Apparently, we have traveled in some wonderful vintage cars on this trip and hubs fell in love with them all, but not being a car buff, these alleged, lovely models went right over my head, I wouldn’t have had a clue! Quite a few hotels have them and use them as shuttles.
We flew from Siem Reap to Kuala Lumpur, then took a train to Kinta Valley which took about four hours.
Here it was just like Ha Long Bay, but this time on land, and in the sunshine. Once again, words fail me!
The formation in the center of this photo is called The Needle, how apt.
These glorious hills are thought to be between 250 and 350 million years old, with the oldest over 400 million years. There are about 45 outcrops in total and they come in varying shapes and sizes.
They are also riddled with large caves. Sadly, the hills are currently mined for marble and seem to be disappearing one at a time. I’m hoping more tourists flock to the area which might result in them gaining World Heritage status. It is a place of outstanding natural beauty, but not a tourist attraction yet.
By now we were winging it, so we only booked our accommodation here the day before, talk about a lucky break. We had a vague idea what the area was like but certainly didn’t expect paradise.
This cave is actually a bar, it was quite the experience, although the beer was horrifically expensive.
At the back of the cave, the owner has a private wine cellar and a collection of wine and spirits worth over two million, sterling!
While viewing the collection, I was petrified that I’d knock something off with my handbag!!! I was told off for absent mindedly smoothing a little dust from a wine bottle, seems I’m destined to forever be a clean freak! Apparently they are left dusty, as old, expensive wine is never served from a clean bottle. You live and learn eh?
Talking of being told off, while in a taxi, in KL, heading for the train station, the driver was complaining about all the palm oil trees, and then stated that it was all my fault as the Brits had introduced them. I apologized profusely!
I also had to apologize to some other guy for the tin mining in the area, once again, the Brits up to no good.
The patterns and colours in the limestone hills were fascinating. I was astonished at how the trees grew on the bare rock. The roots snaked down the crevices, nooks and crannies, many of the roots never reached soil at all. What on earth nourishes them?
Many of the waterways were heated geothermally. You could feel the heat coming from them and see the steam. We were warned not to go in the water as we would be scalded.
Many birds were flying in and out of the caves, we also saw eagles here too. They were soaring too high to photograph sadly.
We spent five days here, how quickly that went. It was a place that connected with you, and then you fell into step with it……if you get what I mean, like heartbeats connecting.
It was difficult to look anywhere, as there was so much to look at, stunning scenery in all directions, all competing with each other, I would have to spend years here, to truly appreciate it all at once. I could spend a year looking at one tree growing down the limestone. How short is life!
And Finally….
There were lots of fish! I befriended this lot when I accidentally dropped a biscuit in the water.
You’ve certainly had your fill of beautiful and unusual green scenes, Dina. I can almost feel the sun on my shoulders, breathing in the humidity right from your photos. They’re really terrific. And those caves! It’s sad to think they are disappearing to become someone’s kitchen counter or decoration.
Stunning scenery, I’ve never seen anything like it. What amazing adventures you are having.
This wonderful place is near my hometown. Thank you so much writing such an interesting story about it. Finally someone shares my thoughts about all those magnificent hills, caves and trees that we have there. It sadden me that our government take almost no action in trying to conserve them.
It was wonderful how you befriended the fish, Dina… and terrible that the UN has to convince the locals to prize their own treasures. Sometimes when I hear such stories I really get pessimistic. But it is reassuring to know they do take care of their vintage cars. Maybe everything will work out in the end. If I was a young man and saw those pictures of yours, I probably would already be on my way to Malaysia. Nowadays I have to be satisfied just looking at the pictures. Enjoy!
What a beautiful place. While the cab driver may be hostile, it certainly looks like the fish are friendly.
Beautiful scenery. Great images and post.
Amazing travels, spiced up with an enormous range of plant life, lovely waterways and experiences.
How will you settle back to UK routines….
Xxxx
Another enjoyable, interesting post and wonderful pictures. xx
I know what you mean about the vintage cars – I’m the same when Martyn takes me to film steam engines as far as I’m concerned they are green, red, black engines or ones with big or little funnels. Not good for public relations telling off the tourists is it? I’m sure the Brits aren’t the only ones to cause problems we just seem to indulge in guilt trips.
Oh my goodness this place does look like a paradise on earth…so pleased that you got to see it and to write about it for us. The friend I was with in the South of France is based in Malaysia at the moment, so I know it’s very hot and humid there. Today we have a white London with snow and very cold temps. Hope you continue to enjoy this amazing trip. Janet xxx
How do those trees grow on the limestone rocks? Incredible! You are certainly going through some stunning scenery. Malaysia is an amazing place isn’t it? We went to the Cameron Highlands in one of those vintage Mercedes, every time we got back in the car, I went to sleep…. they are so comfortable. (and I was jet-lagged)
Enjoy your journey…
What amazing pictures. They take your breath away. Nature is so awesome and I always think ‘isn’t God clever’!!
What a grand adventure, Dina: such stunning surroundings. I’d feel almost overwhelmed, as I do when I’m in large art museums. too much to take in and not nearly enough time. But how sacred to be left with the impression that you and the place existed in perfect union and rhythm. Thank you for sharing this great and mysterious beauty with us.
Fantastic caves and those roots on the rock are amazing. If you like dusting, you should come round to my house! xx
Took my breath away. Like being in another world.
I love caves…..just been to Cornwall exploring some. Not quite up to what you have experienced but lovely none the less 🙂
We do have a lot to answer for. Fortunately it is in the past and hopefully time will improve things.
I never use anything with palm oil……..the damage to the environment and loss of habitat for many creatures is dreadful.
Such beautiful scenery and another wonderful experience. You’re certainly getting about and clocking up some miles on this trip.