Cameron Highlands 2025 Guide: Must-see attractions, local cuisine, and practical tips! | Trip.com

Discover the Beauty of Cameron Highlands' Tea Plantations

Visit tea plantations like BOH Tea Centre and Cameron Valley Tea House. Enjoy panoramic views, learn about tea cultivation, and indulge in tea tasting.

Explore the Natural Wonders of Cameron Highlands

Discover the mossy forests of Gunung Brinchang, Robinson Falls, and the Butterfly Garden. Enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and colorful blooms.

Journey to the Time Tunnel Museum

Explore the Time Tunnel Museum to see vintage photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia, offering a glimpse into Cameron Highlands' history.

Hike to Taman Eko Rimba Parit Falls

Enjoy a scenic hike to Taman Eko Rimba Parit Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It's a great spot for a picnic and to enjoy nature.

Discover the Orang Asli Culture

Visit an Orang Asli village to learn about the indigenous people of Malaysia. Experience their traditional lifestyle, crafts, and customs.

Savor the Flavors of Cameron Highlands

Indulge in local delicacies such as steamboat, fresh vegetables, and strawberry-based desserts. Don't miss the famous Cameron Highlands tea.

Find Unique Souvenirs at the Brinchang Night Market

Experience the lively Brinchang Night Market on weekends. Browse local crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.

Photograph the Lavender Garden (Cameron Lavender)

Visit the Lavender Garden (Cameron Lavender) to capture the vibrant purple hues of lavender fields. It's a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts.

Take a Scenic Drive

Drive through the scenic routes of Cameron Highlands, passing by tea plantations, forests, and quaint villages. Explore the region at your own pace.

Visit the Cactus Valley

Explore the Cactus Valley to see a wide variety of cacti and succulents. It's an interesting and unique attraction for plant lovers.

Cameron Highlands, known for its cool climate and extensive tea plantations, offers a blend of historical British colonial architecture and enchanting natural landscapes, with must-visit attractions like the BOH Tea Garden, Mossy Forest, and Lavender Garden, making it a picturesque and tranquil highland escape.

Cameron Highlands is celebrated for its distinct, cool climate and extensive tea plantations. The area blends historical depth, dating back to its 1930s development as a British hill station, with captivating natural landscapes. The BOH Tea Plantation and the enchanted Mossy Forest are standout attractions, offering visitors picturesque scenery and various walking or hiking opportunities. This highland escape captivates with its tranquil environment and colonial-influenced architecture, reflecting an English countryside vibe.

BOH Tea Garden in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, is a notable attraction that immerses visitors in the rich history and unique cultural heritage of Malaysia’s largest tea plantation. Established in the 1930s during the British colonial era, this tea garden offers breathtaking views and a serene environment, encapsulating the essence of Cameron Highlands' picturesque natural beauty. Visitors can explore the expansive tea fields, enjoy factory tours to witness tea processing and relax in the cafes while savoring freshly brewed local teas. The estate also provides an array of photographic opportunities due to its lush green landscapes and colonial-style buildings, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Lavender Garden is a feast for both the eyes and senses, boasting vibrant fields of lavender in shades of purple, red, and yellow. The garden also hosts a variety of other flowers, enhancing its captivating aesthetic. Visitors can immerse themselves in activities like flower and strawberry picking, engage with picturesque spots including the love-lock bridge and 3D mural arts, or savor lavender-flavored treats at the onsite café, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoyment.

Big Red Strawberry Farm in Cameron Highlands is a delightful destination for families and individuals alike, offering an immersive agricultural experience. Visitors can pick fresh strawberries, view organic vegetable cultivation, and savor strawberry-infused delights at the cafe. The farm includes a gift shop featuring local products and provides ample parking facilities. Its location near Brinchang town adds convenience while its picturesque setting ensures a tranquil visit.

Cameron Highlands Flora Park provides a picturesque setting in the greenery of Kea Farm, featuring an extensive variety of flora showcased in attractions like the Green House and Glass Sanctuary. It's an ideal spot for learning about different plants and enjoying scenic landscapes.

Cameron Highlands offers a diverse and appealing food scene, from cozy steamboat dinners and traditional Malaysian breakfasts at places like Uncle Chow Kopitiam to English-style cuisine at The Smokehouse and elegant afternoon teas at Jim Thompson Tea Room, all showcasing fresh local produce and providing unique dining experiences.

A standout dining option in Cameron Highlands, featuring a simmering pot of broth where various ingredients like meats, seafood, and vegetables are cooked right at your table. This interactive meal is well-loved for its cozy feel, ideal for chilly highland weather. You can pick from a variety of broths including tomyam, herbal, Mala, and pork bone to personalize your meal. Many restaurants in Cameron Highlands offer this dish, providing an engaging way to enjoy fresh local produce and a warm meal.

A highly recommended spot for a classic Malaysian breakfast or brunch in Cameron Highlands. Here, you can begin your day by savoring traditional Malaysian dishes such as egg-based dishes, toast with kaya (coconut jam), and local coffee. The ambiance is nostalgic, and the service adds to a pleasant dining experience, making it a popular choice among both locals and tourists.

Known for its English-style cuisine, this restaurant has been a staple since 1937. It offers traditional roasts and a grill menu that incorporates locally sourced vegetables, providing a taste of British classics combined with the freshness of Cameron Highlands' produce. Guests can also enjoy scones, which are recommended by several sources, making it a perfect spot for those seeking both a substantial meal and a delightful high tea experience.

Located at the Cameron Highlands Resort, this elegant tearoom offers a delightful English afternoon tea experience. Patrons can enjoy a variety of starters, classic dishes, and tempting desserts alongside finely brewed local teas. The tearoom's luxurious setting and colonial charm make it an ideal spot for those wishing to indulge in a high-end dining experience in the highlands.

Cameron Highlands' transportation network is primarily served by its bus system, with the Tanah Rata Bus Terminal being the central hub for intercity travel.

Tanah Rata Bus Terminal, also known as Terminal Freesia, is the only bus station in Cameron Highlands and is a key junction for travelers. Located in Tanah Rata, it is conveniently situated near attractions like the Brinchang Night Market and Agro-Technology Park Mardi Cameron Highlands. Visitors can reach this terminal by intercity bus services from major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh, with companies like Kurnia Bistari, GT Express, and Unititi Express operating on these routes. 

While Cameron Highlands does not have its own airport, the nearest airport is Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh. Travelers can fly into this airport and then either rent a car or hire a taxi for the approximately 2 to 2.5-hour journey to Cameron Highlands. This option is ideal for those who prefer a quicker travel mode to the highlands compared to the bus.

Tanah Rata Bus Terminal, also known as Terminal Freesia, is the central hub for bus transportation within Cameron Highlands. It is the only bus station in the area, providing access to local amenities and attractions, with taxi and van services available for further travel. The Regal Bus Co. Sdn Bhd operates local buses with routes connecting Tanah Rata to various destinations such as Brinchang and the Sg Palas Tea plantation, with a schedule that accommodates multiple departures throughout the day.

For those preferring a more personalized travel experience, ride-hailing services like GrabTaxi offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and are available through mobile apps. This mode of transportation provides a flexible option for visitors to explore the highlands at their own pace.

The best time to visit Cameron Highlands is from February to April and July to August.

During these months, the weather is dry with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring tea plantations, and visiting strawberry farms. Additionally, this period avoids the peak of the rainy season, ensuring clearer skies and more enjoyable travel conditions. 

1. Respect Local Religious Practices and Cultures
Cameron Highlands is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups. Dress modestly and be respectful when visiting temples, mosques, and other religious sites. When visiting Orang Asli villages, ask permission before taking photos and respect their privacy.

2. Be Cautious on Mountain Roads
Mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Drive carefully, especially during the rainy season when roads can be slippery. During heavy rains, be cautious of potential landslides. Check local weather reports and avoid traveling during severe weather conditions.

3. Stay Hydrated and Adjust to Altitude
The higher altitude can affect some travelers. Stay hydrated and take it easy if you feel dizzy or short of breath. Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise on your first day. Eat hydrating foods like soups and avoid salty foods. Protect yourself from the sun as you are more likely to burn at higher altitudes. Take it easy on your first day to acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness.

4. Drone Usage and No-Fly Zones
Drone photography is popular but requires permission from local authorities. Ensure you have the necessary permits before flying your drone. Drone usage is restricted in many areas of Cameron Highlands, including tea plantations like BOH and Cameron Valley, and protected forests. Always seek permission before flying.

5. Transportation Tips
Public transportation is limited in Cameron Highlands. Consider renting a car or joining organized tours for easier access to attractions spread across the region.

The official language in Cameron Highlands is Malay, commonly known as Bahasa Malaysia. It is spoken by over 80% of the population in Malaysia. English, serving as the second official language, is widely used in education and communication, with approximately 50% of the Malaysian population literate in English. Other languages such as Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil are also spoken due to the ethnically diverse population. 

Grab: This app is essential for getting around Malaysia by booking rides effortlessly.

WAZE: Offers detailed navigational assistance and real-time traffic updates which is useful for drivers.

MAPS.ME: Provides offline maps, beneficial for areas in Cameron Highlands with limited internet access.

Google Maps: Comprehensive navigation tool with live traffic conditions and multi-stop routing.

Trip.com: is a popular online travel platform that provides a comprehensive range of services including booking flights.

In Malaysia, prepaid SIM cards are recommended for travelers seeking connectivity. Digi offers a prepaid sim card, with high-speed internet and no data speed cap. Maxis and Hotlink are suggested for the best 4G/5G network coverage, especially when traveling to Borneo. Sim cards can be purchased at Kuala Lumpur International Airport or in phone stores around the country, and e-sim card options are also available.

Public WiFi is widely available in Malaysia, with free access in many public places such as hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor mandate restaurants to provide free WiFi to customers, and chains like McDonald's, KFC, and coffee shops like Starbucks also offer this service. Apps can assist in locating nearby WiFi hotspots.

Cameron Highlands is characterized by a unique climate, which is best described as a tropical highland climate. The temperatures are generally cooler compared to the rest of Malaysia, with an average high of 25°C and low as cool as 12°C. This region experiences two primary seasons, the dry and the wet season. The dry season boasts minimal rainfall, while the wet season witnesses increased rainfall, though it remains cooler than the typical Malaysian climate. 

When traveling to Cameron Highlands, it is advisable to pack warm clothing such as light sweaters, jackets, and long pants due to the cooler temperatures, especially during the evenings.  Additionally, irrespective of the season, always bring along an umbrella or a raincoat due to the potential for rain.  Also, it is recommended to wear sunscreen to protect against strong UV rays. 

In case of the high altitude and significant temperature fluctuations, prepare by staying hydrated and dressing in layers to easily adjust to changing temperatures. 

- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or conservative rural areas in Cameron Highlands to respect local traditions and cultural sensitivities. For instance, covering shoulders and knees is advisable.

- Respect local customs by not littering and maintaining the natural beauty of the environment, as Cameron Highlands is known for its nature and scenic landscapes. Tourists are encouraged to keep the highlands clean and pristine.

- When visiting tea plantations, refrain from picking tea leaves unless given explicit permission during a guided tour. This ensures respect for the agricultural practices and hard work of the local farmers.

- Be mindful and considerate when taking photographs in cultural or private spaces. Always ask for permission before capturing images of local residents or sensitive sites to respect privacy and maintain a respectful distance from everyday life.

Cash, mobile payments, and credit cards are primary payment methods in Cameron Highlands.

Cash is preferred for transactions with small businesses and street vendors.

Mobile payments like GrabPay and Boost are also popular and convenient for both offline and online transactions.

Credit and debit cards including Visa and Mastercard are accepted at retail stores, hotels, and restaurants, providing a seamless payment experience.

When using ATMs, foreign visitors should be aware of transaction fees, which can be around 3% for cash withdrawals.