#JOM: Christmas comes to the highlands

Christmas in the Cameron Highlands of Pahang, Malaysia, is a uniquely delightful experience that blends the cool mountain air with the warmth of English tradition. The month of November sees the orchid-filled hills shrouded in mist, creating an atmosphere perfect for a touch of British Christmas.

The Cameron Highlands Resort, with its old-world charm, hosts an early Christmas Tree Lighting Weekend from November 20 to 22. This event takes the guests on a journey back in time with the Maids of Honour tart, a sweet pastry with a surprisingly rich history. Despite its name suggesting a Tudor origin, the tart has its roots in Richmond, England, and its creation is tied to the Newens family, a British bakery with generations-old traditions.

Cameron Highlands has a long colonial past, shaped by British settlement in the late 19th century. The area was developed as a hill station, drawing its cooler climate and eventually becoming home to tea estates and hotels. The resort itself embodies this colonial heritage, with moss-covered forests, winding roads, and colonial architecture that give it a distinctive atmosphere.

By November, the highland climate makes it feel naturally conducive to a Christmas celebration. This is evident as the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place by the resort's front porch, a spectacle of candlelit glows and carols echoing through the evening. The final act of the evening sees the tree illuminated, casting a golden glow against the night, evoking a festive charm.

Despite Malaysia's tropical climate, the Cameron Highlands' misty evenings provide a cool enough setting for a proper British Christmas. The resort's evening ambience, combined with the Maids of Honour tart, afternoon tea, and colonial interiors, offers a unique blend of nostalgia and natural beauty. The result is an unforgettable blend of England and Malaysia, where 'Trails, Tales, and Tradition' converge to create a uniquely enchanting Christmas experience.