Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
The Cameron Highlands, located in the state of Pahang, is a picturesque hill station with a history dating back to the 1880s. It was named after British surveyor William Cameron, who mapped the region during a 1885 expedition. However, its development into a hill station began in the 1920s when British colonialists saw its potential as a retreat from Malaysia’s tropical heat, turning it into a tea-growing and vegetable farming area.
The cool climate attracted British expatriates who established tea plantations, such as the famous Boh Tea Estate, which still exists today. Cameron Highlands has also been a significant agricultural hub for temperate crops like strawberries and vegetables, contributing to its economy and appeal. Over the years, it has developed into a popular tourist destination due to its cool weather, lush scenery, and colonial charm.
Things to Do in Cameron Highlands
Visit Tea Plantations: The most famous attraction is the Boh Tea Plantation, where visitors can take guided tours, learn about tea processing, and enjoy tea-tasting sessions while overlooking stunning views of the lush tea fields.
Explore Mossy Forest: A mystical forest located near Gunung Brinchang, offering hiking trails through thick moss-covered trees, ferns, and misty landscapes.
Strawberry Farms: Cameron Highlands is known for its strawberry farms, such as Big Red Strawberry Farm and Raju Hill Strawberry Farm, where visitors can pick fresh strawberries.
Cactus Valley and Rose Garden: Visit cactus and flower nurseries where you can see a wide variety of cacti, roses, and other plants that thrive in the cooler climate.
Hike to Waterfalls: Explore waterfalls like the Parit Waterfall and Robinson Falls, which are perfect for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Trekking: Cameron Highlands offers several trekking routes. Popular trails include Trail 10, which leads to the summit of Gunung Jasar, offering panoramic views of the highlands.
Visit Butterfly Garden: A beautiful spot filled with butterflies, insects, and various flora, offering a closer look at the highland’s biodiversity.
Cameron Lavender Garden: This colorful garden showcases beautiful lavender fields, along with other flowers, and offers activities like lavender-picking.
How to Get There
By Car: The most convenient way is by driving. Cameron Highlands is about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway, followed by routes either from Tapah or Simpang Pulai.
By Bus: You can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur (TBS – Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) or from other major cities to Tanah Rata, the main town in Cameron Highlands. The bus journey typically takes about 4 to 5 hours.
By Train: The closest train station is in Ipoh, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Cameron Highlands.
Tourist Attractions
Boh Tea Plantation: Explore the oldest tea plantation in Malaysia, established in 1929, with a visitor’s center, café, and panoramic views of the plantation.
Mossy Forest: An ancient forest with cool temperatures and a surreal, misty environment. This is a great place for hiking and bird-watching.
Time Tunnel Museum: A quirky museum that offers a glimpse into Cameron Highlands’ history with vintage photographs and artifacts.
Butterfly Garden and Butterfly Farm: Home to a variety of butterflies, reptiles, and insects, this is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Cameron Highlands Trail System: A network of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, perfect for adventure seekers.
Cameron Lavender Garden: A stunning attraction featuring lavender fields and other beautiful flowers, alongside a café that serves lavender-infused treats.
Vegetable Farms: You can visit various farms where cool-climate vegetables are grown, and some offer tours and fresh produce for sale.
Where to Eat
The Lord’s Café: Famous for its scones, cream teas, and simple British-inspired dishes, this café is a favorite among tourists.
Ferm Nyonya Restaurant: A popular spot for trying Nyonya cuisine, a mix of Chinese and Malay flavors.
Kea Farm Market: A great place to grab fresh produce and street food, including locally grown vegetables and strawberries.
Restoran Taman Apple Cameron Steamboat & Grill: Known for its steamboat dining, where you cook your own food in a hot pot, perfect for the cool weather.
The Smokehouse Restaurant: An iconic spot offering English fare in a colonial-style setting, complete with a beautiful garden.
Yong Teng Café: A local favorite offering affordable Malaysian dishes and Western breakfast options, with a welcoming atmosphere.
Entrance Fees
- Boh Tea Plantation: Free entrance; guided tours of the tea factory are also free.
- Mossy Forest: There may be a small entry fee (about RM 10 for foreigners) to access certain areas of the forest.
- Strawberry Farms: Entrance is generally free, but you’ll need to pay for strawberry picking (around RM 25-30 per kg).
- Cactus Valley: Around RM 5 per person.
- Butterfly Garden: Entry fee is around RM 7-10 per person.
- Cameron Lavender Garden: Entrance fee is around RM 10 per adult and RM 7 per child.
Opening Hours
- Boh Tea Plantation: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays).
- Strawberry Farms: Open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
- Mossy Forest: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Butterfly Garden: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Cameron Highlands offers a mix of natural beauty, colonial charm, and agricultural experiences, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a cool climate.