From Highlands to the East

My family and I were feeling adventurous and have decided that we'll head on to Awana Kijal in Kemaman Terengganu after our Cameron stopover.

The distance between the two places on the map did not look that far apart, but some after-thought on it proved otherwise. It really seemed that all possible routes would land us with 7-9 hour drive. That idea wasn't very appealing but we went ahead anyway.


So which is the best and quickest route from Cameron to Kijal?


Well if the new highway to Kuala Lipis/Kuantan was officially opened, it might just be the best possible route to take. The exit to this new road is at the juncture just before Ringlet. However at that time (May 2008), most part of the route is not tarred yet, so the journey through the dirt road would naturally be slower.

Although its a much shorter distance, the idea of driving through dirt roads and the vague directions given to us did not make us think twice. We did not want to be getting lost on our holiday trip. A definite NO-NO!


Fortunately for us, there was an Indian tour guide who sits at the Equatorial lobby everday, very smartly pointed out the best and quickest possible route; that is a cut through to Genting. We were so relieved and thankful as it was indeed the best route available.

With his advice, we set off early in the morning and took the route to Tanjung Malim heading towards Genting. Then halfway up to Genting, there is an intersection that has an exit to Bentong. From there, it lead us back to Karak highway and then towards Kuantan where we took the Jalan Berserah up towards Kemaman.

It was a shocking 7 hours marathon drive of approximately 500km! WOW! Yes, we were equally shocked when we realized that.

Hard to believe how we got through the long hours in the car, and my poor hubby was very exhausted when we arrived at Awana Kijal as he did not allow me to drive.

Thankfully, all were quickly forgotten as we take in the breathtaking view of the beach and the sea.


Total toll rates damage (as at May 2008) = MYR 33.10 (~USD 10)
From Cameron to Tanjung Malim - MYR 10.50 (~USD 3)
From Genting to Bentong - MYR 3.00 (~USD 1)
From Karak to Kuantan - MYR 19.60 (~USD 6)



See also:
Awana Kijal
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (1)
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (2) - Accomodation
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (3) - Where to Eat