Cameron Highlands Malaysia: 21 Unique Things to Do in the City

Are you looking for a slow and relaxing holiday away from the city? A must-visit at the top of your Malaysian bucket list is Cameron Highlands Malaysia.

Imagine visiting a picturesque spot that people visit yearly for its lush valleys, hilltop resorts, and some of the finest tea in Asia. If you’re searching for a laid-back holiday destination, Cameron Highlands has plenty of attractions that won’t make you sweat.

Cameron Highlands isn’t just about tea plantations. It’s a treasure trove of unique natural wonders. While tea estate tours take center stage, this district’s rare cloud forest is another hidden wonder. Walking through it feels like stepping into a misty, enchanted jungle trail, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers exploring the area.

Named after William Cameron, a British surveyor who studied the area in 1885, Cameron Highlands is Malaysia’s highest road-accessible point at over 4,921 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level. It can give you a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with its ideal location, moderate weather, natural beauty, and one-of-a-kind attractions.

Whether trekking up mountains at your own pace, shopping at night markets, or dining at local restaurants, you’ll undoubtedly find comfort in seeing this side of Malaysia due to its excellent weather. 

21 Best Things To Do in Cameron Highlands

1. BOH Tea Garden

The BOH Tea Garden stands out as a prominent attraction, providing a complete tea experience amidst breathtaking landscapes. Encompassing 465 hectares ( 5 square kilometers), this is the largest and oldest of BOH’s tea gardens, featuring the initial tea factory constructed in the 1930s. Visitors can embark on a factory tour, savor tea tastings at the BOH Café, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs. 

The garden boasts a scenic hiking trail leading to mountain vistas, making it an ideal spot for nature and tea enthusiasts. The Sungei Palas Tea Garden, within the BOH Tea Garden, is a must-visit with its visitor center, café, and tea tasting sessions. Operating from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the gardens are closed on Mondays, except for selected public and school holidays.

2. Bharat Tea Plantation

A visit here would provide you with postcard-worthy Cameron Highlands views. Early mornings are ideal for peaceful vistas; you may buy excellent tea or relax in the on-site café.

3. Visit a Lavander Garden

Cameron Lavender Garden, a place with a lavender theme, is found between Tringkap and Kuala Terla, about 2.5 mi (4km) north of Kea Farm in Brinchang, Malaysia. The garden welcomes visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there’s a fee to enter. Adults pay RM10 ($2), while children aged 6-12 pay RM6 ($1) for admission.

4. Pick Strawberries

Cameron Highlands is renowned for its strawberries, available in various forms like fresh picking, jams, and treats. The region’s cool climate allows for year-round strawberry cultivation, with farms mainly located in Tanah Rata, Brinchang, and Kea Farm. Well-known farms such as Raaju’s Hill, Green View Garden’s, Big Red, and Kok Lim provide unique experiences, from picking strawberries to savoring delightful strawberry-based delicacies.

5. Go Mountain Climbing and Forest Bathing 

Gunung Brinchang, or Mount Brinchang, holds the title of the highest peak reachable by road in Malaysia, towering at 7,000 feet (2,032 meters). Although you can drive to the top, some folks prefer trekking to experience the unique plants, animals, and wide-ranging views of the Cameron Highlands. The hike is doable, featuring a well-used path with both flat and steep parts.

At the peak, there’s also an observation tower where visitors can soak in the stunning sights of the Titiwangsa Range.

6. Trek to the Waterfalls

Beautiful waterfalls in the area, such as Lata Iskandar. Iskandar Falls is a breathtaking waterfall situated in the Cameron Highlands region of Malaysia, is near the town of Tapah. The waterfall is conveniently reachable, providing visitors with a picturesque location to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. 

It’s a spectacular and easily accessible waterfall, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re traveling to Cameron Highlands via the old Tapah road (route 59).

7. Light an Incense at Sam Poh Temple

Take a tour of Cameron Highlands’ biggest Buddhist temple, the Sam Poh Temple, renowned for its tranquil ambiance and elaborate architecture. Be prepared for a spiritual and cultural adventure.

8. Stroll Through the Orchid Garden

Orchid and Rose Garden stands as a well-maintained farm, offering a delightful retreat for nature lovers. With sections like a garden, forest path, and vegetable garden, the site creates a tranquil environment for visitors to discover and admire the allure of orchids and roses. Conveniently situated near the Mossy Forest, the garden is easily reachable, providing a serene escape. Priced at RM6 ($1) per adult, this garden beckons those seeking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Cameron Highlands, making it a must-visit destination.

9. Explore the Night Market

The weekend night market, locally referred to as ‘Pasar Malam,’ is a lively and well-loved attraction in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Happening every Friday to Sunday at Golden Hills in Tanah Rata, it showcases a diverse range of local goods such as fresh produce, strawberries, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and souvenirs. With tempting hawker stall food, it’s also a treat for the taste buds. 

The market welcomes visitors from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., though the hours may be adjusted due to rain. Conveniently situated along the main road near Hotel Casa dela Rosa, the market is easily accessible in its new location.

10. Visit Time Tunnel

Get a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage. The Time Tunnel Museum showcases photographs and artifacts from Cameron Highlands’ history, offering insight into the region’s past. 

11. Find Authentic Culture in Orang Asli Settlements

The indigenous people of Malaysia, known as the Orang Asli, have established settlements in the Cameron Highlands, particularly those belonging to the Temiar tribe. These settlements are situated in forested areas, and visitors can arrange guided visits to Orang Asli villages with ecological guides. This provides a valuable opportunity for guests to learn about the lifestyle and culture of the Orang Asli, including their practices like shifting cultivation. 

The villages offer a glimpse into traditional living, allowing visitors to observe unique tools, food, and musical instruments. Additionally, visitors can engage in activities such as trying the blowpipe and gaining knowledge about the medicinal plants used by the community.

12. Shop and Dine at Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands, is a favored spot for shopping and dining. The town boasts an array of restaurants, cafes, and food courts, catering to both local and international tastes. Noteworthy dining establishments in Tanah Rata include Hill Station Cafe, Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant, and The Lord’s Cafe, renowned for its delectable scones. 

On weekends, the town comes alive with a night market, where visitors can explore a diverse range of local products and enjoy street food. 

13. Discover the Wonders of Butterfly Garden

Situated at Kea Farm, approximately 1.86 mi (3 km) beyond Brinchang town or 3.11 mi (5 km) from Tanah Rata, the Butterfly Garden in Cameron Highlands serves as a living insect gallery and zoological garden. This well-known tourist spot showcases a diverse range of animals, including butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, snakes, geckos, sheep, and rabbits. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience surrounded by the beauty of nature and the fascinating world of these creatures.

14. Immerse Yourself in Bees at Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm

When people talk about Cameron Highlands, it’s usually strawberry farms. But if you’re up for a change, swing by Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm. 

It’s an old-school apiary with fun stuff like an indoor maze. Perfect for families or looking for unique, honey-themed gifts to take home.

15. Take a Bertam Valley Agriculture Tour

Bertam Valley is situated approximately 1 mi (1.5 km) away from Ringlet town in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, is an agricultural village teeming with local and migrant farmers. Along the Bertam River, these farmers manage various flower nurseries and vegetable farms. Interested visitors can embark on an agriculture tour, delving into the cultivation of flowers and vegetables while immersing themselves in the serene ambiance and refreshing climate of the Cameron Highlands.

16. Take Your Family to Cameron Square

Cameron Square is a contemporary commercial development that stands along Jalan Aranda Nova at Kea Farm. Tailored to accommodate the numerous local and international visitors who frequent Cameron Highlands each year, this shopping center offers a range of shopping and entertainment choices.

17. Play at Holiday’s Park

Situated next to the Cameron Square Shopping Center, Holiday’s Park boasts a variety of rides and attractions, featuring a ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars, games, and a 7D interactive cinema. Open daily from the afternoon until late at night, it offers entertainment suitable for visitors of all ages. A sought-after destination, especially for families and those seeking a joyful experience during their stay in Cameron Highlands.

18. Visit MARDI Agrotechnology Park

Situated in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, the MARDI Agrotechnology Park serves as both an agricultural research station and a park managed by the Malaysia Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI). A favored spot for those intrigued by agriculture, nature, and gardening, the park’s entrance fee is a budget-friendly 3RM ($1), making it an affordable and delightful choice for families and nature enthusiasts. 

Easily reachable by car, taxi, bus, or even on foot from Tanah Rata town, it provides a convenient gateway to explore the park’s various attractions.

19. See KC Kwang & Sons Grape Farm

Learn about the cultivation of grapes and other produce. You also get to pick your own grapes on the farm.

20. Go to the Smokehouse

The Smokehouse is a delightful English country-style hotel and restaurant that has embraced the essence of traditional country house hospitality since 1937. Renowned for serving the highland’s finest traditional English cuisine, the restaurant features signature dishes like Beef Wellington and Afternoon Tea with scones. Conveniently situated in Tanah Rata, The Smokehouse offers easy accessibility for visitors exploring the charms of Cameron Highlands.

21. Eat Authentic Chinese Food at Water Crest Valley

Taste vegetarian Chinese food, tour a watercress-focused farm, and learn about vegetable farming techniques.

Getting Around Cameron Highlands

The quickest route to Cameron Highlands from Singapore and Thailand is via direct flights to Ipoh Airport, the nearest airport. Once you land in Ipoh, you can proceed to Cameron Highlands by road.

If you’re arriving from farther destinations or seeking a more scenic journey, reaching Cameron Highlands often involves flying into major Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang. You can embark on a picturesque road trip to the highlands from there. 

Tip: If booking buses in Malaysia, use the Easybook app. There are also counters in the different bus terminals where you can buy your tickets, but the app’s price is the same. It means you don’t have to make the trip to the bus terminal, saving quite some time.

Here are your transportation options:

From Kuala Lumpur:

• Bus: The ticket price on the Cameron Highland bus from KL Sentral is approximately 36 Malaysian Ringgit/RM (8 US Dollars), with a journey duration of about four hours.
• Train: Hop on a train from Kuala Lumpur to Kampar (KL Sentral – Ipoh Butterworth – Padang Besar), which takes approximately two hours and costs around RM29 ($6).
• Taxi: A taxi ride from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands will take about 3.5 hours and is around RM550 ($119) for up to four passengers, or you can opt for a larger vehicle for up to seven passengers.

From Penang:

• Bus: A bus trip from Penang to Cameron Highlands takes around 4-5 hours to complete at a distance of 153.5 miles (247 kilometers), with bus fares starting from RM40 ($9).
• Taxi: Catching a cab is the most flexible option from Penang to Cameron Highlands. A taxi ticket is the most expensive, costing approximately RM700 ($152). 

There are several modes of transportation available once you’re in Cameron Highlands. However, private cars are better suited for navigating the mountainous terrain. Other choices include renting motorcycles or bicycles. Just be aware of the hilly terrain when you do. 

Keep in mind that the Cameron Highlands are also popular with locals, which is why visiting on the weekends is extremely busy. We were in traffic for 1.5 hours in the town, which isn’t even that big. There’s just one road going up and down. Plan accordingly if you go on Friday afternoon like we did.

Where To Stay in Cameron Highlands

With over 1 million tourists recently exploring Cameron Highlands, it’s evident that this highland paradise is a highly sought-after destination. Visitors from domestic and foreign countries are drawn to the area by its charm, peaceful scenery, and various attractions. 

The tourist industry in Cameron Highlands is well-developed and meets the needs of a wide range of tourists.

The area offers a wide selection of options to meet all interests and budgets, whether you’re looking for luxury, mid-range, or inexpensive hotels. 

Luxury Accommodation – Cameron Highlands Resort

With a colonial-style building 1,500 meters above sea level, Cameron Highlands Resort offers guests a calm, pure mountain air retreat. 

It’s the ideal hideaway because it has an award-winning on-site spa, gorgeous views of the golf course, and lush vegetation. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious dishes, and the bar serves refreshing drinks. There is free WiFi access throughout the building, and there is also free parking.

Discover more about Cameron Highlands Resort, as we share with you our most unforgettable experiences staying in this luxury hotel with you.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Zenith Cameron

A brand-new hotel in Tanah Rata, Zenith Cameron is perched on a lovely hill and features roomy, spotless accommodations. It is distinguished by its remarkable design, especially the peculiar atriums where the rooms are located. While it doesn’t sell alcohol, you may find an entertaining scene and reasonably priced drinks at the Travellers Bar, a five-minute walk away. 

The well-known 5-star Zenith Cameron hotel is renowned for its free WiFi, effective room service, and round-the-clock front desk. Also, the hotel has an on-site restaurant for easy dining options, a fitness center for energetic guests, and a relaxing sauna for relaxing after your Highland adventures.

Budget Accommodation – Hotel Titiwangsa

In Brinchang, the Hotel Titiwangsa is a great option for guests on a tight budget. The hotel offers a convenient spot whether you’re enjoying the natural beauty of the Parit Falls or shopping at the Cameron Highland Night Market or Kea Farm. For further unusual experiences, you can also go to the Sheep Sanctuary and the Orang Asli Settlement.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Best Time To Visit Cameron Highlands

The area has various attractions year-round, so picking the right time depends on your interests. The dry months of February through April and July through August are the best times to visit the highlands if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and want to avoid the inconvenience of excessive rain. You can enjoy your trips with better skies and more consistent weather during these times.

You should also know that the climate in the Cameron Highlands changes within the year. The hottest month is May, when average highs are about 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). 

On the other hand, January has the lowest temperatures, averaging about 79°F (26°C). The wettest months are normally October and November, so keep that in mind if you would rather avoid rain during your vacation. 

The ideal time to travel to Cameron Highlands depends on your taste and what you hope to accomplish there. The wet season may be your best option if you’re a nature lover who enjoys the vivid green scenery that emerges when it rains. However, the dry months may provide a better experience if you’re itching to explore the highlands and engage in outdoor tours. 

Useful Travel Tips – Cameron Highlands Malaysia

• Pack the essentials. Pack lightweight clothing, such as a sweater or light jacket, and long pants to stay warm, especially at night when the temperature drops. Hiking shoes with thick socks are also necessary for the lengthy walks and hills you’ll face.
• Choose your road route. Stay away from the Tapah-Ringlet main road if you’re driving a private vehicle. Minor landslides are occasionally encountered along this path but are rarely dangerous. Instead, choose to drive along the Ipoh/Simpang Pulai-Brinchang route, which offers larger roads and less chance of landslides. 
• Prepare vaccinations. You may need some vaccines before traveling to Malaysia, so research your options. The hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and tetanus vaccines are among them. 
• Watch out for taxi costs. Be wary of taxis that may overcharge, with fees reaching about RM 75 ($15.74) for a 3-hour trip. Such a situation can make it harder to go between different attractions at your own pace and within a reasonable budget.
• Do your research and travel smartly. While planning your trip, avoid presuming that most sights can be reached by foot from Brinchang. Well-known locations such as BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre, BOH Tea Garden, Lavender Garden, Brinchang Night Market, and other known attractions can be up to 6.2 mi (10 km) from Brinchang.
• Plan your days. Visiting Cameron Highlands for at least three days is advisable. Add a day or two to your itinerary if you want to go on more hikes or if the weather will be erratic. Spend at least two days completely exploring the Cameron Highlands.
• Travel with peace of mind. Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Cameron Highlands Malaysia

Why Is Cameron Highlands Famous?

Cameron Highlands is a cool and beautiful place known for its lovely landscapes. It’s perfect for relaxing. Renowned for its world-class tea plantations and diverse agricultural ventures, from strawberry farms to vibrant flower nurseries, the region captivates visitors with its natural wonders, including cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and enchanting butterfly gardens.

Which Part of Malaysia Is Cameron Highlands?

Cameron Highlands, positioned at the northwestern tip of Pahang state in Peninsular Malaysia, spans around 275 square mile (712 square kilometers). Part of the Titiwangsa mountain range, it naturally separates peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand, forming distinct east and west regions. Ipoh, situated approximately 56 mi (90 km) away, is the closest major city, while Kuala Lumpur and Penang are around 124 mi (200 km) and 150 mi (240 km) distant, respectively. 

As the highest accessible point in Malaysia by road, Cameron Highlands reaches an elevation of 1,500 m (5,000 ft) above sea level.

Which State Is Cameron Highlands Located?

Cameron Highlands, situated in the state of Pahang, Malaysia, is a renowned tourist hotspot celebrated for its refreshing climate, verdant scenery, and captivating landscapes. The area has gained fame for its exceptional tea plantations, yielding some of the world’s finest tea, as well as its diverse agricultural ventures, such as, strawberry farms and flower nurseries.

How Long Is the Journey From Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands?

The Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands distance is 124 mi (200 km), and the best option is a bus. A bus to Cameron Highland from KL takes 3 hr 30 mins to 4 hr 30 mins to reach the highlands, depending on when you depart. 

Conclusion – Cameron Highlands Malaysia

If you’re planning to explore more of Malaysia, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, the Cameron Highlands is an ideal destination. 

Its unique combination of wilderness and diversely farmed land will appeal to both the outdoor adventurer and the closet gardener in you. Accommodations range from laidback luxury to exciting glamping for every whim and budget. The cool and relaxing temperature will make you forget you’re in the tropics.

We hope the information and tips above will help you narrow your travel options and make the best itinerary to suit your preferences. May your trip be as safe as your stay at Cameron Highlands will be incredible.

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