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CAMERON
HIGHLANDS
 Cameron
Highlands hill resort, a tourist destination situated in the state of
Pahang is over 5000 feet above sea level. It is famed for its large scale
tea plantation, flower nurseries and vegetable farming. The climate is
cool at night, around 25C. Recent rapid development has made the resort
lose its tranquility. It can be reached via the town of Tapah in Perak
by long winding roads and takes about 2 hours. A new road is now being
build near Ipoh which will shorten travelling time from the present 3
and a half hours to just 45 minutes from Ipoh. The road is now completed and is officially open. Could prove to be a good collecting ground (updated May 04)
 Although
many highlands species of beetles can be found here, the hill folks know
its value and none of them can be found under street lamps as it used
to be many years ago. Tanah Rata is the main administration town. Other
main towns are: Ringlet and Brianchang, both farming area. Accomodation
of all classes down to backpackers haven are available.
For collecting, purchase
a Jungle Trails Map from shops in Tanah Rata. One can get lost in the
jungle easily, so stay on the trail. Trails to Gunong Jasar and Parit
Waterfall are good for collecting phasmids at night. Robinson Falls is
good for highland butterflies such as Delias and Lycanids. Besides butterflies
and small highland Phasmids, beetle collecting is almost impossible. The
hills being in a valley make light traps useless. The higest point accessible
by road is the TV station (6666 feet) and is good for light traps. However,
this place is zoned as security area and might land you in trouble.
 Moth
collecting is good on certain days. Most beetles for sale come from Tapah
Hills or Genting Highlands. Farmers on their farms collect beetles on
their nursery lights. Aborigines collecting in the state of Kelantan and
Pahang brought their catches here for sale to dealers. Dealers are stationed
in Tanah Rata. All other insects cannot be found here as vegetation is
different from those in the lowlands. A good place to purchase specimens.
Expect stiffer prices though.UPDATE:Sept.2005. Gunong Jasar which is a very good point for collecting highland sp.of butterfly have been destroyed.They have cut down the top and erected a electrical pylon.
OTHER HIGHLAND
STATIONS
Genting
Highlands
Another hill resort, it boasts of a casino and is fully developed on a
hill top. There is no township except for resort complexes. Beetle specimens
come from vegetable farmers on hill slopes(not accessable). It might be
good for light traps as it is situated on top of a mountain. I have never
tried it though. No dealers here.
Fraser
Hill
Scenic hill resort. No collecting is allowed here as it is a Nature Sanctuary.
Maxwell
Hill (Larut Hill)
Near the town of Taiping. The oldest hill station in Malaysia. Accessable
by land rover, run by government. Old colonial bungalows are available
for rent. Unless you have a booking to stay overnight, no one can use
the land rover service. Light trapping good.
PHOTO
CREDIT
Photo:
Tanah Rata: main town in Cameron Highlands
Photo: Collecting on the trail to Gunong Jasar
Both photos
were taken by unknown photographers whose names I have forgotten
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