From Penang to Cameron Higlands

Traveling by car is pretty straightforward and easy. Aassumed you are already used to the leftside driving and the local trafic specifics. But from time to time it still can offer some litte challenges.

In this case it was a highway toll card. Why we were renting a car we were told we can buy it at any perrol station and and someone also gave us an information it needs to be pre-charged as the tolls are fully automatic. So we were trying to get one on several petrol stations without any success and consumed over one hour driving arround before someone informed us that it can be bought at the other end of the new Penang bridge. (The spectacular 25 km long piece of architecture.) But mentioned the highway toll headquaters building, which turned out to be on the other, unreachable, side of the higway.

So our approaching of the toll gate was a bit slow and with a big questionmark over the car roof signalised by the warning lights on.

Fortunately, all given information were wrong (have to get used to this eventuality once again and maybe google a little bit more) and simple logic solution was present as at one gate there was a human being present to sold us "Touch&Go" card for 10.20 RM and let us continue.

Highway speed limit is 110km/h. But nobody cares much apparently. Therefore going in the flow means travel speed of some 120-140 km/h. Which is better..

We have had prebooked overnight accomodation at Park View home at Ipoh. No park to view though but it did not matter as we arived already in the dark. Nice and modern stylish aircon, 1 dbl and 1 single bed private homestay for less than 20 Eur/night. Great price/value ratio.

Chosing staying overnight at Ipoh had two reasons. It was halfway (2hrs and 2hrs travel time) and there is a Perak Cave (buddhist temple) there. Which we were visiting the next morning. It turned out to be less attractive than expected but nevertheless would still recommand for someone willing to stretch their legs on the route.

Next we went to the local train station to check the possibility of buing ahead tickets for the Johor-Singapore border train. Which was not possible as it is only manageble just the day before intended travel. So at least we had a breakfast at a cafe/bufe there.

We have reached the Cameron Higlands (Brichang) on a curvy but wide road some 85km and 90 minutes later.