Cameron Highland Impression

 

1) Love the cooler weather up on the hills. I think it is about 1300 to 1500 metres in height. Temperature is about 20 to 22 degree.

2) Single carriageway winding roads. One up and one down. There are a few sections that have wider dual carriageways. It is more challenging than Genting due to the single lane road especially when there is heavy vehicle in front, making overtaking difficult if not dangerous. During my return journey, there was rain causing the road to be slippery. I saw a small hatchback that spined 180 degree on the road, hitting the guard rail. Fortunately, it didn't go down the hill. Really have to focus on driving the winding road and get a car with good handling characteristics. Please ensure that there is plenty of rest in between the destination.

3)  There was a motorcyclist who probably knew the road well enough to guide motorists as he was in front of a heavy vehicle. He signaled to us that it was alright to overtake the heavy vehicle. In essence, he looked out for incoming traffic from the other direction. Due to the winding road, there are plenty of blind spots to be careful. 

4) Roadworks blocking in any direction will mean that there will be traffic marshaller and the traffic will be halted for a period of time. Be ready stop and keep a safe distance with the car in front of you.

5) Love the strawberry ice cream that was made from the strawberry grown on the highland.

6) Love the peppermint leaves grown in various gardens. Very refreshing.

7) Scenery is amazing and that cannot be seen in a city. 

8) We used Waze for directional guidance. There are signages along the way to guide driver.

Drive safe and enjoy the journey.

Proton Saga 2019

 

I rented a Proton Saga for 2.5 days and drove the car from Ipoh to Cameron Highland and to Taiping. It was a 1.3 litre standard version (no frills). The price of rental is about RM138 per day, excluding petrol but including insurance.

Back in the 90s, I had sat on a Proton Saga 1st Generation. It was a boxy looking car and appeared to be bigger than the 2019 version. Of course, the first generation car used the Mitsubishi engine block, while the 2019 car used the firm own engine.

Recently, I have the opportunity to drive the car to hilly and winding roads as well as the North-South highway between Ipoh and Taiping. 

Some good comments about the car:-

1) Good handing - Especially when facing winding roads in a rainy day.  It was able to grip the road well. 

2) Good automatic gear response - Able to downshift appropriately especially when going downhill.

3) Easy to drive - Compact and easily maneuverable. The car even has parking sensor (front and back) which I found it useful.

Some negative comments about the car:-

1) Not as smooth and refined as compared to my Honda Civic 10th Gen (2019 year of manufacturing).

2) Engine required revving and heavy foot especially when travelling at the highway. Could be a sign that 1.3 litre block is under-powered.

3) At speed of 120km/hr and above, the steering wheel was vibrating. This does not give confidence to the driver.

It is a good car if the driver does mostly city driving and occasionally drive in highway. At a price of less than RM40000 (USD8900), for the basic auto-transmission, it is a value for money option.