A couple of months ago, I booked two rooms at the CHR for a family holiday. The last time I stayed at the hotel was when it was still under the Merlin Hotel Group's management, more than 30 years ago.
Every room comes with a 4-poster bed! Every furniture and fittings exudes class and justifies its 5-star rating.
Located in the state of Pahang, approximately 200 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands is the only place where you can find tea plantations and strawberries in Malaysia. At about 1,500 metres above sea level, it is the highest area on the mainland and enjoys a cool climate and fresh air, with temperatures ranging between 15° and 25° Celsius.
It is place to just relax and chill.
Cameron Highlands was named after William Cameron, a British Government surveyor who discovered it in 1885 whilst on a mapping expedition. However, he failed to mark his discovery and it was not until 1925 that Sir George Maxwell recorded Cameron's discovery and decided to develop it as a hill resort.
The fame of Cameron Highlands grew during the colonial era. British colonials were attracted to this cool hill station, its climate tailor-made for nostalgic reconstructions of English cottages, narrow village lanes, invigorating hikes through the countryside, rounds of golf and afternoon tea and scones accompanied by locally produced strawberry jam.
British expatriates would frequent the highlands on vacation, to relax and escape the lowland tropical heat, and British planters soon realised the potential of its fertile mountain slopes for growing tea, then a prized commodity. Cameron Highlands is still home to many tea plantations, as well as strawberry and vegetable farms, jungle trails, cascading waterfalls and rose gardens. Much of the highlands' character remains unchanged, exuding an old English charm.
CHR continues this tradition. Everything reminds visitors the "Englishness" of the resort.
All rooms at the CHR have the golf course view. Each rooms comes with a balcony where one can sit and enjoy the view while sipping a cup of tea.
The only complaint that I have is that the main road is also in front of the hotel. Hence, traffic noise is present, even at night.
Well developed tress are everywhere. Unfortunately, when I was there, they were re-turfing the golf course. Otherwise it would be like looking at a sea of green.
On every hill, you would see English inspired homes dotted discretely amongst the trees. Hopefully, these hills will not be developed further.
Due to the coolness of the highlands, the hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditions. Instead a ceiling fan is provided. After the first night, I can confirm that it is very cold indeed.
This hotel has 2 floors spread on either side of the main lobby.
The hotel as seen from across the road.
The hotel library. Very old school but all the modern conveniences are available such as wireless internet connection. This part is definitely new and not part of the original Merlin Hotel setup.
This pond and waterfall is original. I can still remember it from my memory when I saw it.
The bar and lounge area of the hotel. Very homely. At night, the fireplaces will have burning logs.
The corridor to get to the rooms. My son and I and further up, my wife and second daughter. The eldest took this photo.
CHR's dining room - exudes class. The prices are also in the same category. Unfortunately, although it would be nice to dine here, with three kids, best to seek alternatives. Nevertheless, breakfast is held in this room which we enjoyed immensely.
The menu is typically western with some local flavours.
A photo of the balcony from inside the room.
At night CHR is a washed with lights.
I was told that this hotel receives many visitors from Japan and they actually have a Japanese restaurant in the hotel. In fact, one of the relationship manager is Japanese. Below is the Japanese restaurant.
Every three in the resort was covered with lights. It looks like Christmas!
The landing between the ground floor and the first floor is a large copper tooled art piece that was part of the original hotel. I am so happy that it is still there after all these years. I can still remember running my fingers along the lines of the copper plate.
The lobby and lounge at night. A pianist playing piano and guest having drinks before turning in for the night.
The bar.
The main car park in the morning.
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