Some unfortunate tourists in Cameron Highlands had no choice but to sleep inside their cars at a gas station in Berinchang, Pahang.
In a viral TikTok video by @tunacameron, a few cars were seen parked at the gas station near Cameron Highlands because some drivers (guests) had to seek shelter at the space after being scammed by a homestay operator.
“The gas station in Brinchang is the focus of tourists who cannot find a place to stay tonight. They have to face the traffic again tomorrow after getting the rest tonight,” the caption stated.
According to the video, the congestion happened around 1 AM on July 7, just in time for the long weekend.
It is understood that they did not get a place to stay as a result of being cheated and facing technical problems such as ‘double booking’. Due to the overflow of visitors in Cameron Highlands, some operators turned off their mobile phones because they couldn’t bear to be contacted by customers, especially regarding online bookings.
In the video, some drivers were spotted driving into the gas station that was closed at the time to look for a spot in the already-congested space to park their vehicles.
In the comment section, @tunacameron also revealed that NO ROOMS were available during the long weekend period, including through online bookings.
In an interview, the vice chairman of the Cameron Highlands Tourism Association, Chung Nam pointed out that all hotels and homestays around the area were fully booked until Wednesday (July 10) in conjunction with the long weekend holiday.
According to him, the crowds during the holiday season, as well as tourists who seek shelter at spaces such as gas stations and schools are common.
“If you’re planning to stay in cheap hotels or homestays, I advise you to book early and avoid last-minute bookings in the future to avoid disappointments.”
To those who were at Cameron Highlands recently, how was your trip and stay?
Also read: American YouTubers Get Excited Over Meeting Agong in Cameron Highlands & M’sians are Envious
