One of the highlights of traveling to Malaysia is exploring Cameron Highlands for 2 days. Only a 3-hour drive from the capital of Kuala Lumpur, convenient bus rides are available at $8 each way (35 RM). Whether you are on a backpacking route through Southeast Asia or looking for a romantic getaway, Cameron Highlands will satisfy every traveler’s needs. Located in a cooler, soothing climate, visitors go to explore its famous tea plantations, jungle treks (for all levels), lush green hills and strawberry farms. The climate and fresh air are as sweet in smell as the charming, laid-back locals. Here is a complete Travel Guide to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia: Places to Visit, How To Get There, The Best Time To Go and Cameron Highlands’ Top Attractions.

1. Places to Visit in Cameron Highlands
2. When is the Best Time to Go?
3. How to Get to Cameron Highlands
4. Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands

Places to Visit in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands was discovered by the British expedition leader, William Cameron, in 1885. Located in the district of Pahang, Malaysia, tourists flock here to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. It is situated 1500 meters above sea level and is famous for its cooler weather and laid back atmosphere.

Tea Session at BOH Tea Plantation

The most popular tourist attraction not to be missed is the BOH Tea Plantation. This tea plantation stretches for miles which makes BOH Tea the largest tea producer in Southeast Asia. BOH Tea was established in 1929 and has been serving one of the best cups of tea in the world. 

Hire a 30-minute scenic taxi ride to the tea plantation which costs approximately $20 roundtrip from Tanah Rata. Or you can book a tour online via Adventoro a roundtrip ride + tour guide. To celebrate BOH Tea’s 90th anniversary (now in 2019), they are proud to unveil their new wing of Sungei Palas Tea Centre Tristan’s Terrace. This marks 90 years of brewing tea for Malaysians!

Entrance fee: Free
Hours: 9:00am-4:30pm
Website: https://www.bohtea.com
Phone: +60 5-493 1324

Some great information on Tea from the BOH Tea Plantation website:

• 10 Tidbits about Tea
• An Essential Guide to Tea & Health
• Tantalizing Foods to Serve with your Tea
• Tips for Brewing your Best Cup

Strawberry Picking at the Big Red Strawberry Farm

Cameron Highlands is also famous for its strawberry farms. Located at the town center of Brinchang, the Big Red Strawberry Farm is known to be one of the best sources of strawberries in the area. Strawberry season is typically May to August, so if you go during that time, you’ll not only get to pick the sweetest strawberries but also get a taste of the strawberry jam and ice cream at the cafe! This place is highly recommended if you are traveling with kids as this can be a fun recreational activity for them.

Entrance Fee: Free
Hours: 8:30am-6:00pm
Website: http://bigredstrawberryfarm.com
Phone: +60 5-491 3327

Explore the Cactus Valley

Just steps away from the Big Red Strawberry Farm is the Cactus Valley, boasting the diverse flora of Cameron Highlands that gives the region it’s magnificent scent. What makes this place stand out miraculously is that despite cactus typically known to only thrive in hot and dry climate, this valley of cactus grows in the relatively cool climate of Cameron Highlands.

Entrance fee: of 5 RM ($1.21 USD) for adults and 3 RM ($0.73 USD) for kids.
Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm daily.
Phone: +60 5-491 5640

Marvel at Butterflies at the Butterfly Farm

A family-friendly place to visit in Cameron Highlands is the Butterfly Farm also located in Brinchang. This one, like the Cactus Valley, can be a fun and educational visit for adults and children alike. Other native insects can also be seen at the farm which is an added bonus.

Entrance fee: 5 RM ($1.21 USD) for adults and 2 RM ($0.50 USD) for kids.
Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm
Website: http://www.cameronhighlandsinfo.com/attraction/Butterfly_Farm

Cameron Highland’s Night Market: “Pasar Malam”

Asia is known for its famous night markets. Every country, region, city, and neighborhood have its own unique ones serving up the local gems. Cameron Highlands is no exception with its cozy hawker stands for locals and travelers alike. “Pasar Malam” Night Market is conveniently located in Tanah Rata which serves a blend of inexpensive local Malaysian, Chinese and Indian delicacies to feast all your tastebuds. You can also find fresh fruits, vegetables, tea blends and plants. This is also a convenient place to get your souvenirs and gifts at inexpensive prices (do haggle a bit!). It’s the perfect place to wind down after a long day of sightseeing and adventure.

Try: Apam Balik, pancake sprinkled with nuts – a local Malay favorite.
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 4:00 pm to approximately 10:00 pm

Hike To The Mossy Forest

If you want to see more of Cameron Highland’s flora, the Mossy Forest is a must visit. I recommend spending an extra leisure day for this. Lush forestry, towering trees, different ferns and other plant species thrive here due to its colder temperature.

To get to the Mossy Forest, you can take a taxi to the BOH Tea Plantation. There is a trail you can take to the Mossy Forest. The hike can take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be awarded a view of the district of Pahang. Be sure to check weather and trail conditions as it can potentially be muddy and slippery. I would recommend hiring an experienced guide as well as packing comfortable walking or hiking shoes.

Tour packages are available in Tanah Rata and Brinchang. You can browse the half and full-day tours here.

When Is The Best Time To Go?

The monsoon season is from November to February. It would be difficult to explore all that Cameron Highlands has to offer during this time since many of its attractions are in the outdoors. If you are especially visiting for the jungle trails and hiking activities, I recommend traveling during the dry season from March to June. Weekends and holidays can get especially crowded with both locals and travelers so if you can manage, go on weekdays.

How to Get To Cameron Highlands

From Kuala Lumpur (4 main options):

1. Take the LRT and take the Ampang Line heading to Sri Petaling. Get off at Bandar Tasek Selatan. If you want a cheaper option, I suggest you take this route. Tickets can be purchased at the station.
2. Take the KTM train and ride the Seremban line. Get off at Bandar Tasek Selatan. You can purchase your tickets at the station or online to reserve a seat.
3. Take the KLIA transit from the airport and get off at Bandar Tasek Selatan.
4. Take a taxi (more expensive option) or book a car or taxi via Grab app.

The bus station, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), is located just beside the Bandar Tasek Selatan station. From TBS, there are various bus companies to choose from or you can book your trip here in advance. Buses leave as early as 8:30 am and travel time from TBS to Cameron Highlands takes approximately 5 hours.

From Singapore:

If you want to take a direct trip from Singapore to Cameron Highlands, there are available bus pick-up points. Travel time from Singapore to Cameron Highlands takes approximately 9 hours. You can view and book your trip here. 

From Ipoh:

From Ipoh KTM Train Station, you can walk to Medan Kidd Bus Station and take a bus to Amanjaya Bus Terminal. There are buses leaving for Cameron Highlands as early as 8 am to 6 pm. Travel time is approximately 2 hours. Book your bus tickets in advance here.

Where To Stay In Cameron Highlands

There is a range of accommodations in Cameron Highlands, from budget to luxury. For backpackers, families, groups to a romantic getaway. It is advisable that you book your accommodation in advance since they can get fully booked especially during high seasons. Here is a list of the top accommodations in Cameron Highlands:

Budget Accommodations in Cameron Highlands:

Many budget accommodations are located in Tanah Rata,
A small convenient town that is a great starting point for all the places to visit in Cameron Highlands.

Traveller Bunker Hostel 1

Rated 9.2/10 on Hostelworld, Traveller Bunker Hostel 1 is great for those traveling solo and a perfect place to meet other travelers. The hostel is clean, comfortable and stylish. The reception desk can help with day trips by assisting in booking bus tickets as well as tour packages. This is also a perfect place for female solo travelers as they offer females only dorms. Bunk bed rates can go as low as $7 USD and private rooms start at $10USD per night.

Book: Booking.com
Address: 82, Jalan, Persiaran Camelia 4, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel. no: +60 16-565 7464

Hikers Sleep Port

Also located in Tanah Rata, Hikers Sleep Port is one of the best hostels in Cameron Highlands. The rooms are not only squeaky clean, the staff is also friendly and helpful when it comes to giving tips about getting around the area. Single beds are priced at $7 USD per night and the hostel also serves breakfast.

Book: Booking.com
Address: 33, 1st Floor, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel. no: +60 5-485 1104

Fathers Guesthouse Resort

Located just 5 minutes away from Tanah Rata’s bus station, Fathers Guesthouse is the perfect place to stay for travelers who wish to save on transportation costs. Tour packages and bus tickets can also be arranged by the staff upon request. Rates start at $6 USD with free wifi.

Book: http://fathersguesthouse.net
Address: 2000, Jalan Mentigi Utama, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel. no: +60 16-566 1111

Wan-Alyasa Hotel

For a budget-friendly hotel, you can check out Wan-Alyasa Hotel in Brinchang. They offer Muslim-friendly accommodations and is located just a couple of kilometers away from the BOH Tea Plantation. Private rooms start at $19 USD with free wifi and free cancellation.

Book: Agoda
Address: B1-G-D9 Tkt. G. Brinchang Square, Jalan Besar Brinchang, 39100, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel. no: +60 5-491 4578 

Mid-Range Accommodations in Cameron Highlands

Hotel De’La Ferns

Hotel De’La Ferns offers English Tudor Architecture-style rooms, just a 3 minute ride from Tanah Rata. Named after the luxuriant fern that exemplifies Cameron Highlands, this boutique resort features 75 well-designed rooms, with regular hotel rooms to suites available for families. There are also two duplex style penthouse suites available for the ultimate luxury: ‘Cameron Ferns’ and ‘Highlands Ferns’.

What makes a stay here even more special is its soothing and restful views of the rolling countryside and scenic golf course. Though situated in classic English style design, Hotel De’La Ferns has all the modern conveniences for the savvy business and leisure traveler. Rooms start at about $60 per night.

Book: http://www.hoteldelaferns.com.my
Address: Batu 29, Jalan Besar, 39000 Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel. no: +605 491 4888

Luxury Accommodation in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands Resort

If you don’t mind splurging on your Cameron Highlands trip, this 5-star hotel is highly recommended. Located in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands Resort will give you the British colonial townhouse vibe. This 56-room hotel is complete with a spa and is just a 15 minutes walk to the Cameron Highlands Golf Club and night market. Rates start at around $150 USD per night.

Book your stay: Expedia or directly on the Cameron Highlands Resort’s website
Address: By The Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel. no: +60 5 491 1100

The Lakehouse

This Tudor-style luxury hotel is located 1000m above sea level in Cameron Highlands. Surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful garden, The Lakehouse also offers an immaculate view of the Abu Bakar Lake. The Lakehouse offers various activities such as strawberry jam making and complimentary trekking. They also host events such as weddings and meetings.

Book:  https://lakehouse-cameron.com/
Address: 30th Mile Ringlet, 39200, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel. no: +605 495 6152