[Tanah Rata, Malaysia] Backpacker package tour today so we were not expecting too much but they got off to a good start arriving to collect us in an awesome little Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer ATV.

This town is just full of cool old 4×4’s (mostly ancient but hard working land rovers) and our ride was obviously ex-military still with rifle mounts, turret hatch and ammo boxes. We were followed out of town by a landy with more tourists in search of the largest flower species in the world (Rafflesia Arnoldi). About 40 minutes out we left the main roads and started an insane climb up what looked like impassable tracks. The recent rain has completely destroyed the dirt roads up into the forests but our driver was keen to give it a try anyway. On the steepest section we all climbed out to give the Puch a fair chance and it eventually made it – what a machine! The Landy didn’t even bother trying. The Austrians won that round without a doubt. Pilling both groups into the Puch we continued on followed by the local guides having no trouble on little 125cc road bikes – it was hilarious.

The two (total) hour hike in the forest was reasonably easy but sweaty. No bugs or leeches either but the kids along with us still call it ‘trekking’. The flower I have to admit was a little disappointing. They open for around 10 days so I guess you are lucky if you catch one that has just blossomed (a loose definition for such an ugly, smelly ‘flower’). In any event it was good to see.

Next we moved on to a local ‘village’ with a few bamboo huts for a blowpipe demonstration. The village is in the process of upgrading – backaktors at work with stone and concrete so it was hardly authentic. After they had given the kids a go with the hand made blowpipe (at a range of 3m) I got one of the guys to demonstrate from around 25m. Very impressive hitting an A4 sized target. You can see the traditional techniques and form are still practiced although I doubt they use them for hunting – easier to pop down to the local store.

After a typical Indian curry at a local canteen we headed out to one of the many tea plantations. Our guide informed us that this one was over 80 years old and owned by a Scottish family. Every possible square metre has been cultivated – up and down the valleys and hillsides. It was picturesque and we learn a few new things about our favorite hot drink with the visit and a tour around the factory. Better than that was the chance to have tea and scones at the beautiful (and very popular) cafe overlooking the vast plantation. The tea was excellent and the scones were missing the clotted cream but I think it’s fair to bring England even for the day.

Final Score: Austria 1, England 1

Our final destination was a ride up to a viewpoint at 6666ft on one of the higher hills in the area. It was windy and chilly on the exposed tower so after snapping a few shots we got down quickly and headed off for a short walk into ‘the Mossy Forrest’. An unusual spot straight out of a fantasy novel with thick cloud adding to the atmosphere. Our guide pointed out the differences between the high and low altitude forests along with obvious blankets of moss and unusual ‘Pitcher’ plants. Because of the cold we finished up in the forest pretty quickly and our guide threw in an extra stop on the way home at a strawberry farm to make up the time. The cafe and shop were packed with just about every strawberry product imaginable. The milkshake was amazing. Seems the English did a good job out here.

Tomorrow we head for Kuala Lumpur. V’s been feeling the cold a bit but I’m not really looking forward to being all sticky again. I suppose it is Asia!

[Pictures: What a Machine. More flop than flower. Tea and scones :)]

Short clip of our Pinzgauer tackling a steep section

– Posted from my iPhone via WiFi