Paradise In The Backyard

And while we were in Taiping, we went up the Maxwell Hills (not that I dont like the name Bukit Larut, but the hills have always been Maxwell Hills since I was small. Even my mum who is English-illiterate calls it Bukit Maxwell). The last time I was there was maybe like thirty or so years ago.. (which is ages ago; even for someone my age). The top photos were taken at the foot of the hills while we waited for our ride.

We had the tickets and sped (sped? We couldnt have sped - the road is worse than ular kena patuk - the turns are sharp and up-climbing.) You cant drive up in your own vehicle - you have to take the jeeps in service (it has to be a four-wheeler. The standard sedans wont be able to go up the hill without the extra traction). We stopped at 1036 m above sea level. You can only go further up if you have reservations for any of the chalet up the hill.

I love the weather at the top. Cool and yet sunny and hot too at times when the clouds move out of the sun. That day it was a bit cloudy and windy so it was very cool. Cooler than Cameron I would think. The plants are beautiful. It is a shame though that plants / flowers are not abundant. It would have been more gorgeous.

We had tea and sandwiches at one of the cafes. It is where tulips are found when in season. Unfortunately it is not in season now. If you want to see the tulips you should go in Nov and Dec. But I wonder if it is the rainy season then - because watch out, the roads would be slippery and traction would be a challenge.

Going down was scary or thrilling; depending on your perspective. Mine told me it was scary. It made us a bit dizzy too. So if you are susceptible to mabuk kereta, make sure you come well prepared.

It was a nice trip - we are thinking we should make reservations in time for the tulips..

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