Century Pines Hotel Tanah Rata
My brother-in-law finally checked in Century Pine Hotel in Tanah Rata. Now he is very particular about service, after all, he is also in the service industry. The Century Pines Hotel service leaves much to be desired. Apparently during this peak period they are rather short handed I suppose. Still so far I have heard many complaints about most of the hotel service in Cameron Highlands. I guess you just can't expect the service level of this hillside resort to be comparable with those hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Century Pines Resort hotel is considered to be about 3 to 4 stars. My wife quipped that if you really want good service go stay in YTL Cameron Highlands Resort. Haha! That would really burn a hole in your wallet! If you really want good service level you could try Lakehouse Cameron Highlands but that too is not cheap! Even if it is the expensive hotels I have seen people complaining about their service levels too.
Century Pines Hotel vs Heritage Hotel
The other day my brother asked, "Century Pines Hotel vs Heritage Hotel, which one better?"
My brother was trying to find a hotel in Tanah Rata and was deciding on one of the star rated hotels in Cameon Highlands. Heritage Hotel has been long established while Century Pines Hotel was refurbished. After staying in each hotel I liked Century Pines Hotel. I think in terms of star rating Heritage got 5 star while Century Pines Hotel got 4 star. I don't how the star rating system works or how they evaluate whether this hotel should be this many stars or that many stars. But when you stay there you like it then I should say the hotel in Cameron Highlands that you stayed is good.
So Century Pines Hotel vs Heritage Hotel which one is better?
I liked Century Pines Hotel especially its ground floor unit that opens up the garden. Good for children to run around and something green for the eyes to see. On top of that easy access to Tanah Rata main road where the main shops and restaurants are located. Ya lor, lazy to walk ma.
And of course if you are feeling less lazy, the Parit trail is just next to it by the river. Got Feng Shui, you got hills, you water, you got land, umm but I'm no Feng Shui master so probably don't know what I'm talking about.
As for Heritage Hotel which shares the compound with Greenhill Apartments, maybe they do too much development and so have less greenery around Heritage Hotel. However some of the rooms have very good view of Cameron Highlands surrounding.
The thing about carpeted rooms, they need to clean it often otherwise it will smell of mildew. So if you don't have blocked nose, you will smell it clearly. While the garden room of Century Pines Hotel they use tiles. Tiles may be easier to clean and no mildew smell problem but they are very cold for the feet if you don't wear your slippers or shoes while walking around the room. Malaysian style of walking around rooms is usually barefooted, so a cold tile is no fun, while the carpeted floor of Heritage Hotel would be nicer.
So in the end which of the above hotel in Tanah Rata town is better? Your choice. For me I would prefer Century Pines Hotel, but Heritage Hotel is also ok-lah!
My brother was trying to find a hotel in Tanah Rata and was deciding on one of the star rated hotels in Cameon Highlands. Heritage Hotel has been long established while Century Pines Hotel was refurbished. After staying in each hotel I liked Century Pines Hotel. I think in terms of star rating Heritage got 5 star while Century Pines Hotel got 4 star. I don't how the star rating system works or how they evaluate whether this hotel should be this many stars or that many stars. But when you stay there you like it then I should say the hotel in Cameron Highlands that you stayed is good.
So Century Pines Hotel vs Heritage Hotel which one is better?
I liked Century Pines Hotel especially its ground floor unit that opens up the garden. Good for children to run around and something green for the eyes to see. On top of that easy access to Tanah Rata main road where the main shops and restaurants are located. Ya lor, lazy to walk ma.
And of course if you are feeling less lazy, the Parit trail is just next to it by the river. Got Feng Shui, you got hills, you water, you got land, umm but I'm no Feng Shui master so probably don't know what I'm talking about.
As for Heritage Hotel which shares the compound with Greenhill Apartments, maybe they do too much development and so have less greenery around Heritage Hotel. However some of the rooms have very good view of Cameron Highlands surrounding.
The thing about carpeted rooms, they need to clean it often otherwise it will smell of mildew. So if you don't have blocked nose, you will smell it clearly. While the garden room of Century Pines Hotel they use tiles. Tiles may be easier to clean and no mildew smell problem but they are very cold for the feet if you don't wear your slippers or shoes while walking around the room. Malaysian style of walking around rooms is usually barefooted, so a cold tile is no fun, while the carpeted floor of Heritage Hotel would be nicer.
So in the end which of the above hotel in Tanah Rata town is better? Your choice. For me I would prefer Century Pines Hotel, but Heritage Hotel is also ok-lah!
Cameron Highlands is to relax
"So how far is it from KL to Cameron Highlands?" my boss asked.
"About three hours by car and an additional one hour or two by bus." I replied.
"What is there to do and see there?"
"Well, there is the tea plantation, vegetable farms and markets, countryside views."
After thinking awhile, he thought the time and effort to go over to Cameron Highlands may not be worth the effort. He was planning a trip to Cameron Highlands for the long holiday break during Chinese New Year.
But that's the whole point of gong to Cameron Highlands -- to relax, and enjoy the greenery especially that of the tea plantation and to take up simple activities while enjoying the cool weather. Of course for a more outgoing outdoor adventure activities, you could go for jungle trekking.
But I guess each person is entitled to their own viewpoints. Some people prefer going to Malaysia islands or beaches for their relaxing vacation getaways where they can feel and smell the salty sea breeze blowing by and the hot sun on their back and face (and getting sunburned in the process). And of course, having lived in the hot humid climate of Malaysia, heading to the Malaysia highlands to have some natural cool climate instead of the artificially created air-conditioned environment is a welcome change indeed.
To each his own paradise retreat. So your choice -- to Malaysia islands and beaches or to Malaysia highlands like Cameron Highlands?
Chinese New Year is just around the corner and vacation places do get pretty packed especially from 3rd day of CNY onwards when we Chinese after having visited all the family, relatives and friends it is time for some family outing! So choose your vacation travel destination and book your hotel and accommodation early to avoid disappointment!
Cheers!
"About three hours by car and an additional one hour or two by bus." I replied.
"What is there to do and see there?"
"Well, there is the tea plantation, vegetable farms and markets, countryside views."
After thinking awhile, he thought the time and effort to go over to Cameron Highlands may not be worth the effort. He was planning a trip to Cameron Highlands for the long holiday break during Chinese New Year.
But that's the whole point of gong to Cameron Highlands -- to relax, and enjoy the greenery especially that of the tea plantation and to take up simple activities while enjoying the cool weather. Of course for a more outgoing outdoor adventure activities, you could go for jungle trekking.But I guess each person is entitled to their own viewpoints. Some people prefer going to Malaysia islands or beaches for their relaxing vacation getaways where they can feel and smell the salty sea breeze blowing by and the hot sun on their back and face (and getting sunburned in the process). And of course, having lived in the hot humid climate of Malaysia, heading to the Malaysia highlands to have some natural cool climate instead of the artificially created air-conditioned environment is a welcome change indeed.
To each his own paradise retreat. So your choice -- to Malaysia islands and beaches or to Malaysia highlands like Cameron Highlands?
Chinese New Year is just around the corner and vacation places do get pretty packed especially from 3rd day of CNY onwards when we Chinese after having visited all the family, relatives and friends it is time for some family outing! So choose your vacation travel destination and book your hotel and accommodation early to avoid disappointment!
Cheers!
Yong Teng Cafe - Pancakes
I like pancakes. And you could find some cafes here and there in Cameron Highlands serving them. Here's one bit of info that I found in The Star, pancakes from Yong Teng Cafe. Will try them out next if I ever go up Cameron Highlands. Looks reall yummy too!
Yong Teng Cafe Pancakes
Stall No 4 at the Majlis Daerah stalls (diagonally opposite Bank Pertanian Malaysia), Tanah Rata. Open 8am-5pm.
Head to this stall for a quick meal, which is one of the cheapest places in Tanah Rata for a simple, hearty fare. The place is run by Teng See Poh and his wife, Yong Oi Kim, who are both hearing-impaired. Communication with the friendly couple isn't a problem, however, as diners are given a piece of paper to write their orders on. There is also a full-length menu with items listed in both Chinese and English, so just point to what you want.
The food is simple but well prepared, and the pancakes are particularly good. Fruit toppings such as banana or strawberry accompany the crepes, and for an additional 50 sen, you can have a scoop of ice-cream as well. The stall also serves nasi lemak, burgers, hot dogs, toast and half-boiled eggs.
Yong Teng Cafe Pancakes
Stall No 4 at the Majlis Daerah stalls (diagonally opposite Bank Pertanian Malaysia), Tanah Rata. Open 8am-5pm.
Head to this stall for a quick meal, which is one of the cheapest places in Tanah Rata for a simple, hearty fare. The place is run by Teng See Poh and his wife, Yong Oi Kim, who are both hearing-impaired. Communication with the friendly couple isn't a problem, however, as diners are given a piece of paper to write their orders on. There is also a full-length menu with items listed in both Chinese and English, so just point to what you want.
The food is simple but well prepared, and the pancakes are particularly good. Fruit toppings such as banana or strawberry accompany the crepes, and for an additional 50 sen, you can have a scoop of ice-cream as well. The stall also serves nasi lemak, burgers, hot dogs, toast and half-boiled eggs.
Cameron Highlands Weather
For those who are wondering about Cameron Highlands weather around this year end, no need to wonder. Typically it is the year end monsoon season with wind blowing in from the North-East to South-West bringing along with it the moisture laden atmosphere from the sea. When the moisture laden warm air hits the cool climate of the mountain range in the central area of Peninsular Malaysia it would result in precipitation.
Most if not all would fall on the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, as well the southern state, the east coast of Johor and of course Singapore too. However it would be more severe in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang because of the mountain ranges.
So expect to experience rain in Cameron Highlands from mild drizzle to heavy downpour during your trip. Carry your umbrella along, and try to factor in indoor activities rather than outdoor exploration activities. Avoid going for jungle bashing unless you are an intrepid outdoor adventurer who don't mind slushing through the jungle mud.
Visit to Bharat and Boh Tea Plantation is still alright but you might not be able to frolic in the tea plantation itself. Well, depends on your luck, I suppose. You could always visit the tea factory, heh, heh. Or just sit back and relax at the Boh Tea Centre or Bharat Shalimar Tea Shop and enjoy the grand view of rain pitter-patter on the tea plantation.
Visit to bee farm, butterfly farm, rose garden centres, cactus nurseries and various farms like strawberry farms, Kea farm, etc will depend on your fortune with sky as most of these Cameron Highlands sights and attractions are open air with some covering. You could carry your umbrella along, but if the rain gets too heavy it might be better to hold up somewhere like in a restaurant and have a nice hot cup of tea!
Related post:
Cameron Highlands Current Weather March 2010
Most if not all would fall on the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, as well the southern state, the east coast of Johor and of course Singapore too. However it would be more severe in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang because of the mountain ranges.
So expect to experience rain in Cameron Highlands from mild drizzle to heavy downpour during your trip. Carry your umbrella along, and try to factor in indoor activities rather than outdoor exploration activities. Avoid going for jungle bashing unless you are an intrepid outdoor adventurer who don't mind slushing through the jungle mud.
Visit to Bharat and Boh Tea Plantation is still alright but you might not be able to frolic in the tea plantation itself. Well, depends on your luck, I suppose. You could always visit the tea factory, heh, heh. Or just sit back and relax at the Boh Tea Centre or Bharat Shalimar Tea Shop and enjoy the grand view of rain pitter-patter on the tea plantation.
Visit to bee farm, butterfly farm, rose garden centres, cactus nurseries and various farms like strawberry farms, Kea farm, etc will depend on your fortune with sky as most of these Cameron Highlands sights and attractions are open air with some covering. You could carry your umbrella along, but if the rain gets too heavy it might be better to hold up somewhere like in a restaurant and have a nice hot cup of tea!
Related post:
Cameron Highlands Current Weather March 2010
Cameron Highlands Info
Goodness gracious! My website is just information and review about Cameron Highlands. I do not do hotel accommodation apartment bookings, I do not sell organic vegetable products, I do not provide travel and tours services, I do not sell flowers! My dear fellow netizens, I can't help you on the above because I don't do them!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Types of Tea
There is so many different types of tea and yet they all come from the same plant known as Camellia Sinensis, how the tea leaves are processed determines the type of tea.
The taste of the tea itself on the other hand is different story. It is determined by many factors. Like wine, it is influenced by the environmental conditions of the region in which it is grown, such as climate, soil and altitude. So an Oolong tea from say China will be very different from Oolong tea grown and processed in Japan or Taiwan. Likewise for English tasting black tea that are grown and processed in Sri Lanka will taste different from that of Cameron Highlands tea.
There are four major types of tea:
Black tea: The leaves are allowed to ferment fully before being dried. It has a robust and full-bodied flavour, and goes well with milk. Black tea is also known as Ceylon or English tea. Boh Tea is an example of black tea. Other popular kinds of black tea include Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Darjeeling.
Oolong: The tea is semi-fermented and rolled lightly until it turns red, then dried over a fire. After brewing, the tea is usually light brown-red in colour. It is usually drunk without milk or sugar. Most Chinese teas are Oolong teas. Shui Xian, Pouchong and Alishan are some well-known varieties of Oolong tea.
Green tea: This is unfermented tea which is withered, steamed, and then dried. It retains a distinctive green colour and has a delicate flavour with a slight tang. The most well-known form of green tea is Japanese tea. Gunpowder, Green Pekoe and Sencha are some of the popular varieties.
White tea: White tea comes from tightly rolled buds of tea. It does not go through any fermentation; instead, the leaves are immediately fired or steamed after withering. There is also no rolling involved. Types of white tea include Silver Needle, White Peony and Darjeeling White.
Sourced from www.boh.com.my and www.2basnob.com
The taste of the tea itself on the other hand is different story. It is determined by many factors. Like wine, it is influenced by the environmental conditions of the region in which it is grown, such as climate, soil and altitude. So an Oolong tea from say China will be very different from Oolong tea grown and processed in Japan or Taiwan. Likewise for English tasting black tea that are grown and processed in Sri Lanka will taste different from that of Cameron Highlands tea.
There are four major types of tea:
Black tea: The leaves are allowed to ferment fully before being dried. It has a robust and full-bodied flavour, and goes well with milk. Black tea is also known as Ceylon or English tea. Boh Tea is an example of black tea. Other popular kinds of black tea include Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Darjeeling.
Oolong: The tea is semi-fermented and rolled lightly until it turns red, then dried over a fire. After brewing, the tea is usually light brown-red in colour. It is usually drunk without milk or sugar. Most Chinese teas are Oolong teas. Shui Xian, Pouchong and Alishan are some well-known varieties of Oolong tea.
Green tea: This is unfermented tea which is withered, steamed, and then dried. It retains a distinctive green colour and has a delicate flavour with a slight tang. The most well-known form of green tea is Japanese tea. Gunpowder, Green Pekoe and Sencha are some of the popular varieties.
White tea: White tea comes from tightly rolled buds of tea. It does not go through any fermentation; instead, the leaves are immediately fired or steamed after withering. There is also no rolling involved. Types of white tea include Silver Needle, White Peony and Darjeeling White.
Sourced from www.boh.com.my and www.2basnob.com
Boh Tea Production Process
Here's some interesting information about Boh Tea production process. This will give you a fair idea of how Boh make their perfect savoring cup of tea for your enjoyment. I know, I love tea and nothing like a cup of English tea for a relaxing day!
Harvesting: Tea bushes are harvested approximately every three weeks. The leaves are packed into sacks and sent to the factory for processing.
Withering: The leaves are put in troughs or bins with warm dry air running through them for about 12 to 20 hours. This removes the moisture content from the leaves.
Rolling: This crushes the leaf cells while proccessing leaves into smaller particles. It also exposes the cells to oxygen.
Fermentation: Also known as oxidation, this is the critical stage that determines the flavour, aroma and colour of the tea. Therefore, timing, humidity and temperature have to be carefully controlled. After fermentation, the tea leaves turn copper in colour, and the characteristic aroma of tea develops.
Drying: A blast of hot air is passed through the leaves to stop the fermentation process. This is when the leaves emerge in their familiar, crisp, black, curled form.
Sorting: The off-grades, fibres and stalks are removed by running the tea through several machines. A vibroscreen is used to sort and grade the tea leaves according to size.
Tea tasting: The taster examines each sample of dry tea leaves for colour, texture, amount of twist and evenness of grade. The infused leaves are examined for colour, uniformity and brightness. Next, he tastes the tea for taste, flavour and aroma.
Packaging: The tea leaves are packaged and ready for the market.
Sourced from www.boh.com.my
Harvesting: Tea bushes are harvested approximately every three weeks. The leaves are packed into sacks and sent to the factory for processing.
Withering: The leaves are put in troughs or bins with warm dry air running through them for about 12 to 20 hours. This removes the moisture content from the leaves.
Rolling: This crushes the leaf cells while proccessing leaves into smaller particles. It also exposes the cells to oxygen.
Fermentation: Also known as oxidation, this is the critical stage that determines the flavour, aroma and colour of the tea. Therefore, timing, humidity and temperature have to be carefully controlled. After fermentation, the tea leaves turn copper in colour, and the characteristic aroma of tea develops.
Drying: A blast of hot air is passed through the leaves to stop the fermentation process. This is when the leaves emerge in their familiar, crisp, black, curled form.
Sorting: The off-grades, fibres and stalks are removed by running the tea through several machines. A vibroscreen is used to sort and grade the tea leaves according to size.
Tea tasting: The taster examines each sample of dry tea leaves for colour, texture, amount of twist and evenness of grade. The infused leaves are examined for colour, uniformity and brightness. Next, he tastes the tea for taste, flavour and aroma.
Packaging: The tea leaves are packaged and ready for the market.
Sourced from www.boh.com.my
Cameron Highlands Weather
Cameron Highlands weather is somewhat more wet this year. Seems like every trip I made to Cameron Highlands, I will experience rain. The last weekend trip was no different. Using my Casio watch which has a build in temperature meter, I noted that day time temperature was about 26°C while night time temperature was about 21°C. Gets kinda cold when it rains too.
This time round we stayed in Desa Anthurium with some friends for bridal photography. This Cameron Highlands apartment is located in a valley like area, thus there is less wind. My brother-in-law complaint that he felt very warm despite sleeping next to the window. Hmmm... It felt quite cool for me, perhaps a little cold. Perhaps he got more bodily fats could be factor, and of course without any night wind was another factor for him to feel warm.
This time round we stayed in Desa Anthurium with some friends for bridal photography. This Cameron Highlands apartment is located in a valley like area, thus there is less wind. My brother-in-law complaint that he felt very warm despite sleeping next to the window. Hmmm... It felt quite cool for me, perhaps a little cold. Perhaps he got more bodily fats could be factor, and of course without any night wind was another factor for him to feel warm.
Water disruption?
One of my readers mentioned that there will be water supply disruption around 12 July 2009. This was informed by the staff at Hotel Equatorial. However it was not clear whether the water disruption will only affect Equatorial Hotel or Cameron Highlands in general. It could be a schedule maintenance by the water works department. As I was informed sometime ago, the water shortage situation in Cameron Highlands has already been remedied. So very likely this water disruption could just be a schedule maintenance. So do check with your hotel accommodation about this matter before you book your room around that period.
Cheers!
Cheers!
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