Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristHow to get to Cameron Highlands
Nestled in the north-western tip of Malaysia’s district of Pahang, Cameron Highlands, counts amongst the country’s most extensive hillside resorts. Located just 200 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur and 85 kilometres from Ipoh, this captivating district, retains all the charm of a quaint fairly-like resort.
The gateway to the Cameron Highlands is through the neighbouring state of Perak at the towns of Simpang Pulai and Tapah. From here you can visit the Cameron Highlands’s five settlements of Kuala Terla, Kampung Raja, Kea Farm, Bertam Valley and Tringkap, all at an altitude of 1,200 meters and above.
 |
The captivating beauty of Cameron Highlands
This expanse of more than 700 square kilometres of flowers, rolling verdant hills and tea plantations offers a unique setting and an exceptional sight unlike anywhere else in Malaysia. The four townships of Cameron Highlands were developed in 1920 by the British and later on, smaller settlements sprang up around the various levels of the hills.
Nowadays people visit Cameron Highlands for the sheer beauty of the site and the peaceful atmosphere, as well as the cooler temperatures. There are plenty of sights and activities throughout the highlands, from environmental and cultural visits to jungle trekking and nature trails.
Favorite attractions and activities for all: a taste for rural produce
You cannot possibly visit Cameron Highlands without being overwhelmed by the splendour and vastness of its tea plantations. Here is where you can learn all about the process of tea production and taste the various blends at the tearooms.
The renowned strawberry farms are just as popular, with their delicious strawberry jams and fresh strawberries, which you can pick directly from the plant and purchase by weight at very cheap prices. Cameron Highland’s flower nurseries and gardens boast an expanse of multi-hued plant specimens, from carnations, roses and dahlias to geraniums, gladioli and fuchsias. Most of the leading produce is located around the Bertam Valley and between Kg.Raja to Brinchang.
The highlands also produce much of Malaysia’s vegetables with the numerous vegetable farms scattered around the region. You can admire the large farms near Tringkap or Kuala Terla and in the Bertam or visit the smaller producing farms, open to guided walks.
 |
On a quest for endangered species
In Cameron Highlands you can also visit butterfly farms in the Kea Farm area, teeming with rare, multicoloured specimens that are no longer such a common sight to be had. Here visitors can admire the fluttering insects in enclosed areas, which protect these delicate specimens as they play hide-and-seek amongst the lush plant life and verdant, landscaped scenery.
The bees of Cameron Highlands are also renowned for their sweet and aromatic flavoured honey. At the three honey bee farms nestled in the highlands you will can taste and purchase the various products produced with the bees’ honey.
Shopping in Cameron Highlands
After having visited the various farms and nurseries you may like to stroll amongst the various market stalls where you can purchase the produce under the same roof. The Kea Farm area is where the local day market sets up its stalls, and these also border the road that connects Kg.Raja to Ringlet.
For night time shopping you can head to Brinchang where, on Saturdays the colourful market comes alive with all sorts of goods and produce. Here you can purchase anything for excellent prices, including excellent pasar malam food.
A Walk through the Past
For those who enjoy exploring the culture of the land, the Time Tunnel Gallery is where you should head to. This local museum is where you can catch a glimpse of the past days of Cameron Highlands. The extensive photographic collection will take you on a voyage through the highlands’ history, leading you to the pre-war days. Many of these photographs are actually part of private collections and offer a magnificent vista over the highlands’ past.
Activities the More Adventurous
Jungle trekking and nature trails are plentiful in the highlands, offering various levels of difficulty and duration, with most of the trails intersecting the area of Tanah Rata. You will find a multitude of streams, springs and impressive waterfalls on these trails, which are the perfect way to discover the region’s natural beauty. For more strenuous trekking, you can head up the mountain peaks where breathtaking views of the highlands justify the effort.
Where to stay and eat in Cameron Highlands
 |
Set against lush greenery, the Lakehouse Cameron Highlands Resort is one of the beautiful and luxurious stays in the entire region. It is also MalaysiaExplorer.net's top-pick resort. |
| Find out about the award |
There is an endless list of good restaurants and eateries in the region, as there is no other real nightlife in the highlands. Cuisines vary from Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes to Western and Japanese menus, and although you can find varied menus just about anywhere, Brinchang, Tanah Rata, Tringkap, and Kampung Raja are where most locals head for.
You will also find hotels and guest houses that offer comfortable and clean lodgings for all budgets, amongst these the Lakehouse Cameron Highlands Resort is considered the best, although camping is also popular around the highlands.
How to Get to Cameron Highlands
The only way to get to Cameron Highlands is by land with the public bus system that connects with Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Ipoh. It is a four and a half hour trip from Kuala Lumpur’s Puduraya Central Bus Station to Tanah Rata, or if you are traveling by car you can drive along the North-South Expressway. Once you are on site getting around is easy either by mini-bus, taxi, motorcycle, bicycle or even by foot.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Cameron Highlands with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Cameron Highlands with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on Cameron Highlands, and double right-click to zoom out!
Photo credit: Divya Manian, again and Jeff Neilson
