Ever since childhood, I've been fond of the exquisite taste of Sabah Tea, but I had never taken the opportunity to visit its lush, vibrant plantation. It's rather ironic, considering I had ventured all the way to the scenic Boh Plantation of Cameron Highlands with my friends in the pre-pandemic times. But, as they say, "Better late than never," so we decided on an impromptu visit to this long-loved place of origin.
Setting out from Kota Kinabalu around 1:00 PM, the journey towards the plantation, although only 126 kilometers, would require an estimated three hours. Any seasoned driver familiar with our roads would understand the duration (cue the sarcasm). Under the usual cloak of clouds, the imposing Mount Kinabalu remained partially obscured, giving us only fleeting glimpses of its majestic grandeur.
En route, we took a break at the bustling Kundasang Market, where we refreshed ourselves with delectable local snacks before resuming our journey to Ranau - the heartland of Sabah Tea.
Finally, as the sun began its graceful descent, casting an ethereal golden glow across the landscape, we arrived at the plantation. Despite missing official visiting hours, our spirits remained undeterred. Our main aim was to soak in the serene ambiance and indulge in an authentic high tea experience at the café adjacent to the expansive tea fields.
As expected, their innovative menu incorporated Sabah Tea into most dishes, lending a unique flavor profile that is quintessentially Sabahan. We opted for the 3 Tea Pot set—Agarwood, Vanilla, and Calamansi—from an eclectic tea selection, and of course, the intriguing Sabah Tea Waffle to tease our taste buds.
Though the weather was not as cool as the Cameron Highlands, it was pleasantly mild, with the afternoon sun gently warming us. After our satisfying repast, we strolled around the vicinity, coming across a quirky Tea Pot sculpture adorned with a multitude of wish-laden keychains, reminiscent of the famed Love Bridge in Paris.
Venturing further, we discovered a trail leading into the tea fields. Despite it not being as developed as the trails in the Cameron Highlands, we decided to explore the path in our car. Hidden amongst the verdant tea shrubs were quaint cottages and a hotel, inviting tourists to extend their stay amidst the tranquil beauty.
As we embarked on our journey home, we were greeted with the stunning sight of a golden sunset radiating behind the mountains. With Mount Kinabalu finally unveiled in all its glory, we soaked in the day's end scenery as we descended back to the pulsating rhythm of city life.
Greeting HIVE friends! This is Aaron, proud member of Team Malaysia, straight from the heart of the magical Borneo Island. Now, I'm calling the vibrant concrete skyscraper cityscape of Kuala Lumpur home. I love getting along to know my community members. So, if you'd like for chat or connect, don't hesitate - pop a comment down below. Looking forward to it!
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