Cameron Highlands is a mountainous region in the Malaysian state of Pahang. As one of the largest hill stations in Malaysia, it is home to a strong tea and vegetable production industry.
Part of its big draw lies in the region's refreshingly cooler temperatures, compared to the sweltering humidity of the rest of the country.
Known for its sprawling green tea plantations and dense jungle, the Cameron Highlands is a good destination for hiking and discovering an abundance of wildlife.
For British tourists, it feels like a home from home, with afternoon tea and green countryside.
In this guide to visiting the Cameron Highlands, I explain everything you need to know about this unique corner of Malaysia.
From how to get there to the best things to see and do, and everything in between.
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A short snippet of history.
Cameron Highlands is named after William Cameron, a British explorer who first explored the area in 1885.
40 years later, the colonial explorer Sir George Maxwell decided that the area should become a hill.
In the following years plantations were developed and the area became a popular destination for British tourists.
British influence in the Cameron Highlands is strong. You'll find cream teas and beef Wellingtons on the menus, as well as hotels with Tudor-style features.
The area gradually became popular with expatriates from all over the world. Today, it is a popular tourist destination for visitors exploring Malaysia.
Where is Cameron Highlands?
Cameron Highlands is located at the westernmost end of the Pahang District in West Malaysia.
It is 85 kilometers from the nearest city, Ipoh, and 200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. The area is very mountainous, with the highest point at 2,000 meters above sea level.
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How to get to Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands are easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur and Penang by road. There are reliable bus services from these towns to Tanah Rata, the main town of the Cameron Highlands.
The bus service from Kuala Lumpur takes three hours, costs RM35 and leaves from the Bersepadu Selatan Terminal.
The bus from Penang takes four hours, costs RM40, and leaves from Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal.
The last two hours of the journey to the Cameron Highlands are spent on steep and winding roads. As a result, the area is not accessible by train or plane.
The nearest station is in Ipoh, where you can take a 90-minute bus from AmanJaya Bus Terminal.
Alternatively, you can travel as part of a larger tour or private tour service. In this way, your travel agent will organize the entire trip for you.
If you have more budget, you can take a taxi from Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, you can rent a car in the major cities if you prefer the freedom of driving.
When to visit Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the off-season.
As a popular destination, the area can get very crowded during peak hours.
Avoid school vacations, public holidays, and major holidays whenever possible. Traffic can get really bad during these peak periods, and traffic jams are common.
Weekends are also quite a bit busier.
Weather in Cameron Highlands
Rain is common in the Cameron Highlands and this is what makes it a great place to harvest tea and vegetables.
The monsoon season is between November and February. It may rain more, but that's when all the beautiful green plantings are in full bloom.
But since the area is stunning year-round, you may want to avoid these months if you're worried about rain.
Although it rains throughout the year, the amount of rain will be less during the dry season of February, March and April, and during the summer months of June, July and August.
These months are popular times to visit. But as mentioned above, try to avoid school holidays if you can.
Temperature in Cameron Highlands
Temperatures are noticeably cooler in the Cameron Highlands, compared to the rest of the country.
It is one of the great attractions of the Cameron Highlands as it provides a refreshing respite from the intense humidity of other parts of Malaysia.
Throughout the year temperatures range between 14 and 28 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are December, January and February.
Other considerations
The timing of your visit may depend on what you plan to see and do while in Cameron Highlands.
If you want to visit the Brinchang Night Market, you will need to visit it on the weekend. Or if you want to go hiking, it is recommended to avoid the rainy season.
Trails can get slippery and are often closed as a result.
The best places to visit and things to do in Cameron Highlands
There are many exciting places to visit and unusual tourist attractions in the Cameron Highlands.
Many of the activities will not take a lot of time and can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Here are the best things to do in the Cameron Highlands:
1. Guided visit to a tea plantation.
Working hours:Mars to Sunday 08:30 – 16:30
Entry price:Free
Since the Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea production, visiting a tea plantation is a must.
navigate toBoh Sungei Palas Tea Plantationto learn all about the tea harvesting and cultivation process. There is also Cameron Bharat Tea Estate as an alternative option.
At Boh Plantation, you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the glass-fronted cafe.
On a cozy terrace you can enjoy a cup of tea against the backdrop of the stunning panoramic view of emerald tea plantations.
You will be spoiled for choice between tea blends and flavors; Honestly, that puts Fortnum & Mason in a good mood!
You can also buy tea at their tea shop - the perfect souvenir or gift for someone back home..
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2. Hiking and trekking routes through the jungle.
There are many wonderful walking routes in the Cameron Highlands. Pass through dense forests, waterfalls, and discover abundant wildlife.
There are many marked trails with varying degrees of difficulty, so be sure to choose based on your hiking experience and fitness level.
The more challenging trails require a guide and a permit, but are usually rewarded with stunning scenery.
Heavy rain can mean regular trail closures, so check before you head out.
Also be sure to wear proper footwear so you're ready to tackle any muddy and slippery trails.
Cameron Highlands Trekking Highlights:
- Discover Robinson Falls on trail number 9. It's only a 10-minute walk away and is a truly peaceful place.
- Mossy Forest is another great place to hike. It is full of tropical plants and fauna, as well as monkeys, birds and butterflies.
- Keep an eye out for Rafflesia blossoms, the world's largest flower that is currently endangered.
3. Climb Mount Brinchang
At an elevation of 2,000 metres, Mount Brinchang offers stunning views of the Cameron Highlands. The trail is easily accessible, starting from the north side of Brinchang.
It takes about two hours to walk, but you can also drive to the top. However, trekking is preferable as you will discover the beautiful jungle trails.by the way.
4. Visit a strawberry farm
Working hours:Every day from 08:00 to 18:30
Entry price:Free
At Raaju's Hill Strawberry Farm, visitors will find rows and rows of juicy red treats. Just waiting for them to get upset and gobble them up with cream shakes!
A tour of a strawberry farm is a great activity for families visiting the Cameron Highlands. It also includes the opportunity to pick your own strawberries.
Even if you don't choose your own, you can't leave without devouring them on the way home.
Insider tip: try the strawberry milkshake - it's wonderfully refreshing and very tasty.
5. Stroll through a butterfly farm
Working hours:Every day from 08:00 to 18:00
Entry price:RM7
Visit the Butterfly Farm to see the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the beautiful butterflies with their wide wingspans.
Butterflies fly freely, so it's great to see them in their natural habitat.
If you don't like any type of creature hitting around you, it's better to avoid them!
But if you want to get up close and personal with these amazing insects, as well as many other interesting species (including guinea pigs), then it's well worth a visit.
6. Try a steam cooker
A Cameron Highlands culinary staple is the steamboat kitchen.
Similar to the European DIY fondue style, this is a large bowl of bubbling broth to which your chosen ingredients are added.
The ingredients you add are up to you, be it meat, fish, vegetables, noodles or tofu.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a fun and unique Cameron Highlands experience.
There are plenty of Steamboat restaurants to choose from, so it pays to get a recommendation from one of the locals.
7. Explore the night market
Working hours:Friday and Saturday 16:00-23:00
Use:The night market is also open every day during the Malaysian school holidays.
The Brinchang Night Market, sometimes known as the Golden Hill Night Market, takes place every Friday and Saturday.
There are approximately 150 local vendors selling a variety of products. These include:
- Fresh products such as strawberries, honey and vegetables.
- tea blends
- Street stalls selling grilled meats and other delicacies
- Memories
- clothing items
All the products are very affordable and the atmosphere is vibrant and lively. There is a car park just a five minute walk from the market, with a small parking fee.
8. Visit the Valley of the Cactus
Working hours:Every day from 08:00 to 18:00
Entry price:RM4
Located in Brinchang, Cactus Valley is home to an impressive variety of cacti. From the small and sharp to the big and sharp!
Visitors will also discover giant cacti, some up to 60 years old. There is also a variety of other flora in the valley, including wildflowers and apple trees.
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9. Visit the lavender gardens
Working hours:Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entry price:10 RM
Explore the vibrant landscaped gardens of the lavender farms. Breathe in the wonderful scent of lavender that fills the air.
Other continental flowers also occur in the gardens. It's a truly Instagram-worthy place!
Once you're done admiring the beautiful display, be sure to try the lavender ice cream before you leave.
10. Visit the Sam Poh temple
Working hours:Every day from 07:00 to 19:00
Entry price:Free
Sam Poh Temple is the fourth largest temple in Malaysia, located one kilometer from Brinchang. It is a colorful Chinese temple set against a backdrop of lush jungle.
Visitors will find beautiful golden warrior statues inside and the fourth largest Buddha statue in Malaysia.
It's a great place to discover a piece of Chinese imperial art and history.
Visit the Cameron Highlands
Here you will find everything you need to know if you are planning a visit to the Cameron Highlands.
From where to stay and what to eat, to how to get around and what to pack.
Where to stay in Cameron Highlands
Tanah Rata is the main hub where travelers meet. It has bus connections that connect it to several places for day trips, as well as many hiking trails that start on the outskirts of the city.
There are a variety of hotels, guest houses, Airbnbs, and other unique places to stay in the Cameron Highlands.
Where you choose to stay will depend on your personal preferences, your budget, and the type of experience you are looking for.
For a Tudor-style boutique resort that adds a touch of luxury, stay atThe house on the lake. Or for a cheaper option, try a real homestay likeMoon River Lodge.
Browse and bookCameron Highlands hotels.
what to eat
There are plenty of affordable places to eat in the towns and villages of the Cameron Highlands.
If you're visiting on the weekend, don't forget to try some traditional Malaysian street food at the night market hawker stalls.
Also a must have are fresh strawberries from a strawberry farm - the perfect refreshing snack during the day.
For another authentic experience, visit a Steamboat restaurant. Cameron Organic Produce, Gonbei, and Jin Jin are good choices for steaming.
But it's always nice to get a local recommendation on the best places to eat.
Transport in Cameron Highlands
There are three main ways to get around the Cameron Highlands: on foot, by taxi or by bus.
The bus leaves from Tanah Rata and goes to Brinchang and Kampung Raja. It's a cheap option, but it has irregular hours.
There are plenty of taxis available for your use, and you can often find them outside the main tourist attractions and resorts.
Car hire is not available in Cameron Highlands; You will need to rent a car in Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh.
Alternatively, you can rent bicycles and motorbikes if you prefer a more exclusive and independent means of transport.
What to bring and pack
As for what to wear, bring light clothing as it is still quite humid in the Cameron Highlands.
It is a good idea to bring something warmer when the temperature drops at night.
If you plan to hike, be sure to pack properly. Wear long pants, a waterproof jacket and suitable footwear.
Hiking boots are preferred, but anything that will survive the trails will do.
How much time to spend in Cameron Highlands?
It only takes a day or two to visit the sights of the Cameron Highlands. Later, you may run out of things to do and get a little bored.
One night is plenty, though you may want that extra night to make the most of the gloriously cool temperature before it gets unbearably humid again.
It is recommended to stay longer if you plan to do a lot of hiking. Even so, a few days would be more than enough.
Is Cameron Highlands worth visiting?
Cameron Highlands is a very popular destination, which means that it is a hot spot for tour groups. The traffic can be almost unbearable, especially at rush hour.
The fact that tourism has a negative impact on the region cannot be avoided. So choose your tour operator and guides carefully.
When you walk, stay on the marked trails and do not touch or pick up the plants.
While you try to visit off-peak hours, the Cameron Highlands are definitely worth a visit if you are exploring Malaysia.
It is quite a unique place and offers something different from the rest of the country. Just don't spend too much time there and make the most of the cooling temperatures during your visit.
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FAQs
Cameron Highlands in Malaysia: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting? ›
The Cameron Highlands is a beautifully unique area of mainland Malaysia and you can spend 2 to 3 days in the Cameron Highlands exploring the best things to do. From visiting spectacular tea plantations to picking strawberries and hiking through the rainforest jungle. You'll have a great time in the Malaysian highlands.
How many days do you need in Cameron Highlands Malaysia? ›The Cameron Highlands is a beautifully unique area of mainland Malaysia and you can spend 2 to 3 days in the Cameron Highlands exploring the best things to do. From visiting spectacular tea plantations to picking strawberries and hiking through the rainforest jungle. You'll have a great time in the Malaysian highlands.
Which is the best month to visit Cameron Highlands? ›With that being said, Cameron Highlands weather all year round is pleasant and anytime is the best time to visit Cameron Highlands. If you wish to witness the greenery in full bloom, you must visit during monsoon season (November and February). November is considered as the best month to visit Cameron Highlands.
Is Cameron Highlands worth going to? ›In short Cameron Highlands away from hustle bustle of KL is a place definitely worth visiting for a day or two visit. I have been to Cameron Highland 3 times already but l never got enough of it as it always have something new to show.
How do you get around the Cameron Highlands? ›There are three main ways to get around the Cameron Highlands: on foot, by taxi, or by shuttle bus. The shuttle bus leaves from Tanah Rata and goes to Brinchang and Kampung Raja. It is a budget-friendly option but does have an irregular schedule.
How to dress for Cameron Highlands? ›Long Trouser and Light Jacket or Jumper - Clothing to keep you warm because the climate in Cameron Highlands are cold and chilly especially at night. Trekking Shoe with Socks- A pair of suitable shoes that can make you comfortable because there will be a lot of walking, slopes and stairs to climb.
Should I stay in Ipoh or Cameron Highlands? ›Ipoh offers quite a lot to see & do - I recommend at least two nights there. Whilst the Cameron Highlands are undoubtedly pretty, they are also extraordinarily busy with tourists, especially at weekends.
Why is Cameron Highlands so popular? ›The Cameron Highlands is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and unique attractions. The region is famous for its tea plantations, which produce some of the best tea in the World. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers planning to travel to South East Asia.
Is Cameron Highlands walkable? ›Tackle the Treks. The whole of the Cameron Highlands is set up for walking and exploration! There are trekking options for all fitness levels, trails can last from one hour up to the whole day. Mix it up with some mountains, tea plantations and waterfalls.
What is the coldest month in Malaysia? ›April and May are the months in which the temperature is highest monthly average temperature while December and January are the months with the lowest monthly average temperature. Mean daily temperatures in most areas of east of the mountains is low compared to areas in the west.
Which is better Penang or Cameron Highlands? ›
At some times of the year the CH can be quite wet, misty and rather chilly. If you don't mind the heat and humidity of the lowlands, Penang has more to offer for kids. Your kid can also connect with nature: butterfly farm, national park, Penang Hill, etc. Camerons only if you want the cooler days.
Is it difficult to drive up Cameron Highlands? ›Take to the road
Once you get there, the roads in the Cameron Highlands are narrow, winding and single carriageway, making it difficult to overtake. During peak holiday times expect heavy traffic through the towns and be patient if a car has stopped or broken down.
All other areas including the Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur and Penang are very low risk, but you need to adopt the bite avoidance regime. What Malaria prophylaxis do I need to prevent malaria in Malaysia?
How much is the entrance to the Time Tunnel in Cameron Highlands? ›Entrance fee at Time Tunnel Museum in Cameron Highlands:
Adult – RM 6.00. Child – RM 4.00.
The two towns are set roughly six kilometres apart on the same road. Brinchang to the north and Tanah Rata to the south. We strong recommend staying in Tanah Rata rather than Brinchang. Tanah Rata is home to the post office, a small police station and the bus station.
How many days do you need to see the Highlands? ›While you can always spend more time exploring, 3 days is a good amount of time to discover the Scottish highlands and the best attractions. Before we go more into details, below is a quick overview.
Is 1 day enough for Cameron Highlands? ›If you can only spend a day in Cameron Highlands, you will be able to see the main points of interest, but you will also miss quite a few! If you are visiting just for a day, we recommend you take a tour to Cameron Highlands so you can get the most out of your time.
How long should I stay in Genting Highland? ›Genting Highlands itinerary
Personally, I believe that 4 days was more than enough to explore Genting Highlands. We had a lot of fun and it didn't cost us a lot. It was a shame that the cable cars and theme park were not fully open, but that just means that we have an excuse to go again another time!
Malaysia in 7-10 Days
With a week or longer, you can see more of Malaysia and experience a range of national parks and mix in some fun activities and cultural encounters, plus chill out with some beach time.