Cameron Highlands is a hill station in Malaysia, located a few hours from Kuala Lumpur, and one of the most popular escapes from the city. The biggest reason is the weather. While much of Malaysia is hot and humid, Cameron Highlands feels pleasantly cool for most of the year, which makes it a refreshing break from the lowlands.

But the weather is only one part of its appeal. Cameron Highlands is also known for its rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms, flower gardens, forest trails, and old colonial charm. Established during the British colonial era as a retreat from the tropical heat, the region still carries a lot of that legacy today. You see it in the Tudor-style buildings, the manicured gardens, the teahouses, and of course, the tea estates that stretch across the hills.

It’s also a place of contrasts as we learned. On one hand, there are traffic jams, tourist attractions, and crowded main roads. On the other, there are misty trails, moss-covered forests, waterfalls, and beautiful green valleys that feel far removed from the chaos. And that is really what Cameron Highlands felt like to us, a destination where you need to be a little selective with your time. Skip the overly commercial bits when needed, and you will find plenty to love.

Our Experience – People, Traffic, Weather, Landscapes

We visited Cameron Highlands during a long holiday weekend in Malaysia, so our experience was mixed but overall, very enjoyable. And although many choose to make Cameron Highlands a day-trip, we definitely recommended spending a couple of nights in the area to truly uncover all it has to offer.

One of the nicest parts of visiting was the people. We found the locals to be incredibly friendly, always willing to help, and more than happy to share their advice. Whether it was directions, food recommendations, or tips on what to skip, people were genuinely kind.

But the biggest downside was the traffic. Like many hill stations, Cameron Highlands is built around one main road, and when that road gets congested, everything slows down.

Over a long holiday weekend, like the one when we visited, it can get especially bad. On one day, it took us around 30 minutes to clear just 3 km. That ended up affecting quite a few of our plans, so if you are visiting at a busy time, definitely factor that in.

The weather was lovely though. Expect lots of clouds, occasional rain and drizzle, and cool temperatures compared to Kuala Lumpur. But when the sun comes out, it can be surprisingly intense. That said, the sunlight over the tea plantations and green hills is absolutely beautiful!

And finally, the landscape really is stunning. Cameron Highlands is lush, green, and packed with flora and fauna. There is even a fake Hobbiton-style attraction called Hobitoon, which tells you a lot about the vibe here. But for us, the best part of Cameron Highlands was simply getting out on the trails. The moment you step into the forest, away from the road, you forget about the traffic, the crowds, and the noise.

How to get to Cameron Highlands

The most common way to get to Cameron Highlands is by road from Kuala Lumpur. The drive usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. You can either self-drive or arrange a taxi.

If you are driving, be prepared for slow sections, especially as you get closer to the highlands. If the traffic on the main route gets too bad, taking the old road (switch to it at the Plaza Tol Tanjung Malim) can sometimes help.

On the way, you can also stop at Lata Iskandar (Iskandar Falls), which is a nice little waterfall and a good break in the journey.

Another option is to fly into Ipoh and then drive or take a taxi from there. This can be a good choice if you want a shorter road journey.

Best things to do in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands offers plenty of leisure and activities for everyone. You just have to decide what you want to do. Here’s a pretty exhaustive list of things that we did (or didn’t but wanted to). Hopefully there’s something in here that gets you excited.

1. Go on a waterfall hike

Thanks to the hilly terrain and all the rain this region gets, there are quite a few waterfalls around Cameron Highlands. Some better-known ones include Thompson Falls, Parit Falls, Robinson Falls, and Lata Iskandar.

We hiked the trails along Parit Falls and Robinson Falls.

The Robinson Falls trail was not particularly well maintained, and in some sections, parts of the path were broken or damaged. It takes a bit more effort and the trail can be muddy and slippery, especially with all the moss around. Hiking shoes help a lot.

So, it is worth managing your expectations here that these are not polished walking tracks.

That said, the waterfall was powerful, and resplendent!

Parit Falls is an easy walk and suitable for most visitors. It’s closer to the main area in Tanah Rata, and once you enter the camping area, the walk to the waterfall is paved and easy.

If you enjoy nature walks, this is one of the better things to do in Cameron Highlands. Just come prepared for rougher trails.

2. Go strawberry picking

Strawberry farms are everywhere in Cameron Highlands. In fact, you will probably pass several without even trying.

Most of them are clearly designed for tourists, and to be honest, that is exactly what they are. So our advice would be simple, just pick one that is convenient for you rather than stressing over finding the “best” one.

Some of the popular options include Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm and Healthy Strawberry Farm, which is the one we visited.

It was fun, especially if you are travelling with kids or have never done this before.

3. Visit a tea plantation

If there is one thing you absolutely should do in Cameron Highlands, it is visit a tea plantation.

Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea, and the plantations are one of the most iconic sights in the region. The neatly lined tea bushes covering the rolling hills are beautiful to look at, especially when the mist hangs low over the landscape.

The two main tea brands here are BOH (Best of Highlands) and Cameron Valley Tea that have team plantations. Cameron Valley Tea is the more accessible option, located right on the main road, and it is very photogenic. The downside is that it is almost always crowded.

BOH has two tea plantations, and we chose to visit BOH’s plantation in Habu, which is the less crowded of the BOH locations. We really enjoyed it! I highly recommend taking the steps to the view point to really enjoy the size of the tea plantation, and also the surrounding views of the hills!

The factory tour, if we are being honest, was a bit of a dud. But the plantation itself was gorgeous, and that alone made the visit worthwhile.

One useful tip — if you are going to BOH Habu, consider taking a taxi. Taxis can usually go all the way up to the tea shop and factory area, while self-driving visitors often need to park below and take the company shuttle bus.

And do grab a cup of fresh tea before you leave.

4. Visit the Smokehouse Hotel

The Smokehouse Hotel is one of the clearest reminders of Cameron Highlands’ British roots.

This charming colonial-style property dates back to 1937 and looks like something lifted straight out of the English countryside. Think cottage-style architecture, lovely gardens, old-world interiors, and a quiet, refined atmosphere.

Even if you are not staying here, we recommend visiting for a meal or afternoon tea. The restaurant is amazing, and the garden alone is worth seeing, especially if you enjoy flowers and heritage properties.

It is one of the more atmospheric places in Cameron Highlands and feels very different from the more commercial parts of town.

5. Walk the Jim Thompson Trail

Jim Thompson was an American businessman best known for helping revive the Thai silk industry. He was also one of the most famous long-term residents connected with Cameron Highlands because of his mysterious disappearance here in 1967.

He vanished while out walking near his cottage, and despite a huge search operation, he was never found. Over time, his story became one of the biggest mysteries and stuff of legends associated with the region.

Today, the trail linked to his disappearance is a popular walk, often referred to as the Jim Thompson Trail. If you are interested in history, we would strongly recommend doing this with a guide. A guided walk gives the trail much more meaning, because you learn not just about the forest, but also about Jim Thompson, his life, and the local stories surrounding his disappearance.

6. Visit the Mossy Forest

The Mossy Forest is one of the most famous attractions in Cameron Highlands. As the name suggests, it is a high-elevation forest covered in moss, with twisted trees, damp ground, and a moody, misty atmosphere.

It is definitely beautiful. But if we are being completely honest, it has also suffered from over-tourism.

And the other thing is moss is everywhere in Cameron Highlands. You do not necessarily need to visit the designated Mossy Forest attraction to experience that magical, moss-covered feel. We actually think one of the best ways to enjoy this side of Cameron Highlands is simply by getting onto any good forest trail.

So yes, visit if you really want to see the famous spot. But do not feel like you are missing the essence of the landscape if you skip it.

7. Visit a bee farm

Bee farms are surprisingly popular in Cameron Highlands, and you will see a few of them listed among the local attractions. Most of them are fairly casual stops where you can learn a little about beekeeping, see hives, and buy honey or honey-based products.

To be honest, this is not a must-do unless it genuinely interests you. But if you are travelling with family, or you enjoy small agricultural attractions, it can be a nice quick stop. Like strawberry farms, many of these places are set up with tourists in mind, so we would treat them as optional add-ons rather than highlights.

8. Visit a vegetable farm or Kea Farm Market

Before we visited Cameron Highlands, our family in Kuala Lumpur told us that a lot of the vegetables sold in the city come from here. Once we arrived, that made complete sense. We saw large farms, plenty of trucks transporting produce, and lots of roadside stalls selling fresh vegetables and fruit.

Agriculture is a huge part of Cameron Highlands, and you can really see that everywhere.

If you are especially interested, you can visit one of the vegetable farms outside the main towns. But for most people, we think Kea Farm Market is the better option. It is one of the most popular farmers’ markets in Cameron Highlands, and it is a fun place to browse local produce, flowers, snacks, and souvenirs all in one go.

9. Visit the night market

If you are in Cameron Highlands over the weekend, the night market is worth a visit.

Klook.com

Held from Friday to Sunday at Golden Hills, the market is one of the livelier experiences in the highlands. You will find plenty of local produce here, including strawberries, vegetables, flowers, plants, and snacks, along with the usual souvenirs and touristy bits.

But the main reason to go is the food. Like many markets in Malaysia, this one turns into a proper little street food experience, with stalls serving a mix of dishes and snacks from different cultures. It is a fun place to spend an evening, especially if you enjoy trying local food.

10. Visit Tokyo Town

Tokyo Town is a Japanese-themed attraction located next to Cameron Highlands Resort.

There are themed stalls, food, and souvenirs, and it is one of those places that can be mildly entertaining if you happen to be nearby and have some spare time. But we would not go out of our way for it.

In our opinion, this is very much an optional stop.

Restaurants and cafés to visit in Cameron Highlands

These are some of the places we think are worth eating at in Cameron Highlands.

Singh Chapati

1, Brij Court, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia

This is where we possibly had the best Indian food outside India!

The food here was ridiculously good. Everything tasted fresh, carefully made, and full of flavour. The owner cooks everything himself, and you can really tell that a lot of thought, skill, and love goes into each dish.

This place is popular for a reason, so get there early or be prepared to wait.

Highland Spice

26, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia

Another very popular spot for Indian food, Highland Spice is located on the main road and draws both tourists and locals.

If Singh Chapati is too crowded, this is another solid option to consider.

The Lord’s Cafe

Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia

Lord’s Cafe is an institution in Cameron Highlands, and it is especially known for its scones.

Does it deserve the hype? Absolutely!

If you are even remotely interested in baked goods, go and try the scones. This is one of those classic Cameron Highlands experiences that is still worth doing.

Boss Taste 波士号

C-G-8, Jalan Camelia, Tanah Rata, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia

There were a few times when the more popular restaurants were completely full, and that is how we ended up at Boss Taste.

Thankfully, the food here was actually really good. It may not be the most famous place in town, but it is a dependable option when other restaurants are packed.

Bonus: Try the Steamboat

Steamboat is not a specific restaurant but a style of meal that is very popular in Cameron Highlands.

It is basically a local hotpot experience, and because of the cool weather, it feels especially fitting here. If you have never tried it before, this is a good place to do so.

Although the food is amazing in Cameron Highlands, we were more excited about the culinary experience that awaited us in Penang over the next few days.

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands

Where you stay in Cameron Highlands can shape your experience quite a bit, especially because traffic can make getting around slow. The two main areas are Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

Tanah Rata has more of an old-town feel and is a convenient base for many visitors. It feels a little more traditional and relaxed compared to some busier commercial areas.

The main Brinchang area feels more modern, with malls, newer restaurants, and a busier atmosphere. If you prefer being closer to shopping and more built-up areas, this may suit you better.

The two areas intersect at the Cameron Highlands Golf Course.

Here are our recommended accommodation options for Cameron Highlands.

Top picks:

1. Cameron Highlands Resort: Ranked among the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”, Cameron Highlands Resort is heritage property right next to the golf course, with large rooms and a lovely colonial vibe.
2. The Smokehouse Hotel: A boutique hotel with lots of character and a unique heritage feel. Highly recommended if you can get a room, as availability is limited.

Other options:

1. Century Pines Resort Cameron Highlands: Cosy rooms & suites in a laid-back hotel featuring a restaurant, a spa area & breakfast.
2. Hotel De’la Ferns Cameron Highlands: Laid-back lodging offering warm rooms & suites, plus a casual restaurant offering outdoor seating.
3. Zenith Hotel Cameron: Polished rooms & suites in a sophisticated hotel with an outdoor pool, a gym & a buffet restaurant.
4. Springhill Resort: Warmly furnished rooms & suites in an informal hotel offering a restaurant & hill views.
5. Heritage Hotel: Laid-back hotel in a Tudor-inspired complex offering dining, a warm bar & a fitness room.

Cameron Highlands – Gateway To Old World Charm & Nature

Cameron Highlands is one of those places that can be both charming and frustrating at the same time (again, totally depends on when you visit).

On one side, you have traffic, crowds, and a fair number of attractions that feel overly commercial. On the other, you have beautiful tea plantations, cool weather, forest trails, waterfalls, gardens, and a landscape that is genuinely lush and refreshing.

For us, the best parts of Cameron Highlands were the natural ones: the trails, the greenery, the tea estates, and the old colonial touches that still linger across the region. If you go in with the right expectations, avoid peak traffic where possible, and focus on the places that suit your interests, you can have a really lovely time here.

And if you ask us, the trick is simple: leave room for slow travel, and make time to just enjoy the cool air and green views. That is where Cameron Highlands really shines!