Today saw November start but today was also the reason we came to the Cameron Highlands and that reason was TEA!!!!

We took a countryside tour starting early as we had lots to fit in.The Rose Centre was our first stop and from outside did not look much at all but once you had parted with your RM4 (60p) it was a real treasure trove of flowers and plants. They had exotic species and the Malaysian national flower the Hibiscus. The big draw here though are the views from the top of what seemed like 300 steps but was probably no where near that!!!

You could see across the highlands and the misty covered hills and look at the patchwork ground below. Our next stop nearly managed to overshadow the tea plantation it was the butterfly farm but little did we know what was waiting for us there. It was also home to lots of insects and creepy crawlies that you were allowed to hold.

For starters we both took a hold of the 3 horned rhinoceros beetle which was huge maybe 10 centimetres long, there was also chance to hold a weevil and some types of leaf insects.Then we moved onto the serious stuff, when I say we I mean Mel!!!!

She jumped at the chance to hold the Malaysian Horned Toad it barely fit in her hand and from here she got really brave and held a bloody scorpion!!! We were then back onto my territory we got to handle a 30kg tortoise which was so nice but really heavy. At this point we were treated to Mels stories about her Horace!!!!!

Just when we thought we had got out unscathed we turned the corner and both got the chance to hold a giant millipede whch we both did and it felt really rubbery but nice when it crawled around on your arm!!!!

Unfortunately the snakes that they had were way too poisonous for us to go near so we admired from afar!!

Then it was time for the big one. The BOH (Best of Highlands) tea plantation. Here we learnt about the process for making different teas before getting to have a nice cup of fresh tea and a cake of course sat overlooking the lush green plantation. We were still on a high when we got to the Bee Farm and after holding the scorpion Mel decided that the bees were too scary so stayed away(big girl) I toughed it out and went to see them they were flying all around like little spitfires and one flew into my head but luckily no sting.

Finished off at the chinese temple, there is always a temple on these tours!!! Then headed back into Tanah Rata where we were staying. Tomorrow is the long 7 hour journey to Penang by bus to check out the island.

Mel is just about to cut my hair so if you don't see any photos of me for a while you will know why!!!!

Lots of love

M & M

xx