BEST Things To Do In Cameron Highlands & Places Of Interest

Cameron Highlands is an experience quite unlike anything else in Malaysia. In this article, we will share the places of interest in Cameron highlands. Famous for its stunning natural beauty, cool climate, and diverse agricultural activities, Cameron Highlands stands out from every other tourist destination in the country.

What draws most Malaysians to Cameron Highlands is the promise of a cool respite from Malaysia’s heat. But what many don’t know is that Cameron has so much more than just a pleasant breeze. So, join us as we take a deep dive into the many fascinating draws that make Cameron such a popular destination.

The Founding of Cameron Highlands

Like many places in Malaysia, Cameron Highlands finds its roots in Malaysia’s colonial era. The area was named after Sir William Cameron, a British colonial government surveyor who stumbled upon the area in 1885. He was tasked with mapping the region, and during his surveying expedition, he was captivated by the cool climate and lush greenery of the highlands.

The British colonial government recognized the potential of Cameron Highlands for agricultural purposes. The development of the highlands began in earnest in the 1920s when British planters started establishing tea plantations. The most famous tea plantations, such as the Cameron Valley Tea Plantation and the Boh Tea Plantation, were established during this period.

During World War II, the Japanese would damage the plantations of Cameron Highland. However, ever since Malaysia’s independence in 1957, the highlands have seen staggering amounts of development. New strawberry farms, better roads, more attractions and modern facilities have made the highlands more popular than ever.

Major Towns of Cameron Highlands

While many refer to the Cameron Highlands as a singular entity, it’s actually made up of several towns. Tourists new to the Highlands may find these towns somewhat confusing, especially without prior knowledge on them. Thus, we have made a simple guide to help you navigate each town in Cameron Highlands.

1. Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata is the main tourist town of Cameron Highlands, sitting in the central part of the Highlands. Serving as the central hub of the Highlands, Tanah Rata is the most developed of the towns. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. It’s a convenient place to set up base while planning your trips.

Tanah Rata is also where you’ll find the Cameron Highlands Tourist Information Center. You can visit this center to obtain maps, brochures, and information about local attractions, tours, and hiking trails. If you’re looking for a more laid-back time, then there are also a ton of tour guides available. Of course, if you don’t feel like going far, the town itself has plenty to offer.

You’ll find shops and markets in Tanah Rata where you can purchase fresh produce, local handicrafts, souvenirs, and tea products from the highlands. Numerous restaurants and eateries also sit around, serving many different local specialties. If you’re visiting Cameron for the first time, then you’ll want to head to Tanah Rata first.

2. Brinchang

Sitting at a higher elevation than Tanah Rata, Brinchang is the other major town in Cameron Highlands. Generally, Brinchang offers a lot of the same things as Tanah Rata. What sets Brinchang apart from Tanah Rata is the general vibe of the town. Where Tanah Rata is a modern town, Brinchang feels more old-fashioned and traditional.

That’s not to say Brinchang is lacking in amenities however, it’s quite the contrary. Brinchang is brimming with life, being the more populated of the two towns. The roads are busy and bustling, and tons of smaller businesses and eateries sit around the area. Food here is generally more affordable than Tanah Rata, and the same applies to the accommodation here.

The biggest draw of Brinchang is its night market, where you can find affordable local produce and food stalls. It’s a town that carries with it a ton of charm, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and a ton of food to enjoy. It stands up perfectly well to Tanah Rata, and may even be the preferred of the two depending on who you ask.

3. Ringlet

Where Tanah Rata and Brinchang are both tourist destinations, the quiet town of Ringlet is a whole different story. Ringlet is mainly known for its sleepy nature and agricultural activities, evident from its lush farmlands and plantations where various crops are cultivated. Drive around town, and you’ll find several agricultural nurseries and farms in the vicinity.

Outside of its scenic views and agricultural tours, Ringlet doesn’t offer much to visitors. The vast majority of people in Ringlet are locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It does offer a fair number of good, small eateries, and it’s a good stop if you’re on your way up to Tanah Rata. Otherwise however, there’s nothing too remarkable about Ringlet.

Best Things to Do In Cameron Highlands

Tea Plantations in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands’ most popular and long lasting export is undeniably its high-quality tea. The Highlands features two large scale tea plantations that span over vast valleys. It’s a picturesque sight, one that makes for some of the best views in all of the Highlands.

1. BOH Tea Plantation

BOH are the biggest tea producer in Malaysia by and far, and their tea plantation in Sungai Palas reflects this. The BOH Tea Plantation features the scenic hills you commonly see around tea plantations, along with the BOH Tea Estate. Established in 1929 by J.A. Russell, a British colonialist, it has since become one of the most popular attractions in Cameron Highlands.

One of the main attractions at Boh Tea Plantation is the guided tour that allows visitors to learn about the tea-making process and the history of the plantation. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the scenic tea fields, observe tea pluckers at work, and visit the tea factory to see how tea leaves are processed, rolled, and dried.

The tour concludes with a visit to the plantation’s tearoom, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the tea terraces and the surrounding hills. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The Boh Tea Plantation is the perfect place tranquil escape, and a chance to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Cameron Highlands.

2. Cameron Valley Tea Plantation

The Cameron Valley Tea Plantation, like the BOH Tea Plantation, was established in the early 1920s during the British colonial era. It was one of the pioneering tea estates in the region and played a significant role in the development of the tea industry in Cameron Highlands. They primarily produce black tea, though over time they’ve introduced many other variations.

Cameron Valley Tea Plantation offers guided tours for curious visitors. These tours provide insights into the history of the plantation, tea cultivation, and the tea-making process. Visitors can observe tea pluckers in action and visit the tea factory to see how tea leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized, and dried.

The plantation features a charming tea house where visitors can relax and enjoy freshly brewed tea. It offers panoramic views of the lush tea terraces and the surrounding hills, making it a picturesque setting for photographers. There are also several hiking trails, each one varying in difficulty for hikers of different skill levels.

Strawberry Farms in Cameron Highlands

Outside of tea plantations, Cameron Highlands next biggest and most popular export is easily strawberries. They’re everywhere, on the marketing, on the way up to the Highlands, and the farms don’t disappoint. Here, we’ve compiled some of the best ones you can find on Cameron Highlands.

1. Big Red Strawberry Farm

Big Red Strawberry Farm is one of the more popular and well-developed of the many strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands. It sits on a steep hill slope, meaning getting to the top of the farm requires a bit of a hike. But, once you get to the top, you’re greeted by a nice little cafe featuring strawberry themed dishes overlooking Brinchang town.

While you climb up to the top, you’ll come across the sections where they grow the strawberries. If you come during the right time, you can actually pick and eat your own strawberries, which is a fun experience. There’s also a surprisingly pleasant flower garden, as well as various hydroponic vegetable farms and a rabbit petting zoo.

At the foot of the entrance there’s also the Cactus Valley, featuring a whole ton of different cactus varieties. These are all enjoyable little distractions, and the climb up the hill is also a nice, relaxing challenge. If you’ve never been to a strawberry farm in Cameron Highlands before, we’d recommend this one.

2. Kok Lim Strawberry Farm

Kok Lim Strawberry Farm, also called Time Tunnel Strawberry Farm, is famous for also housing the Cameron Time Tunnel. The strawberry farm is by the side of the main road leaving Brinchang towards Kea Farm, and it’s one of the larger farms in Cameron Highlands. It’s also got a lot to offer, even outside of the aforementioned Time Tunnel.

As usual, there’s strawberry picking and a vast array of hydroponic vegetables. Kok Lim also goes the distance, featuring an entire farmer’s market, a small arcade, a petting zoo and a boutique offering honey-based products. Of course, the biggest draw of Kok Lim Strawberry Farm is that it’s a pair with the Cameron Time Tunnel, but we’ll get more in-depth with that later in the article.

3. Raaju’s Hill

Raaju’s Hill sets itself apart from other strawberry farms by having a big emphasis on its cafe. The other strawberry farms we’ve covered so far also have cafes available, but they’re quite simple. Meanwhile, at Raaju’s hill you can find a large selection of pastries, cakes, waffles, homemade ice cream, and of course, scones.

The cafe sits on an extended dining deck that overlooks the Gunung Brinchang rainforest. There’s a section available for picnics, in case you want to bring your own food. There’s also the typical strawberry picking activities you’d come to expect from a strawberry farm. Raaju’s Hill is a great experience if you just want to relax and enjoy strawberry pastries.

Unique Attractions in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highland has its famous offerings like tea and strawberries, but the Highlands have a lot more to offer. Many attractions have sprouted around the area, offering unique experiences. We’ve listed some of these interesting tourist spots down below!

1. Cameron Time Tunnel Museum

The Time Tunnel at Cameron Highlands is a must visit for fans of history and antiques. Sitting in the basement of the Kok Lim Strawberry Farm, the Time Tunnel is a fascinating museum. Its goal is to preserve antiques and show-off relics from the 70s and 80s, as well as showcase the lives of past Cameron Highlands locals.

The museum is known for its nostalgic displays that recreate scenes from the past. You can see old-fashioned shops, schoolrooms, and living spaces, complete with authentic furniture, tools, and household items from bygone eras. These displays offer a vivid glimpse into the lives of the people who lived and worked in Cameron Highlands during different time periods.

To help with these recreations of long lost days, the Time Tunnel features a vast collection of antiques and vintage objects. Walk through the halls of the Time Tunnel, and you’ll find vintage cameras, old radios, classic typewriters, the original Milo tins and more! It’s like walking straight into a time capsule, especially with how things are arranged.

2. Butterfly Garden

Located near the ever popular Kea Farm, the Cameron Butterfly Garden is one of Cameron Highlands’ oldest attractions. Lush tropical plants and flowers sit with spacious enclosures, with numerous species of butterflies housing them. These exhibits mimic the natural habitats of these butterflies, giving them plenty of space to fly about.

The garden’s vibrant and picturesque environment provides excellent opportunities for photography. Visitors can capture close-up shots of butterflies amidst colorful flowers and foliage. It’s also an educational experience, as the Butterfly Garden allows visitors to learn about the role butterflies play in nature.

Outside of butterflies, visitors can also find various species of beetles, mantids and phasmids. These little critters get their own little sections in the garden. There’s also a tortoise pen, scorpion exhibit, reptile exhibit (mostly snakes and lizards), a small aviary, a petting zoo and even a flower garden. Open daily from morning till evening, it’s a great place to visit.

3. KC Kwang & Sons Grape Farm

Agriculture is a huge part of Cameron Highlands’ culture, and KC Kwang & Sons Grape Farm is a fascinating slice of this. The vineyards of KC Kwang & Sons cultivate Kyoho grapes, which you won’t find on any other farm in the highlands. They’re large, sweet and succulent, with harvests happening twice a year in December and June.

Visiting the farm lets you walk around the vineyard, watching the grapes dangle from their perches. The farm also grows other types of produce like tomatoes, pumpkins and other hydroponic plants. Once you’re done walking around the farms, you can check out their sorting factory where vegetables and fruits are packed for export.

4. Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm

Continuing the trend of farms being the highlights of Cameron Highlands, we have the Tringkap Bee Farm. Tringkap is a small town we didn’t mention in the town section, because it’s quite tiny. The Tringkap Bee Farm however is a fascinating exception, serving as an interesting reason to visit the little town.

Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm is mainly a museum, showcasing the process of collecting and processing honey. It’s an educational experience, allowing visitors to explore the ecology of bees. The bee farm itself sits at the back of the museum. Along the building, you’ll find stalls selling souvenirs, snacks and naturally honey. There’s also a small strawberry farm nearby, neat!

5. Holiday’s Park

You wouldn’t expect Cameron Highlands to have a theme park, but Holiday’s Park has been a staple of the Highlands for a long time. While it’s not exactly the most glamorous place, it’s a surprisingly fun time. Situated next to the popular Cameron Square Shopping Center, Holiday’s Par provides visitors with a surprising amount of carnival rides and games.

There are bumper cars, carnival games, a carousel and even a ferris wheel at Holiday’s Park. There are several stalls in case you’re looking for a bite to eat, and a whole slew of claw games tempt visitors into trying to win prizes. Holiday’s Park is also relatively affordable, so it’s a great place to bring larger families or big friend groups.

6. Sam Poh Temple

Nestled on a small hill at the back of Brinchang town, Sam Poh Temple is the largest religious structure in Cameron Highlands. It’s fairly easy to find, with many signs pointing towards it. The road to the temple itself however is narrow, making for a drive that’s a bit nerve wracking, but mostly memorable. Once you reach the temple however, you can’t miss it and its opulence.

Sam Poh Temple is a Buddhist temple, featuring aesthetically pleasing Chinese-style architecture. Various brass deities line the halls of the temple, with a mostly quiet atmosphere making it easy to rest and relax. The entire temple is free to walk around in, as long as you keep a low profile. Stop by the koi pond and give yourself a minute to take in the sights!

7. Mossy Forest

The Mossy Forest is one of the most unique and enchanting natural attractions in Cameron Highlands. It is a high-elevation forest ecosystem that gets its name from the thick carpet of moss that covers the forest floor and the trees. The Mossy Forest is part of the larger cloud forest ecosystem found in the highlands, and it is characterized by its misty, cool climate and lush, otherworldly appearance.

Getting to the mossy forest requires either a powerful vehicle, or the energy to hike up the hill to its area. Once there however, visitors can spot various plant species, including pitcher plants, orchids, and rhododendrons, as well as birds, insects, and other wildlife. It’s a haven for photography buffs, with the dense growths and fog giving the place an ethereal quality that needs to be seen to be believed.

Shopping in Cameron Highlands

While Cameron Highlands isn’t exactly popular for its malls and shopping, there are places you can go to scratch that itch. Some of these are modern malls with all the bells and whistles you’d expect. Others are farmers markets, but they’re all fairly unique experiences.

1. Kea Farm

Kea Farm is easily the most popular farmers market in all of Cameron Highlands. Every morning, farmers gather at the farm and setup their stalls to sell their fresh produce. Here, you can find practically any kind of vegetable or fruit available in Malaysia. Corn, strawberries, watercress, sweet potato leaves, if you can think it, you can probably find it.

Kea Farm also has several breakfast and lunch spots around it, with a Kea Farm foodcourt near the side of the area. Prices here tend to be much more affordable than the average. Combine that with the sheer number of options available, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular spot. Snacks of all kind are also available here, so definitely pay this one a visit.

2. Cameron Centrum

Cameron Centrum is the newest shopping mall in Cameron Highlands, filled with modern design sensibilities. It’s an open-air mall, taking advantage of its location in Cameron Highlands and having more colonial-era influence in its aesthetic. Browsing stores with the cool breeze blowing through the area can make for a pretty relaxing time.

If you’re looking to do some more serious shopping, then there’s the Billion supermarket in the heart of Cameron Centrum. Billion is quite comprehensive in its offerings, and if there’s something you’re looking for, chances are Billion has it. Finally, Cameron Centrum has a bunch of eateries available, including several fast food joints.

3. Cameron Square

Cameron Square is the older shopping mall of the two big ones in Cameron Highlands. It features three levels, as well as a variety of retail outlets and popular stores. A mini gaming arcade is available here in case you have younger visitors. There’s also a 3D art gallery available if you’re looking for something new and interesting to do while you’re shopping.

What’s special about Cameron Square is that they commonly have events around the mall square. These events mean you can sometimes find completely unique items here depending on what event is being held. Right next to Cameron Square you can find Holiday’s Park, a funfair with many attractions available. This mall may be a bit older, but it’s no less of a good time!

Places to Eat in Cameron Highlands

While Cameron Highlands offers a plethora of foods to try, Cameron itself doesn’t particularly have its own specialty. Everything you can find at Cameron is purchasable somewhere else. The exception to this is strawberry themed foods and pastries like scones, though that about sums it up. So, for this section, we’ll be listing the best places to eat instead!

1. Ferm Nyonya

Situated in Tanah Rata, Ferm Nyonya serves up Peranakan cuisine like you’d find in Melaka! The restaurant offers a wide selection of nyonya dishes, as well as a steamboat set options. Portions are generally large and filling, even with larger groups. It’s very popular among tourists and locals, so you may have difficulty getting seats when it opens.

2. Highlands Steamboat Cheese & Grill

Steamboats are particularly popular in Cameron Highlands, and this is one of the best! Serving a wide variety of meats, veges and tofu, Highlands Steamboat Cheese & Grill in Tanah Rata goes the extra mile. They have duck as a part of their offerings, as well as a dessert section and a hot dishes. Add on some cheese, and you’re in for a great time!

3. KHM Strawberries & Jam

Kampung Taman Sedia off the side of Tanah Rata offers visitors plenty of great eats within its small area. The best and most well-known of these however is KHM Strawberries & Jam, serving up scones, jam, special nasi lemak and a variety of strawberry desserts. Their scones here are the best however, so if you’re a fan, you won’t want to miss out on this one.

4. Yong Teng Cafe

Looking for an interesting breakfast experience? Yong Teng Cafe serves up their own specialty pancakes, made with fruits, berries and cream that have become popular with locals. They also have a small number of local style dishes too. The couple who run this humble stall are deaf, so you’ll need to write down what you plan to order.

5. Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant

Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant is ran by a local family in Tanah Rata. Their Indian food is simply top-notch, with most other restaurants in the area paling in comparison to them. The spicier flavours of Indian food go well with the Cameronian weather, and everything here is cooked fresh. An excellent choice for prospective spice fiends.

6. Watercress Valley

Watercress Valley is a must visit if you’re looking for things to do in Cameron Highlands! The food here is incredibly fresh, especially the watercress that they grow themselves. You can opt for freshly cooked Chinese-style dishes, or for a nice steamboat set. Regardless, don’t miss out on the chance to walk through the watercress valley itself!

7. The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant

Looking to dine in a finer colonial-era establishment? Then the Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant is the place for you! Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner sets in a quaint little cafe in front of the hotel, the Smokehouse is incredibly popular in Cameron Highlands. It’s worth a visit for the architecture and atmosphere alone, the good food is a bonus!

When is the Best Time to Visit Cameron Highlands?

Generally, you just want to avoid going from October to November, as those months have the heaviest rainfall. Other months also get rainfall, but much less so. Avoid peak seasons as these will lead to a lot of jam, especially when driving up to Cameron. Finally, if you want to experience the coldest months, then go between December and February.

How Many Days Do You Need In Cameron Highlands?

Cameron Highlands is all about being laid-back and relaxed, and that extends to your holiday as well. Plan things out well enough, and we’d generally say you can visit most places of interest in Cameron within 4 days. If you’re just looking to immerse yourself in the weather however, takes as much time as you’d like!

Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands?

It’s quite easy to find accommodation in Cameron Highlands, though what you’ll want to pick is based on what you’re looking for. There’s a wide selection of places to choose from fitting multiple different niches. We’ve listed some of them down below, along with descriptions.

• Cameron Highlands Resort – A 5-star hotel with all the bells and whistles you’d want.
• Copthorne Hotel – Solid 4-star hotel with a nice location and an indoor swimming pool.
• Springhill Resort – Highly rated hotel in Brinchang with a breakfast buffet.
• Suria’s Backpackers Hostel – A nice, high-quality lodging for backpackers.
• Hikers Sleep Port – An affordable and pleasant option for budget-conscious tourists.
• Traveller Bunker Hostel – Strictly for backpackers on a budget who enjoy socializing.
• Tiny Boutique Habitat – Excellent chalets in Kampung Taman Sedia.

How Do You Get Around in Cameron Highlands?

There’s no two ways around it, you’ll need a car or motorcycle to get around Cameron Highlands. While you can walk around in just Tanah Rata or Brinchang, the areas were meant to be driven between. It’s the best way to find all the hidden roadside attractions and stalls too, so if you’re coming, it’s better to get a vehicle.

Conclusion

As we said earlier, there really isn’t anything quite like Cameron Highlands in the entirety of Malaysia. Even Genting, despite matching its cool climate, doesn’t have the rustic, laid-back and lived in feel that Cameron has. It’s one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Malaysia for precisely that reason, and it will remain as such for many tourists looking to escape the Malaysian heat.