The Cameron highlands in Malaysia are among the most extensive hill stations in the country, covering an area of 712 square kilometres. Situated in Pahang, in the western part of the country, and positioned at 1135 to 1829 meters above sea level, the famous Malaysian Cameron highlands are known for the delightful fragrant air and the relaxing atmosphere, the eucalyptus trees and the fabulous tea plantations, as well as the sweet strawberry and bee farms around. Travellers love to come here for the tea culture and the temples, the hiking trails and the unexplored forests. They are also fond of the mild and constant temperature.
Where to stay in the Cameron Highlands
The Cameron highlands in Malaysia are situated in the western part of the country, approximately 85 km from Ipoh and 200 km from Kuala Lumpur. The Cameron highlands resort was developed back in the 1930s and is among the oldest tourist zones in Malaysia. In addition to the tea area, the tableland is also known for its beautiful orchards and waterfalls, farmlands and wildlife, lakes and rivers, golf courses, museums, aborigines and places of worship.
There are several towns on the plateau, placed approximately 25 km from each other. These include the main town Tanah Rata and the larger towns of Kampung Raja and Ringlet, where many Cameron highlands hotels are to be found. The other settlements include Kea Farm and Bertam Valley, Taman Tringkap and Brinchang.
There are plenty of accommodation options in the Cameron highlands, you can easily do an online booking.
Attractions in the Cameron Highlands
Visit of a tea plantation
A holiday to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia would not be complete without a trip to the tea plantations that the area is so famous for. As must-see attractions, the four main tea plantations reveal breathtaking views towards the mountains and are a place where travellers can learn about the tea making process. The most popular one is Boh Tea Plantation, being the main tea producer of four million kilograms of tea per year, or 70 % of all tea produced in Malaysia. Boh Tea Plantation is located to its south, between Tanah Rata and Ringlet. It is not that crowded and offers wonderful view towards the terraces. Tours are available and recommended.
Boh Sungai Palas Tea Plantation is placed north of the main one. It is very popular among the tourists and thus crowded during the holidays. This plantation is positioned on top of the hill and guarantees the finest setting for enjoying tea in Malaysia. This most famous tea plantation has a modern centre for visitors with a gift shop, tea making process, tours, a Hindu temple, etc. The place is positioned in the hills off the road to Gunung Brinchang.
Cameron Valley (Bharat Tea) Plantation is on the way to Tanah Rata starting from the old road connecting Tapah to Cameron Highlands. Bharat Tea Plantation is placed some 5 km from the town and is the second largest producer of tea in the world. The Bharat tea estate is among the most visited one by travellers, featuring two tea houses several hundred meters apart. There one can enjoy excellent fresh tea, many cakes and English biscuits. Souvenirs are sold as well, but no tours are organized.
A dream picture of the Bharat Tea Plantation
Take a walk at the Mossy Forest
Take the broadwalk located at the top of Gunung Brinchang to reach the Mossy Forest reserve. You will have the chance to walk under century old trees, on a very thick carpet made of moss, while enjoying the wonderful nature around. A funny thing about the mossy carpet at some places is, that it starts swinging while you walk on it, as if it was a water bed. The forest is placed at elevations above 1800 metres, and its environment is windy, cool and wet, as well as misty. The view towards the valleys, plains and hills below is magnificent. Daily guided tours are organized by many local tour operators.
If you are adventurous enough, visit the Mossy Forest at night and enjoy the views towards the stars and the Ipoh city below.
Do some trekking and climbing at Gunung Brinchang
Gunung Brinchang is the highest hill in Peninsular Malaysia, rising at 2032 metres (6666 feet) above the sea level. It is accessible by car, but is also a great destination for climbing and trekking. The climate is cool and the views over the mountain and the Cameron highlands are spectacular. At the top of the mountain a radio and television station can be seen, as well as a watchtower. The town Brinchang is the second largest settlement in the Cameron highlands, attracting many tourists during the weekends. It has an interesting night market, many local food street eateries and various restaurants, as well as vegetable farms, fruit orchards, etc. Closeby the big Red Strawberry Farm and Cactus Valley are located. Gunung Brinchang can be reached by a narrow road near the Boh tea plantation or through a jungle trail from Brinchang town.
Find other articles about hiking here.
View from the watchtower on mount Brinchang
Spend time at the waterfalls or go to the Butterfly Garden
A great way to relax is to visit the Parit Waterfall by taking the hike path (track) four at the side of the Century Pines Resort. The trip will last approximately an hour. Another interesting site are the Robinson Waterfalls – an ideal place for relaxation, very peaceful and serene. The site is more impressive during the wet season from November to March.
The Butterfly Farm and Garden are located next to each other and are open every day until 6 pm. Both places are presenting various exhibitions of different butterflies and bugs, insect garden, etc. The entry fee is cheap and photos are allowed to be taken.
Have a look at the Rafflesia Flower, visit Robinson Rose Garden and the Lavender Garden or spend time at a bee farm
The largest flower in the world – Rafflesia Flower can be seen only if you join a guided tour to the Blue Valley. The site is approximately one hour drive from Cameron Highlands town. The Robinson Rose Garden is a great place to see how roses grow, while the Lavender Garden is a floral themed park on a terraced hill that features a strawberry farm, a lavender field and a daisy garden. There is a nice gift shop and a café on-site.
Another attraction in the Cameron highlands in Malaysia is a visit at a bee farm. There are three bee farms, yet go to Tringkap Bee Farm which is the best one. It is placed on the main road at Tringkap. The tours are free, so just watch how the bees are collecting the honey and then go to the honey tasting.
How to get to the Cameron Highlands for your travel planning
The Cameron highlands are placed at the north-western end of Pahang, sharing borders with Kelantan to the north and Perak to the west. They are some 90 km from Ipoh and 350 km from the capital city Kuantan. The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron highlands is approximately 200 km. Four main roads serve the area – two to the west and two to the east, thus the access to the Cameron highlands can be done by road via Simpang Pulai, Tapah, Sungai Koyan and Gua Musang. The easiest way to reach the Cameron highlands is by car. Public bus service is available as well and tickets are bought at the bus terminal or online for some buses. The Cameron highlands can also be reached by shuttle minivan transfers.
Cameron Highlands weather
The Cameron highlands weather is one of the reasons travellers love to visit the area. The Cameron highlands are among the few places in Malaysia with a tropical climate and annual temperature of 18°C. During the day the temperature is around 25°C, while at night it usually drops to 9°C.
The Cameron highlands weather makes many people willing to visit the cool area, in an attempt to escape the hot weather of the lowlands in Malaysia. At the same time, if you come from a place with harsh winter season, you will be surprised to find out that the lowest the temperatures at Cameron highlands ever reached was 7.8°C and that happened at an altitude of 1 471.6 meters.
