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Cameron Highlands

Emerald tea plantations unfurl across Malaysia's largest hill-station area. Temperatures in these 1300m to 1829m heights rarely top 30°C, inspiring convoys of weekenders to enjoy tea and strawberries in the restorative climate. Though technically in Pahang, the highlands are accessed from Perak.

The Cameron Highlands encompass a string of townships, including (north to south) Kampung Raja, Tringkap, Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Ringlet. Named after explorer Sir William Cameron, who mapped the area in 1885, the highlands were developed during the British colonial period. Gardens, bungalows and a golf course sprang up during the 1930s, cementing the highlands' reputation as a refuge for heat-addled Brits to mop their brows.

Tourism is big business, so views are occasionally blighted by building sites for yet another megaresort; Brinchang in particular felt like a construction site when we last visited. But between trekking and genteel tea culture, there is serenity amid the touristic hubbub.

Explore Cameron Highlands

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Cameron Highlands.

  • Plantation

    Boh Sungei Palas Tea Estate

    If there's time for only one tea-themed experience in the highlands, make it this spectacularly situated plantation, with its own tea interpretation…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Sam Poh Temple

    This scarlet-and-yellow temple complex, just south of Brinchang, about 1km off the main road, is stacked high with gleaming golden statues of Chinese…

  • Farm

    Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm

    One of the better honey-themed attractions in the highlands, this working apiary has landscaped flower gardens where you can watch bees buzzing around…

  • Farm

    Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm

    Locals believe that the way the evening mist hits this valley-tucked berry farm is the reason its fruit tastes so sweet. If berry picking (RM30 for two…

  • Plantation

    Boh Tea Garden

    Velvety green views are glorious from this out-of-the-way tea plantation, though it's a long drive to get here (allow 40 minutes from Tanah Rata and use…

  • Waterfall

    Lata Iskandar

    A picturesque, thoroughly refreshing stop if you're driving route 59 up to the Cameron Highlands, this cascade tumbling over granite boulders is popular…

  • Nature Reserve

    Mossy Forest

    This dense area of tangled, moss-choked forest near Brinchang is the most atmospheric hiking destination in the highlands. A jungle boardwalk starts near…

  • Museum

    Time Tunnel

    Not hiking today? Explore a warren of regional miscellany instead. There are displays on wartime history and the 1962 landslide, but this is less a museum…

  • Farm

    Cameron Butterfly Farm

    One of the highlands' most popular attractions is this large greenhouse filled with tropical plants, attended by fluttering hordes of butterflies. Close…

  • Plantation

    Cameron Valley Tea House 1

    Views over the plantation are breathtaking from this easy roadside pullover on the road between Ringlet and Tanah Rata. There are no guided tours, but you…

  • Showroom

    Tringkap Bee Farm

    Learn about the life of bees and goggle at beehives from the small museum within this working apiary. Even more prominent than the museum is the large…

  • Farm

    Cactus Valley

    The highlands' reputation for fresh air and greenery has inspired entrepreneurial locals to found myriad plant-themed attractions. One is this ornamental…

  • Hindu Temple

    Sri Tehndayuthapany Swamy

    Located just south of Brinchang is this colourful Hindu place of worship, festooned with Tamil Nadu–style sculptures. It's just north of the golf course.

  • Farm

    Kok Lim Strawberry Farm

    Just north of Brinchang, this standard strawberry-picking farm charges RM30 for 500g of berries plucked by your own hands.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Cameron Highlands.

  • Activities