Cameron Highlands a beautiful region located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. This popular tourist destination is known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and cool & misty climate.
GETTING TO CAMERON HIGHLANDS
Transportation to Cameron Highlands is quite straightforward. The town of Tanah Rata is the main hub of Cameron Highlands and is where most of the accommodation, restaurants, and shops are located. Tanah Rata is located about 200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur and can be reached by car or bus. The bus departs from TBS station in KL, and costs 38 MYR/person ($8.50 USD) with CS Travel.
The tickets can be purchased online, but you must show up at the bus station at least 30-45 minutes before departure, as you need to collect your boarding pass from the counter. The line can be quite long, so give yourself enough time. The journey takes about 4.5 hours, and the road leading up to the highlands is scenic and winding, with breathtaking views of the countryside. If you’re prone to carsickness, make sure you bring some Dramamine!
CLIMATE
Tanah Rata has a moderate and pleasant climate due to its high elevation of around 1,400 meters above sea level. The average temperature in Tanah Rata is around 18°C (64°F) throughout the year, making it a popular destination for those seeking a break from the heat and humidity of Malaysia’s lowlands. The highlands experience two distinct seasons – dry season and wet season. January to April and June to October are the dry months in Cameron Highlands. June is the driest month in Cameron Highlands. Usually, the months of April, May, October, and November are the wettest months. During the rainy season, rainfall is relatively constant, and it is not uncommon for it to rain for several hours a day. However, the rainfall is usually moderate and doesn’t cause major disruptions to travel or tourism activities. We went in May and found that although it rained every day, it normally only started in the afternoons after 1 to 2 pm, and the mornings were beautiful. The cool climate and refreshing breeze make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sightseeing.
THINGS TO DO
There are plenty of things to see and do in the Cameron Highlands, especially for nature lovers!
VISIT THE TEA PLANTATIONS
One of the main attractions is the tea plantations. The highlands are known for their tea production, and visitors can take tours of the tea factories and plantations to learn about the tea-making process. The Boh Tea Plantation and the Cameron Valley Tea Plantation are the two main plantations in the area, and both offer stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Both plantations are accessible by tour or car. There is also a wonderful hike that you can do directly from Tanah Rata that leads you through the Cameron Valley Tea Plantation. To read about our experience on this hike, click here.
GO STRAWBERRY PICKING
Another popular attraction in Cameron Highlands is the strawberry farms. Visitors can pick their own strawberries or buy them from the local farmers. There are also plenty of other fresh produce available, such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
GO TREKKING THROUGH THE JUNGLE
For nature lovers, the biggest draw of the highlands is the hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. The Cameron Highlands has a reputation for being one of the top trekking destinations in Malaysia, with a network of 14 well known jungle trails surrounding the main town of Tanah Rata. These trails vary in difficulty, but are very accessible from Tanah Rata. One of the most popular hikes in the area is called the Mount Jasar to Cameron Valley Tea House Loop. It’s a moderately difficult hike, with sections of very steep incline and decline, but it’s well worth the effort. The beginning section leads you up through the dense jungle to a beautiful panoramic viewpoint.
The middle portion of the hike takes you through beautiful farms and tea plantations, where you can get an up close look at the beautiful tea leaves.
You finish up the hike at the Cameron Valley Tea House, a beautiful building perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the tea plantation. Here, you can enjoy some food and fresh brewed tea while taking in the views.
To read about our experience hiking the Mount Jasar to Cameron Valley Tea House trail, click here.
EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE HIGHLAND FLORA & FAUNA
Another amazing nature experience is visiting The Mossy Forest. It is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the unique flora and fauna of the highlands.
ABOUT THE MOSSY FOREST
The forest is home to a variety of plants, including pitcher plants, carnivorous plants, mosses, and ferns, and is shrouded in mist all year round. The Mossy Forest is located on the highest peak of the highlands, Gunung Brinchang, which stands at 2,032 meters above sea level.
The forest is named after the thick carpet of moss that covers the ground, trees, and rocks, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. Because the forest is at such a high altitude, it is constantly blanketed by the mist and moisture from the low-lying clouds, creating an ideal environment for moss, ferns, lichen, and orchids. There is a relaxing 2 km boardwalk through the Mossy Forest, where visitors can take in the unique ecosystem of the Mossy Forest. To read in detail about our full Mossy Forest experience, click here.
EATING IN THE HIGHLANDS
Cameron Highlands is also a great place to try out the local cuisine. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as steamboat (hot pot), sambal belacan (a red chilli paste), and nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf).
There are also plenty of various Indian, Halal, and Middle Eastern restaurants in the area.
Cameron Highlands is a beautiful destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. It is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings.