Cool air in Malaysia!

Yes, there is (relatively) cool air to be found in Malaysia...if you are willing to make the drive up to the Cameron Highlands about midway between Penang and Kuala Lumpur.  Honestly, the main roads weren't any worse than any mountain roads we've driven in the US, so this was not a tough trip at all.  The Cameron Highlands area sits at about 4,000 - 5,000 ft in altitude, so experience highs in the low 70's most of the time - such a relief from the steamy 90's we've had in Penang since February.  We were thrilled to leave the windows open and listen to the sound of birds and insects at night rather than the motorbikes and industrial aircon units from the condo next door!

This area is famous for its agricultural industry and the unique mountain habitat is home to a number of interesting insects.  Tea plantations moved in during the 1920's and 30's and occupy the majority of the hills, but the cool temps also make vegetable farming, fruit farming and ornamental flowers common.  Strawberries were everywhere and were the most popular tourist "item" by far.  Strawberry themed ear muffs and mittens were popular with the kids.  Of course, Brenna had to have a pair:

We joined a tour arranged by our hotel (the lovely Lakehouse Inn) just past Tanah Rata, so after the main touristy area, nice and quiet.  While a bit too commercial for our taste - we visited a tea plantation, strawberry farm, butterfly farm, apiary, rose garden and a Buddhist temple in about 4 hours time - it was nice to be driven around and not have to deal with the traffic/ parking problems that seem endemic to most of Malaysia!  We saw some beautiful flowers and enjoyed the view of the tea plantation (amazing shapes and patterns cover the hills).  Rox could have stayed all day with her camera and had to be threatened to leave.

The next day we took a different approach and joined an entomologist from the national university system for a hike into the forest in search of insects.  Our guide (can't remember his name now) was terrific and was extremely knowledgeable about not only the insects, but the history of the area as he was born and raised in the Cameron Highlands.  He was actually home on vacation for a few weeks between research assignments and was doing the tour just to make a little extra $.  We drove up a rustic single-track (one-lane) through one of the tea plantations to a small orang asli (native people) village where we parked the Land Rover (vehicle of choice in this area, the older the better!) and started our walk.  The morning was cloudy, so we found a lot of small insects, but none of the large ones like stick insects and rhino beetles you see on TV.  It was still fascinating and we were quite happy to just enjoy the beautiful forest.  After about 2 hours walk, we were lucky enough to have a little sun and, sure enough, the stick insects and butterflies came out.  Our guide caught several in his net, so we were able to see them up close.  Great opportunities for Rox and her macro lens...

This is a male stick insect - bright colors are to attract the females, of course!

Brenna got to hold several butterflies (and no, according to our guide, it does not damage their wings/ scales to hold them like this).  Brenna took the prize for spotting this well-camouflaged nypmph.  Can you see it?

This was our type of outing by a longshot and we would happily do this again!  We'll close with a shot of the tea plants covering the hills...

A "herping" we will go...

Thought this title might get your attention!  With Chris in Singapore for the Sundown 1/2 Marathon, Rox and Brenna decided to join some friends at the Botanical Gardens for a night walk.  We were guided by a herpetologist from the local university (Universiti Sains Malaysia or USM) to help us find some reptiles!  Hence the title of this blog...

So torches (flashlights) in hand (or on heads in our case), our group met at the Moon Gate and proceeded up the trail a short distance toward a small stream.  We found lots of frogs, toads, two lizards and one small snake.  We saw a few moths as well, but the best thing was listening to the kids every time something was spotted.  "Ahhh, what is it?  Let me through!  Is it poisonous?"  This last question, when answered "no", was followed by "Can you catch it?"  Our guide was very accomodating with the kids and caught a couple of the frogs and the small snake so they could touch them.  He even explained that all the shouting was okay because reptiles don't have ears:-)  They "hear" by picking up vibrations in their surroundings and by using their tongues to smell.  Great way to neutralize any concern with the shouting and keep it fun for the kids.

The Gardens were beautiful at night and we were lucky to catch a bit of a breeze.  We wrapped up by following the calls of a tree frog until we found it hidden amongst the bamboo.  This was just beside the road and so visible to passersby.  Those on bicycles or motorbikes would often issue a warning as they saw us combing through the bushes..."watch out for snakes la" (la is a common word used at the end of a statement or sentence - kind of like "eh" for the Canadians or "uh" for Americans).  Little did they know that was exactly what we were hoping for!!  It was great fun and we may do a little night walking ourselves one evening.

Yes, that is Brenna's finger touching the snake.  It was quite small and not dangerous!