Like I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again here, a stay at the Cameron Highlands Resort is never boring. Whether it’s going on a mysterious hiking trail, attend a fancy fine-dining dinner or go for an indulgent picnic in the hills, there’s plenty to do. Here’s another adventure: how about going on an organic culinary journey while you are at the resort?
Everyone knows Cameron Highlands is famous for its vegetable farms, besides tea plantations. My journey with the resort team was not to just any vegetable farm – rather, an organic farm was selected. So, on a crisp cool morning, after breakfast at the resort, we hopped onto a van and set off to Hatiku Agrikultur, an organic farm run by Farmer Fung Chee Siang.
The entrance to the farm was rather inconspicuous and can be missed if one is not on the lookout for it. It helped that Farmer Fung was at the gates waiting for us. Upon entering it, we stopped just after a few steps on the slope as Farmer Fung pointed out some wild ginger bulbs (bunga kantan) to us.
Wild Ginger Bulbs
Continuing up the slope, we then saw how the farm covered several more slopes and undulating terraces. There were several varieties of vegetables in a plot and some of these weaved and blended with the natural vegetation and kinda formed part of the jungle surrounding it. Farmer Fung explained that this was indeed planned – by planting more varieties of crops in one plot created a more diverse ecosystem and the more diverse it was, the more abundant would be presence of predators to eat pests.
The whole natural system was designed as such: that nature took care of the pests and no pesticide would be necessary for the crops. That ecosystem, together with natural composting, crop rotation and the nutrient-rich water from a nearby fish pond created the perfect lush environment for growing vegetables.
Farmer Fung took us on a comprehensive tour of the farm, explaining and pointing out things along the way. It was indeed an educational and fun experience. From edible flowers to details on natural composting, the passion in Farmer Fung was unmistakable as he regaled us with personal anecdotes and fun learning facts.
Farmer Fung doing what he does best
The Beach!
When we were done with the farm tour, Farmer Fung led us to a special spot known as “The Beach”. This was our al fresco dining area. Chef Chang Kim Soon and his assistants were busy at the open makeshift kitchen preparing our lunch, using fresh organic produce from the farm, of course.
Our lunch was definitely healthy – raw crisp colorful vegetables, poached chicken and freshly harvested fruits. Eating leisurely in the cool environment, the fresh air somehow elevated the natural sweetness of the fresh vegetables and fruits thus making this organic culinary
journey a very memorable one.
The lovely starter – all freshly harvested from the farm
The Cameron Highlands Resort offers this unique experience every Monday and Saturday and is priced from RM350 per person. A minimum of 2 persons and maximum of 6 persons is required for participation. The price includes a cooking demonstration with the chef followed by lunch.
A typical journey goes like this:
8.30am Meet the Chef and enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Dining Room at the resort
10.00am Depart from the Cameron Highlands Resort to the organic farm
10.30am Organic Farm Tour with Farmer Fung
11.15am An introduction to the organic journey before learning to prepare healthy dishes
12.00pm Relax and enjoy the 3-course creations
12.40pm Certificate presentation by the Chef & Farmer Fung
1.00pm Depart for The Cameron Highlands Resort
For reservations, please contact:
CAMERON HIGHLANDS RESORT
By the Golf Course
39000 Tanah Rata
Cameron Highlands
Tel: 05-491-1100
email: [email protected]
website: www.cameronhighlandsresort.com