Malaysia, Pahang, Cameron Highlands
The leisure-travel restricted periods due to the Covid Pandemic that last somewhere between the beginning of 2020 until 2022 (in most places) were painful for those who love to travel. Be it travel to distant destinations or to places that one is familiar with, this luxury was denied to most folks around the world due to the need to efficiently manage the spread of the dreaded virus.
With the slow re-opening of travel in 2022 onwards, I took baby steps to resuming my own travels by first visiting neighbouring countries and going to places that I had previously visited before, enjoyed the experiences and wanted to return again. Cameron Highlands in the Malaysian state of Pahang is one of these places.
With cool all-year round weather, gentle pace of life, beautiful sceneries, fresh air and great vacation places, Cameron Highlands is definitely one destination in my personal travel bucket list.
In this article previously published on this blog, I revisited my return to Cameron Highlands to enjoy my favourite scones at a beautiful hotel and cafe set around an old English-style Garden. I don't have to fly for hours to London to enjoy English tea but can set myself down for a nice afternoon tea-time experience right here in Cameron Highlands. This was my first overseas trip after the pandemic-induced travel lockdown was lifted.
Old English-style Garden at the Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant. I took this photo in one of my previous visits in 2018. The place remained mostly unchanged when I revisited in mid-2022.
Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia (2018)
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After more than two and a half years, I finally went on my first overseas trip when I drove to Malaysia's Cameron Highlands as part of my road trip from Singapore to Malaysia in May 2022.
Here in Cameron Highlands, nestled next to a golf course, is the Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant. I have never stay in their hotel before but I love the ambience of their old-english style gardens which surround the hotel and restaurant.
Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia (2018)
In my previous visits, I usually had tea in the restaurant to while away a lazy afternoon in the cool temperatures of the place, thanks to its high elevation at about 1,400 metres above sea level. Here, they serve great tea, most probably sourced locally from the many tea plantations in and around the area. Besides tea, I also love the delicious scones, old-english style, of course!
During my visit in May 2022, I visited the restaurant as usual for the tea and scones and also the ambience of the english gardens. I also had breakfast at the restaurant the following morning, having booked accommodation that was within walking distance.
Being able to enjoy meals at my favourite restaurant again after so many months was a wonderful experience. And having these meals with family and friends whom I had not seen in more than two years? Priceless!
Tea with scones, Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia (2022)
Toppings for my scones, Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia (2022)
Breakfast was simple but delicious, Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia (2022)
A selfie for my visit, Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia (2022)
Tips and Advices
The Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant accepts all major credit cards and has its own dedicated private parking spaces. During peak travel seasons or meal times, parking space may be limited.
The full address is: By the Golf Course, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia.
Author's Note
The views expressed in this article were based on my personal experiences and preferences. My trip and meals were self-paid. This is not a sponsored article.
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