The Cameron Highlands are one of the most popular travel destinations in Malaysia – and there’s a reason for that. At an altitude of around 1,500 meters, you can expect fresh mountain air, a cool breeze (yes, it can even get freezing cold!), and breathtaking landscapes. The region is a paradise for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone who simply needs a break from the tropical heat.
At the same time, it must be said: The Highlands are no longer an insider tip – especially on weekends, it can get quite crowded with Malaysian short-term vacationers. Nevertheless, a visit is worthwhile, as there is plenty to discover between tea plantations, strawberry farms, and varied hiking trails.
In the following article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the Cameron Highlands and provide you with the most important information. Enjoy browsing!
- General information about the Cameron Highlands
- Best time to visit the Cameron Highlands
- Getting there
- Sights & attractions
- Book guided tours
- Hotel tips for the Highlands
- FAQ – Cameron Highlands
General information about the Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands are a truly special travel destination in Malaysia and a welcome respite from the tropical heat. You wouldn’t believe how happy we were to finally be able to get the sweater out of our suitcase. Definitely a rarity in Asia.
The region is located in the province of Pahang, around 200 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, and extends from 1,200 to 1,800 meters in altitude. With average temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees, it’s pleasantly cool here – sometimes even quite cold. The fertile highlands with their evergreen tea plantations are therefore perfect for growing strawberries, vegetables, flowers, and even lavender.
Named after the British explorer William Cameron, who discovered the area in 1885, the Highlands became a center for agriculture and tea production during the colonial period. Thanks to the mild climate, many European settlers also came here to escape the tropical heat. Today, the Cameron Highlands are a magnet for tourists who enjoy tea plantations, hikes, and the relaxed atmosphere.
The Cameron Highlands are known for their diverse landscape. The green hills, covered with dense tea bushes, are the region’s trademark. Especially in the morning mist, the plantations look almost like a painting. Furthermore, the Highlands are crisscrossed by dense, tropical forests that are home to a rich flora and fauna. So, if you’re in the mood for a hike, this is the place for you!
Best Time to Visit the Cameron Highlands
Due to their location at an altitude of around 1,500 meters, the Cameron Highlands are a truly pleasant destination year-round. However, there are times that are simply better suited. So, if you want to get the most out of your stay, you should keep the following tips in mind:
- ☀️ Drier Months: Especially between February and April and June to September, you can expect less rain, which makes hiking and outdoor activities a little easier.
- Weather Conditions: Temperatures are a pleasant 20-25°C during the day, but can drop to 10-15°C at night. Rain is almost always part of the experience – but often it’s only short, heavy showers.
- Travel tips: Pack warm clothes, a rain jacket, and sturdy shoes.
Getting there
The Cameron Highlands are easily accessible, no matter where you’re starting from in Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur, there are regular bus connections to Tanah Rata, the central town of the region. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours and is a cheap and hassle-free option. The last 1.5 hours, however, are a winding road through the Highlands, which can be quite hard on your stomach.
If you prefer to travel flexibly, a rental car* is worthwhile. This allows you to not only explore the Highlands comfortably, but also make exciting stops along the way – for example, at the impressive Batu Caves or in the charming city of Ipoh, known for its stunning colonial architecture and excellent street food.
If you’re coming from the island of Penang or from Ipoh, the Highlands are even quicker to reach. The journey takes only 2 to 3 hours. We took the bus to Tanah Rata. You can book tickets for just under €10 at easybook.com or 12go.com*.
Once you arrive in the Cameron Highlands, a rental car or scooter is also very practical, as many attractions such as tea plantations, strawberry farms, and hiking trails are spread out. Alternatively, you can of course also get around comfortably by taxis or join a guided tour, which offers all the highlights in one convenient package.
For shorter distances within the towns themselves, you can also easily get around on foot – especially in Tanah Rata, where many accommodations, restaurants, and markets are close together.
Sights & Attractions
We’ve marked the most important spots for you on the map below. Do you have any other tips for the Cameron Highlands? Let us know in the comments.
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1. Tea Plantations – The Green Heart of the Highlands
The tea plantations are the heart of the Cameron Highlands and characterize the region with their endless green hills. Especially in the morning, when the mist still hangs between the tea bushes, the plantations seem almost magical. Depending on the time of year, you won’t be alone here most of the time, as the Highlands are an absolute tourist magnet. Be prepared and don’t be disappointed if you have to share the beautiful views with many others.
BOH Tea Plantation
The BOH Tea Plantation is the most famous tea plantation and was founded in 1929 by J.A. Russell, a British entrepreneur. Today it is the largest black tea producer in Malaysia. Here you can not only visit one of Malaysia’s most famous tea factories, but also enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea in the in-house BOH Café with a panoramic view of the rolling tea hills.
Please note that there are two locations: Sungei Palas Tea Garden and BOH Tea Gardens. Both locations are about a 60-minute drive from each other! We were last at Sungei Palas Tea Garden.
BOH Tea Plantation – Visitor Information:
- Address: 39100 Brinchang & Boh Road, Habu, 39200 Ringlet
- Opening hours: Tues. – Thurs. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Entrance fees: free (including the factory tour)
Cameron Valley Tea Plantation
The Cameron Valley Tea Plantation, also known as the Bharat Tea Plantation, is also a popular destination in the Highlands. It is located directly on the main road between Ringlet and Tanah Rata. For an entrance fee of RM 4, you can walk directly through the tea fields. A reader’s tip: Save your money, as the panoramic view from the teahouse is said to be much more beautiful!
Guided tours are not offered. It’s best to arrive as early as possible, when there aren’t many tourists yet. It gets crowded there from late morning onwards.
Cameron Valley Tea Plantation – Visitor Information
- Address: Unit No. 15 & 16, Main Road, Tanah Rata
- Opening hours: daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Tours: 4 RM for a walk through the fields
2. Hikes in the Highlands
In the area around Brinchang and Tanah Rata, there are 14 official hiking routes, some of which take you to the peaks of Gunung Brinchang (2000 m) or Gunung Berembun (1812 m). Depending on the route, the hike takes between 30 minutes and four hours. Unfortunately, many trails are poorly signposted, which often makes it difficult to get started. However, you can find maps of the jungle trails and, if necessary, up-to-date information on the condition of the trails in most accommodations. Just ask.
Popular hikes include:
- Trail No. 1 to Gunung Brinchang (approx. 3 to 4 hours)
- Trail No. 4 to Parit Waterfall (approx. 30 – 45 minutes)
- Trail No. 7 to Gunung Beremban (approx. 4 hours)
- Trail No. 10 Jungle Trail with great views (approx. 3 to 4 hours)
- More information here: All trails in the Cameron Highlands
3. Mossy Forest
Another highlight in the Cameron Highlands is the Mossy Forest. Dense layers of moss, mist-shrouded trees, and interwoven branches give the forest a truly magical atmosphere. It is located near Mount Brinchang and is accessible via both a short boardwalk and hiking trails.
The Mossy Forest is a particular highlight for nature lovers and photographers – beautifully tranquil, mystical, and full of unique plant and animal species. Arrive as early as possible, as many tourists also include the forest on their itinerary. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the walk is always “over hill and dale.” Temperatures can be very low, so you should also bring appropriate clothing.
Note: The boardwalk through the forest is currently closed (November 2024). It winds its way across platforms and offers a safe route through the surrounding area. Nevertheless, the paths are often challenging, and despite the rope railings, caution is always advised. Entrance fee is RM10 for adults and RM5 for kids.
4. Robinson Waterfall
Robinson Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in the Cameron Highlands, located near Tanah Rata. You can also reach it via Trail No. 9, which starts near the Tanah Rata bus station.
From there, a path through the jungle leads directly to the waterfall. The walk to the waterfall takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The path is relatively easy, but some sections can be quite slippery when wet.
5. Farms & Shops
An important industry in the Highlands are the numerous farms, which we believe are geared towards tourists. Activities and products are offered everywhere, which sometimes seems a bit staged. However, this is often the case when tourism is increasing and locals want to benefit from it.
We visited the Royal Berry Strawberry Park & Shops back then. We visited a café where we were able to pick our own strawberries and taste them right away – a cool experience! The strawberries were super fresh and incredibly delicious. Regional products such as strawberry jam, chocolate, and strawberry juice are also available for purchase.
What else is on offer:
- Kea Farm Vegetable Farm
- Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm
- Butterfly Garden
- Cameron Lavender Garden
- Rose Centre
- Cactus Valley
Brinchang Night Market
The Brinchang Night Market is a must-see and very popular with both locals and tourists. Here you can find everything from street food and souvenirs to local fruit and vegetables. The market is mainly held on weekends (Friday and Saturday), as well as during Malaysian school holidays and public holidays.
The stalls usually start setting up around 4 p.m. and the market lasts until about 11 p.m.. The market is located in the Golden Hills area, along the road between Tanah Rata and Brinchang. It is about 3.5 km from both towns. Just grab a taxi and let them take you there.
What to expect on site:
- Fresh Produce: A variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, including the famous Cameron Highlands strawberries, fresh corn, and various leafy greens.
- Street Food: A wide range of Malaysian snacks and dishes, such as grilled corn, satay, apam balik (stuffed pancakes), and various fried treats.
- Souvenirs and Crafts: Stalls selling handmade souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and typical Cameron Highlands products such as tea and honey.
Book Guided Tours
Fancy a guided tour to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia? Then browse through the offers from GetYourGuide*. Here you’ll find some great deals:
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Hotel Tips for the Highlands
The Cameron Highlands offer a wide selection of hotels and accommodations. We’ve picked out a few great options for you, which we would also book ourselves. Unfortunately, our accommodation from back then no longer exists. Most hostels and simple guesthouses are located in Tanah Rata. There are also comfortable hotels with good service in Brinchang and the surrounding area.
We have divided the accommodations into 3 categories:
- € – Budget (up to 50 € per night for 2 people)
- €€ – Mid-range (up to 100 € per night for 2 people)
- €€€ – Luxury (up to 150 € per night for 2 people)
€ – Budget
- Tekoma Resort Cameron Highlands*
- Parkland Apartments*
- Themework Homestay@Cameron Highlands*
- Fathers Guesthouse*
€€ – Mid-range
- Cameron Highland Retreat*
- Ten Mentigi*
- Cameron Lavender Mansion by PLAY*
- Zenith Hotel Cameron*
€€€ – Luxury
- The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant Cameron Highlands*
- Cameron Highlands Resort*
- The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands*
FAQ – Cameron Highlands
How high are the Cameron Highlands? How do you get to the Cameron Highlands? Which tea is grown in the Cameron Highlands? How cold is it in the Cameron Highlands?
Conclusion
The Cameron Highlands are a great place to simply take a deep breath, enjoy nature and experience a different side of Malaysia. Whether you relax with a cup of tea, explore the green tea plantations, or discover the tropical forests on adventurous trails, the Highlands offer a great combination of everything. Plan at least two to three days for your stay to explore the region at your leisure.
- Tea plantations Cameron Highlands by laughingmango | istock.com
- Cameron Highlands by s:bloodua | istock.com
- Sunset by EyeEm Mobile GmbH | istock.com
- Mossy Forest by gracethang | istock.com
- Mossy Forest by only_fabrizio | istock.com
- Moddy Forest by only_fabrizio | istock.com
- Brinchang by Davian Chang | istock.com