The Cameron Highlands/Malaysia The mean annual temperature of the resort is about 18 °C (64 °F). During the day, the temperature seldom rises above 25 °C (77 °F); at night, it can rarely drop to as low as 9 °C (48 °F), at the higher areas.The retreat has a diverse population of more than 38,000 people. It comprises Bumiputeras (Malay (7,321); others (5,668)), Chinese (13,099), Indians (6,988), non-Malaysian citizens (5,193), and other nationalities (202).Most of the residents here are entrepreneurs, service industry employees, farm workers, retirees or government representatives. The languages spoken are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are the main religions of the haven. Developed in the 1930s, the tableland is one of the oldest tourist spots in Malaysia. Apart from its tea estates, the plateau is also noted for its cool weather, orchards, nurseries, farmlands, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, wildlife, mossy forest, golf course, hotels, places of worship, bungalows, Land Rovers, museum and its aborigines (Orang Asli). The only way to the Highlands is by road. It could be reached from Ipoh, Kota Bharu, Kuala Lipis, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Raub, or Singapore. The accesses are via Tapah, Simpang Pulai, Gua Musang or Sungai Koyan. Tapah and Simpang Pulai are the approaches from Perak. Gua Musang and Sungai Koyan are the entryways from Kelantan and Pahang, respectively. The Cameron Highlands is one of the 11 constituencies of Pahang, Malaysia. Occupying an area of 712 square kilometres (275 sq mi), the district comprises three townships and five settlements. All are nestled at different elevations ranging from 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft). The three townships are Ringlet (1,100 metres (3,600 ft)), Tanah Rata (1,400 metres (4,600 ft)) and Brinchang (1,450 metres (4,760 ft)). The five settlements are the Bertam Valley, Kea Farm, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. The eight vicinities are linked via a 34-kilometre-long road which stretches from Ringlet to Kampung Raja. Below is a brief description of the eight neighbourhoods. The Bertam Valley is a scenic spot about two kilometres from Ringlet. It is involved with the growing of fruits, flowers and vegetables. It is now the Highlands' new entryway from Pahang via Sungei Koyan from Raub or Kuala Lipis. Brinchang is the "Camerons" second biggest town. The majority of its visitors are from Singapore or Malaysia. It is close to the "central market", orchards, nurseries, museum and golf course. Besides these attractions, the place is also known for its teeming "Night Market". The outdoor bazaar is usually held during the Malaysian school holidays or on weekends. Kampung Raja is a residential area. It is the first colony after the turn off from Simpang Pulai. From here one can proceed to either Ipoh in Perak or to Gua Musang in Kelantan. Kea Farm is located at an altitude of (1,600 metres (5,200 ft)). It is one of the highest villages in Peninsular Malaysia. It is adjacent to the tea estates and Mount Batu Brinchang (Malay: Gunung Batu Brinchang).Kuala Terla is a farming commune. Its main activity is the cultivation of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Located about four kilometres from Kampung Raja, it has a mixed population comprising Chinese, Indians and Malays. Most of the residents here have no difficulties communicating in Malay. Ringlet is the first town after the turn off from Tapah. It is one of the agricultural hubs of the resort. A wide variety of vegetables are grown at this township. The cool climate also favours the growing of passion fruit, strawberries and grapefruit.Tanah Rata is the administrative centre of the retreat. The police station, government offices, hospital, schools, library, post office, shops, banks, eateries, inns, chalets, bus station and taxi stand are all within walking distance. Amenities aside, the town is also noted for its intricate network of jungle tracks: trails 4 and 9 lead to the waterfalls; the rest meander to mountains, scenic spots or aboriginal villages. Most of the walks here are fairly well marked. They generally intersect with each other to form a "loop" around the city. Tringkap is a farming enclave. It is a focal point for the growing of vegetables. A high percentage of its crops are grown on tiered terraces. The bulk of its produce is exported to Singapore.

• published: 29 Nov 2013
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