Cameron Highlands — Tea Plantations★★
The Cameron Highlands are Malaysia's cool highlands — located at 1,500 meters altitude, with temperatures of a pleasant 15–25 °C instead of the usual 33 °C in the lowlands. Since British colonial times (named after the surveyor William Cameron, 1885), the Highlands have been the place where Malaysians and tourists escape the heat.
The image of the Cameron Highlands is shaped by endless tea plantations — gently rolling, emerald-green hills as far as the eye can see. The BOH Tea Plantation (Sungei Palas Garden) is the most famous — with a tea factory tour, a café with panoramic views, and the opportunity to taste freshly picked tea. Free entry, free tour.
Other Highlights
- Mossy Forest: A mystical mist forest on Gunung Brinchang (2,032 m) — the trees are covered with moss and lichens, and the air is moist and cool. A boardwalk leads through the forest. Guided tours from 35 MYR.
- Strawberry Farms: The Highlands are Malaysia's strawberry hub — strawberry picking, strawberry ice cream, strawberry cakes. Kids love it.
- Hiking: A network of hiking trails (Trail 1–14) crisscrosses the Highlands — from easy walks through tea plantations to challenging jungle treks. Trail 10 (Robinson Falls) and Trail 9 + 9A (Gunung Brinchang) are the most popular.
- Butterfly Garden & Bee Farm: Family-friendly attractions with tropical butterflies, orchids, and honey.
Getting There: Bus from KL (4 hours, from 35 MYR) to Tanah Rata, the main town of the Highlands. The road is winding — travel tablets recommended.
💡 Tipp
Bring a rain jacket and a light sweater — it can get quite chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. The BOH Tea Plantation Sungei Palas is the prettier of the two BOH plantations (not Fairlie). Go on weekdays — on weekends, busloads come from KL.
