It was quite fascinating to see the contrast between the capital city we left a moment ago to the countryside we just entered. An idyllic scenery followed us endlessly. Our sat-nav lost its signal half way through, but it failed to concern us. We finally made it to Cameron Highland Resort.
We were welcomed by two friendly staff who handled our luggage and car efficiently. Very impressed. Then all we had to do was climbing rather steep but beautifully decorated marble staircases to get to the lobby. Good job we did not come far, had we were stuck in the car for longer, it would have been quite a struggle to get to the lobby with wobbly legs :)
Homey and christmasy ambiance got in to us instantly as soon as we entered the lounge and reception area. We could easily imagine to celebrate christmas here must be quite an unforgettable experience. But, let's not rush. We had to discover more about the resort.
After checked-in, we were escorted to our room. We found our room to be spacious, nicely furnished, clean and comfortable. It came with a balcony complete with patio chairs. It must be lovely to sit there just to relax and enjoy the sun. But as we noticed the rain was about to drop any minute, we decided to stay in and enjoy our afternoon tea.
Minutes later, our high tea has arrived. Three tiers of cakes, savouries and of course, scones with clotted cream and jams on the side. What else would we need?
'Well.. we still need a good and substantial dinner', we said to answer our own question. The high tea was sufficient to satisfy our belly empty, hollow hungry, but we certainly would not turn down the opportunity to dine at Gonbei, the only Japanese Restaurant in the whole Cameron Highland!
Came 6.30 PM, we made our way to Gonbei. An open plan restaurant with a background of the forest. We were greeted warmly by the staff and soon shown the menu. They did not have a great selections to choose from, we noticed. But it actually helped us to make our choices a lot easier. We went for Japanese set menu that consisted of buffet appetizer and dessert and shabu-shabu as main course. Perfect comfort food for rather chilly evening.
We helped ourselves with a small portion of chuka wakame and sushi to start with. Once we were finished with the appetizers, the waiter offered to choose the shabu-shabu mixed, which he did really well. Started with fresh and locally produced vegetables, followed by chicken fillet, fish and red meat all together and finished by some noodles and fish balls. We enjoyed the vegetables and the mixed meat, but could miss out the noodles and fish balls. We found them quite tasteless.
For the dessert, we took another visit to the buffet and served ourselves with cakes, fresh fruit and walnuts. So hard to ignore the temptations..
The next morning, we were woken up by the clunking noise from outside. We assumed it came from the tractor working on the golf course or it could be delivery truck. We were too lazy to check it out. Thank God the noise did not last for long.
Just before noon, we got ourselves ready as we wanted to check out the other restaurant. But unfortunately it only open during dinner time. Light lunch only served at Jim Thomson Tea Room. Well.. why not?! So, we ordered salad of home cured wild salmon and potato and leek soup. They both came out not too bad. Filled the gap, shall we say. Then we continued to have home made chicken leek and mushroom with English parsley mash and cauliflower cheese. It was served hot and tasty, just the bottom part of the pastry was slightly undercooked, the cauliflower cheese was too runny and lacking in cheese. Otherwise, it was a rather pleasant 'pub grub' to go with a good bottle of Wither Hills Marls Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
With a property set up strongly influenced by English style, one would expected a great selection of cheese at the end of a meal. But this time we were likely had to settle with citrus creme brulee and a plate of sliced brie.
Patio furniture in the tea room indeed looked attractive, but at the end it got rather uncomfortable to sit on after a while crouching through our lunch. We then moved to the bar. We had a nice chat with the staff while enjoying last drop of our wine.
Few hours later, we found ourselves still at the bar and fancied something hot like the shabu-shabu we had in the previous evening. So, we were off back to the Gonbei. Quick supper then we decided to try their 'Sake Bar' just to find out they currently only have one type of sake. Ah well... next time better.
Minutes later, we had a visit from the food and beverage manager of Cameron Highland Resort. A very pleasant person who appreciates any comments and suggestions that his guests have in mind. He promised us a freshly cooked breakfast in the morning.
Waking up fresh the next day, we could not wait to have our breakfast. And it was a delicious breakfast indeed, served in a beautifully laid out dining room. We had each - two free range poached eggs served on top of potato croquette with herb sausage, plum tomato and hollandaise sauce. Well worth the trip!
We certainly had a lovely stay there. We would come back again and may even try a game of golf once the course has finished. For a couple who fancy a romantic getaway, this place would guarantee an unforgettable experience. The staff would be more than happy to arrange a private dinning, a picnic or even down to the gifts for the ladies.
Cameron Highland Resort
By The Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata
Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 32783 1000
http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com/
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