Located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia, Cameron Highlands is a highland region that boasts cool temperatures, stunning scenery, and amazing hiking.
This area is famous for its tea plantations, and the Mount Jasar to Cameron Valley Tea House Loop is the perfect Cameron Highlands hike for any outdoor enthusiasts looking for a scenic hike through the lush jungles and beautiful tea plantations. It’s free and requires no permit, unlike some of the other hikes in the area. Although, there is a 4 MYR (0.90 USD) fee to enter the Cameron Valley Tea House from the trail, so keep some cash on hand (and a little extra if you want a snack at the tea house after your big hike)!
WHERE TO START THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS HIKE
IMPORTANT: The trailhead that is displayed on the AllTrails App is closed.
The actual trailhead is located here. The trail starts on Jungle Trail 10.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The first section is at a steep incline through the jungle — you ascend almost 1000 feet in less than 1.5 miles through the dense forest. It is a moderately challenging hike, especially at the beginning, but it is well worth the effort for the incredible views and fresh mountain air.
After trekking the steep incline for about 1.5 miles, the dense jungle clears and you emerge above the tree line. This is the highest point of the hike, the rest is mostly downhill. There is a huge cell tower at the top, where you can take in some panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The toughest section of the hike actually comes at the beginning of the decline. It is a very overgrown, extremely muddy, and steep hike down through the jungle. It rained almost every day we were there in the Cameron Highlands, so that section was very slippery and difficult to climb down.
Luckily, the overgrown section of the hike only lasts for around 30 minutes (walking pretty slowly and carefully) and you will emerge at the bottom of the trail, greeted by a fresh stream. We had a little break at the stream and used our Lifestraws to drink some nice cold water!
The rest of the hike is very beautiful and easy. It’s a paved road on a gentle decline that leads you through picturesque tea plantations and farms. The trail is well-marked, and there are several rest stops along the way where you can catch your breath and take in the beautiful surroundings. As you climb lower, you will pass through tea plantations that offer stunning views of the rolling hills.
The very last section of the hike actually takes you directly through the tea plantations, where you are able to get an up-close look at the tea fields.
CAMERON VALLEY TEA HOUSE
The highlight of the hike is ending at the Cameron Valley Tea House, where you can enjoy a cup of tea, lunch, and some delicious cakes while taking in the spectacular views of the tea plantations. The Cameron Valley Tea House is a charming and rustic building with a beautiful balcony over the cliff that blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. You have to pay a 4 MYR fee ($0.9 USD) to exit the trail into the tea house. We stopped to eat lunch there and enjoyed a delicious pot of Cameron Valley tea. The tea house has a great ambience to relax in after the long hike.
THE WAY BACK
After resting and enjoying the scenery, the walk back to Tanah Rata from the Cameron Valley Tea House is about 2.5 miles (~45 minutes). However, it started to rain just as we were about to leave, so we called a Grab to take us back to town instead. Our hike from the Trail 10 Trailhead to the Tea House was around 4.5 miles, so the whole loop would be closer to 7. Including the 2-mile walk to the trailhead from our hotel (and lots of photo taking!), it took us around 5 hours total to do the hike.
Make sure you wear appropriate footwear, because some sections of the trail are no joke! The mud is very slick and it’s easy to lose balance. Bug spray and plenty of water are also recommended.
This Cameron Highlands hike is truly an incredible experience that offers breathtaking views and fun challenges. It is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Malaysia. If you’re planning a trip to the Cameron Highlands, be sure to put the Mount Jasar to Cameron Valley Tea House trail on your itinerary!