Pahang ~ Cameron Highlands

This is Malaysia's premier hill resort and the largest of them all. Low temperatures all year round allow terraced flower gardens, strawberry farms, tea plantations, orchards and vegetable gardens. Cabbages, tomatoes, carrots, green peppers and lettuce supplied by the plantations in Cameron have earned it the title "Green Bowl of Malaysia".

Places to visit are:  Robinson Falls, Parit Falls, the Rose Garden and Nursery, the Bee Farm, the Boh Tea Plantation, the Farmers Market Strawberry Farms, and the quaint town of Brinchang with its Chinese Sam Poh Temple. The three main towns of Ringlet, Tanah Rate and Brinchang are the centre of activity and house a most of the local population. For the adventurous, you may participate in the 'Cameron Descent', a whitewater rafting event held yearly. 

The highest peak in Cameron Highlands is Gunung Brinchang (2,032metres).

 There is also an 18-hole golf course and accommodations range from old English country inn styled hotels, chalets, to rest houses and hostels. It was in Cameron Highlands that the American-Thai silk entrepreneur, Jim Thompson, mysteriously 

disappeared in 1967 and was never found. 

Cameron Highlands has often been called "a little bit of England".

The Highlands consists of a series of townships, and the first township you'll

come to on the way to the summit is Ringlet. Next is Habu, displaying beautiful blooms in its flower nursery. The persimmon orchards are also an attraction,

but only during the fruiting seasons from August to September.

From Habu a narrow scenic road takes you to one of the major tea plantations, Boh Tea Plantation. Tanah Rata, which means "Even Land' in Malay,

boasts the best tourist amenities.

 About 3km from Tanah Rata is Brinchang, the centre of the highlands 'green produce' area. Surrounded by hills and terraced by vegetable farms, flower gardens and tea plantations. Brinchang has accommodations, as well as the highlands only golf course - a challenging 18 hole, par-71 with tricky greens, undulating fairways, meandering streams and fine sand bunkers. On the hills overlooking the Cameron Highlands Golf Course are two strawberry farms where

The upper levels of the Valley are a profusion of blooms, cacti and even apple trees. For rose enthusiasts, the Rose Centre Kea Farm has over 100 varieties of roses growing on terraced grounds. Brinchang also has flower nurseries producing beautiful blooms such as chrysanthemums, carnations, dahlia, geraniums and others. There are also several butterfly farms located conveniently near the main road as well as a bee farm. 

A visit to the tea factory at the Sungai Palas Boh Tea Estate is possible. Guided tours are available around the factory. After the tour, you'll be able to enjoy a cup of fresh tea with shortbread at the tea shop overlooking the hills.

Both Tanah Rata and Brinchang have hotels and restaurants that cater a variety of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western food, not to mention Moghul and vegetarian restaurants.

With temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees Celsius, Cameron Highlands proves to be a very refreshing experience that will linger in memory for a long time.

Driving up the winding road to Cameron Highlands is also a pleasure as many interesting stops along the way can be made.

Getting There

By Road

Cameron Highlands is only accessible via Tapah, in the State of Perak,

from the North South Highway - 4 hours from Kuala Lumpur.

From Tapah take route 59. At Batu 7

By Bus

There are express bus services from Puduraya Bus Terminal, Kuala Lumpur.

From Tapah, the local bus leaves at regular intervals for Tanah Rata. 

By Rail

The rail stop is at Tapah. From here, take the taxi or bus to Tanah Rata.