Today I experienced the Cameron Highlands in greater depth, both the wonderful and the not so wonderful. The less appealing aspect is that this is an extremely touristy area, largely catering to Malaysian visitors. The confluence of Chinese New Year and the start of Ramadan meant enormous crowds. We were repeatedly snarled in traffic jams, often coming to a complete … Read More

This morning, I met Thomas, my guide and driver for the next week as I head north. For the first hour the highway was wide, smooth, and efficient. Sitting in an air-conditioned car, it was easy to forget I am in the tropics. Gradually the skyscrapers thinned, replaced by stretches of palm oil plantations and low rolling hills. Once off … Read More