward but imho it's very interesting! ;-) There is also a dam you will pass by which is nice to look at and KKB is a nice little town!