The Cameron Highlands is a wonderfully fresh destination during your journey through tropical Malaysia. Because it is located in the mountains, the temperature fluctuates between 20 and 25 degrees throughout the year. You come to the Cameron Highlands to take beautiful hikes through the jungle and tea plantations. You can also visit these tea plantations where, of course, you drink a fresh cup of tea. Check out all the information on the Cameron Highlands below.
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General information Cameron Highlands
In the 19th century, the Cameron Highlands was discovered by the British. Because of the cool climate, they thought it was a prime place to grow tea, so they began planting tea plantations. Today, this allows you to sip a delicious cup of fresh tea while enjoying the beautiful views.
Visit the tea plantations
There’s no getting away from it when you’re in the Cameron Highlands: a visit to one of the tea plantations. The largest tea plantation is the BOH (which stands for Best Of Highlands) Tea Plantation. You walk a little way up through the plantation here. Information boards give you a good idea of how the production of the tea is done. Afterwards, of course, you can order a good cup of fresh tea with a sweet treat. Please note that the prices of food and drinks at the teahouses are very high. On average, 3 times higher than in the village.
Also read: Ipoh, the gateway to the Cameron Highlands
Make the most beautiful hikes
There are fourteen hiking trails around Tanah Rata. There is a route for every hiker: from easy to moderate to strenuous. The different routes take you to high mountains, viewpoints, deep into the jungle and to tea plantations. They are all beautiful routes to walk. See all fourteen hiking trails here, with timings and explanations.
Tip: download maps.me and check out all the jungle trails on it. They are listed by number and you can continue to follow the directory offline. Ideal during your hike in the jungle without coverage.
Transportation in the Cameron Highlands
Almost all ho(s)tels offer morning or day tours in the Cameron Highlands. You then go on a tour with a group and you get the time to see everything. If you prefer to go out on your own, you can choose to rent a motorbike. You do officially need a motorcycle license for this. If you do not have a motorcycle license you will get the motorbike, but should something happen (and you are the responsible party) you are not insured.
The road is well maintained and it is not difficult to motorbike here. It is one long road to follow. This one passes all the highlights. Malaysian traffic is not particularly difficult or dangerous.
In case you don’t like riding a motorbike yourself, you will have to use cabs. There are only a few (3 – 5) Grab taxi driving in the entire Cameron Highlands so the chances of catching a Grab taxi are very slim. Cabs are fortunately often waiting here and they also take you everywhere.
Best travel time Cameron Highlands
The best travel time for the Cameron Highlands is between February and June. This is just after the rainy season. The rainy season runs from mid-October to February. During this season, the tea plantations are in full bloom and you have the most beautiful views. It does mean that it rains daily from about 5 p.m. until midnight. These are real Asian downpours. It is then wise to avoid being outside. During the day, the weather is just beautiful, sunny and dry. Therefore, don’t let the rainy season stop you from visiting the Cameron Highlands.
Best accommodations in the Cameron Highlands
There are three different villages from where you can do the activities: Brinchang, Ringlet and Tanah Rata. Of these three villages, Tanah Rata is by far the best to stay in. Most hikes depart from Tanah Rata and it is a nice village where you can find many restaurants and a cozy bar. You will easily connect with other travelers because of the many hostels.
The coziest hostel is Bricks backpacker hostel. It is a clean hostel where many travelers go for dinner or drinks together. You can opt for a dorm but there are also many private rooms. You can find these from as little as €10 per night at this link. In the evening, you will find many Dutch people at the fun Travellers Bar. In addition, Traveller Bunker is also a very fun and social hostel!
Are you looking for a hotel? Then Hillview Inn is a good choice. It is in a prime location: a 5-minute walk from most restaurants. In addition, The Quintet Tower is a great hotel in the Cameron Highlands, which is also a 5-minute walk from the restaurants. At The Quintet Tower, you also have the option of renting a spacious apartment, convenient if you are traveling with a large family!
Continue your journey through Malaysia to Penang or the capital Kuala Lumpur.
