ONCE a favourite haunt for backpackers from all over the world, Bala's Chalet in Cameron Highlands has undergone renovations to emerge as The Bala's Holiday Chalet, a place that appeals now to both budget and discerning travellers.

Owner Balakrishnan or simply Bala, who has been running the show for over 30 years, invested a small fortune and three years in the renovation works.

Only the original structure of this beautiful Tudor bungalow is retained. The interiors, courtyards, bedding and fittings have all been upgraded to give it a classy feel.

When Bala catered solely to backpackers, charges were very affordable, so much so that the place was highly recommended in major travel directories for budget travellers like The Lonely Planet and Asia On A Shoestring.

The food and the warm hospitality of the staff and owner have always been the major draw and remain so today despite the changes.

The mainstays on the menu - Bala's delicious Indian curries with naan and tandoori meats as well as tea with scones and fresh strawberries with ice-cream are still delighting regular customers.

Today, the customer profile has changed and includes Singaporeans, Europeans and Australians as well as locals who flock here during the holidays.

Bala has travelled all over Europe, Australia, Britain and the United States. On the way, he picked up lots of ideas that he implemented in his own chalet. When he is off on his many trips, his wife and children take over the running of the property.

Bala also provides a van and driver on standby to shuttle guests without transport to the many popular destinations on the highlands.

A fireplace and romantic setting.

HOTEL
The Bala's Holiday Chalet, Lot 55, Tanah Rata, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang. Tel: 05-491 1660/019-616 1610 (Bala). Email: balasch@hotmail.com. Website: www.balaschalet.com

GETTING THERE
Take the North-South Highway and exit at Tapah. Then follow the signboards to Cameron Highlands. You may also exit at Simpang Pulai near Ipoh and proceed on the new highway to Gua Musang for about 120 kms before turning left and heading toward Kampung Raja. From there, it's about a half hour's drive to reach the chalet at Tanah Rata. Those coming from the south will have to pass Tanah Rata and proceed for 1km before you see the chalet's signboard to your left. Driving from the north, you will see the signboard on your right 3km before Tanah Rata town. The journey from Kuala Lumpur or from Penang will take about three hours.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Delightful English garden ambience. Excellent food and highly personalised services. It's simply a place to rest, recuperate and spoil yourself.

ROOMS
There are 30 cottage-style rooms with a commanding view of the Brinchang Valley. Among these are rooms that offer the best views of sunset and sunrise as these sit high up on a hill with a 360-degree view of the valley below. The rooms are spread out in two buildings connected by walkways.

RATES
Weekday rates range from RM120 in Superior Room for two to RM380 in Executive Suite for four to six. There are surcharges on weekends and public holidays.

F&B OUTLETS
Perhaps the most talked-about tea and scones in Camerons are those served in Bala's Jim Thompson's Tea Room. No one should miss the tea and scones with homemade strawberry jam and cream or the apple and chicken pies and sandwiches. British India Restaurant serves home cooked curries, western cuisine and traditional Malaysian dishes. Indian cuisine is a favourite.

Sg. Palas tea estate.

FACILITIES
Reading room, library, lounge bar and a tea garden. A shuttle van to Tanah Rata is also available. Package tours to vegetable/fruit farms, teahouses/tea plantations and butterfly farms can be arranged.

WHAT TO BRING
Camera/videocam as the scenery is simply captivating. Jogging shoes as there are many nature trails to explore. Warm clothes as it can get chilly even in the day.