Local Tourism

Recently re-visit to Cameron Highland with a friend with the intention to show him more about Malaysia. He was pretty happy as CH is a totally new place for him and he enjoyed the Palas Tea plantation.

However, as a Malaysian being 4th time in CH, I pity the highlands people and feel sad about the spoiled environment due to the over development. Forest are being explored into a housing site and I am not too sure is that to serve the residential purpose for the local or being sold for business minded people for renting to tourist. The last time I been to CH was in year Oct 2007, just 18 months, the environment has changed a lot such as new housing area, and I noticed that Starbuck has also trying to penetrate the market there by having a new outlet in Tanah Rata.

Besides Palas Tea Plantation, I dont have the mood to show our friend around to other so called tourist area such as rose valley, Bees Farm, cactus valley and so on....Not any particular reason, just feel that not worth the time to spend in such a "copy cating" place and does not represent the true Malaysia culture. Worst, one thing I feel very funny was the reddish "strawberry" products that hang around the stalls along the roadside. Imagine the whole stall was filled with reddish products include ballon, pillow...everything. Just name it...all with the reddish colour. Our friend made a joke as he seen the phenomena " what is this strawberry nation !!" . Our laughter filled up the cold air and vibrated starbuck tea table that night.

I do hope that local can be more creative in term of doing business by diversify the products and can do something that could represent Truly Malaysia culture. In order to promote local tourism, we need to know our strength in our culture which is unique and only be found in Malaysia.