Cameron Highlands & Penang, Malaysia

Our next few days were spent in the cool oasis of the Cameron Highlands. After battling with the heat in Taman Negara this was the perfect escape; surrounded by soft blue mountains, tea plantations and strawberry farms the temperature in Tanah Rata, the main highland town, coasts between a cool 12 - 22 degrees. Of course we had to do all the touristy things: our day started off at the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple, then we headed off to the Rose & Flower Centre which honestly wasn't as much of a bore as it sounds - the views were absolutely stunning. Next up was the strawberry farm where we tucked into jam tarts and strawberry milkshakes and then the Apiary or Bee Farm to try out the honey. Last but not least was the Boh Tea Plantation which not only smelt incredible but served some pretty amazing cream teas.

After two days of basking in weather than resembled British Summertime we made our way to the north of Malaysia, to the island of Penang. Nicknamed 'Pearl of the Orient' Penang is the hawker food capital of Malaysia and the Red Garden Food Paradise round the corner from our hostel did not disappoint. Once again we stayed in a Reggae Mansion, the same owner as the one in KL, just on the outskirts of Chinatown. Once I satisfied my Dim Sum craving we explored Georgetown and the surrounding area, heading off to Penang Hill where we road the incredibly steep funicular railway to the top. You could see the whole of Georgetown, my pictures really didn't do it justice! We also visited the Kek Lok Si Temple, the temple of serene bliss, which is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia to hang our wishes.

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