The Highland Escape

In the pre-independence days of Malaya, the British residents of the land often left the stifling heat of the lowlands and retreated to their ivory towers high above the clouds when a break from the hustle and bustle of the cities below was called for.

This gave birth to the highland stations, as they became known – with Frasers Hill, Cameron Highlands and Penang Hill quickly establishing themselves as the trifecta bastion of bourgeoisie escapism, allowing the British to enjoy the cool comforts of England right here in the Malayan peninsular when the need arose.

Much in the same way the Brits did back in the early 1900’s, present-day Malaysians (and obsessive Anglophiles for that matter) can do the same when a quick break from modern city life is needed - for a lot less of course, since an entourage of servants and valets is no longer required to make the journey to the heavens. All you need is a trusty steed of the four-wheeled variety and some willing friends to ride shotgun for the adventure.

And so it was that this Nut, JM and a few good friends headed up Cameron Highlands over the weekend - at the gracious invitation of the Cameron Highlands Resort - to re-live the decadent lifestyles of yesteryear in the lush, cool highlands, steeped in colonial influences.

The Cameron Highlands Resort hosts an intimate gathering of family and friends every year to usher in the yuletide season, an event highlighted by the unveiling of the resort’s charming Christmas décor and lighting. The gathering this year was made even more memorable as one very special guest of the resort celebrated his birthday during the weekend escapade.

Acclaimed for his creations which adorn and accompany the most gorgeous of ladies down the catwalks of Paris, Milan and New York - that purveyor of fine footwear for women - Dato Jimmy Choo turned a year younger that evening amongst swooning fans of his work.

Over a span of three days, we relaxed over charming afternoon tea spreads, dined on delectable morsels of goodness in lush, elegant settings and treated ourselves to soothing spa treatments. The British themselves, I reckon, never had it so good back in their days.

We also took the chance to explore the nooks and crannies of this quaint highland station, in the process acquainting ourselves with the signature product of this place - tea. Cameron Highlands, for those not in the know, is the home of Boh and Cameronian tea. Its vast Sungai Palas plantation and visitor centre is located right in the heart of the hill station. Watching the intricacies and complexities of tea-making was quite an eye-opener.

Despite my new-found appreciation for tea, you certainly won't be seeing me give up my java just quite yet. *grin*

I can see why the Brits saw it fit to escape here every so often. The ability to walk and roam the place without soaking your clothes in sweat is quite simply, a priceless luxury. So is the ability to luxuriate and while away the day with nothing more than an open window in the middle of the afternoon and not have the room turn into an instant sauna. Twenty-five degrees Celcius is truly all the heat that one should have to handle in a lifetime. *grin*

As much as we enjoyed our journey back to the gracious, elegant colonial times though, eventually reality – and the need to get back to the job that pays the bills – beckoned. And so it was that after three short, but thoroughly enjoyable days, we left the cool comforts of the highlands and its yuletide charms for the big city.

That however, doesn’t mean that the yuletide spirit from the highlands didn’t follow us home.

These are going to look spectacular on NewK’s tree this year. *smirk*

I’m SO ready for Christmas!