Cameron Highlands Off The Beaten Path

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Lata Iskandar Waterfall is a favourite stopover for visitors on their way to Cameron Highlands from Tapah along the old trunk road... It consists of multi-tiered waterfall with pools at the base of each tier... the water is clear and cool and most refreshing for just washing your face (to keep yourself awake)... or just dip your feet for a cool dip... It is most refreshing, to say the least...

The waterfall is located along a corner of the winding road to Cameron Highlands with stalls selling food, fruits, orang asli (aborigines) handicraft... There is also a stall selling traditional medicine including tongkat ali... One have to be very careful of the traffic as the stalls are just by the side of the narrow road... The waterfall is surrounded by jungle where a wide variety of flora and fauna can be found... and including a whole range of exotic insects...

Lata Iskandar Waterfall is located 22km from Tapah along the Tapah-Cameron Highlands road... It is about 33km from Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands...

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These signs at the Robinson Falls, clearly state that you are responsible for your own safety.

The Robinson Falls crosses through a conventional small farm. You could actually buy blackberry at this farm.

Most of the trek covers uneven ground there is one steep 150 meter stretch.

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Orang Asli are the original inhabitants of central Malaysia. A few of them are still living in huts and some of the Orang Aslis have realized the potential of tourism. They have built some of their huts along the main road and allow tourist to visit them. I believe that they are not actually living in those huts, but nevertheless, it gives you an idea how they actually live. Be sure to keep some smaller bills, as they expect some tips.

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Updated July 2007

One of the best things to do while at Cameron Highlands would be to cook up a great BBQ. The temperature usually drops in the evenings - making it perfect weather for cooking up a storm without sweating! (something you can only dream about in the sweaty hot city of KL)

You can bring you own BBQ set, or use the one at the hotel. We usually bring our own.

Don't forget to bring the charcoal and heat beads, and fire starters too! Unlike Australia, there are no gas BBQ's here! Thongs are a must for turning the meat.

Do start to heat up the coals about 40 mins before actual cooking begins, so that the meats cook slowly and evenly on the coals, rather being burnt by the open flame.

Don't forget your disposable plates, plastic cups, knives and forks.

Recipe: marinate the meat a few days before your journey (1 pc per person of each type) and freeze everything. Then let it thaw along your drive from KL. Beef gets quite tough when it is BBQ'ed so stick with Lamb (the leg cut is better than the shoulder cut which is too fatty, marinate with mustard, honey and fresh mint), and of course, Chicken (teriyaki or soya sauce with some fresh ginger juice) is always a safe bet. If using thighs or drumstick, get the bone out first and cut it into a flat shape so that the meat cooks evenly (the lady at the market will do it for you if you ask her!). Leave the chicken skin on while cooking and take it off before eating for a healthier option.

Sausages and Ayamas Satay are always a hit with the kids. Just throw them onto the BBQ for a few minutes, but not onto the direct heat because they will burn.

Sweet potatoes that are cut into 2 inch lengths, with their skins on, can be wrapped in tin foil and put straight onto the coals. Turn them every 5 minutes, and they should be ready in about 15 mins. Press a fork in to test and regrill if necessary. Serve with butter or margarine.

Bottle of red wine for the adults, and soft drinks for the kids.

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Can't find anything to do at Camerons?
Why not buy some durians and eat them the typical Malaysian style, a'la by the roadside!

Durians are grown at nearby towns in Pahang and Perak. They are not "native" to Cameron Highlands.

Tanah Rata: in front of Roselane Cafe, there is a car park. There are durian sellers at the car park area. Other fruits such as mangoes and rambutans are also available.

Brinchang: in front of the main part of town, there is a car park and on weekends around 6pm, night markets set up. Durians are available when in season. Lots of other goodies (freshly steamed sweet potatoes, corn in a cup, local pancakes) - nibble, sample, taste the delights!
I've written up a new tip about Brinchang night market under "Shopping Tips".

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If you take the Tapah route on the way back home, maybe you could visit Kuala Woh Recreational Forest Reserve. It's not very far from Cameron Highlands but too bad I don't really know how many Kilometer. After Lata Iskandar water falls look out on the left for the sign. When you see the sign turn to your left and drive straight ahead and you will find the place. If from Tapah Town Kuala Woh is about 13km (that's the info I get from the brochure) There's A 30m Long Suspension Bridge That Spans Over The River And Visitors Can Get Beautiful Views Of The Surrounding Area. There's also Hot Springs There…Yes! Hot Spring.There's Toilets Provided, Camping Ground, Ample Parking Space Etc2. You Can Go Jungle-Trekking, Camping, Photo-Taking And Of Course Swimming!!!

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On our way to Cameron Highland via Simpang Pulai we saw some villagers collecting water from
The mountain and they told us that it was for drinking. We tried drinking the water…Yes! It taste very different from the mineral water that we bought…It's much nicer…Try it when you are in Cameron!
The Water Department from the Malaysian Government did the monitoring for the mineral contains and the PSI level of the water. You can see it was written on some part of the stone on the mountain. Note:Only take water from the side that has markings done by The Government.

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If you're driving back from Cameron Highlands to KL, and have a couple of hours extra to spare on your return journey, why not bring your kids to the Sg Klah Hot Springs Park?

Not only does it have a pretty large hot springs swimming pool, water reflexology footpath, a food court but it also has private baths which you can book just for you and your family. For those who want to over night there, you can stay at their villas or set up your camping gear there by special arrangement.

I didn't stay overnight, but our family did enjoy visiting the natural hot springs and bathing in the hot mineral water. The kids were also thrilled to have a chance to boil eggs in the hot water.

Entrance is RM5 for adults and 3 for children between 5-11 years old. Kids below 4 years of age can enter for free.

Get there by exiting the North South Highway, either at Slim River Toll or Sungkai Toll (it's 16.5 km from here).
See the map attached for further details.