FOR a breath of cool, crisp air, Cameron Highlands is the place to be.

The weather is cool all year round, with temperatures as low as 14 deg C. Rain is common though, especially between November and February.

What to do

The tea plantations are a must-see. You get to savour and purchase the estates' produce. The three most popular tea plantations are Boh Tea Plantation, Sungai Palas Tea Estate and Bharat Tea Estate.

Cameron Highlands' cool climate is also perfect for strawberries. Visit Big Red Strawberry Farm & Gift Centre, where strawberries and lettuce are grown hydroponically.

Also visit the Ee Feng Gu Apiary. At this bee farm, visitors will get to sample honey and learn its benefits. At the Cactus Valley, you can see a wide variety of cacti, some as old as 60 years.

What to eat

You can have a steamboat dinner for about RM12 to RM22 per person at the restaurants in Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

The English tradition of tea and scones still goes on strong here. Check out T-Cafe in Tanah Rata for an excellent selection.

Getting there

There are two routes - from the south via Tapah, or the newer northern route, via Simpang Pulai or Ipoh. You can take a bus, taxi or drive yourself. The nearest train station is in Tapah.

Where to stay

The Equatorial Cameron Highlands

Surrounded by majestic mountains and undulating valleys, this Tudor-style resort spreads over 13 acres.

It offers self-contained low-rise apartment suites, deluxe rooms and suites in a hotel tower.

$$$: From Sundays to Thursdays, expect to pay RM180++ ($76) for a superior room and RM520++ for a 3-bedroom apartment.

Prices are higher on Fridays, Saturdays and during peak periods. A school holiday supplement of RM20++ per room per night is applicable from 24 May to 8 Jun.

This article was first published in The New Paper on May 16, 2008.