Strawberry Farm

The Genting Highlands Strawberry Leisure Farm is a recent attraction in Gohtong Jaya town, located right opposite the Mawar and Bunga Raya Apartments a short distance away on foot from Seri Malaysia Hotel. It's a straight import from Kea Farm in Cameron Highlands, where strawberries have proliferated into a kitsch industry spanning jams, chocolates, cushions, toys and key chains. The strawberry farm is free to enter, but only half is occupied by plants; the rest are dedicated shopping and dining zones. Strawberries are not the only fruits propagated here; mushrooms, bean sprouts and flowers are cultivated in adjoining nurseries.

Local visitors are fascinated with the concept of dainty continental fruits growing on Malaysian soil, which is why the strawberry farm is such a big attraction in Genting. Visitors can pluck their own strawberries from growing plants at MYR8 for 100gm; they're given a pair of scissors and small basket to collect their pickings. It's actually cheaper to buy the packed strawberries sold at the store (MYR15/300g), so visitors who pick their own are actually paying for the experience. The strawberries are grown hydroponically in elongated pastic sacks containing medium, which are stacked by rows to conserve space and maximise output.

Don't expect the strawberries to taste brilliant; Malaysian highland weather is far too humid for cultivating sweetness, but your best bet is during mid-year where there is less rain during the monsoon transition period. This translates to better tasting strawberries when plucked fresh. Be warned, they spoil easily so eat them quicklyy. The farm is free to enter and open to visitors from early morning till evening - you can park your car along the roadside. There is a Balinese-themed local restaurant along the entrance which sports reflexology and massage services, but the Farmhouse Cafe inside is where you can get strawberry milkshakes, smoothies and pastries.

Several adjoining showrooms in the farm highlight shopping products; Kites City located next to the entrance is where traditional and contemporary kites that appeal to children are sold; handicrafts, souvenirs and fashion accessories can be found along an alley called 'Cameron Road'; the flower farm is a nursery at the back which sells mostly orchids and ornamental plants; health food products, along with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, bean sprouts and greens have their own dedicated wing; and finally, the main retail section sells strawberry products including food items and gaudy merchandise.