Farmers dump cabbages to protest low price of vegetable
Thursday October 22, 2009

Malaysia Nanban reported that vegetable farmers in Cameron Highlands will continue to dump cabbages in front of the Cameron Highlands Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) to protest the low price of the vegetable.

Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the farmers were incurring losses since August due to the slump in the price of round cabbages.

He said they had asked Fama and the Malaysian Farmer’s Association (LLP) to reduce imports of the vegetable to help farmers, but had yet to receive any reply.

He added the association was unhappy that Fama had failed to the monitor monthly import of over 4,000 metric tonnes of round cabbage from China and Indo-nesia.

He said that the the excessive import of the vegetable had affected prices and caused losses to the farmers. -- The Star

Protesting vegetable farmers chuck cabbage
Tuesday October 20, 2009

IPOH: More than 300 vegetable farmers in Cameron Highlands will continue to dump round cabbages in front of the Cameron Highlands Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) to protest the vegetable’s low price.

They say that FAMA had failed to monitor and cut imports of cabbage from China and Indonesia, causing the prices to slump and the farmers to incur losses.

Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the price of round cabbages had fallen since August.

He said they had asked Fama and the Malaysian Farmer's Association (LLP) to cut cabbage imports but had received no response.

"The wholesale price of cabbage is between 30 sen and 40 sen per kilogramme, as compared to between 60 and 80, previously," he told Bernama here Tuesday, adding the farmers’ production cost was 80 sen per kilogramme.

Chay said the association was unhappy that Fama had failed to monitor monthly imports of over 4,000 metric tonnes of round cabbage from China and Indonesia, causing the price of local products to fall.

Although the local production of 3,500 metric tonnes was insufficient for the market, he said excessive imports had affected commodity prices and caused losses to the farmers.

"If the situation does not change, the farmers have no choice but to throw away the cabbage," he added.

Vegetable farmers in Cameron Highlands had taken similar action previously when faced with falling prices of local products. - Bernama

[+] Read more...

A cuppa to savour
By Sharmila Ganesan
Photos by Norafifi Ehsan
Monday October 5, 2009

Boh has come a long way from its early days of mules and steamroller. Today, the country's top tea brand is fast expanding into niche markets abroad.

AS Malaysian as nasi lemak and roti canai, Boh tea is a ubiquitous part of our lives.

Whether you start your morning with a hot cuppa, curl up with one on lazy afternoons, or enjoy a tall frosty glass on a humid day, if you're in Malaysia, chances are, the tea came from Boh.

In fact, as far as most of us are concerned, Boh tea has been around forever.

While that may not really be true, Boh Plantations has been around for a pretty long time – 80 years, to be exact.

Quality yield: A worker plucking tea leaves at the Sungei Palas tea estate owned by Boh Plantations.

---

Founded in 1929 by J.A. Russell, Boh began a previously unexplored industry in Malaysia that went on to become an enduring legacy.

Equipped only with a single steamroller, some labourers and several mules, Russell and his partner A.B. Milne transformed the steep virgin jungle slopes of Cameron Highlands into the tea gardens they are today - and with that, a uniquely Malaysian legacy began.

As Boh celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, it is obvious that much has changed since Russell's days.

The company now owns four tea gardens – Boh, Sungei Palas and Fairlie in Cameron Highlands, and Bukit Cheeding in Selangor – that produce 4,000,000kg of tea annually (about 5.5 million cups of tea a day!).

Gone are the days when teas were hand-plucked and sorted; now, the tea plantation workers use hand-held machines to gather the leaves and zipwire to transport full bags up the slopes.

The estates have also become a definite tourist draw, as evidenced by the beautiful and airy Sungei Palas Tea Centre, offering visitors a chance to learn more about tea while relaxing amidst the stunning highland views.

Besides being Malaysia's top tea brand, Boh is also expanding into niche markets abroad, and currently exports to various countries including the United States, parts of Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore and Brunei.



The products offered by Boh have also diversified: besides its signature black tea, Boh now offers the Cameronian Gold Blend, gourmet Garden Teas, the Seri Songket range, iced teas, 3-in-1 sachets, Boh Teacino, and various herb and fruit infusions.

The company also made its first move into the ready-to-drink market this year, with the introduction of Boh Teh-O-Ais which comes in cans and packets.

As a vertically-integrated tea company, Boh is one of the few in the world with operations covering the whole spectrum of tea manufacturing, from cultivation and processing to packaging and marketing.

Through all these changes, two things have remained constant: an emphasis on high quality tea, and the company's insistence on its employees' well-being.

Caroline Russell, who is J.A. Russell's granddaughter and Boh's current CEO, attributes the company's longevity to being very focused on what they do best.

"We haven't gotten distracted. Our raison d'etre is to produce tea of value. We think of ourselves as experts in tea, and concentrate on the product itself, nurturing it in our tea gardens and carrying it to Malaysian consumers.

"While we cross all market segments, from gourmet restaurants to the humble coffeeshop, we've always believed in value," she says.

One big family

As for taking good care of Boh's employees, Caroline asserts that is part and parcel of the company's ethos.

"It is about giving people the respect they deserve. They (the employees) are the cornerstone of the company," she says.

"We should provide for all stakeholders, and as the business grows and becomes better, all our stakeholders (which includes our employees) should be beneficiaries of that too. This way, over time, we improve the standard of living of everyone involved."

Such respect and appreciation go a long way in keeping Boh's employees happy and productive.

During a recent visit to the Sungei Palas estate, this writer had the opportunity to speak to several Boh employees, who all had nothing but praise for their employer.

K. Subramaniam (right) is a mandor in charge of tea plucking, at the Sungei Palas estate.

---

Sungei Palas' estate manager K. Achutan is a product of the company's positive work ethos. Having been with Boh for 29 years, he initially started as a clerk.

"Our company recognises dedication and hard work, and these are well appreciated," says Achutan. "I have no complaints; it is peaceful work with good earnings."

A large part of the employees' job satisfaction stems from the many perks given to them by Boh. Workers at the tea estates are given free housing and water supply, while those above a certain level are also given an electricity and gas allowance.

Employees are also given various incentives that encourage them to be productive.

Besides a performance-based bonus, workers are given cash incentives if they have put in every working day in the year. Employees at the tea centre, for example, are awarded service points that translate into cash.

Boh also ensures that its employees have all the facilities they need.

There is a temple, surau and chapel at the estate. There is also a free clinic for tea garden employees onsite, with qualified medical assistants.

If further treatment is required, the company covers any expenses incurred in government hospitals. Furthermore, a free creche has been set up with nannies to care for employees' children during working hours

Cool conditions: Workers at the Sungei Palas tea estate (owned by Boh Plantations) are given free housing on the estate itself.

---

Boh also gives merit awards to workers' children who do well in government exams.

The estates' foreign workers are not excluded either. As they are usually on three- to five-year contracts, they are given a loyalty bonus of RM200 a year to encourage them to finish their contract periods.

Besides free accommodation and water, they are further provided a shared TV set and DVD player to occupy their free time.

Tea factory conductor Sayed Jamal Abu Seman, 37, has been with Boh for 20 years.

"Everyone, from the workers to the upper management, works together to make the company successful. Whenever (Caroline) or Datuk Tristan (Russell, Boh chairman and Caroline's father) come to the estate, they come down to the fields with us, so they really know what it's like on the ground.

"They will also ask us how we are, and whether we are facing any problems. They listen to us and trust us, and I think this is why the company has done so well," says Sayed Jamal.

Challenging times

Despite this, however, Boh is not exempt from the challenges facing other companies in the plantation sector, one of which is the diminishing availability of local labour.

At the Sungei Palas estate, for instance, foreign workers make up 63% of the 180-strong workforce.

Achutan says in order to deal with the situation, locals are usually offered higher income, more long-term positions – such as drivers and supervisors – in comparison to foreign workers, or work in the tea centre or factories.

Mandors, for example, are all locals, and are usually those with many years' experience working in the tea gardens.

"While we are very keen to recruit more Malaysians to work on the plantations, we are finding it difficult," says Caroline.

"It's an attitude that dates back to colonial times, where the work is regarded as low status even though the remuneration is quite equal to the manufacturing sector. Besides that, the work is physically very demanding, which often deters many locals."

She admits that the plantation industry is facing a "terrible dilemma" as it is highly dependent on foreign workers. "Should the government change its policy on the hiring of foreign labour, it would be catastrophic."

Caroline adds, however, that the supply of skilled and semi-skilled workers should not be difficult to maintain as long as the company continues to pay competitively.

While such issues and others may prove thorny, one gets the feeling that Boh can and will ride them out – with a cup of tea held firmly in hand.

After all, you don't reach the ripe old age of 80 without having picked up a few things along the way! -- The Star

[+] Read more...

A worker's haven
Monday October 5, 2009

The stunning scenery and tranquillity of the Boh tea estate of Cameron Highlands make it an idyllic workplace.

Surrounded by lush greenery, cool weather and fresh, clean air, the employees of Boh Plantations' tea gardens in Cameron Highlands have a working environment that would be the envy of any city-dweller.

Besides the beautiful surroundings, however, what strikes one the most is how content they seem to be, both with Boh as an employer, and with their simple, fuss-free lifestyle.

A recent visit to Boh's Sungei Palas tea estate, where the various employees shared their experiences, proved to be an eye-opening experience.

Vijaya Ramasamy is a retail supervisor at the Boh Tea Centre at the Sungei Palas estate.

---

For Vijaya Ramasamy, 36, holding the position of retail supervisor at the Sungei Palas Tea Centre is a major achievement.

Having left school after Form 3, she did not have a clear idea of where she was heading. Joining Boh in 1992, however, proved to be a turning point.

Vijaya started out as a cashier at the tea centre. Hard work and dedication helped her to arrive at her current position.

She attributes part of this to Boh's management, whom she describes as "very friendly and encouraging".

"I am very proud to work for Boh. We have free housing, free water, and a good salary; the weather and environment are very nice, too," says the mother of two.

"Even if I were offered a job elsewhere, I'd stay here because we all work together as a group."

Kamaruddin Nayan, 54, appreciates the care extended to its employees by Boh.

"There are no problems with the management. They really care for us. As long as you do your job well, you have nothing to worry about," says the mandor, who has been working on the estate for 38 years.

Tea tasting: Boh Plantations' Sungei Palas estate's factory conductor Sayed Jamal Abu Seman demonstrating how he tastes the different tea samples

---

He adds that it makes him happy to see Boh's upper management, chairman Datuk Tristan Russell and CEO Caroline Russell, visiting the tea gardens and talking to the workers.

It's the camaraderie between workers that keeps tea estate mandor K. Subramaniam, 62, going.

"No matter what race or religion we are, we're all like brothers here. Every festival or wedding, we all celebrate together," he says, adding that everyone in the company, from the lowest position to the top management, are "very nice people".

"I'm very happy that the boss has allowed me to work for as long as I can. I'll be upset if I were to stop working because I don't want to leave this place!" he says.

Boh Plantations' Sungei Palas estate manager K. Achutan showing how tea leaves are placed in withering troughs after being plucked.

---

His wife, V. Kaliamma, 57, who has been staying at the Sungei Palas estate since her marriage 38 years ago, says she loves the peaceful atmosphere.

Appointed to be the first female mandor on the estate, she is in charge of pesticide spraying, and is very proud of being entrusted with the responsibility.

"I'm very happy that our manager chose me for this position based on my experience, and not my gender. It is a challenging job, but I like doing it. It keeps me healthy!"

For tea centre manager Hashim Mohd Hassan, 42, making the decision to move from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands to take up his job was easy.

"When I came up here for the job interview, I fell in love with the place because it reminds me of the village I grew up in," says the Alor Setar native.

Living in Tanah Rata with his wife, Hashim loves the laid-back, relaxed lifestyle and the healthy environment.

"In KL, most of our time is spent driving, and we're so tired from driving through traffic jams that we have no energy for work!" Hashim says.

"Here, there is ample time to concentrate on your job, and because it's a small community, people cooperate better. When we have free time, my wife and I visit friends, or drop by the vegetable farms and flower gardens. I don't miss the city life at all." – By Sharmilla Ganesan -- The Star Lifestyle

[+] Read more...

Tee off in the highlands
Friday October 2, 2009

JUST 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur is the perfect highland golf getaway - the Berjaya Hills Golf and Country Club.

The resort, spaciously spread across 6,500ha, with a rainforest as the backdrop, is easily accessible from the Karak Highway.

Berjaya Hills is a challenging and picturesque experience. It is a par-72, 18-hole tract designed by acclaimed golf course architect J. Michael Poellot.

It stretches all of 6,312m from the black, or championship tee box and has played host to the World Inter-Team Amateur Open, the Hospitality Asia Golf Championship and the Pahang Men & Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championships.

Tricky: The Par 5, hole no 18 at Berjaya Hills can lead to birdies as well as bogeys.

---

Given the course's location in the highlands, Poellot did an excellent job of taking in the natural surroundings and using the undulations to great effect.

The sweeping fairways, tricky greens, strategically-placed sand bunkers, as well as the water hazards that come in the form of natural streams and lakes, all chip in to make this an interesting course that leaves an impression on one forever.

Berjaya Hills opens with a 350m par-4. This hole is a gentle uphill dogleg that is marked by a friendly fairway while the large green should provide a smooth start to a round. Off the tee box, players should note the fairway bunker on the right, which encourages one to play down the left, from where the flag can be targeted.

The second hole is the first par-5 and measures 485m. The water on this Index 3 hole, is close to the left of the green and then comes down towards you as you approach, before turning across the fairway and directly influencing the second shot.

And because the hole plays downhill, the tee provides for a brilliant view of the entire hole. It is good advice to play the tee shot from right to left so as to take the two fairway bunkers on the right out of play.

Two holes later on No. 4, golfers find the most difficult challenge at Berjaya Hills.

Unforgettable: Tee-off at the picturesque Berjaya Hills Golf and Country Club.

---

This 396m par-4 gives nothing away and demands total focus.

Anything less than precision is punished wholesale. A huge valley runs across this harsh dogleg and comes into play on both the drive off the tee and the approach shot.

Thus, accuracy off the tee is of great importance here, as one must clear it in order to safely reach one of the layout's most strikingly beautiful greens.

Berjaya Hills' signature hole is the No. 17, and for good reason.

It features two routes to the green as it doglegs to the right. The “Tiger line” to the well-protected putting surface is long and must fly over Stony Creek to a tight landing area.

The other route is much safer, as one plays to the left and leaves Stony Creek out of the equation. This, however, does mean that a demanding uphill approach shot will follow.

On arrival at the clubhouse, after parking the buggy, golfers and their guests can indulge in the comfort of well-laid out facilities and enjoy good food.

“The Restaurant” at the clubhouse overlooks the swimming pool and the picturesque Titiwangsa range, and offers a variety of dining options on local and international cuisine.

The Golfer's Lounge, meanwhile, also enjoys a panoramic view of the golf course, while the bar, music room and karaoke rooms are ideal venues for relaxation and to unwind after a round of golf.

There is also a gift shop at the clubhouse for guests' convenience, and a pro-shop that is well-stocked with golf equipment and souvenirs.

But that is not all; golfers can also spend the night here, as the club features 21 luxuriously furnished suites and 12 golfer's rooms.

All the suites are fully equipped with modern amenities, such as TV set, with in-house movies, IDD telephone line, and coffee/tea making facilities.

This is probably the best time to visit the Berjaya Hills, as the club has just launched its seasonal golf package. A flight of four only has to pay for three golfers, and this works out to about RM70 for green fees, buggy and insurance.

For more information and reservation, contact: Tel 09-288 8180. --The StarMetro

[+] Read more...

Big plans for little railway town
By Syed Azhar
Tuesday September 15, 2009

PLANS are in the pipeline to turn Gua Musang, a small railway town about 220km south of Kota Baru, into the second biggest town in Kelantan in an effort to bring in development to the southern part of the state.

Gua Musang has the potential to become a new and busy township bordered by Pahang to the south, Terengganu to the east, and Perak to the west.

Meeting point: The humble train station at Gua Musang.

Federal Development Department chairman Datuk Mustapa Mohamad, in a recent meeting held in Gua Musang, said Kota Baru, Tumpat, Pasir Mas and other surrounding areas within the northern section of the state were getting congested.

"We need to get people in the northern section of the state to migrate to the southern areas and the only way to do that is to create economic activities.

"I have given this task to South Kelantan Development Board (Kesedar) to come up with a master plan to be included in the Tenth Malaysia Plan.

"I believe that, based on the geographical location of Gua Musang, it can be turned into a progressive and developed town that can rival the capital, Kota Baru," he added.

Mustapa, who is also the International Trade and Industry Minister, added that the other factor that would help Gua Musang was that it was also the northern gateway to Taman Negara (National Park) which is situated in the southeastern part of the Gua Musang district.

The attractions of the untouched tropical rainforest can generate jobs for the locals and bring in tourist dollars.

The other major attraction in Gua Musang is a Buddhist temple in Pulai which is purportedly 400 years old.

Thousands of people from around the country visit the temple every year .

Mustapa said the 110km Lojing-Cameron Highlands main road linking Ipoh to Gua Musang was also important to attract people from the western regions of the country to either invest in Gua Musang or eke out a living there.

He also said that more efforts needed to be made to improve the basic infrastructure and amenities that could rival those in other busy districts like Kota Baru, Tumpat or Pasir Mas.

Mustapa also said that thousands of people had migrated to Gua Musang during the 80s and 90s after Felda and Felcra opened up thousands of hectares of land to plant palm oil.

However, the second generation of settlers has moved out of the land settlements and every time the commodity prices of palm oil dropped, they had to seek work elsewhere which resulted in the population dwindling.

This lack of economic activities has greatly slowed down development in Gua Musang.

"That will change in the next five years because funds and allocations will be channelled to Gua Musang as soon as the master plan is completed and accepted by the Federal Government," Mustapa added. -- The Star

[+] Read more...

Pahang cops clean up online gambling dens
By Roslina Mohamad
Wednesday September 9, 2009

KUANTAN: Pahang police arrested 14 people in raids on Monday and Tuesday in Cameron Highlands as part of an effort to wipe out Internet gambling in the state.

They also seized 22 computers from two premises in Ringlet and Tanah Rata in an operation dubbed "Ops Dadu" (Dice).

The raids were carried out by officers from the state police contingent headquarters and Cameron Highlands police district.

State CID spokesman Asst Superintendant Noor Asyikin Shamsuri said the first raid was at a snooker outlet at about 9.30pm on Monday in Ringlet.

"The snooker premise has been renovated to include a room with 13 computers.

"There were 11 people including a caretaker in the room and they tried to escape, but the police managed to nab all of them," she said at her office here on Wednesday.

She said those arrested were aged between 18 and 39, and that nine computers were confiscated.

ASP Noor Asyikin said in the second raid carried out at Taman Royal Lily in Tanah Rata at 2pm on Tuesday, three people were arrested, including a caretaker, for allegedly operating an illegal gambling den.

They were aged between 20 and 48, she said, adding that 13 computers were seized. -- The Star

[+] Read more...

Equatorial Hotel Cameron Highlands Cash Voucher is back by popular demand! Yeah, just about every year they will have it and it is quite a deal too judging from the full bookings. In conjunction with the tourism Malaysia MATTA fair here's how it goes: The cash voucher is transferable and is refundable for 50% of the voucher's value if it is not utilized after the expiry date. There will be a further bargain if you purchase more than 10 vouchers at one go during the MATTA Fair from booths 3242 and 3243.

The MATTA Fair is held in PWTC Kuala Lumpur from 4-6 September, 2009 from 10 am to 9pm.

Equatorial Hotel has various vouchers but what we are looking at is the Cameron Highlands offer since this website is about this Malaysian Highlands.

At the Equatorial Hotel Cameron Highlands there is a RM88 Giveaway Deal. Discounted rates start from RM198++ per room/night with daily RM88 nett for food and beverage credit, on a per room per night basis. Unused credit will be refunded at 50% of its value upon departure. With the new Simpang Pulai route, travel time is shortened by one hour (whatever that means...) it is less winding hence making the drive easy and fun.

The Equatorial Hotel Cameron Highlands honeymoon package starts from RM888++. It is inclusive of two nights accommodation in a suite room, strawberryplatter with chocolate dip and welcome drink upon arrival and a candlelight dinner at the romantic Cricket Bistro.

Golf lovers can tee-off at the 18-hole public golf course 10 minutes away from Equatorial Hotel Cameron Highlands. Equatorial's Golf Package starts from RM205++ per person based on twin sharing. The package includes accommodation in the Superior room category and buffet breakfast, one round of 18-hole golf at Cameron Highlands Golf Course, souvenir for golfers, 10% discount on laundry as well as a welcome drink at the Equatorial Hotel Cameron Highlands upon arrival.

For room reservation call 1-800 88 1800

Cheers!

[+] Read more...

Farmer Bala and friend open their fourth hotel in Camerons
Thursday August 27, 2009
By Priya Menon
Photos by Low Lay Phon

One man, simply dressed, with a smile on his face, walks daily from Brinchang to Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, calling out to anyone he meets on the road.

One look and you would never have guessed that the cheerful man is a millionaire farmer who worked hard to become who he is.



S. Bala Krisnen's is a story of rags to riches, of hardship and hard work.

Born into a family of seven, his mother, who plucked tea leaves for a living, could not afford to educate him after Form Three. So as the fifth son in the family, Bala began working in a vegetable farm to make ends meet.

Later at 27, he acquired his own farm and has never looked back since. As years passed by, he branched out into building townships and buying hotels but his first love is still farming.

"I started on my own at 27. I was a farmer then and I always will be," he said with a smile.

For Bala, he has come this far due to his friends who are partners in his hotel business.



Among his close friends is Datuk Yee Shan Kon, a familiar face in the highlands and who also worked his way up despite his father's influence in society.

Yee's father, who was in construction, fell ill in 1973, leaving Yee to run the business at the age of 20.

Bala and Yee's friendship is almost 20 years old and they ventured into development in 1987.

However, their most notable collaboration was in 1990, when Yee and Bala developed the Bandar Baru Brinchang township. A year later they opened up their first hotel, the Rosa Pasadena, and thus became hoteliers.

Today, they are proud developers of a fourth hotel owned by Bala but managed by their company.

Located just three minutes away from Tanah Rata, Hotel De' La Ferns is a boutique hotel and the latest addition to the town's growing wonders.

Cosy touch: Each floor has a theme like this Autumn splash on the ground floor

---

Although Bala and Yee are simple men, their ideas and designs for the newly opened hotel says otherwise.

According to them, the English Tudor themed hotel was inspired by their travels abroad.

The architecture of the building is to be marvelled at as it takes the shape of a fern leaf just like its name suggests.

"We wanted to build something different so people would want to come back," Bala said.

The entrance is quite unique with a chandelier and the parking lot is spread around the hotel with bricks resembling a grand red carpet.

As you proceed into the hotel, the sofa set with arm chairs often found in English homes gives the place a warm and cosy feel.

Plush: The interior of one of the suites.

---

The place is lit with specially designed rose lamps and the Fern restaurant has timber resembling heavy beams often found in old Irish bars. The al fresco dining area is set before a wall of Vietnam marbles that sparkles in daylight.

The restaurant is popular for steamboat for dinner and scones for high tea.

Each floor has a theme, be it summer, winter, autumn or spring and the five-storey hotel personifies the themes with coloured carpets, lighting and fixtures.

The 75 rooms are a luxury by itself with ample space for an extra mattress and with beautiful views of the countryside or golf greens.

Apart from that, the room has beautiful furnishings to complement the hotel. No two room is alike, whether in architecture, the fittings or the furniture. Each room has its own appeal.

There are also two pent suites, the Cameron Ferns and the Highland Ferns which cost RM1,800 each per night.

There is a lounge area on the lower floor to greet guests and a more intimate cosy lounge with bed and sofa upstairs. The bathroom has a powder room.

English Tudor theme: The Hotel De La Ferns.

---

"We wanted to give the hotel one year to see its progress but the hotel including the pent suites have been full every weekend since it was opened three months ago," he said.

The rooms are equipped with HD LCD TV, satellite television and movie channels plus broadband facilities. There is also a private electronic safe deposit box, an integrated coffee and tea making set and a fully stocked mini-bar as well as ironing facilities.

The hotel can accommodate 200 people for meetings at its largest meeting rooms and smaller rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi services.

Like true Cameronians, both Bala and Yee have displayed pictures of various Cameron Highlands landmarks, flora and fauna along the corridors and in the rooms.

"What better way is there to promote the Highlands than by displaying pictures with the names of places so tourists would be interested in visiting these?" asked Bala.

He also prefers employing locals, especially from the orang asli settlement, to help them earn a living.

For Yee and Bala, there is no end to their work and they want to continue bringing new things to Cameron Highlands and its people.

He hopes his three children would some day be able to take over his business and make Camerons's a better place for everyone. His eldest son Saravana Kumar, 23, is already involved in the business.

The other three hotels in Cameron Highlands are Hotel Rosa Pasadena, Casa De La Rosa and Hotel Rainbow. Room rates for Hotel De' La Ferns ranges from RM380 for the Superior Double and Superior Twin to RM 780 for the Family Suite that can hold a family of five.

> For details on Hotel De' La Ferns, visit www.hoteldelaferns.com.my or call 05-491 4888. For enquiry on the other hotels visit www.cameronpremierhotels.com.my.
-- The StarMetro

[+] Read more...

Highland tourist attractions
Thursday August 27, 2009

CAMERON Highlands is a cool countryside with plenty to offer visitors. Here is a list of places to visit in the land of roses and strawberries.

The Time Tunnel

This is a new place set up by a Cameron enthusiast. It is a museum full of heartwarming relics from people who lived and visited Cameron Highlands many years ago. You would be surprised what you can find in there. It is located in Jalan Sungai Burung Brinchang and the entrance fee is RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.

Brinchang town

Brinchang is about a 10-minute drive from Tanah Rata and has smaller hotels and food outlets. The weekend pasar malam is a big draw and there are other tourist attractions as well like the Big Red Strawberry Farm.

Kea farm

This is the hub of activities with the busy Kea Farm Day Market, butterfly farms and flower nurseries. It is located four kilometres from Brinchang town. There is also a bee farm in the vicinity.

Tea plantations

There are four large tea plantations in the area which have great coffee houses where you can sample their tea and legendary scones and cakes. The Bharat Plantation Cameron Valley is located at Tanah Rata while the Boh Tea Plantation is located 30 minutes from Tanah Rata. Boh also owns the Sungai Palas plantation which is located near Kea Farm and the Cameron Valley Tea Plantation is situated along the Kuala Terla main road.

Strawberry farms

Throughout Cameron Highlands you will find farms that allow you to pick strawberries. This can be a fun activity for the whole family for a minimum price. Among the farms providing this service are Highland Honey Bee farm in Ringlet, Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm and the Healthy Strawberri Farm, Tanah Rata.

Jungle trekking and orang asli settlement

If you prefer a more challenging experience there is always the jungle trekking route from the Robinson Waterfall or the Parit Waterfall. There is also mountain climbingactivities. Visits to the orang asli settlement near Tanah Rata is also permitted. Information on the routes and tour guides are available at the hotels.

-- CloveTwo.com

[+] Read more...

Government may realign landslide-prone stretch
By Sylvia Looi
Tuesday August 11, 2009

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Government is considering building a new alignment to replace the landslide-prone stretch between the 23rd kilometre and 27th kilometre of the Simpang Pulai-Gua Musang road.

Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said since motorists were allowed to use the road in 2003, the slope along that stretch has been sliding by 1m annually.

"Our checks showed trees are tilting, which is proof that the land here is sensitive," he said, adding that this would lead to landslides during a downpour.

Shaziman said a visiting professor had also urged the Public Works Department to seriously consider other options for the stretch due to the seriousness of the problem.

"As shown from the number of landslides reported at this stretch previously, we can no longer blame the incidents as acts of God," he told reporters after a working visit to the site here yesterday

"The safety of motorists was paramount to the Government," he added.

Shaziman said although the department stationed its staff to monitor the stretch round the clock, the ministry had to look for a long-term solution to the problem.

"Otherwise, there is a possibility the maintenance cost could become higher than the project cost," he added.

On whether a detailed proposal had been submitted to the Government on the new alignment, Shaziman said the ministry had a few options but would have to look at the economic situation first.

Shaziman also urged the Perak and Pahang state governments to monitor their farmers.

"The watering system used by the farmers has led to loose earth, thus leading to landslides," he added -- The Star

[+] Read more...