Top Things to Do in Cameron Highlands – Malaysia’s Highland Paradise

Nestled at 1,500 meters above sea level, Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most beloved hill stations. A refreshing escape from the tropical heat, this highland paradise is famous for its rolling tea plantations, misty forests, strawberry farms, and English-style charm.
 

For decades, locals and international travelers alike have journeyed here for its cool weather, scenic landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to sip tea with a view, trek through moss-covered forests, or pick strawberries in the morning mist, Cameron Highlands has something magical for everyone.

Where is Cameron Highlands?

Cameron Highlands is located in Pahang, approximately:

📍 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur
🕒 3–4 hours by car or bus

Main towns include:

Tanah Rata (hub for budget hotels and tour services)

Brinchang (closer to attractions like the night market)

Ringlet (southern gateway to the highlands)

Why Visit Cameron Highlands?

🌿 Lush tea plantations with scenic views

🍓 Pick-your-own strawberry farms

🌲 Mossy Forest – A fairytale-like cloud forest

🏞️ Great for hiking, waterfalls, and jungle walks

🫖 Colonial-era tea houses and gardens

🌸 Cooler climate year-round

Top Attractions in Cameron Highlands

🍃 1. Boh Tea Plantation

No trip is complete without a visit to the iconic BOH Tea Estate, Malaysia’s largest tea producer.

Panoramic tea fields that stretch for miles

Guided factory tours on tea processing

Enjoy freshly brewed tea at the BOH Tea Centre Café with sweeping valley views

There are two BOH plantations:

Sungai Palas (near Brinchang) – Most popular

Fairlie Tea Garden (near Habu) – Quieter alternative

🌲 2. Mossy Forest

Step into an ethereal world where trees are shrouded in moss and fog curls around your feet.

Located near Gunung Brinchang

Accessible via guided tours or 4WD transport

Unique biodiversity: pitcher plants, orchids, and mountain fauna

Weather can be unpredictable here—bring a jacket and waterproof shoes!

🍓 3. Strawberry Farms

Cameron Highlands is Malaysia’s strawberry capital.

Top farms:

Big Red Strawberry Farm – Café, hydroponic strawberries, and salad bar

Raju Hill Strawberry Farm – Great for family visits

Kok Lim Strawberry Farm – Offers fresh jams and ice cream

🍓 Best season: April to August (though many farms grow year-round)

🌼 4. Lavender & Rose Gardens

Take a break from green and enjoy splashes of purple and pink.

Cameron Lavender Garden – Insta-worthy with flower fields, lavender soft serve, and shops

Rose Centre – Located in Kea Farm; home to hundreds of flower varieties

🏞️ 5. Hiking Trails

Cameron Highlands offers some of Peninsular Malaysia’s best jungle hikes.

Popular trails:

Trail No. 10 (to Gunung Jasar) – Moderate, 2–3 hours, panoramic view at summit

Trail No. 1 (to Gunung Brinchang) – Challenging route with great reward

Parit Falls – Easy walk near Tanah Rata

Always bring water, a map (or GPS), and wear sturdy shoes.

🌽 6. Cactus Valley & Vegetable Farms

Brinchang’s Cactus Valley showcases exotic and colorful cacti in all shapes and sizes. You’ll also find hydroponic vegetable gardens, ideal for photos and buying fresh produce.

Unique Experiences in Cameron Highlands

🫖 1. Afternoon Tea

Experience British-style tea time in the tropics.

Best spots: The Smokehouse Hotel, Cameron Highlands Resort

Enjoy scones, jam, clotted cream, and high-quality tea in a colonial setting

🛍️ 2. Brinchang Night Market (Pasar Malam)

Open on weekends and during school holidays.

Buy local snacks like sweet corn, fried mushrooms, strawberry desserts, and souvenirs

Fresh produce at local prices

🎯 Tip: Arrive before 6 PM to avoid crowds and get the best variety.

🏛️ 3. Time Tunnel Museum

A nostalgic journey through Malaysia’s past, with vintage memorabilia, old photos, and scenes from colonial days.

Best Time to Visit Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands enjoys cool temperatures year-round, averaging 14°C to 24°C.

🟢 Best months: February–September
🌧️ Avoid: October–December (heaviest rainfall)
🍓 Strawberry picking: April–August
🌸 Flower bloom season: April & May

How to Get to Cameron Highlands

🚗 By Car:

From Kuala Lumpur: 3.5–4 hours

Routes: Via Tapah (older, more scenic road) or Simpang Pulai (wider, safer)

🚌 By Bus:

Direct buses available from:

Kuala Lumpur (TBS station)

Ipoh

Penang

Most buses drop off at Tanah Rata Bus Terminal.

Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands offers options for all types of travelers.

🛏️ Budget:

Father’s Guesthouse (Tanah Rata) – Cozy, good for backpackers

Sleepbox Hotel – Affordable and clean

🏨 Mid-Range:

Hotel De’La Ferns

Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands

🌲 Luxury:

Cameron Highlands Resort – Elegant colonial charm, spa and golf packages

The Smokehouse Hotel – English-style inn with beautiful gardens

What to Eat in Cameron Highlands

The cool climate produces fresh veggies, strawberries, and herbs—perfect for steamboat (hot pot) meals!

Must-try foods:

🌶️ Cameron steamboat – Cook your own meal at the table with fresh produce

🥦 Fresh salads & grilled corn

🧁 Strawberry desserts – Tarts, cakes, shakes

☕ Locally grown tea (especially from BOH and Bharat brands)

Top eateries:

The Lord’s Café (Tanah Rata) – Famous for scones

Restoran Ferm Nyonya – Malaysian-Chinese fusion

Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant – Healthy and filling

Sample 2D1N Cameron Highlands Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Arrive from Kuala Lumpur

Afternoon: BOH Tea Plantation & Lavender Garden

Evening: Steamboat dinner + Brinchang Night Market

Day 2: Nature Walk & Strawberry Picking

Morning: Mossy Forest & Gunung Brinchang

Late morning: Strawberry farm visit

Afternoon: Rose Centre + Depart

Responsible Travel Tips

♻️ Avoid littering in trails and farms

🌱 Support eco-friendly hotels and local farms

🚶‍♂️ Use walking trails or shared transport to reduce emissions

📸 Be respectful when photographing locals and their property

🧤 Don’t pick strawberries unless allowed—always check with the farm

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cameron Highlands good for families?
A: Yes! Strawberry farms, flower gardens, and cool weather make it great for kids and seniors alike.

Q: Do I need a guide for Mossy Forest?
A: For the protected area, yes. It's only accessible via guided 4WD tours.

Q: Is it cold at night?
A: Temperatures can drop below 15°C, so pack a sweater or light jacket.

Q: Are there leeches on the trails?
A: Rare, but present after heavy rain. Leech socks can be helpful on long hikes.

Is Cameron Highlands Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Cameron Highlands combines natural beauty, agricultural charm, and colonial nostalgia all in one cool mountain setting. Whether you’re sipping fresh tea, wandering among mossy trees, or savoring a steaming hot pot in chilly evening air, this highland retreat is one of Malaysia’s top destinations.