Cameron Highlands is a plateau located in central Malaysia with a unique landscape of rolling green hills covered in tea plantations. This area was discovered by British expedition leader William Cameron in 1885, and from that point, many British settlers established themselves here due to the cooler climate. The low temperatures not only provided comfortable living conditions but were also ideal for tea production. As a result, Cameron Highlands has become Malaysia’s largest tea plantation. With an average temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), this destination offers a delightful change during your journey. Curious about what there is to do? Here are my tips for things to do in Cameron Highlands!

Tip: It can get quite chilly in the evenings, so bring a warm sweater and long pants.

Tanah Rata is the Base for Exploring Cameron Highlands

Tanah Rata is the base for your visit to Cameron Highlands. It is the largest village in the region and offers the most hotels, restaurants, and shops. While the town itself may not be particularly beautiful or cozy, it is the place where many hiking trails start and tours begin. You come here mainly for the beautiful spots in the surroundings. You can explore this area with a tour or rent a scooter to explore on your own. Renting a scooter gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, and this rental company is a reliable place to rent a scooter.

How to Travel to Cameron Highlands

Most people travel from Taman Negara and Penang (Georgetown) to Cameron Highlands. Read below on how to get there from these destinations.

What to Do in Cameron Highlands?

A visit to Cameron Highlands will surprise you with its dreamy landscapes and pleasant temperatures. It’s a beautiful area for hiking among the many tea plantations. Try to plan your visit on weekdays, as weekends can get quite crowded.

Hiking Through the Jungle and Plantations in Cameron Highlands

If you love hiking, you’ve come to the right place in Cameron Highlands. The rolling landscapes never get boring. There are many different trails marked with numbers. A popular hike is the combination of trails 10 and 6. This hike starts in the rugged jungle and ends in the middle of the tea fields. This is the starting point, where you first cross a construction site and then climb a narrow staircase up the hill. You’ll hike for an hour, steeply uphill, and can take a break at this viewpoint. When it’s not foggy, you’ll have a panoramic view over the entire town from here. On your way back down, follow trail 6, where the real adventure begins. You’ll descend through narrow, overgrown paths, walk past farms, and see locals working in the fields. Once you’ve reached the bottom, you’ll already smell the tea fields and walk straight through the Cameron Tea Valley, the endpoint of the hike. Cameron Tea Valley is the only place where you can see the tea pickers up close and walk through the tea fields yourself.

Note: The descent can be quite steep, and with rain, some sections may be slippery. Therefore, wear sturdy shoes when hiking.

Visit the BOH Sungai Palas Tea Viewpoint

The largest tea plantation in Cameron Highlands is BOH Sungai, and there are several plantations owned by this company that you can visit. This tea plantation has been around for over 90 years! One of the most beautiful spots is the BOH Sungai Palas Tea Viewpoint, and it’s best to visit this viewpoint with your own transportation, such as a scooter. The route there is breathtakingly beautiful, and you’ll want to stop regularly to enjoy the views or take a photo. This viewpoint is on the route and is phenomenal at sunrise. Once you arrive at BOH Sungai Palas Tea Viewpoint, you can, of course, enjoy a fresh cup of tea while looking out over the entire valley. Ask the staff which tea you must try, and let yourself be surprised!

Tip: It’s good to know that you can’t walk through the tea fields here, and the factory tour has been replaced by a video room.

Experience an English Atmosphere at The Smokehouse

If you want to have tea in English style, The Smokehouse is a fantastic place. There are different living rooms where you can enjoy a cup of tea or play a game, and in good weather, you can also find nice spots in the garden. For a stylish stay in Cameron Highlands, you can also stay at The Smokehouse Hotel.

Visit the Tea Factory at BOH Tea Plantation

A small-scale tea plantation where you can get a factory tour is the BOH Tea Plantation. When you arrive at the restaurant, you can first have a cup of tea with some snacks, and then you’ll get a tour of the factory, which lasts about ten minutes. Although it’s interesting to get a glimpse into the factory, during my visit, there was unfortunately no explanation of the tea production process.

Enjoy a Strawberry Milkshake at a Strawberry Farm

If you love strawberries, you shouldn’t miss a visit to a strawberry farm in Cameron Highlands. Not only does tea grow well in this area, but the cooler climate is also ideal for strawberries. During a visit to the farm, you’ll get a short tour and can pick strawberries yourself, which can later be turned into a strawberry milkshake. I visited the Healthy Strawberry Farm, a welcoming and peaceful farm. The largest strawberry farm you can find in Cameron Highlands is The Big Red Strawberry Farm, but it can be busier there.

Visit Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands

Near the largest tea plantation in Cameron Highlands, you’ll find a mossy forest called Mossy Forest. Here, you can take a nice walk on well-maintained wooden boardwalks. The walk takes about twenty minutes, and it’s a short loop through the mystical forest. The area is unique due to its high elevation at 2,000 meters (6562 feet) and rich biodiversity. The low-hanging clouds create constant mist and humidity, creating ideal conditions for the growth of thick layers of moss, huge ferns, and flowers like orchids. On your way to Mossy Forest, you can make a stop at this viewpoint where you can overlook the tea fields.

Tip: If you want to visit a more rugged area with similar landscapes but without established hiking trails, take a walk at Coral Hill. This is also a mossy forest, but this place is still relatively unknown to many.

Best Restaurants in Cameron Highlands

Kougen – This Japanese restaurant serves delicious rice bowls and dim sum.
Cado Café – A trendy café is a nice stop in the village of Brinchang. They serve delicious coffee with oat milk and have the tastiest strawberry pastries.
Cha Ren Tea House – For a real local experience and a nice encounter, visit this authentic tea house. The owners will enthusiastically teach you about Malaysian and Chinese tea rituals. Expect to spend about 45 minutes here.
Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant – You can enjoy Indian cuisine in many places in Cameron Highlands, but this is the highest-rated restaurant in the whole region. They serve the tastiest roti and curries at an affordable price.
Jungle Bar – For a drink and some fun, this is the place to be. There’s a bar, a pool table, and it’s easy to meet other travelers.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Cameron Highlands

Tanah Rata is the base for exploring Cameron Highlands, and while there are plenty of hotels, there are few good ones. So, it’s worth booking your stay in advance to ensure a pleasant place to stay. Highlanders Garden Guesthouse is one of the best hotels. Here, you can stay in a quiet part of Tanah Rata and close to the bus station. The hotel has a beautiful garden, and you won’t be short of anything during your stay. If you’re on a tighter budget, Gerard’s Backpackers Roomstay is the perfect place. Here, you can sleep at an affordable price in a room equipped with all the amenities and with a view of the tropical garden. If you’re looking for a unique overnight experience, don’t mind going a bit back to basics, and enjoy camping, then The Backyard Glamping is a fun suggestion. You’ll sleep on a cozy farm in a beautiful tent, and in the evening, you can sit by the fire with other travelers.

Highlander Garden Guesthouse More Information

Gerard’s Backpackers Roomstay More Information

The Backyard Glamping More Information