Why Visit The Cameron Highlands Malaysia?
The Cameron Highlands is an area in Malaysia, tucked away high up in between the mountains. Due to its geographical location, it makes the perfect place to escape the heat of the Asian cities below. During the British colonial period in 1930’s, they learnt of this cooler temperate. As a result, the highlands were developed as a place for the Brits to escape the heat. During that time the British would only ever fly home every 8 years. In an effort to make the Cameron Highlands more familiar to them, they planted tea and strawberries. Unbeknown to them at the time, this would have great effect on the Malaysia tourism in the area for years to come.
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🗺️How to get to the Cameron Highlands
The tea plantations are the biggest draw for tourism in this region. The vast green views are the most impressive we have ever seen. When we arrived in the Cameron Highlands we were amazed with the surrounding views of the tea fields.
Best Things To Do In Cameron Highlands Malaysia 🍓
Boh Tea Plantations 🌳
After spending lots of time in Asia, we had only ever seen straight, flat rice fields. The difference between rice fields and tea fields are how the tea fields compliment the surrounding hills and work with landscape. They hug every curve and scale every surface with no limitations. This is truly the most impressive part of the Cameron highlands. We knew we had to visit a tea plantation as we were so fascinated with how it all done, so we went to the best one in the area, the Boh Tea Plantation. After a short taxi ride from town to the plantation, we came to the entrance of the plantation. This opens at 8am and not a moment before ( trust us we tried ).
Walking up to the impressive factory you will see the small shop and restaurant which over hangs the hills blow. We had tea and scones before entering the factory where they make the tea.
Boh Tea Plantation opening times ⌚
8:00am – 4:30pm
Closed on Monday’s
Entrance fee 🎟️
Free
Tour fee
Free – Tours are every 15 minutes and you are not allowed to take photos inside.
Shop and Restaurant 🍰
Immediately to your left there is a restaurant which sells all the different types an flavours of tea, including scones and hot pastries. Relax with a cup of tea, over looking the impressive surroundings.
They have one shop which sells every single tea they produce, which is the best part of the plantation.
TRAVEL TIP ↠ On route to Boh Tea plantation, there is a look out which you can stop at. This is the best place to watch the sunrise over the tea plantations.
Jim Thompsons Tea House ☕
A slightly more luxurious activity can be found at Cameron Highlands Resort. Its afternoon tea is named after the famous American Jim Thompson. Jim Thompson revitalised the Thai silk industry in the 1950’s and 1960’s and mysteriously went missing here in the highlands in the 60’s. In honour of his annual visits to the region, the Cameron Highland Resort opened up a tea house in his name. The elegant decor adds to the atmosphere of the place.
Slightly more price-yer than usually eating out in Malaysia, this experience offers the full package. The staff are amazing and the afternoon tea is delicious! Taste the locally grown strawberries and tea in a beautiful setting. Book it here.
Opening Hours:
12 noon – 3pm
3pm – 6pm (for English Afternoon Tea)
6pm – 8pm (Happy Highlands Hour)
Strawberry Farms 🍓
What is more British than tea and scones? Obviously the Strawberry jam that goes with it. Dotted all around the Cameron Highlands Malaysia are strawberry farms. Much like being back home in England you can go and pick your own strawberries. There are a lot to choose from but one of the more popular farms is Big Red Strawberry farm. Click here for more details about picking your own strawberries.
Where To Stay In The Cameron Highlands Malaysia 🏠
The main town in the Cameron Highlands is Tanah Rata. This is where you will find most accommodation and restaurants in the area.
Backpacker 🏠 $
Traveller Bunker Hostel 1
Located right in the centre of the main town, this is easier the accommodation to get to if you have travelled via bus.It is 5 minute walk from the bus station and surrounded by all the main restraints in town. This part of town even has a Starbucks. However along this strip you can find the most delicious curries for a few pounds.
Budget 🏠 $$
Sleepbox Hotel
A Comfortable hostel type accommodation only a short walk from the main bus station in the Cameroon Highlands. As a couple we opted for the double bed bunk. This was perfect as our pod was huge and had black out curtains. The shower facilities were always clean and was a good place to stay if you are on a budget.
Luxury 🏠 $$$
Cameron Highlands Resort
Walking into this hotel reminded us of Home Alone when Kevin walks into the reception of the huge fancy hotel, but unlike Kevin, we didn’t bump into Donald Trump here. That being said, this hotel is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. It has managed to keep the old school British luxury decor without it feeling dated. We only visited here for afternoon tea at their Jim Thompson Tea Room.
Get all the cheapest and up to date prices for accommodation in the Cameron Highlands below.
Getting Around In The Cameron Highlands Malaysia 🚕
Unlike most places in Asia, there isn’t Grab the taxi app in the Cameron Highlands. I repeat there is no Grab! In order to get to different attractions, you will have to go to the taxi rank at the coach station here. We found going in directly was a lot cheaper than having our hostel call us a cab. Located right in the middle of town, it is easy to walk to. The only issue with this is they are open normal working hours, to catch sunrise, pre book your taxi’s!
How To Get To Cameron Highlands Malaysia 🗺️
Wondering how to get from KL to the Cameron Highlands? Simple answer is the public bus! The Cameron Highlands are located 5 hours from KL City centre via bus. The highway is the quickest route but as you get closer, the roads snakes between the cliffs which made us very sick! Book your tickets here on 12Go.
KL Bus Station Location can be found here.
↠ TRAVEL TIP↠ Sit near the front on the bus if you don’t want to be ill! Trust us
KL to The Cameron Highlands ↠ Drive time 5 hours
Penang (George Town) to The Cameron Highlands ↠ Drive time 5 – 6 hours
This drive time will be dependant on which bus service/terminal you leave from.
Singapore to Cameron Highlands ↠ Drive time 10 hours
The Best Restaurant in the Cameron Highlands Malaysia 🍽️
Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant is by far the best curry in town! We had dinner here every single night because it is that tasty! Each night we had 2-3 dishes each which was plenty of food and it came to less than $10 for both of our meals every night.
↠ 📍Location
Headed to other places in Malaysia? Read here why Borneo should be on your list!
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Malaysia looks breathtaking! Beautiful photos!
Wow, it looks stunning here! I’ve always wanted to visit Malaysia. Even more reason to go now.