Bearing the charm of an English village, this famous and largest hill resort of Malaysia is the smallest district of Pahang state in Malaysia. Cameron Highlands is famous for its fruit and vegetable farms. Home to extraordinary flowers, this place is equally popular for its tea. Three main townships and various small settlements accommodate the people of this place. Scaling a height of 1500msl Cameron highlands was discovered by an English surveyor William Cameron in the year 1885.
The British developed this un-treaded highland into a beautiful hill station and settled here. Tea plantations, sprawling strawberry farms, cool breeze and the serene atmosphere make this highland a perfect holiday destination. Buildings flaunt Tudor architecture; the natural scenario and the soothing greenery are reminiscent of British countryside.
Cameron highlands can be visited all through the year. While at Cameron highlands, do not miss:
Jungle trekking: Most of the trekking routes are located in and around Tanah Rata. The trails invariably lead to waterfalls and mountains. Wild animals, monkeys, birds and squirrels dot the way. The highland forests by itself are a wonderful vista to watch.
Hiking: Hiking to the peaks to have a breathtaking view of the highlands is an invigorating experience.
Camping: Camping sites are located close to Brinchang and Tanah Rata. People who love to hike up the mountains and stay close to nature would love to camp in these areas.
Shopping: Shopping at the night markets is an experience in itself. The local produce can be procured from the farm and plantations directly.
Food at Cameron highlands needs special mention. The eateries offer a variety of cuisine including Malay, Western, Indian and Chinese. Numerous cafes and restaurants are aplenty and a foodie's delight!
Cameron highlands tour
Cameron highland is well connected by road. Driving around is the best way to explore the highlands. Cameron highlands have 3 main towns and a few more small towns. The three major towns are:
Ringlet: The commercial hub of Cameron highlands, Ringlet is home to numerous old-styled shops. It is said to be the first settlement of Cameron highlands. Old styled houses dot the entire driveway of this place.
Tanah Rata: Visitors normally stay in this town, which is the nucleus of Cameron highlands. Tanah Rata is the paradise for backpackers as it has numerous chalets.
Brinchang: Crowded with locals and visitors all through the year, this town is popular for its accommodation, hotels, eateries, shops, etc. Brinchang gets crowded during the weekends and holiday season as this is where one can find the most number of hotels and eateries. The night market is very famous; it is open every Saturday night and during holidays. One can find the best of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other local products.
Bertam Valley: Famous for vegetables and flowers
Kea farm: The highest village in peninsular Malaysia
Kampung Raja: A residential area
Kuala Terla: Famous for its farms and local produce
Tringkap: Filled with tea estates
Cameron Highlands tourist attractions
Galleria time tunnel: This place offers a nostalgic trip through the golden moments of Cameron highlands. Filled with paraphernalia and antiques of the past, this place takes you back to the early periods of Cameron highlands.
Strawberry farms: Juicy strawberries are the prime attraction of Cameron highlands. A few farms allow the visitor to pluck fresh strawberries and charge them accordingly. A visit to the fresh strawberry farms is a must while at Cameron highlands.
Tea plantations: The fresh aroma of the tea leaves fill the crisp air with a pleasant odor. A visit to the factory to watch the tea being processed is another major attraction. Cameron valley tea plantations, Boh tea plantations, etc are well-known.
Vegetable farms: A drive to Tringkap, Bertam valley, or Kuala Terla leads one to the best of vegetable farms. Both sides of the road are lined with fresh vegetable farms and it is a wonderful sight to watch the uniform greenery.
Flower nurseries: The flower farms provide a colorful view of the various flowers grown here. These flower nurseries are the lead flower producers in Malaysia.
Bee farms: Apart from watching the numerous bees that produce honey, the honey extracting procedure is wonderful to watch.
Butterfly garden: Watching various species of butterflies at the same place is a rare sight. The colorful winged insects look beautiful and are pleasant to watch. The butterfly gardens are located close to Kea Farm. Apart from butterflies, the park is also home to reptile exhibits, strange insects, small zoo with domestic animals, etc.
Sam Poh temple: The largest temple of Cameron highlands, it is nestled atop a small hill. The temple houses statues of Buddha and other Chinese deities.
Moonlight bungalow: Home of a famous Thai silk trader, the moonlight bungalow is a brick cottage located on an isolated hilltop.
Lake House: A colonial mansion, the Lake house is a perfect example of Tudor architecture. It serves as a resort now and is located close to Ringlet. The cactus valley and the rose gardens are also worth a visit.
Cameron Highlands accommodation
Resorts: Resorts can be found in and around Tanah Rata, Ringlet and Brinchang town. The spacious rooms make these resorts a wonderful option to stay.
Apartments: A popular accommodation choice for large groups. They are cost-effective and provide basic facilities like kitchen and living area. Most apartments are rented out by locals; a few have been taken over by hotels. Each apartment suite has two or three rooms. Single room studio suites are also available.
Inns and lodges: Lodges and inns are popular accommodation choices for backpackers. The rooms and dormitories are housed in old bungalows or small buildings. They are budget hotels and are mostly located at isolated spots around Tanah Rata and Brinchang.
Bungalows: Families who wish to spend some time together could opt for bungalows. The serene atmosphere and the location add to the ambience of these already charming bungalows.