The Pinay Solo Backpacker

Like a gem hidden in a rolling landscape where verdant jungles and pines trees stretch endlessly in all directions, the Japanese Village at Colmar Tropicale in Berjaya Hills sits blissfully with nature. Together with other tourists, mostly Persians, we were taken  to a higher elevation.A stairs dominated by a mammoth hand with Japanese inscriptions welcomed us. While the other tourists were busy having their  souvenir photos taken at the statue, I advanced uphill silently. Pine trees and lovely flowers fringed the road. “You are now at 3,500 feet above sea level”, says the signboard.

The Japanese Tea House at Colmar Tropicale prides itself as “The World’s First Japanese Tea House in a Tropical Forest”.  After the tedious trek uphill, I finally arrived at the Japanese Tea House with a souvenir shop inside.

Because I left Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia too early and the money exchangers are still closed, poor me can’t buy any tea or snacks. The Botanical Garden is a few meters away on the right side of the Tea House, while the Ume Tatami Suite is tucked in the well-manicured Japanese Garden with charming man-made falls and koi ponds.

What’s interesting at the Japanese Village is that visitors can wear Japanese costumes for RM20. The kindPersian tourists tried the kimonos, while I was dying in envy because I wanted it so bad but the ringgits in my wallet is not enough. They were all so ecstatic and had their souvenir photos taken while the staff performed some quick Japanese prayer and rituals for them.

After a few minutes, I find my way down to the shuttle station. I could hear nothing but the sound of breezes among the topmost leaves and the chirping of the birds. I stopped for a while to get a quick snapshot, and peek at the vista. The pine trees and jungles faded away to dazzling horizons. I continued walking as if I am in my childhood dream.

*This trip was made possible by Zest Air  and Tourism Malaysia.

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What to see in Malaysia? Check out my Malaysia posts:

Berjaya Hills : A Taste of France in Malaysia?

Kellie’s Castle, Ipoh : Because I Still Believe in Fairy Tales

Ipoh : Heritage Walk and Train Ride in  ”Taj Mahal”

Cameron Highland: Tea Plants and Migrant Workers

Cameron Highlands: Spring on my Mind

Petronas Tower: Bewitched by Twin Sisters

Malaysia : Loafing at Pulau Pangkor Beach

Malaysia : Laid-back in Teluk Nipah

*********************************************************************************************** About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo adventurer, a dream chaser and a student of life.  Her (mis) adventures are documented in this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For advertisement, partnerships and sponsorship, click here. or email me at thepinaysolobackpacker(at)yahoo(dot)com. **********************************************************************************************

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