Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

Gunung Brinchang is the second highest mountain in the Cameron Highlands after Gunung Irau. This mountain attracts many visitors due to its easy accessibility. At slightly more than 2,000 meters, the peak of Brinchang is where you get a magnificent view of the Cameron Highlands landscape, draped in lush rainforest. On a clear day, you can all the way out to Kampar town below and the vast Titiwangsa mountain range.

As a mountain, Brinchang is a haven for numerous floral species such as pitcher plants, orchids and shrubs. Unfortunately, due to its popularity with tourists and visitors, much damage has been done to the forest over the years and the mountain is still reeling from the effects of overcollection (wild plants, especially orchids by botanists) and pollution. Today, the trail is still quite clean but much of the beautiful flowers and strange plants that adorn the sides of the path have become an uncommon sight. Gunung Brinchang may be accessed by a paved road that forks out from the main road outside Butterfly Garden. If you have a vehicle, take the narrow road which will lead you past colonial bungalows and the Sungai Palas tea plantations.

About 2 km before the peak, there is a small clearing to the right which is the entrance to climb Gunung Irau, Cameron Highland's highest peak. Continue on your journey and you will reach the telecommunications tower, an ugly landmark on such a beautiful mountain. However, there is a watchtower at the side which you can climb to catch a magnificent view of the surroundings.

If you come in the early morning, you'll be greeted by a cacophony of bird songs. It provides a huge contrast with the town below, which seems to be devoid of avian creatures. You'll see countless varieties of birds in an array of mesmerising colours darting in and out the peak. Keep an eye out on the trees and you'll probably see at least five to eight species of birds that call Gunung Brinchang home. The best times for visitors to head up the mountain for photography is in the early morning, when the mist is just beginning to envelop, or late evening, where the mist clears for a very short period.

On a clear day, if you want to get good photography, go in the early afternoon where there is just the right amount of sunlight and lack of mist to illuminate a brilliant shot. Besides the paved road, you can also hike on a trail to reach the peak, allowing you to immerse yourself in the greenery. The trail starts from an obscure location near the Brinchang police station and it is a 2-hour hike up to the summit. Be careful on the trail, as there are steep parts while at a few points, there are no clearly-marked signs to point you in the approriate direction. Going in the wee hours of the morning is the best time, as once you reach the peak, you will be greeted by the view of a magnificent sun rising up from the mountains to light a new day.