Tanah Rata

Main Drag of the Town of Tanah Rata

Main Drag of the Town of Tanah Rata

For many people, the town of Tanah Rata in Pahang State of Malaysia is the place to be when visiting Cameron Highlands. Although Tanah Rata is one of a few towns in the Cameron Highlands, it is by far the busiest and most accessible of the towns. So it is but natural that I base myself here. Another town called Brinchang is a few kilometers down the road but the budget accomodations are here in Tanah Rata. The main road basically goes through the town of which all buses and cars all pass through, so it is a little tricky to be crossing this road.

Tudor Style Tower at the Entrance of the Tanah Rata

Tudor Style Tower at the Entrance of the Tanah Rata

Upon entering the town you’d be greeted by houses in a style known as Mock Tudor. These low rise buildings provide Tanah Rata much character. So effective it is that a lot of the newer buildings here in Tanah Rata also sport the tudor style, most of the time adding styles of their own. The more prominent ones such as the Heritage Hotel and the Ye Olde Smokehouse were all built in this style. Now that I think about it, I have seen this type of houses in Singapore.

Mock Tudor Housing Blocks in Tanah Rata

Mock Tudor Housing Blocks in Tanah Rata

The Tudor style is a British style where it tries imitate the feel of a medieval cottage. It is quite fascinating to see these houses since you don’t get to see this style anymore. I was little surprised to see it here in Tanah Rata since Malaysia, then known as Malaya was a British colony, and Cameron Highlands was their largest hill station. The Cameron Highlands were established to allow residents escape from the searing tropical heat of Malaya. It was also here that these faux medieval cottages were built.

Welcome To Tanah Rata Cameron Highlands

Welcome To Tanah Rata Cameron Highlands

Tanah Rata probably has all the facilities you’ll ever need and it also has a wide array of food choices. They even have a Starbucks here, no McDonald’s though, KFC is in the next town. The main bus station is also in this town so it is really a no brainer to be staying here as transport out of the town is far in between unless you are taking a cab.

[xmlgm {http://www.worldwanderings.net/kml/TerminalFreesia.kmz} zoom=17]