Cameron Highlands: The Most Beautiful Tea Plantations Of Malaysia

It would be hard to find anyone in Malaysia who doesn’t know Cameron Highlands. BOH tea from these vast plantations are an indispensable part of every Malaysian household, often enjoyed iced with sugar and calamansi (a citrus fruit similar to lime) or hot with sweetened milk. If you are looking for a quintessential souvenir from Malaysia, you’ve just found it. Besides tea, Cameron Highlands is renowned for growing strawberries, orchids, and many other fruits and vegetables, thanks to its ideal conditions. It’s also the source of one of Malaysia’s most famous, mystery-ridden stories, as you’ll discover at the end of this article.

Why and when to go to Cameron Highlands

The vast tea plantations offer plenty of beautiful views.

Cameron Highlands are nicknamed “the green lungs of Malaysia.” The temperature here is much lower than on the islands or in Kuala Lumpur, with year-round rainfall. The area is surrounded by dense, impenetrable jungle teeming with exotic plants and animals. At the heart of the Cameron Highlands are undulating hills with extensive tea plantations and the highest native rainforest in Malaysia. This makes the Cameron Highlands an ideal year-round attraction for those looking to escape the hot tropical weather and recharge in nature.

How long to stay in Cameron Highlands

While it is possible to reach Cameron Highlands on a round trip from Kuala Lumpur – departing in the morning and returning in the evening – we don’t recommend it. The long drive means you’ll have only a couple of hours to see the plantations, and that’s without factoring in potential traffic jams. Ideally, stay at least one night. To fully enjoy the nature, go trekking, and explore the area, consider a longer stay.

How to get to Cameron Highlands

The most common transport routes to and from Cameron Highlands are via Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Langkawi. How?

From Kuala Lumpur

Tanah Rata, the center of the area, can be reached from TBS Kuala Lumpur by direct bus. Buses cost around RM40, and you can search for and purchase your ticket on 12GoAsia, Easybook, or Bus Online Ticket. When searching, enter Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata or Brinchang depending on where you want to stay (see below). The journey takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic. Traffic jams are common on weekends, so if possible, we recommend traveling on weekdays instead.

From Penang

The bus journey from Penang costs about the same and takes a similar amount of time as from Kuala Lumpur. Links to find transport are also identical. Note, however, that Penang consists of both a mainland and an island part. If you are traveling from the island, you will depart from Sungai Nibong bus station. For traveling from the mainland, you will depart from Penang Sentral.

If you are staying in Georgetown (on the island), the most common destination for tourists, it is easiest to take the ferry to Butterworth, where Penang Sentral bus station is located.

An alternative way to reach Cameron Highlands is to make a stopover in Ipoh. Here you can explore cave temples, historical sites, street art, and eat lot of great food.

From Langkawi

If you have enough time, we recommend stopping in Ipoh on the way, where great food, street art or temples await you. The photo is from Perak Cave Temple.

The journey from Langkawi is the longest, but if you leave early in the morning, it can be done in one day. Alternatively, you can make a stop in Ipoh.

There are two options for traveling from Langkawi

You can travel from Langkawi to Cameron Highlands in the following ways:

  1. Take a flight to Kuala Lumpur and then a direct bus to Cameron Highlands (see above).
  2. Ferry and bus combination: Ferry from Langkawi to Kuala Perlis departs from Kuah Jetty, and you can buy tickets through the Cuti Cuti Langkawi website. From Kuala Perlis (the bus station is right next to the jetty), take a bus to Ipoh, where you will change to a bus to Tanah Rata.

You can search for transport on the websites 12GoAsia, Easybook, or Bus Online Ticket. Other public transport alternatives include a train to Ipoh and then a bus to Tanah Rata. For more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive yourself. If you want maximum convenience, rent a car with driver. If you take public transport, be prepared for the cold air conditioning. Bring some warmer clothes or at least a scarf to stay comfortable.

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands has two major towns and tourist centers: Brinchang and Tanah Rata. Brinchang is larger, more developed, and offers a lot of accommodation for plantation workers. Tanah Rata, on the other hand, is smaller with a more pleasant atmosphere. For us, Tanah Rata is the clear winner, as Brinchang can appear quite unappealing.

When searching for accommodation, you can use Booking, Agoda, or Airbnb. For budget options, we recommend Traveller Bunker Hostel for low-budget stays and KRS Pines Hotel for private, low-budget rooms. For an exceptional experience with beautiful views, consider Stellar Golden Hill Cameron.

What to do in Cameron Highlands

The main attraction of Cameron Highlands is the tea plantations, but there are a few other things you can do besides.

Tea plantations

Outside of the visitor centres, there are plenty of freely accessible plantations in the Cameron Highlands.

The main attractions of the Cameron Highlands are the tea plantations around Tanah Rata and Brinchang. These plantations include visitor centers where you can learn about tea growing and get an insight into the tea processing process. You can reach them via organized tours, on foot along one of the trekking routes (see below), by car or scooter, or by taxi.

If you’re planning to book a tour, we recommend buying from the information center in the center of Tanah Rata. These tours are available in small groups and led by experienced local guides. However, the visitor centers can be quite crowded. To enjoy the plantations in peace, visit on your own in the afternoon or search the map and head to the smaller visitor centers.

Some tips for stops and best views

You are guaranteed to enjoy great views at these places:

Please note: If you rent a scooter or a car, keep in mind that driving is on the left. The terrain is hilly, the roads are winding, relatively narrow, and not in the best condition outside the main roads. Due to the weather, the roads can also be slippery. Consider your driving ability and the level of stress you want to experience on your holiday. An organized trip is always the safest option.

Mossy Forest

The highest native rainforest in Malaysia is located on Gunung Brinchang, the highest mountain in the Cameron Highlands. Due to its location and climatic conditions, this rainforest is home to unique species of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Malaysia. Visitors are not allowed to move freely in the rainforest; you can only walk along a 2-kilometer wooden walkway with resting places and lookout points offering spectacular views of the landscape.

You can reach the top of Gunung Brinchang via an organized trip, a rented car (ideally off-road), or on foot, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Trekking

The Cameron Highlands are crisscrossed with 15 trekking routes of varying difficulty. Hiking is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature and plantations without the crowds of tourists. However, consider your physical fitness and ability to navigate the jungle, including dealing with unexpected mishaps. If in doubt, it’s best to hire a local experienced guide.

Unfortunately, the website with all the routes and information for the treks is no longer working, so your best option is to use Google. Fortunately, there are plenty of articles that describe the treks from personal experience.

Please note: Although the trekking routes are described and can be found on maps, there are no hiking signs on-site, and offline maps often do not work. Additionally, the terrain can be challenging and slippery, especially in the rain. For the inexperienced, such treks can be dangerous—accidents do happen here. Please don’t overestimate your abilities. For longer and more demanding routes, hiring a guide is highly recommended.

Waterfalls

A short distance from the center of Tanah Rata are Parit Falls and Robinson Falls, both accessible via trekking routes or a short walk from the city center.

Parit Falls is small and more of an additional attraction. Robinson Falls is taller and more impressive, but during rainy weather, the paths can be slippery and challenging, requiring extra caution. Unfortunately, there is often litter, and the surroundings can be uninviting, with occasional encounters with dogs.

A bit further from Tanah Rata, about 40 minutes by car, you’ll find Lata Iskandar waterfall. If you’re driving from Kuala Lumpur, this is a convenient stop along the way.

Farms

In addition to tea plantations, the Cameron Highlands feature strawberry farms, bee farms, butterfly gardens, flower and cactus farms, and lavender gardens. While some of these are included in organized tour itineraries, you can also visit them on your own.

Other attractions

If you have enough time and want to combine your stay in the Cameron Highlands with learning about religions and different cultures, you can visit these temples and a mosque:

Where to eat in Cameron Highlands

In Tanah Rata, Cameron aa Curry House always treats us to delicious Indian cuisine. Near the entrance of Tanah Rata, there’s a small food court offering Malay and Indian dishes, fried noodles, rice, fish, seafood, and more—all at local prices.

During weekends in Cameron Highlands, don’t miss the night market in Brinchang for authentic local food. For evening drinks like beer or cocktails, consider visiting Travellers Kitchen and Bar.

And finally, the promised mysterious story

In the Cameron Highlands, you’ll hear stories about the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson. Thompson, an American businessman and former architect, served in the Office of Strategic Services during World War II, precursor to the CIA. After the war, he relocated to Bangkok and established a silk processing company in 1948, significantly boosting Thailand’s silk industry.

On Sunday, March 26, 1967, while visiting a friend in Cameron Highlands, Thompson went for a walk from his holiday home and never returned. Despite extensive search efforts, his body was never found. His disappearance sparked numerous conspiracy theories, ranging from personal disputes to espionage. The most plausible explanation remains an accidental death, possibly involving wild animals. Nevertheless, the mystery endures. In Cameron Highlands, several establishments honor Thompson’s legacy, with the Jim Thompson Tea Room being among the most renowned.

Other articles to help you plan a trip to Malaysia

Are you going anywhere else in Malaysia? Check out the other articles that you might find useful in planning your trip:

Are you also going to Langkawi? You might like these tours and activities

Planning a trip to Langkawi? Explore our tour options! Apart from the tours listed below, we can also capture unforgettable moments of your holiday with aerial photos and videos.

Pulau Tuba, nestled within the Langkawi archipelago, remains a hidden treasure awaiting discovery. Unlike its bustling neighbor, tourism here is still in its infancy. Venture to Tuba and you’ll encounter authentic fishing villages, lush mangroves, grazing buffalo herds, captivating limestone and rock formations, empty beaches and rubber plantations. And no visit to Tuba is complete without savoring its culinary delight, the renowned local specialty, Mee Udang. Experience the untouched beauty and charm of Pulau Tuba before the world catches on to its allure.

Located just a 15-minute boat ride from Langkawi, Tuba Island will delight those who like to explore places away from the crowds. If you are the more active type, you can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Tuba Island during two short treks. At the end of one of the treks, you’ll explore a cave with beautiful stalactite formations and jungle views. Second trek will reward you with spectacular views of Tuba and Dayang Bunting islands. At the end, you will enjoy a well-deserved reward of a fresh seafood lunch and relax on the beach.

Tama Waterfall lies concealed within the jungle, accessible only by boat and a short hike, so it’s a real hidden gem of Langkawi. This adventure promises not just a little exertion but also immense self-satisfaction, as you dip yourself in untouched natural beauty, enjoying the solitude of a secluded waterfall. Except the waterfall, discover a cave and lush mangroves, enhancing the enchanting experience.

Kilim is one of the three geoparks in Langkawi listed by UNESCO. Now you can explore its beauty during an afternoon private cruise among the mangroves to experience the breathtaking nature. In addition to cruising the mangroves, enjoy a local lunch, a refreshing swim in a waterfall and a sunset on the beach, often described as the most beautiful in Langkawi.

Not satisfied with lounging on the beach and would rather explore Langkawi’s stunning nature? Join us for a short trek to one of the peaks of Kilim Geopark, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the endless green mangroves. After the trek, refresh yourself at a nearby waterfall and recharge with lunch at a local restaurant.

Kubang Badak Mangrove Reserve is an alternative to Kilim Geopark for those who want to enjoy Langkawi’s nature in its purest form. Thanks to the absence of group tours, you can immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the mangroves without any distractions. After exploring the mangroves, you’ll enjoy delicious crab straight from the farm, learn about the homemade production of virgin coconut oil, and finally relax on the nearby beach, renowned for its fine sand and clear water.

Embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Langkawi island, packed with a diverse itinerary to cater to every interest. Begin your day with breakfast among locals, witness the traditional art of crafting hand woven Mengkuang mats, explore temples representing various religions, take photos at Langkawi’s iconic landmark, and rejuvenate at a refreshing waterfall. Afterward, indulge in a delightful lunch and unwind at a beachfront spot with stunning views before concluding your day with a visit to a local homemade virgin coconut oil factory.

Want to learn something new about traditional Malaysian crafts? Visit the Mengkuang workshop, where you can not only see how Mengkuang is made but also try it yourself. Apart from the workshop, enjoy traditional kuih (small snacks) and soak up the authentic kampung (village) atmosphere, a refreshing change from the typical tourist spots in Langkawi. Plus, take home a handmade souvenir from the workshop as a reminder of your unique experience.

Curious about Malaysian food? Wondering what specialties Langkawi has to offer? Looking for the best treats at the night market? Unsure how to order in local restaurants? Find out all this and more on a Food Tour. You’ll learn about local cuisine and discover the best places to eat in Langkawi.

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