Holiday in Style ... Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Tired of working and climbing the corporate? Desperately need a break? Well, in Malaysia, there are plenty of places of interests that you can visit to let the steam off.

How about beaches and islands? No? Well, you're not a sun and sea worshiper aren't you? Then lets go to somewhere high up on the hills or the highlands and our destination is the majestic Cameron Highlands.

Located 1500 meters above the sea level on the mountainous Titiwangsa range, the longest mountain range in Peninsula Malaysia, Cameron Highland has been one of the best and coolest highland resort since the colonial days of the British rule. Blessed with temperate climate, the highland is the biggest provider for fresh vegetables, fruits and cut flowers to the entire peninsula Malaysia and the neighboring Singapore as well.

Founded by William Cameron, a British surveyor in 1885 during a mapping expedition, the highland was turned into a hill station by Sir George Maxwell in 1925. Later, more wealthy residents from the steamy flatlands as well as the British expatriates began to build their houses on the highlands. In fact, some became permanent settlers and built a community of their own. Till today, the colonial charm is still present strongly in the forms of English's Tudor houses that resembles the rustic English villages in Kent, England.

How to get here?
Cameron Highland is about 300km from Kuala Lumpur and an approximate of 20km from Ipoh. The only way to get to here is by car or busses. You can either use the Old Tapah road which takes about 1.5 hours to reach the first town in Cameron Highlands or for those with motion sickness, the Simpang Pulai road is the best option and it only takes about 45 minutes to reach there. If you use the Simpang Pulai road, you may see lots of shops on the road side selling local produces and handicrafts along the way.

Where to stay?
There are a number of resorts , hotels and motels to suit your budget. If you wish to pamper yourself in the ultimate English-inspired lifestyle then Ye Olde Smokehouse is the best choice.

This age-old Tudor smokehouse was converted into an inn and it serves the best tea and scones in the entire Cameron Highlands.

Recently YTL Berhad opened its Cameroh Highlands Resort at Tanah Rata. With suites and room overfacing the golf course, the sister resort of Pangkor Laut offers you more than just a luxurious stay in a colonial period setting.

There's even a Jogoya Japanese restaurant branch opened here as well as a spa, a feature that YTL Hotels are known for.

What to do?
There's a lot of things to do here rather than golfing or just spend your time idly in front of the fireplace.

Since Cameron Highlands is famous for its fresh produce, take your time to visit vegetable and fruit farms that sprawled across the highlands.

Famous produces are temperate fruits and veggies such as strawberries, cabbages, oranges, carrots and mushrooms. Strawberry-based products are popular among the tourists too. Do visit flower farms too because its the best place to get fresh flowers and potted plants to be taken home.

The Look Guide

By Day...
Unlike other parts of Malaysia, Cameron Highland's climate is akin to England or New York with temperature ranging from as low as 16 degree Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. The temperature drops mostly at night or during rainy season.

Therefore, thick clothes made from wool, agora or cashmere are suitable to be worn here. For a stylish fashionista, this is the perfect place where you can strut in your designer trench coat.

Suggested style here is a creme trench coat with rounded tailored collars and matching large-buckled wide belt from English designer Alice Temperley for Temperley. To complete this look, you can also wear a pair of black leggings to keep your legs warm and a pair of leather booties.

Don't forget to tote a leather tote bag that matches with your shoes. I recommend you Chloe Bay satchel because it's just nice to complement that 70's inspired trench from Temperley. This Temperley trench is available at Podium Star Hill while Chloe Bay bag collection is available at Shuz, Suria KLCC.

By Night...
Having an intimate dinner with your loved ones? This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's Viola evening dress is suitable for the occasion.

Taken from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection, the dark purple muslin halter dress was designed by designer Stefano Pilatti and is a hit among international devout fashion followers who have devoted themselves to Yves Saint Laurent creations.

Decorated with folds of violets that looks lifelike from the knee-length hemline up to the pleat-detailed bust. It's so dramatic and with Cameron Highland's eternal Spring environment where flowers bloom every day, this one piece of whimsical art nicely fit the surrounding.

Dress it up by wrapping a fur stole around your shoulder for that dramatic effect. Louis Vuitton monogrammed fur stole is highly recommended. last but not least, add the final touch with a pair of stilettos or sandals and a nice clutch bag to complete your look. The dress is seen here paired with Vinyl Naked kiss T-strap sandals with violet satin. Any Judith Leiber clutch will do just fine!

If you wish to soak up in Cameron Highland's eternal Spring or maybe to relive the good times you spent at the English countryside as a student, pick up the phone, book a good hotel room with a breathtaking view and go. You won't be disappointed and that's a promise.

*Photos by First View and courtesy of YTLCommunity.com.

Podium - Explore Floor, Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Shuz - First Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche - #01-47, The Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859; 1F, Unit 6-8A, Jalan M.H Thamrin, Kav 29-30, Jakarta 10350.