The best way to see the sights of the Cameron Highlands is to take one of the many jungle trails up to the peaks and look down from there. Whilst some of them are accessible from Tanah Rata, some are only accessible from Brinchang, about 5km from TR.

We assembled our team over a 75p breakfast of spicy noodles, vegetables, fried eggs and coffee and set off towards the bus station. Alongside me was Paul, the 6ft7in lad from Crawley, a German girl called Jasmine, two Americans who worked together last year at Yosemite Park in California and a Canadian rock climber. We boarded the bus, to the tune of Rod Stewart “First Cut is the Deepest” on the radio, and paid our RM2 each for the journey a bit further up the mountain.

Once in Brinchang and, after some wandering around, found the start of jungle trail 1. I’ll be honest with you, it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. When I heard the word ‘trail’ I had assumed that there would be at least some horizontal paths. I assumed incorrectly. This was a clamber, from base to peak, using the root systems, rocks and trees to haul yourself up each step. It was at this point I realised that I had probably overpacked my backpack!

After 2 hours of sweating, swearing, panting, slipping, sinking, clambering and, to be fair, some consistently enjoyable chat, we reached the peak. There were viewing points and a tower to climb to get a 360° vista. The views were incredible.

After a good rest we began the long slog back to Brinchang down a windy road which passed the Strawberry fields. By this point, I had given up on the idea of maybe seeing the tea plantations – that would have to come tomorrow.

Then, as we rounded a corner and reached the brow of a hill, there they were…

…and they looked even more incredible than I thought they would have. Wow!

We hitch-hiked back to Tanah Rata (Malaysian truck drivers are more than willing to let 6 western kids jump in the back!) and had dinner in the town (curry off a banana leaf again).

We’re just deciding now whether to chill on the veranda or get down to the ‘Karaoke Cafe’ for the evening. After today, I’ll be happy either way.

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