The Cameron Highlands

Day 2:

Went for breakfast and had the usual egg roti chanai (or whatever it is called) and some nice coffees. Decided that as the rain was pouring down that it would be a good idea to purchase a cheap poncho. Bought some but Claire's had a big rip in it. Took it back and managed to get it swapped. As soon as we donned the ponchos, the rain stopped. Typical.

Went looking for jungle trail number 10 and eventually found it despite a complete lack of sign posts. The trek was really steep and pretty hard work but the views were worth it. Scaled a mountain and then got a bit lost trying to work out which way the trail was supposed to go. Both ways looked dodgy so we just made as educated guess and it turned out ok. Saw lots of pretty butterflies and wild orchids and also some not so pretty caterpillars. At the top there was loads of swallows flying around our heads so close that you could hear their wings. We also have a swallow nest on our balcony.

At the bottom of the trail we ended up at a huge electric power station and had to walk all the way around it to get on to the road. We walked about three miles back into town and looked at a map - we had gone wrong by quite a margin. Good fun though.

Had a mini siesta then went for dinner at Rosedale Bistro. Food was great and cheap. We were both knackered after the trek so fell asleep at the early hour of about 10pm. Slept like a log (two nights in a row!).

Day 3:

Decided to book a trip up a bigger mountain (Mount Brinchan - 6666ft) and other stuff so had breakfast and bought tickets. Also bought bus tickets to our next destination, Pulau Penang. As the trip didn't leave until 2pm we decided to try a shorter jungle trek. It was a bit crap and the waterfall was rather pathetic but we did see some new birds and some butterflies.

Set off on the trip at 2pm with our guide, Annan. We were the only two going as every one else had gone in the morning (we got up late). The rain started falling as we got into the Land Rover for the journey. Annan was a cool old guy who knew lots about everything to do with the Cameron Highlands. His Land Rover had transmission problems though and he had only 1st and 2nd gear to play with.

As it was raining we stopped at a butterfly farm first. This was quite good but the best, unexpected part, was the insects tour especially for us. Here we got up close and very personal with all sorts of creatures including rhino and elephant beetles, snakes, giant grasshoppers and even scorpions. The guy showing us these things asked if we wanted to hold them. I had the camera so couldn't but Claire did. She was scared holding the massive scorpion but ok with the rest. I did hold a stick that the Rhino Beetle was on but that's about it.

We then went to a tea plantation which made the landscape look gorgeous - like a big green carpet for miles. We had a tour of the factory and drank some fresh tea. We then drove to the top of the mountain and climbed a watchtower to get good views. The rain was coming in though so there was only a good view to one side of the mountain. The watchtower had incredibly steep stairs and was pretty high. I reckon we must have been 6700 feet above sea level.

Then it was on to the Mossy Forest (apparently the inspiration for Avatar). It was very misty and wet but Annan was a good guide and showed us good techniques to get through and climbing up the rainforest. The forest was so nice and as we were up in the clouds, it was misty and almost mystical. We saw some carnivorous plants up there too.

The tour took about four hours and we got back to Tamah Rata (in 2nd gear) and shook Annan's hand to say thanks for a cool trek and trip. Well worth it.

Went for dinner and had tandoori chicken whilst Claire had a Banana Leaf curry. Food was good and after that we just came back to the hotel (we booked in for another night as it is so nice here). Just watched a thunderstorm and have packed our bags ready for the 8am bus tomorrow to Pulau Penang. Should mention that our bags are so small compared to other backpackers. I'm using an old 25 litre (school) bag and Claire's is 30 litres so we are travelling extremely light.

Will be sad to say bye to The Cameron Highlands - definitely the best place we've been so far.

Photos to follow.