Throwback: Travel Memories

Hello Steemit family, we still travel a bit but far cry from that what we would like to. But hey, we will wait till the situation gets better and throw back our memories till then. Today I will share with you one lovely trip did in Malaysia. The scenery there is unforgettable and if you are a tea lover then this treat is especially for you. I am talking about Cameron Highlands, the cold part of Malaysia where the tea plantations have their home. Or even more in detail a trip to the famous BOH tea plantations. I will share with you everything I know about it and I hope you will enjoy at least half as I did.

Cameron Highlands has gone through unprecedented change in the last century. It has become one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations and the country’s most prominent food supplier. Vegetables and flowers are in focus, although a visit to the tea plantation is a must. After all, the cold mountain air calls for a cup of tea, if possible, with scones. Here are some great ideas about where to get the best afternoon tea in Cameron Highlands. However, if you are eager to have a view and a cup, then BOH Tea Plantation is a place for you.

Meaning of BOH?

The meaning behind the name is a mystery with a few possibilities. Whether the name stands for the initials “Best of Highlands” or is a tribute from tea origins Bohlia in the Szechuan province or Bohea Hills in China’s Fujian province is up for a debate. Also, the early tea trade practice in China appointed high-quality tea leaves as the “bohea.” A simple guess might also point to the meaning of the mandarin word boh, which is precious happiness.

Platform at BOH Tea Plantation, where you can enjoy your cuppa.

Story of BOH Tea

In 2019 BOH tea celebrated its 90th anniversary, and what a journey they have been through! Still, the essential BOH’s values stay the same, like creating well-loved teas through mastering the art of tea from tea bush to teacup. Another example of their success-oriented mindset is a constant search for ways to give back to the local communities.

Black tea and chocolate chips cookies. Serving suggestion 🙂

Beginning of BOH Tea Plantation

Growing tea in Cameron Highlands was on John Archibald Russell’s mind from the global market crash in the 1920s. Before he carried out his tea plantation idea in 1929, John Archibald Russell made most of the British colonial era with numerous diverse business arrangements. After leaving England as a child in the 1890s, he had many opportunities to gain a wide range of knowledge and partnership. He most likely came across the veteran tea planter A.B. Milne on some business trip to Sri Lanka. With whom the tea planting works began as soon as the virgin jungle was gone. Whey started planting tea bushes, Cameron Highlands had no roads and no community to land a helping hand.

Welcome to the BOH Tea Centre. A place where one can learn, try and buy a tea.

Second BOH Generation

John Archibald Russell’s widow, Kathleen, kept the BOH business going despite financial difficulties. Her situation got worse once the Japanese occupied the plantations during World War II. Not much could be done until the war ended when their son Tristan joined the business. Finally, the turbulent times were over when Malaysia gained independence, and the Russell family was ready for some serious business.

In Cameron Highlands, it is very common to see Range Rover Defender Mk. 2. A lot of farmers still use them today and travel tours will take you around with these legends.

Actually, the first BOH plantation grew to four plantations quickly, and Tristan was looking to modernize the tea manufacturing at every stage. New machinery cut the cost while a very successful campaign made the BOH tea the most popular tea in Malaysia.

More than 100 years old tea grinding machine. Still reliable!

Third BOH Generation

Tristan’s daughter Caroline took over the CEO position in 2003. She continued her father’s environmental actions such as “new home for elephants” and “new home for orangutans.” Under her supervision, the BOH tea assortment expanded along with the new Tea Centre. Now they are focusing on more sustainable packaging and delivering the desired taste that demanding consumers’ love.

Gift of a nature – black tea.

BOH Tea Plantation Tour

How often can you drink the tea right on the estate where it was grown? The experience certainly enriches and expands horizons no matter the background. That and the stunning views from Tristan’s terrace at the Sungai Palas Tea Garden are a Cameron Highland must-have. We should also mention the tea factory you can tour and join in the tea tasting session.

Cameron Highlands is like a fairytale… But not everywhere :(

Naturally, one can look around the original Habu plantation, Fairlie Tea Garden, and Bukit Cheeding in Selangor. All plantations produce about 4 million kg of tea a year, picked on about 1200 hectares of land. Quite a lot, but still a far cry from about 29 million kilograms of Malaysian yearly tea demand.

Most of the place looks like this. Agriculture and deforestation did a horrible thing here.

Afternoon Tea at The BOH Tea Plantation

There is no secret we are huge afternoon or high tea lovers. It is a lovely tradition and what can be better than having tea in the weather like here in Cameron Highlands. So, do they serve afternoon tea here at Boh Tea plantation? Sadly, no! One can buy some desserts and make his own afternoon tea, but don’t expect sets.

Carrot cake at BOH tea plantation is a must!

Final Thought

Indeed it is spectacular to see the tea plantation surrounded by jungle. At least it appears to be surrounded by the wilderness; the question is for how long. Growing demand for all kinds of produce from Cameron Highlands leads to only one thing – more farms. What is even sadder is the heavy use of pesticides in the area and terrible water management. We sincerely hope that the BOH tea will focus on a sustainable future from start to finish. Luckily, they have shown effort in the packaging department, which is a start.

However, we will never forget our trip to this plantation and we recommend it to everyone who will stop in Malaysia and turn to the highlands.

@fabio2614 . I am calling to this contest: @poss, @arrabela and @kekizz