ShawnLiv Short Getaway April 2016 - DAY 1( Johor Bahru

Day 1 (Johor Bahru – Cameron Highlands)

Driving from Johor Bahru to Cameron Highlands takes about 6 hours plus.

Few hours later, stop at Pagoh Rest & Restaurant. We ordered roti canai, fried noodle and mee Soto for our breakfast.

After Nilai toll, Starbucks drive thru Plus Highway – Seri Kembangan

I am driving from the north and take Exit 132 at Tapah and follow the same direction. It takes an average of 1.5 hours to reach Tanah Rata from Tapah.

First, you will pass-by the beautiful Lake House. The recommended high tea section is from 3.00p m to 6.00 pm.

After the lake house, you will pass-by Cameron valley.

Finally, we reached Tanah Rata and we’re going to have our lunch there.

First, we want to go to Yong Teng Café to try their banana pancake. However, that area was closed down for renovation and we don’t have any idea where the temporary shop locates. So, we went to Jin Chen restaurant for their famous fried yeemee (RM 7), meehon (RM 7) and a cheesecake at big apple café (not recommended).

After filling up, proceed to Brinchang and check-in Snooze Too hotel. Stayed two nights over a weekend. Weekend room rates are slightly higher for the standard room (RM 160+ per night without breakfast).

Overall, the room is simple and nice. The room provides towels, hair dryer, soap, TV (Astro) and free Wi-Fi. However, the wifi failed during our 2 days stay. Besides, there is a small with complimentary water dispenser for hot/cold water, and kitchen utensils at each floor. Most importantly, great location advantage as it is near to the night market, 7-11, restaurants and easy access to Brinchang town.

“Cameron Lavender” is our first attraction (12 minutes drive from hotel). Cameron Lavender Garden just before Tringkap town, a theme park with rows of lavender plants. Good place for a photo shoot.

Cameron Lavender can be easily identified as it is just beside the roadside. There are plenty parking available there and it is free. However, the place required an entrance fee, MYR 8.00 for adult and MYR 5.00 for kids.

There are variety of lavenders here and some flowers at the top.

Apart from Lavender, there were many other types of flowers like daisies, peonies, roses and etc.

Besides, it also provided self picking strawberry and fresh flowers.

Meanwhile, having our dessert in the Lavender café.

We tried their strawberry ice cream and it is quite nice. In addition, you may try their lavender air-cream near the entrance.

There are some gift shops there where you can buy gifts; lavender products like potted lavender plants, soft toys, towel hanger, perfumes, artificial lavender plants.

After visiting Cameron Lavender, we went to Cameron Square but nothing much there. Just few shops, restaurants, 3D museum and Fat Bike shop only. Few minutes later, proceed back to hotel.

Dinner at Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant

One of the worthy steamboat restaurants to try is definitely Cameron Organic Produce at Brinchang. This is the restaurant has been featured on Astro, which is recommended by Astro Ah Xian in his food channel. Their fresh foods are comes direct from their farms. To add on, the freshest vegetables and organic foods are certified for authenticity and quality.

The steamboat included a good variety of fresh crunchy organic vegetables, squid, chicken, fish balls, prawns and assorted bean curd stuff. And, I like their garlic infused oyster sauce. All in all, the soup tastes great, the food is fresh and the portion is big. It cost us RM23+ per pax.

Address: MDCH 10, Bandar Baru 39100, Brinchang.

After filling up, 5 minutes walk to Brinchang night market. Brinchang night market is located at the northern end of the town. The night market started as early as 5 pm (weekend). Generally, you can find local produce from nearby farms, day-to-day products, souvenirs, flowers, vendors selling strawberries topped with chocolate sauce, sweet corn, boiled peanuts and fresh vegetables here.

We bought some sweet corns; strawberry, steamed sweet potato, cactus, flowers and the sea coconut drink there. Apart from Brinchang Night market, Kea farm is one of the well-known markets.

End of Day 1

The links
Introduction & Trip Highlights (Video)
DAY 1 : Short Getaway Cameron Highlands (Johor Bahru – Cameron Highlands)
DAY 2 : Short Getaway Cameron Highlands (Cameron Highlands)
DAY 3 : Short Getaway Cameron Highlands (Cameron Highlands – Melaka)