Cameron Highlands - The Most Popular Highland Retreat in Malaysia
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There are two highland retreats that you can find in Pahang, Malaysia - Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. Both of them have cooler climates and offer spectacular scenic views. However, unlike Genting Highlands - that is well-known for its theme park and casino - Cameron Highlands is famously known for its flora and fauna, as well as its huge tea plantations and strawberries farms!
Home to BOH Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands is named after a British government surveyor, who is said to have discovered the area back in 1885. This highland is located at about 1,500 meters above sea level and is roughly 200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. You can expect the temperatures to fluctuate between 22° C (72° F) and 25° C (77° F) during the day while it can drop as low as 15° C (59° F) at night!
There are three main towns in Cameron Highlands: Brinchang, Tanah Rata, and Ringlet. Be careful while driving to the Cameron Highlands as it has narrow roads and sharp bends. However, as soon as you arrive, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view and a plentiful amount of attractions that you can visit!
The Cameron Highlands are so famous that regular day tours from Kuala Lumpur and from the slightly closer city of Ipoh head out here for vacationing locals and tourists alike!
The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant
This highly rated English Tudor style hotel is located in Tanah Rata. It was built in 1939 and stands right alongside a golf course. The rooms are fully decorated in colonial style, making you feel like you’re on a trip to the old UK - especially with the colder weather outside!
This hotel is also famous for its beautiful garden where you can find a variety of colorful flowers, a small fountain, as well as the iconic red telephone box! They also serve delicious foods at the restaurant - enjoy their freshly baked scones with homemade strawberry jam and cream during tea time or order their signature Beef Wellington for a peaceful dinner night.
Cameron Highlands Resort
This is the only premier hotel located in the heart of the Cameron Highlands. Just like the Smokehouse Hotel, this 5-star resort is inspired by the Tudor Style and has a total of 56 rooms decorated with modern furniture. Getting a room here will reward you with a spectacular view of the tea plantation and the hills in Cameron Highlands. You can also spot a koi pond outside and they have an exotic spa that makes use of local ingredients found in the highlands!
There are two restaurants to choose from: the main restaurant features international cuisines - formal dress clothes required - while the other is an open-air restaurant that serves local Malaysian cuisines! If you feel like having a drink or two, head on to their Piano Bar where you can relax or play some snooker.
BOH Tea Plantation & Sungai Palas Tea Centre
Your trip to the Cameron Highlands won’t be complete if you don’t pay a visit to the BOH Tea Plantation! BOH actually stands for “Best Of Highlands” and is the largest producer of black tea in Malaysia. Founded by J.A. Russel, this 8,000 acre field is accessible by car. You can drive up to the plantation and enjoy the cool breeze while witnessing the tea leaf pickers collecting the tea leaves. You can even get out of your vehicle and take a couple of pictures of yourself in the middle of the field, surrounded by green scenery!
If you still can’t get enough of the tea plantation, go to Sungai Palas Tea Centre, one of the top tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands. As soon as you get there, you will spot a building with glass windows perched on the hill, overlooking the huge tea plantations. There is a café inside the building where you can try various BOH teas, including the local favorite strawberry tea! They also serve delicious desserts such as pastries and cakes that you can enjoy while gazing at the breathtaking view. You can also visit their tea gallery and factory to learn more about the process of making tea, or even order some of their tea delivered to your home from anywhere in the world!
Nearly every tour from Kuala Lumpur and from Ipoh will include a stop at the BOH Tea Plantation or Sungai Palas Tea Centre.
Mossy Forest
If you’re up for more outdoor challenges, Mossy Forest is definitely for you. This fantasy forest is on Mount Brinchang and is about 2,000 meters above sea level! Since this forest has a chilly and moist climate, it is mainly dominated by mosses and ferns. You also get to see other plants such as orchids around the forest and witness small animals like birds and frogs roaming around freely. It is best to hire a guide for this jungle trekking adventure so that they can point out and educate you about the flora and fauna there.
Mossy Forest is also known as Cloud Forest because of the thick mist that covers the air. Walking through the forest will make you feel like you’re in a fantasy movie like Lord of the Rings or Maleficent! The forest is best visited in the morning to experience the mist, so don’t forget to prepare a jacket and proper walking shoes. Another fun fact - This forest is 200 million years old, making it the oldest forest in Malaysia.
Some tours from Ipoh will also include a stop at the Mossy Forest, but many from Kuala Lumpur do not as they have a longer drive and are limited on time.
Big Red Strawberry Farm
The Cameron Highlands are also famous for strawberries, making it a necessary stop for Cameron Highland Tours! Big Red Strawberry Farm is located in Brinchang Town and they don’t charge any fee for entry! This farm opens daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm. Here, you get to see how the strawberries are planted and you can even pay to pick the strawberries yourself! How fresh is that? Even though it is called a strawberry farm, you can also find some fresh vegetables there too!
Picking your own strawberries should be on every itinerary in the Cameron Highlands, and you’ll get to do that on the Argo Delight Tour, which also brings you to the MARDI Argo farm and the lavender farm!
Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm
This is another hot spot if you’re looking to pick your own strawberries, and one of the main stops on the day tour from Ipoh. There is no fee charged for entry and you can even get a tour around the strawberry field where you can see and learn the process of growing strawberries! What’s best about this farm is actually its café. You can get a variety of sweet desserts made out of strawberries and their must-try is, of course, the strawberry milkshake!
Book the Argo Delight Tour, which also brings you to the MARDI Argo farm and the lavender farm, for the experience to pick your own Cameron Highlands strawberries! You won’t want to miss these sweet delights!
More Highlights in the Cameron Highlands
Photo courtesy of the Hangry Backpacker
Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm
Head on to Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm in Brinchang if you want to witness the majestic Rajah Brooke Butterfly – Malaysia’s national butterfly – up close! The moment you step into this farm, you’ll get to see different kinds of butterflies roaming freely around the colorful flowers and plants. If you’re lucky, some will even land on your hands and head, so make sure your camera is always ready!
In addition to butterflies, you can also see a collection of other small insects, lizards, as well as snakes.
Roysouza, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Time Tunnel Museum
This museum is considered as Malaysia’s first memorabilia museum. This 14,000 square feet museum can be located about 2 kilometers from Brinchang Town and it opens daily too! You can find more than 4,000 objects on display and this museum is divided into several galleries:
Aborigine, a gallery filled with indigenous tools, handicrafts, and traps,
an old-style mock-up barbershop with several retro posters on the wall and a barber chair aged more than 50 years old and,
Kopitiam, an old coffee shop mock-up with a collection of old soft drink cans on display with nostalgic songs played in the background.
This museum is a must-visit if you feel like traveling back in time!
Phuket@photographer.net, CC 2.0, via Flickr. No changes were made to this photo.
Sam Poh Temple
Another unique spot to visit is this Buddhist Temple located on top of a high hill in Brinchang. This oriental monastery was built in 1972 and it is the 4th biggest temple in Malaysia! Surrounded by high yellow walls, you can find two lion statues guarding the entrance of the temple that houses a large statue of Lord Buddha as well as other smaller statues. Outside, you can find peace by sitting alongside the koi pond. To respect the place of worship as well as maintain the cleanliness, you are required to take off your shoes before entering.
Stop at Sam Poh Temple on the Full Day Cameron Highlands Tour and you’ll also get to see Cactus Valley, the Brinchang Night Market, the BOH Tea Plantation, Lata Iskandar Waterfall, and the Big Red Strawberry Farm!
Orang Asli Village
One of the hidden gems in Cameron Highlands is the Orang Asli Village. Orang Asli or the Indigenous People are an ethnic group who are known as the earliest inhabitants of an area. Located in Tanah Rata, you can pay a visit to the Semai Tribe by arranging a trip with ecological guides who will also educate you about them. In the village, you get to see their traditional huts, made entirely out of bamboo.
You can also learn to use the blowpipe, a simple ranged weapon used by the tribe as well as their musical instruments. There is also a waterfall near the village that you can access and learn about the medicinal plants used by the villagers.
In fact, if you pick a good guide, you may even get the chance to see the elusive rafflesia flower!
Mah Meri Art Gallery
Mah Meri or Jungle Man is an indigenous tribe living on Carey Island, an island located about 28 kilometers south of Klang. They are also known as the Mask Men of Malaysia and with their exceptional skills on wood carving, they are believed to be the world’s best mask-makers. They have even received UNESCO’s Seal of Excellence!
This gallery in Tanah Rata showcases a collection of wood carvings, masks, and sculptures made by the Mah Meri people. If you’re an art-lover, be sure to drop this museum a visit where you get to see Mah Meri’s unique craftsmanship up close!
Mount Brinchang
Mount Brinchang is one of the highest mountains in Cameron Highlands. With 2,032 meters above sea level, it is also the only mountain that is accessible by car! However, be careful if you’re planning to drive up the summit since the road is steep and it is highly preferable to take a four-wheel drive car to the top.
For those who would like some adventure, this mountain is perfect for hikers - even beginners. To get to the summit, you have to go through a 12-kilometer trail which takes around three hours (7.4 miles). Along the trail, you get to see a lot of different species of birds roaming around, chirping and whistling. Also home to various plants, you can easily spot pitcher plants and orchids along your way! After three hours hiking to the peak, you will be rewarded with a magnificent landscape of Cameron Highlands.
Golden Hills Night Market (Brinchang Night Market)
The night market, or Pasar Malam, is located in Brinchang town. However, plan your trip properly if you want to get a chance to visit this night market since it only opens on Friday to Sunday. The night market starts from 4 pm and goes until late at night. This is the place to be if you are looking for Malaysian treats like Apam Balik – a sweet pancake filled with corn bits and crushed peanuts – as well as market snacks such as deep-fried mushrooms, honeycombs, and barbecued corn.
Stop at the Brinchang Night Market on the Full Day Cameron Highlands Tour and you’ll also get to see Sam Poh Temple, Cactus Valley, the BOH Tea Plantation, Lata Iskandar Waterfall, and the Big Red Strawberry Farm!
Photo by Philippe Donn from Pexels
Cactus Valley
Just like its name, Cactus Valley is the home to various species of cactus plants. Also located in Brinchang Town, entering this valley requires a small entrance fee of RM4. Here, you can find a variety of cacti in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are even as old as 60 years old! Of course, you can buy those cacti for a very reasonable price. It will be difficult to leave without getting at least one of those small and colorful cactus plants as a souvenir!
This valley also has a variety of beautiful plants and foliage such as fuchsia, bird of paradise as well as Malaysia’s national flower, hibiscus.
Stop at Cactus Valley on the Full Day Cameron Highlands Tour and you’ll also get to see Sam Poh Temple, the Brinchang Night Market, the BOH Tea Plantation, Lata Iskandar Waterfall, and the Big Red Strawberry Farm!
Photo by intraNature from Pexels
Lavender Farm
If you’re a flower-lover, you should not miss this spot! Just like the other attractions, the Lavender Farm opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm. At the farm, you can find both Mona and Hokkaido Lavender that originate from Japan! The lavenders can be found in purple, red, and yellow colors. You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the field! Try out their popular lavender ice cream, stroll through the lavender field while taking a couple of “Instagrammable” pictures, and breathe in the relaxing scent.
There’s actually a number of varieties of flowers planted at the farm - such as the colorful sunflowers! You can pick the sunflowers and bring them home for only RM 2. However, keep in mind that this farm will be crowded during their peak hours which is from 11 am to 2 pm!
One way to experience the best of the Lavender Farm, is on the Argo Delight Tour, which also brings you to the MARDI Argo farm and a self-picking strawberry farm!
Lata Iskandar Waterfall
Want more outdoor activities? Drive to Lata Iskandar Waterfall, which is located around 25 kilometers away from Ringlet Town. It is impossible to miss it since the waterfall is located right along the main road toward Kuala Lumpur. As soon as you arrive, you’ll get to see the water flowing over several tiers of granite slopes with the last drop making it about 25 meters high! There are also a few gazebos at the foot of the waterfall where you can sit around and enjoy the view of the cascade. You can even climb on the concrete staircase to get to the top of the main cascade, however, be mindful of your steps as the rocks can be slippery.
Stopping at the Lata Iskandar Waterfall is typical on day tours from Ipoh or from Kuala Lumpur. Plus, you’ll get to see many of the other highlights of the Cameron Highlands!
Must See Places in the Cameron Highlands
If you are looking for a calming retreat surrounded by nature and cool fresh air, Cameron Highlands is the perfect place for you. Have a hot cup of tea by the tea field, pick some strawberries, walk through the jungle trails, and release all of your stress!
While there is definitely more to do in the Cameron Highlands than one would suspect at first glance, and it could take a good 2-4 days to explore it all, we know some people are limited on time and can only see the highlights.
One Day in the Cameron Highlands - the Essential Highlights:
Grab a morning tour of The Mossy Forest and the Sungai Palas BOH Tea Centre
Take the afternoon tour to go pick some strawberries at one of the Strawberry Farms
Have High Tea at the Cameron Highlands Resort or The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant
Enjoy the Golden Hills / Brinchang Night Market
We know that this schedule will truly give you the best one-day adventure in the Cameron Highlands. Help us out by simply providing a comment in section below!
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to visit the Cameron Highlands?
The cost of visiting the Cameron Highlands depends on your budget and preferences. You can find accommodation ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts, and food options from local street stalls to fine dining restaurants. According to one travel website, the average daily cost for a solo traveler is about 100 MYR (24 USD), while a couple would spend about 180 MYR (43 USD) per day.
What is the best time of the year to visit the Cameron Highlands?
The best time of the year to visit the Cameron Highlands is from June to August, when the weather is dry and cool, and the flowers are in full bloom. However, this is also the peak season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit from December to February, when the weather is still pleasant, but there might be some rain. Avoid visiting from September to November, when the monsoon season brings heavy rain and landslides.
How can I get around the Cameron Highlands?
The easiest way to get around the Cameron Highlands is by renting a car or a motorbike, which gives you more flexibility and convenience. You can also use taxis, but they are not metered and you have to negotiate the fare beforehand. There are also public buses that connect the main towns and attractions, but they are infrequent and unreliable. Another option is to join a guided tour, which can be arranged by your hotel or a local travel agency.
(1) 19 Best Things To Do In Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. https://diveintomalaysia.com/things-to-do-in-cameron-highlands/.
(2) Cameron Highlands - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Highlands.
(3) Cameron Highlands travel - Lonely Planet | Malaysia, Asia. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/peninsular-malaysia-west-coast/cameron-highlands.
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