Guide to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's elevated paradise. Located high above sea level, this hill station combines natural beauty and old-world charm. Crisp air and lush green landscapes greet you, while colonial history echoes from old English cottages and expansive tea plantations.Â
How Many Days Should You Stay in Cameron Highlands?
I stayed one night and it was the right amount of time for me. How long you should stay here really depends on your interests. A single night is sufficient if youâre coming primarily for the sights. You can experience the tea plantations, have a taste of the steamboat cuisine, and even indulge in a short trek or two.
If youâre into hiking or have a penchant for golf, you might want to extend your stay to two nights. The region offers numerous trails for nature lovers, and thereâs a beautiful golf course where you can enjoy the game amidst scenic surroundings.Â
Can You Visit Cameron Highlands in a Day from Kuala Lumpur?
If youâre short on time and canât stay overnight in Cameron Highlands, and youâve NEVER seen a tea plantation in your life, you might consider a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. But honestly, itâs quite a hassle. Just the drive alone will take about 3.5/4 hours each way, making it a total of 7/8 hours of travel. So, if youâre already familiar with tea plantation scenery, I would advise against it. If you do decide to go on a day trip, avoid doing it during the weekend. I did some research, and there are various day tours to Cameron Highlands from KL, but keep in mind that all of them take you to visit the Bharat Tea Plantation and not the BOH Tea Plantation.Â
Best Time to Visit Cameron Highlands
Hereâs a more detailed breakdown to assist you in planning the perfect visit:
Weather and Climate:
Cameron Highlands is located at a higher altitude, resulting in cooler temperatures compared to the rest of Malaysia. This hill station is often seen as a respite from the tropical heat, making it a favorite destination throughout the year. However, considering the rain, the best months to visit are generally between February to September (aka the dry season). This period is slightly drier and offers clear days, making it conducive for outdoor activities and excursions.
Weekend Crowds:
Whatever you do, DON'T PLAN TO VISIT CAMERON HIGHLANDS OVER THE WEEKEND. One of the significant drawbacks of visiting during the weekend is the traffic. The sole, winding road leading to the highlands can become a bottleneck, especially during peak hours. So what should be a picturesque journey might transform into an extended, tiresome ride. And once you reach Cameron Highlands, the influx of local and international tourists can dilute the serene experience you might be expecting. Popular attractions, accommodations, and restaurants become crowded, leading to longer wait times.
Weekday Serenity:
If you want to get the best experience, plan on staying in Cameron Highlands between Tuesday and Thursday. The number of visitors drops during these days, giving you a more authentic feel of the highlands. Additionally, you can explore attractions at your own pace without feeling rushed or jostling with crowds. But remember to sidestep Monday visits, especially if you have your heart set on visiting the Boh Tea Plantation, as it remains closed.
How to Get to Cameron Highlands
By Bus
Buses are a popular and affordable way to reach Cameron Highlands. Regular bus services operate from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other Malaysian cities to Tanah Rata, the main town in Cameron Highlands. The bus ride can take anywhere from 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions. While the journey is comfortable and scenic, be prepared for winding roads as you ascend the hill. Roundtrip tickets for two people from KL to Cameron Highlands cost around 162RM (âŹ32), or around âŹ16 per person. If you opt for the bus, book your tickets on Easybook.com (the largest platform in SE Asia), and download their app, youâll find all of the bus companies there.Â
By Private Transfer:Â
If you value convenience and are keen on a personalized experience, opting for a private transfer might be your best bet. Though pricier than a bus ticket, it offers flexibility in terms of timing and stops. We opted for this option. A private transfer to and from KL to Cameron Highlands will set you back around âŹ170 â âŹ250, according to the car you pick. Reserve in advance on Gettransfer.com.
*Another way to reserve a private transfer is by contacting your hotel. High-end hotels have contacts with transfers.
By Driving
Renting a car and driving yourself is another option. However, this choice is best suited for those familiar with driving on the right side of the road. The route to Cameron Highlands, especially the final stretches, consists of winding roads that might be challenging for those unaccustomed to such terrain. While having a car in the highlands is advantageous for mobility, the drive up requires skill and experience. Malaysians drive like crazy people, and this is coming from an Italian! In any case, you can reserve your car on Easybook.com.
Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands
Location plays a crucial role when choosing accommodation in Cameron Highlands due to the distance between various towns and attractions. Hereâs a breakdown of each town and where to stay:
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata, as the main town, offers a range of accommodations from hostels to mid-range hotels. While itâs centrally located (itâs where the bus station is) and undeniably convenient, it might not give that quintessential Cameron Highlands experience that some are after. And to be quite frank, itâs not the most picturesque of towns, itâs actually quite ugly.
***To be fair, all of the towns in Cameron Highlands arenât picturesque. The natural landscape is phenomenal but the architecture is not good looking. But the good news is there are beautiful hotels and resorts can tuck away in to enjoy a great experience.
Luxury:
Mid-range:
Budget:
Brinchang
Nestled closer to many of Cameron Highlandsâ main attractions, Brinchang is the energetic counterpart to Tanah Rata. It comes alive, particularly during the evenings, with its bustling night markets where tourists and locals alike hunt for souvenirs, fresh produce, and street food. However, much like Tanah Rata, Brinchang isnât known for its scenic beauty. Its primary appeal lies in its position as a central hub, putting visitors within easy reach of nearby attractions.
Ringlet
As the first town greeting visitors entering Cameron Highlands, Ringlet offers a more authentic slice of local life, away from the tourist throngs. The pace here is decidedly laid-back, with fewer commercial establishments and more glimpses into the daily routines of residents. Ringlet is approximately 20-25 minutes by car from the Mossy Forest and about 30 minutes from the BOH Tea Plantation.
What to Eat in Cameron Highlands
I personally only tried the food at Cameron Highlands Resort + BOH Tea Plantation. For quality steamboat and a high-tea ritual, Cameron Highlands Resort is great. If you're into street food and no-frills places, Cameron Highlands boasts a range of local eateries and stalls where you can dive into traditional Malaysian dishes.Â
Cameron Highlands Activities
We arrived at 4pm on Monday and had high-tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room at the Cameron Highlands Resort. We then played pool for a bit, freshened up, had drinks and had steamboat at GONBEI restaurant. We had an early wake-up call so called it an early night.Â
I truly recommend the sunrise tour we went on and all tours with Discover Camerons. If you want a private experience, Cameron Highlands Resort can organize a private tour with a guide.
Sunrise Tour (tea plantation + BOH Tea Plantation + Mossy Forest)
I recommend you book a tour with Discover Camerons. We opted for the Sunrise Tour (6am) which I absolutely recommend. Our guide, Appu, picked us up at our hotel with a super cool Land Rover, we were a group of 8 people, all couples and of different nationalities. His vast knowledge and friendliness made the experience unforgettable. The price was also amazing, we paid 65RM per person (âŹ13 per person) and had a blast.
At 6am and we were standing amidst the plantations, watching the sun cast a golden hue on the tea leaves. It was literally just our group soaking up all this beauty (it was a Tuesday).Â
After watching the sun rise, we walked to BOH Tea plantation. The BOH Tea Plantation stands as a testament to Malaysiaâs rich tea heritage and is the biggest tea producer in the country. Founded in 1929 by British businessman J.A. Russell, this iconic plantation has been a beacon of tea cultivation for nearly a century. At the heart of their production is black tea, a full-bodied brew that undergoes a complete oxidation process, resulting in its distinct dark color and rich flavor.
If you want to visit BOH, don't come here on Mondays as itâs closed. The tea plantation opens at 9am and we were the first to get in, so with a sunrise tour you donât just get an amazing sunrise, you also get amazing views without the crowds.
While the stunning vistas at the plantation are unquestionably its highlight, there were a few aspects that didnât quite meet expectations. The scones and in general the food fell short in taste, and the ordinary tea cups seemed a touch out of place in such an iconic setting. Before you leave, make sure to swing by the gift shop â itâs the perfect place to pick up some of their delightful brew to take home.
After soaking in the sunrise, we hopped on Appu's Land Rove and the adventure led us to the Mossy Forest. Itâs a unique ecosystem, shrouded in mist and mystery. Walking along its paths, youâll encounter a world of carnivorous plants and flora youâve likely never seen before. The expertise of a local guide, like Appu, can give you an in-depth understanding of this otherworldly environment.
Apart from the Sunrise Tour they have others too:
Golfing at Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club
If you're into golf, right in front of the Cameron Highlands Resort you'll find the Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club.
Safety Concerns:
Important Information about Traveling to Malaysia
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM)
Visa
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Many Western countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, but always check the latest information before planning your trip. You will need to register for a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, within 3 days before your arrival to Malaysia.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (mandatory)
Starting January 2024, if youâre heading to Malaysia, youâll need to fill out a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card EVERY TIME YOU ENTER THE COUNTRY. So when you leave for Singapore, remember to fill out the Digital Arrival Card.
Itâs pretty straightforward to complete:
1.Â
Head to the official website no more than three days before your arrival. Remember, you canât fill this out any earlier.
2.
Put in your personal detailsâmake sure you have your passport handy for this.
3.
Enter your flight information and the address where youâll be staying in Malaysia. Youâll need to fill out this card every time you enter the country. Once you submit it, youâll get an email with the card that you need to print.
Most travelers need to do this, but if youâre a diplomat, a Malaysian resident, a citizen of Singapore, or fall under a few other exceptions, you might not have to. Check the official website to see all the details and exceptions.
Travel Insurance
Itâs always smart to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. With the variety of activities youâll be engaging in, better be safe than sorry. We had a smooth trip but we heard of some travelers who got food poisoning. Â
Itâs always smart to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. With the variety of activities youâll be engaging in, better be safe than sorry. We had a smooth trip but we heard of some travelers who got food poisoning. Â
If you're looking for comprehensive travel coverage, Heymondo is an excellent choice. Their tech-savvy approach simplifies the insurance process, and their app lets you manage your coverage and access support easily.Â
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How to get Internet on your phone when traveling to Malaysia?
You donât need to get a physical sim card! Make your life easier and get a virtual SIM (aka eSIM). I used Airalo and I highly recommend it. Airalo is an eSIM service that allows you to easily obtain a local SIM card right from your smartphone. This service is affordable and offers reliable mobile data access without the need for physical SIM cards. They have various plans, from country-specific to regional plans, based on the number of days youâre staying in the country. I purchased one for three weeks in Malaysia. Purchase it and just follow the instructions to activate it.
P.S. If you're visiting more countries in Southeast Asia, purchase the Asia Regional eSIM plan
Full Malaysia Itinerary
If you're visiting Cameron Highlands, I imagine it's part of a larger trip. Most people come to Malaysia for 2 weeks. You can cover significant ground in Malaysia in two or three weeks, depending on how much time you spend in the various destinations.
Just know that many destinations aren't the easiest to reach and require a mix of air + land + sea/land transfers. I've created a full 2/3 week guide to Malaysia and Singapore, with the following itinerary:
Kuala Lumpur
Cameron Highlands
Singapore
Mulu National Park
Penang or Kuala Lumpur
Perhentian Islands
Kuala Lumpur
Get my complete Malaysia guide with KL + Perhentian + Mulu + Cameron Highlands + Singapore:
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