Cameron Highlands is a beautiful holiday resort that is famous for its smoky mountains at its peak, the ancient rainforests that cover these mountains, the bottom of which is covered with moss, and the tea gardens that surround the valleys like a green sheet. Located in the middle of Malaysia , 200 km north of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, this natural wonder is a cool getaway for people from the tropical country.
Cameron Highlands is located about 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. It is a place where you can enjoy a pleasant holiday among the tea fields and strawberry orchards located in the middle of the hills with a breathtaking view. Cameron Highlands means to Malaysians what the highlands are to us.
The first thing that comes to our mind about Malaysia is the capital city Kuala Lumpur and its famous skyscraper Petronas Twin Towers . However, Malaysia is a very interesting country with its magnificent nature, the world's oldest rainforests, colorful and cosmopolitan culture, impressive tropical islands with white sand and exotic flavors.
One of the most notable Malaysian resorts is Cameron Highlands, which has a cool climate and is famous for its tea and vegetable fields. Unlike the understanding of sun, sand, sea and underwater adventure, Cameron Highlands is an interesting destination for a perfect nature holiday.
Cameron Highlands Travel Guide
Cameron Highlands is within the borders of Perak state of Malaysia . One of the highest inhabited places in Malaysia. Its altitude starts at 1300 m and rises up to 1829 m. Spanning an area of 712 square kilometers, this natural wonder is exactly the size of Singapore.
It was discovered by the British surveyor William Cameron in 1885, but remained as it was. Rediscovered by Sir George Maxwell in 1925, it was redesigned as a summer resort. This place, whose fame grew during the colonial period, became a place where the British, who were overwhelmed by the hot weather in the country, made a vacation getaway.
Wealthy Brits, overwhelmed by Malaysia's extremely hot and humid weather, are starting to settle here. Tea growers and Chinese vegetable farmers follow them. Resembling our highland culture, Cameron Highlands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country these days.
The place, which is a holiday resort with rainforests and tea gardens shining brightly under the sun on one side, strawberries, fruit and vegetable fields grown on these fertile lands, rose and cactus gardens, waterfalls on the other, is Malaysia's best destination with its cool climate and clean air. It is one of the famous holiday destinations.
Although it has been able to preserve its mountainous character, which it gained from the British colonial period, almost intact until today, Cameron Highlands is slowly losing its old British atmosphere with its buildings that have risen on top of each other in recent years and do not quite match the texture of this place.
Nature is destroyed by illegal means, water beds are filled and changed to make way for farms. Developing erosion also causes deterioration of nature.
It has become a place that I like very much with its flower and strawberry gardens, colorful Hindu and Buddhist temples, numerous trekking routes stretching out in the old forest covered with moss, waterfalls and tea fields that cover the hills like a lush green cover.
43,000 people live in this area about the size of Singapore, 85 km from the city of Ipoh . With an altitude of 1,500 meters, the highest point in Malaysia, Cameron Highlands is the coolest place in the country with a tropical climate. The air temperature, which is 25 °C during the day, hovers around 12 °C at night.
With its Tudor style houses, it feels as if this is a European city rather than an Asian one. With its high French doors, wood-beam ceilings and louvered windows, the Cameron Highlands is a place to experience all the glamor and nostalgia of its colonial heritage. That's why they call it a corner from England in Asia.
The biggest greenhouse center of Malaysia, Cameron Highlands feeds not only Malaysia but also Singapore with the vegetables and fruits grown here . Only 30% of this region, which consists of 70% rainforests, is used as residential and agricultural areas. This is also the main center of Malaysian tea production.
With its flower and vegetable greenhouses, flower and orchards, colorful temples, trekking routes stretching in the old forest, waterfalls and mountains, it invites those who dream of a holiday in touch with nature. Compared to the hot and humid tropical climate of South Asia, it is like a paradise with its climate between 14-28°C.
This place, which has a cool climate, can rain every season of the year. The monsoon season, from November to February, is the period when it rains the most. February to April is the best time to go to Cameron Highlands. In April, August and December, which are school holiday periods, and during festival periods, it receives a lot of visitors. June and July are also a good time to visit.
There is so much to see and do in this area. Here I have written the ones that can fit into a few days trip. Many of these can be done alone, but those who want to use their time efficiently can benefit from the agencies that organize package tours.
Ground level
When you are on the road for a long time, the concept of time loses its meaning. I can act very lazily sometimes, a state of complacency. It was already afternoon when I set out to leave Langawi Island yesterday . With my backpack weighing up to 30 kg on my back, I hit the road and negotiated with the taxi drivers, but they didn't get the discount I expected.
So I stopped the passing vehicles, negotiated and went to Langkawi Ferry Terminal (24 Ringit, 14TL). Instead of turning on the meter, Malaysian taxi drivers give a price they set to their customers, which is always a much higher fare than normal.
I took a pleasant ferry ride from Langkawi Island to the mainland city of Kuala Perlis (18 RM). Buses to many parts of the country depart from the nearby bus terminal. I hop on the Ipoh bus (26 RM). My intention was to sleep in a cool climate place tonight. It was almost midnight when the bus, which departed at 15:00, arrived in Ipoh after a 5-6 hour journey.
There are as many surprises as there are beautiful aspects of unplanned travel. I thought I'd take the bus to Cameron Highlands tonight, but I was wrong. I found myself wandering around Ipoh looking for a hotel. When I fell asleep in the cramped room of the Hotel Bajet, I was not in the place I had dreamed of.
Where is the surprise in that? Sleeping peacefully in a land you don't know and never thought you would stay...
The next morning I went to Ipoh bus terminal and bought a bus ticket for Cameron Highlands (RM15). After 2 hours of rain, I realized that I was cold when I passed the roads that even our Black Sea would envy and finally arrived in Cameron Higlands in the fog . It was an interesting experience for me, who has been traveling in tropical climates for a long time.
In a town surrounded by ancient rainforest mountains, in the drizzle, I found myself a hotel room with a stunning view: TJ Lodge. Nightly accommodation was only 12 TL. I had my own room with a stunning view and wifi.
While I was warming myself up by drinking Teh Tarik (tea with milk) at an Indian restaurant, I felt cold as I had not been in a long time.
Day 652: Malaysia:5 Langkawi, 16 May 2012
Cameron Highlands Attractions
Cameron Highlands is established on a 25 km line stretching from north to south. The lush green hills, tea fields and forests stretching out; It is surrounded by the main towns of Ringlet , Tanah Rata , Brinchang, Kampung Raja .
Ringlet , which is the first town to come after returning from Tapah for those coming from the direction of Kuala Lumpur , is at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. It is the main agricultural center of the region and also the country. Bertam Valley, located 5 km outside the town, is the place where the most flowers and vegetables are grown in the region. It is very difficult to find a place to stay in a town that does not have a touristic aspect.
Tanah Rata , the administrative center of Cameron Highlands, is located 12 km after the Ringlet . This generally quiet place gets crowded during the tourist season. This place, which is mostly preferred by backpackers, is more suitable for those looking for a peaceful place as it has more character and calmness compared to the Brinchang area, where large luxury hotels and restaurants are located. Many affordable small hotels, guest houses and boutique hotels are located in this area.
The main bus station, hospital and other official institutions are also located in this town. It is possible to find internet cafes, souvenir shops, exchange offices, and many agencies that organize tours to places of interest in the surrounding area. Many famous trekking routes and the starting route of most of the routes to waterfalls are also located here.
Brinchang starts 5 km after Tanah Rata . Although it is a very touristic place with many luxury hotels and restaurants, chalets and boutique hotels, it is weak in character when compared to Tanah Rata. Fresh vegetables and fruits, various colorful flowers and other souvenirs sold at the night market set up every Saturday attract a lot of attention. It gets more crowded especially on weekends and high season.
After the town of Brinchang, Kea Farm , Tringkap, Kuala Terla & Kampung Raja lie. There are many places to visit around Kea Farm. Strawberry, vegetable, flower, cactus gardens and butterfly farms are among them.
2-3 days is enough for Cameron Highlands, but the trekking routes and tea gardens deserve a longer visit.
1. Mossy Forest, Mount Brinchang Cameron Highlands
Mossy Forest, Gunung Brinchang (Mount Brinchang), with an elevation of 2,000 meters, is the second highest mountain in the Cameron Highlands. It is a place worth seeing with its foggy weather and wonderful view among the clouds. It is called Mossy Forest because the forest floor and tree trunks are covered with moss.
This forest, adorned with ferns and wild orchid varieties, is reminiscent of the mystical forests we saw in Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.
There are 14 different trekking routes in Cameron Highlands. I walked the trekking route number 11 alone, it took 5 hours. Even if the whole route is not walkable, this extraordinary forest must be seen. However, it has an atmosphere that can be seen in movies and documentaries.
While most hiking routes are clean and well-marked, some sections can surprise you. The confident and experienced can go alone without a guide. The friend I got information from at the hotel I stayed in also informed me that many people got lost on these routes.
He even said with a laugh that one of the police teams had disappeared. Do not forget to take enough water, mobile phone, raincoat depending on the weather.
2. Boh’s Sungai Palas Tea Estate
Boh's Sungai Palas Tea Estate , South Asia's largest tea plantation area, this region is one of the places to visit. The first tea seedlings were planted in 1929 by JA Russell, the founder of Boh Tea Estate . The teas produced by this business are now Malaysia's most famous tea brands.
To reach here, it is necessary to get off at the junction going to Gunung Brinchang with the public buses running between Tanah Rata and Kampung Raja and walk for 1 hour on a beautiful road. The road, which is approximately 4 km long, is one of the most beautiful trekking routes.
There is a Hindu temple that can be seen on the road. This tea production and presentation center has a video room that provides information about the history of the region. The tea gardens are open to visitors between 09.00 and 16.30 on 6 days except Mondays. Admission to Boh's Sungai Palas Tea Estate is free.
3. Rose Center, Kea Farm
Rose Centre, Kea Farm is located 5 km from Brinchang. Established in 89, the farm is prepared as a 10-storey terrace. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Cameron Highlands.
4. The Sam Poh Temple
The Sam Poh Temple is located on a scenic hill in Brinchang, about 1 km off the main road. The temple is also known as the temple of 10,000 Buddhas. The place, which is the 4th largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, was built in 1972. Do not forget to take off your shoes when entering the temple. Marble floors can be slippery.
5. Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm
Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm (www.eefenggu.com, free, 08-19:00) is located 5 km outside Brinchang center and is often included in tour packages. Information on beekeeping and honey production is given in the gardens that produce honey in gardens full of flowers. Honey can be taken.
6. Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm
Raju's Hill Strawberry Farm , (Kea Farm, free). It is one of the places to go to taste delicious strawberries. It is mostly included in tour programs. Strawberry jam is available. Although the prices are high compared to other places, it is delicious.
7. Cactus Valley
Cactus Valley (Pekan Lama, Brinchang; 4 RM; 08-18.00) Wander along a cactus-filled terrace alongside a wide variety of local flowers, fruits and vegetables. Some of the cacti are 60 years old. Potted plants can be taken. Entry fee is RM4.
8. Butterfly Farm, Kea Farm
Various butterfly and Malaysian bird species can be seen at Butterfly Farm . Located 20 km outside of Tanah Rata. Entry fee is RM5.
9. Village Natives
Orang Asli Village, Malezya
Orang Asli Village is a village inhabited by the indigenous people of this region. All-day expeditions (80 RM, 45TL) are included in tour companies accompanied by an official guide. Guests are greeted in traditional attire.
Ask before taking a photo. I went independently and chatted with some of the villagers. They don't like having their pictures taken.
10. Rafflesia Tour
Tour Rafflesia , the largest flower in the world Rafflesia , it's in pristine rain forest. It is also called corpse flower due to its scent. The Rafflesia plant, which has a flower that only lasts 2 weeks, was discovered in 1818 by Dr. It was discovered by Joseph Arnold in the Indonesian rainforest.
It can be seen in Khao Sok National Park, located in the south of Sumatra, Malaysia, Borneo and Thailand . Rafflesia, which can grow up to 1 meter wide, can reach up to 11 kilograms in weight. Tours to see Rafflesia can be accompanied.
Cameron Highlands food and drink
The most affordable restaurants and cafes are located in Tanah Rata. Tastes of Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisines can be discovered. You can taste tandoori chicken, fish-head curry and vegetarian dishes in Indian restaurants . The famous milk tea teh tarik (pull tea) should be tried.
Western cuisine menus can also be easily found in the town. In addition to foods such as pasta, schnitzel, sandwiches and french fries, there are also bakery products. The night market, which is set up on Saturday evenings in Brinchang, offers rich eating and drinking opportunities.
Multicrops Central Market, which sells local products in Brinchang, is a place to buy berries, fruits, honey, jams and many other things. Fresh products grown in the region can be found in this market. Besides hand-carved products made by the Orang Asli tribe, different Asian souvenirs can be bought.
Where to stay in Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is quite rich in terms of hotel options. There are more than 90 hotels in the region. You can stay in a boutique hotel with Tudor architecture or a star hotel set in the forest.
If you are going to stay in nature, choose the ones a little outside the town center. Luxury hotels are also mostly located outside the center. There are more affordable accommodation options in the Tanah Rata region. The Brinchang area is home to more top-class luxury hotels.
There are also a limited number of middle segment accommodation options. There may be difficulties in finding a place during the school holidays in April, August and December. Some hotels can raise prices at the weekend. Travels that coincide with these times should definitely not go without a reservation.
Budget Daniel's Lodge (Tanah Rata): A popular hostel also known as Kang Travelers Lodge. A convenient place to meet other travelers from various parts of the world. It may not be suitable for those looking for a quiet place. It has free wireless internet and swimming pool service, an on-site restaurant and a bar. Shared bathroom 18-35 TL, private room and bathroom 35 TL.
Camellia Budget Inn (Tanah Rata): There is a wide variety of room types. Those with bathrooms are slightly more expensive. (40-50 TL)
Hillview Inn (Tanah Rata): Located in the middle of town. The rooms are equipped with safe and cable/satellite TV, refrigerator, telephone and private bathroom. They help with tours. There is breakfast service. Dinner can be taken at the restaurant. Free wifi.
Planters Hotel (Tanah Rata): Offering a 24-hour front desk, free wireless internet, a business center and an elevator. It also provides laundry service and laundry services. It has a private bathroom, LCD TV and cable/satellite TV, tea and coffee maker. The hotel is suitable for families to stay. The hotel has a restaurant.
Hotel Chua Gin (Brinchang): It offers value for money accommodation. Cameron Highlands is located within a 10-minute walk of the town centre.
Country Lodge Resort (Brinchang): It is located 10 minutes away from the town center. It offers 24-hour reception and laundry service, laundry services and free wireless internet. Breakfast buffet. Suitable for families, rooms have LCD TV, cable/satellite TV and refrigerator.
Silverstar Hotel (Brinchang): This budget hotel is a few minutes' taxi ride from Brinchang centre. There is free wireless internet. The staff of the hotel can organize your tour reservations. All rooms are spacious, have private bathrooms, LCD TVs and tea and coffee makers. For those who want to stay as a family, there are apartments to rent.
To compare the prices of hotels in Cameron Highlands, about hotel reviews / opinions and read to study hotel pictures click .
How to get to Cameron Highlands
In order to go to Cameron Highlands, 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur, you must first fly to Kuala Lumpur. Check the websites of Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airlines to find suitable flight tickets .
The most convenient way to get here from Kuala Lumpur is by bus. It is located on the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh-Butterworth route. Tickets can be purchased from Puduraya Bus Terminal near KL Pasar Seni. There are 4 trips a day, 8.00am 10.30am 1.00pm 4.30pm, and the price is 35 Ringgit.
There are also bus services from Taman Negara National Park, Penang, Ipoh, Perhentian Island and Langkawi. It would be the right choice to watch the scenery instead of sleeping on the winding road stretching through rainforests and farms of unique beauty.
Taxi fares in Malaysia are cheaper than in Turkey. From Tanah Rata, taxi is available for Brinchang (10 RM), Boh Tea Estate (RM30), Gunung Brinchang departure and arrival (70 RM). 1 hour taxi fares are around 50-60 RM on average. It is possible to bargain.
There are 8 buses per day from Tanah Rata to Kuala Lumpur (RM30). There are also buses departing from here to Penang, Singapore, Kuala Tahan (Taman Negara National Park).
Cameron Highlands is an all-year-round vacation destination that offers delightful activities and appetizing delights for families, honeymooners and travelers who make their way here. Lying in a lush valley in a cool climate, the town promises its guests an unforgettable holiday.