Everything You Need to Know about Cameron Highlands in Malaysia
Cameron Highlands is as charming as it is storied. Back in 1885, a British surveyor named William Cameron stumbled upon this plateau and, surprise, named it after himself.
Originally home to the Orang Asli for thousands of years, the British arrived in the late 19th century, established tea plantations, and significantly altered the landscape. Today, it’s all about rolling tea fields, strawberry farms, and cool weather.
Where is Cameron Highlands?
Cameron Highlands is tucked away in Malaysia’s Pahang state, in the central region of the country. It’s about 200 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, and you can get there by driving or taking a bus—expect a winding but scenic ride up the mountain roads.
It’s bordered by Perak to the west and surrounded by lush hills, which is why it’s known for its cool climate and greenery. Think of it as Malaysia’s little high-altitude retreat where tea plantations, farms, and nature trails come together.
How to Get to Cameron Highlands
By car or taxi: The easiest way to get to Cameron Highlands is by driving or taking a taxi from Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh. From KL, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive through beautiful, winding mountain roads, while from Ipoh it’s just a quick 2-hour trip.
By bus: You can hop on a bus from Kuala Lumpur’s TBS or Ipoh’s Amanjaya Terminal. The ride is pretty chill and takes you right to Tanah Rata, which is the main town in Cameron Highlands.
From there, you can easily explore the tea plantations, strawberry farms, or just relax in that cool breeze!
What to Do and See in Cameron Highlands
Explore the misty landscapes at Mossy Forest
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Address: Gunung Brinchang
Contact details: +60 1 3674 1406
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Website
Cameron Highlands’ Mossy Forest is incredibly unique, and dense moss covers the trees, giving the entire forest a magical vibe. When you’re here, take your time to walk the boardwalk that winds through the forest.
It’s an easy route, so no need to worry if you’re a beginner. But if you’re up for more of a challenge, you can continue your hike to Mount Irau, which is often called “the mossy mountain” since it’s an extension of the forest.
The hike to Mount Irau takes about 7 to 8 hours round-trip. Just keep in mind that hiking to Mount Irau (and Mossy Forest) requires a guide and a hiking permit, and you’ll need to rent a 4WD vehicle to reach the starting point, as the access road is steep and rugged.
Marvel at blooms in Cameron Highlands Flora Park
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Address: Lot 191
Contact details: +60 1 2654 3657
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 7 PM
Cost:
- Adult – RM50
- Children (ages 4 to 11) – RM10
Cameron Highlands Flora Park is the go-to spot for anyone who loves flowers—or just generally beautiful spaces. This place is a riot of color, with rows and rows of vibrant blooms like roses, petunias, daisies, and sunflowers.
It’s so well-maintained that every corner feels like it’s been set up for the perfect photo moment. This is also a kid-friendly place, so it’s a great pick if you’re traveling with family.
Some spots even have cute props and themed sections, giving you a fun way to interact with the space. Bring a hat or umbrella, especially if you’re visiting during midday, as parts of the garden are pretty open and sunny.
Check out the Robinson Falls for an unforgettable adventure
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Robinson Falls is another gem in Cameron Highlands that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re into trails of waterfalls. The falls are not thunderingly massive but have this calm, mesmerizing vibe that’s super relaxing.
You’ll see water flowing down a series of stone steps before disappearing into the jungle below. The best way to reach Robinson Falls is via Jungle Trail 9, which is one of the beginner-friendly trails in the Cameron Highlands.
The path is well-marked, with stone-paved sections that make it easy to follow even if you’re not an experienced hiker. The trail itself takes about an hour or two hours round trip, depending on your pace, and it’s ideal for anyone who enjoys a leisurely hike.
Visit Boh Tea Plantation and enjoy scenic views
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Address: 39000, Pahang
Contact details: +60 5493 1324
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Website
No trip to Cameron Highlands is complete without visiting the Boh Tea Plantation—it’s iconic and one of the must-see stops in the area. This massive tea estate is spread out over rolling green hills, and the views here are absolutely breathtaking.
You’ll see rows and rows of tea bushes that stretch almost endlessly into the horizon, which makes for some seriously epic panoramas. The plantation is also home to one of the most famous tea centers in Malaysia, making it a fun blend of sightseeing and learning.
After that, grab a seat at the cafe since they serve freshly brewed Boh tea in all sorts of flavors, along with a few pastries and snacks. Oh, and don’t miss the observation deck nearby—it offers one of the best viewpoints of the plantation.
Pick fresh strawberries at Big Red Strawberry Farm
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Address: Brinchang
Contact details: +60 5491 3327
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Website
Big Red Strawberry Farm is famous for its strawberry picking experience, where you get to pluck your own fresh, juicy strawberries right off the plants. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
Now, the farm provides small baskets for you to collect your strawberries, and you can look around to choose the ripest and brightest ones. Just make sure not to eat them straight from the plant—they’ll need a rinse first!
Once you’re done picking, the farm weighs your strawberries, and you pay based on your haul’s weight. Even if you don’t feel like picking, you can still buy pre-packed strawberries and other products like jams, juices, and all things strawberry-flavored.
Feed adorable animals in Rainbow Garden’s pet zone
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Address: F98P+98, Tanah Rata
Contact details: +60 5491 1315
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6:30 PM
Cost:
- Adult – RM10
- Children – RM5
Rainbow Garden’s pet zone is a hidden gem in Cameron Highlands, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. Here, you get the chance to interact with a variety of animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and even some fish.
It’s not a full-blown petting zoo, but it’s a cozy and interactive area where you can feed and observe these adorable creatures up close. They sell small packets of food that you can use to feed the animals.
The birds are another highlight—you can hold out your hand, and they’ll perch on you as they snack away! Beyond the animals, Rainbow Garden also has a small but vibrant collection of plants and flowers that give the place its charming name.
Tour Agro Tech Park MARDI for plants and science
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Address: Agro Technology Park MARDI, Tanah Rata
Contact details: +60 5491 1255
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adult – RM10
- Child – RM5
Agro Technology Park MARDI is perfect for anyone curious about agriculture, plants, and how food is grown—especially in Cameron Highlands’ cool climate. This research station is packed with beautiful gardens, experimental crops, and themed greenhouses.
Don’t miss the orchid and rose gardens, which are always crowd favorites because of their vibrant blooms. And yes, foodies will love the chance to see how strawberries and other popular Cameron Highlands produce are cultivated using modern techniques.
For something extra cool, look out for the high-tech hydroponics and aquaponics sections, where you can see innovative farming methods in action. The park is vast, so give yourself enough time to explore and wear comfy shoes.
Where to Eat and Drink in Cameron Highlands
C Buddys Steamboat
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Address: C-1-7, Cameron Fair, Jalan Camelia
Phone: +60 11 3543 1813
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Good to know: Great for groups or families, celebrations
Website
Menu
C Buddys Steamboat offers a wide range of broth bases you can pick from, so you can tailor your meal to your exact taste. The menu here is straightforward but packed with variety, allowing you to choose from fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Their beef mala spot and seafood mala pot are hands-down the most popular options. If beef or seafood isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other broths to explore, like corn or tomato, so you’re not limited to spicy options.
Abang Strawberry
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Address: 27, Jalan Taman Sedia, Tanah Rata
Phone: +60 1 9478 1700
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Good to know: Great for kids
Website
Abang Strawberry has been around since 2014, offering a unique twist on dining with its farm-to-table, strawberry-inspired dishes. Beyond just food, the place is also part of an active strawberry farm, so you’re getting the freshest berries possible.
Their nasi lemak sambal strawberry puts a spin on the beloved national comfort food, and for something savory, their mee kari classic is a solid choice. Just know that strawberries are a recurring theme here, so expect to see them popping up in every dish.
Lemon Button Cafe & Dining
Address: Hotel De’ La Ferns, Tanah Rata
Phone: +60 5491 4888
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Good to know: Great for date nights, family hangouts, intimate gatherings
Website
Menu
Lemon Button Cafe & Dining, tucked inside Hotel De’La Ferns, is one of those versatile spots that nails variety without losing focus. They specialize in hot pot, but they’ve also built a reputation for their Malaysian favorites and Western classics.
If you’re leaning toward local flavors, their Lemon Butter signature fried rice (made with homemade spicy prawn paste) and Lemon Butter chicken curry are crowd-pleasers. Their afternoon tea experience is also great, especially with their scones and unique tea blends!
Where to Stay in and near Cameron Highlands
Avillion Cameron Highlands
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Address: C-3 Jalan Camelia, Tanah Rata
Phone: +60 5500 0333
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
The rooms and suites at Avillion Cameron Highlands are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with sleek furnishings and practical amenities. One of the property’s standout perks is its balcony views, letting you take in Cameron Highlands’ lush greenery.
Guests are also treated to free parking, which saves a lot of hassle, especially since parking around can get busy. Plus, if you need help planning your itinerary, the reception staff are always ready with local tips and information about tours or nearby spots.
Century Pines Resort Cameron Highlands
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Address: Jalan Masjid, Tanah Rata
Phone: +60 5491 5115
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
Set in a prime location within walking distance of Tanah Rata town, Century Pines Resort is close to shops, local eateries, and bus stations. It also offers spacious, well-furnished rooms with balconies overlooking either the garden, mountains, or towns.
Food isn’t an issue here either, with an in-house restaurant offering local Malaysian cuisine alongside other international dishes to keep you fueled for your adventures.
Overall, if you’re into eco-friendly stays, the hotel’s low-impact, sustainable practices might appeal to you.
Cameron Highlands Resort
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Address: By The Golf Course, Cameron Highlands Golf Course, Brinchang
Phone: +60 5491 1100
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 11 AM
Sitting right next to Cameron Highlands Golf Course, the hotel has a reputation for being a peaceful getaway. The rooms and suites here exude elegance, many of which come with balconies offering unobstructed views of the golf course or lush landscapes.
Since the resort specializes in spa retreats, its wellness offerings include massages and tea-infused treatments.
Hotel De’la Ferns Cameron Highlands
Address: Batu 39, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata
Phone: +60 5491 4888
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
Hotel De’La Ferns boasts Tudor-inspired architecture that stands out without being too over-the-top. Rooms here vary in size and price point, with a decent range of in-room amenities, while suites come with extras like Jacuzzi tubs.
Breakfast is included, which makes mornings straightforward, and there’s a small on-site restaurant for those wanting a quiet meal. Parking and accessibility are well-handled here as well!
The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands
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Address: 30th Mile, Jalan Ringlet – Sungai Koyan
Phone: +60 5495 6152
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 2 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
The Lakehouse is an English country home-inspired boutique hotel that feels like stepping into a proper countryside retreat. The location is slightly removed from the center, giving it a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those wanting a true getaway.
Many visitors appreciate the effort put into creating a homey atmosphere, with some of the larger suites boasting separate sitting areas and fireplaces. There’s also a lovely tea lounge where guests can enjoy an afternoon tea experience.