Travel with My Lens

Coral Hill Cameron Highlands – Hiking in the Mossy Forest (beautiful and mysterious)

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2023

Categories Visit Malaysia

coral (15) mossy track

Cameron Highlands is renowned for its tea plantations and strawberry farms. However, one thing you definitely don’t want to miss out on during your visit is a wondrous trek through the abundant, green jungles at Coral Hill.

Near the original Mossy Forest of Cameron Highlands sits Coral Hill, an incredible hiking destination. Filled with vibrant green moss and coral-like lichen plants, the trek through nature is a very marvelous experience.

Our Coral Hill Trek

We originally booked a hiking trip to the Mossy Forest. However, because it was closed at the last minute, we switched up our plans. So instead, we decided to join a guided hiking trip up and down Coral Hill at Tanah Rata.

Don’t miss out on watching the Coral Hill hiking video! It is at the end of this article.

Coral Hill is a lush moss-filled jungle landscape in the Cameron Highlands. It is also sometimes referred to as the ‘upper forest’ or ‘cloud forest.’ Short, gnarled trees are covered in a thick layer of moss. It is so beautiful that it almost feels like stepping into a fantasy movie. 

Coral Hill midway

We have no regrets regarding the last-second change of plans. In fact, it turned out to be more of a blessing than anything. In the original Mossy Forests, visitors are not allowed to walk on the trail- only on a boardwalk. If we had gone there, we would not have been able to explore the jungle without the hindrance of man-made construction. 

moss

Our Coral Hill hike did not have a boardwalk, so we could get a much more authentic experience. It was incredible to walk through the moss-covered trees and meander along the winding trails. 

Coral Hill moss on trail

We began our trek around 9 am, entering the Coral Hill trail and being surrounded by mother nature’s stimulating presence. The cool labyrinth of the mossy forest overtook our senses, transporting us into what felt like a different world. 

Coral Hill proved to be a splendid hidden paradise, with some trees covered almost entirely with moss! We also saw poisonous mushrooms, pitcher plants, and a green viper darting underneath a nearby tree. 

Coral Hill green viper

Learning About Nature in the mossy forest

As we walked, our tour guide, Appu, told us interesting facts about the moss. It is much more fragile than many people realize. If anyone steps on it, it will die. Therefore, we had to avoid it under our feet at all times. 

According to Appu, it takes three years for just one centimeter of moss to recover after being killed. The thick layers of moss that cover the trees have been growing for many generations.

Coral Hill thick moss

The moss was once used for medical purposes. During World War II, soldiers used moss as bandages to stop the flow of blood when they had no actual medical supplies to use. 

The soils under our feet were much different from those in other tropical jungles that we had visited before. It was like a soft cushion that trembles where you step, the earth moving under your feet like it is all connected. 

Coral Hill moss on tree

Reaching the summit of the hill

After a couple of hours of hiking, we finally reached the summit at 1,500 meters above sea level. Here you can get the best view of the mountain ranges on a good day.

coral hill narrow strip to summit

Appu paused at the top to point out the various mountains in the distance. Then, he showed us where the highest peak in Cameron Highlands sits. It is called Gunung Brinchang and is about 2,032 meters high, where the original Mossy Forest is located. 

Coral Hill lsummit

The mountain beside it is Mount Irau. Although they look very close together, it takes about 8 hours to get from one peak to the other, up and down. 

Appu also pointed out the rocks at the top of Coral Hill. Indigenous people would use the rock to make a powder for their religious dance ceremonies. 

ants at coral

Descending Coral Hill

We took about two hours of walks to complete the trail as we stopped by many times to admire nature and took pictures. On the way back down, we had to bash through some thick undergrowth and tread carefully over the slippery, soft soil that bends under your feet. 

We took some time to marvel at the magic of mother nature and witness how the moss grows thick over the trees, branches, ground, and some primitive ferns and coral-like lichen plants. We were completely in awe. It looked very similar to a scene in a Lord of the Rings movie. 

coral hill lichen

Because some places along the trail were very slippery, we had to take care when descending. There are also trees on the path in certain areas where you must stop and crawl under. When you go, be careful not to trip or hit your head as you navigate through the tricky jungle trails. 

poisonous mushrooms

Closing Thoughts

Visiting Coral Hill was a very magical and memorable experience. The deep connection we felt with mother nature was truly unrivaled. Feeling the soil tremble under our feet brought life to the forest and imbued it with a sense of consciousness. 

I highly recommend booking a trek through Coral Hill rather than Mossy Forest. You can truly immerse yourself in the beautiful and mysterious surroundings without having to stay on a wooden boardwalk. 

Do remember to bring your insect repellent and sunscreen lotion. Fortunately, there are no leaches in this forest.

exit of the jungle trail

Booking and Contact

I highly recommend booking this tour with our guide, Appu, who was very experienced and informative about the area. The tour company prides itself in providing tours of the area in a safe way that protects the fragile moss and surrounding ecosystems. 

You can email the tour company at [email protected] or order through the website at www.discovercamerons.com.

You can also book tours to other tourist attractions through this company. They offer a full-day experience tour to Cameron Highlands’ top destinations, including Mount Brinchang, Mossy Forest, Boh tea plantation, Parit waterfall, Robinson waterfall, rose garden, butterfly and insect farm, strawberry farm, and other hiking trails.

tracking in cameron highlands

Watch our Coral Hill video shot during our visit to the hotel.

If you have come so far reading this blog post, don’t miss out on the review video we shot during our stay at Coral Hill. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).

cameron highlands jungle tour

Other best places to visit in Malaysia

If you like this article, you may also want to read about other attractive places to visit in Malaysia. Here are two places we have picked for you.

  • Genting Skyworld Theme Park in Malaysia is the latest theme park to open in Southeast Asia in early 2022. Here is the complete guide.
  • Lakehouse Cameron Highlands is a Tudor-style boutique hotel in Cameron Highlands. Do check out our review on Lakehouse!

Asri Bamadhaj

Monday 10th of October 2022

Hi there, I'll be heading to Cameron Highlands soon and wanted to trek Coral Hill. I was trying to checkout the website stated in your write up, www.discovercameron.com, but it's not available.

As the other guided tours include tea plantation etc. and I'm only looking for the trek, I'm wondering what was included in the guided tour you took. Please let me know, look forward to your response.

Tuesday 11th of October 2022

Our tour included transport from our hotel, with the guide, and visiting the Boh Tea plantation. It is the same as what you mentioned.

Wandering the World

Hiking the Jungle Trails in Cameron Highlands

cameron highlands jungle tour

Visiting Cameron Highlands is all about tea and hiking. We took a bus from  George Town to  Cameron Highlands (Unititi Express, $18.73 for the both of us). It was a 5 hour drive, taking us (at least during the last hour or so) through the mountains with views on valleys green and deep. There are throw up bags provided if your stomach can’t handle it.

We  stayed  at  David's Hotel Apartment for five nights, and went hiking on two days. The owner, David Lee, is a very friendly man, eager to share tips and information about Cameron Highlands. He told us about the jungle trails, tea plantations, and certain tours that are being organised.

Ready for the Hike

Hiking Jungle Trail Number 4, 5 and 6

There are about 15 jungle trails in Cameron Highlands, so after some research, Brecht decided to start with an easy one: number 4 . As we were walking, we came across a path leading up and Brecht thought this would be more interesting than continuing trail 4, so we began climbing jungle trail 6. Turns out this particular jungle trail falls within category “moderate to tough”, I agree without a doubt: tough. At the junction between jungle trail 6 and 5, there was a little cabin where we picnicked (some cookies and crackers with Nutella) and had an elaborate lunch break enjoying some reading on our Kindles. We returned to civilisation taking the easy jungle trail 5, spotting some monkeys high up in the trees along the way.

View from Jungle Trail 5

Hiking Jungle Trail Number 1

A couple of days later Brecht deemed us ready for a though jungle trail:  number 1 . We took a cab to Brinchang (RM10) and started walking, the first short part being paved road. When the jungle trail started, it started for real: we immediately had to cross a small water stream. No worries, there were rocks and we were at the other side in a couple of steps, keeping our feet dry. Then the climb started, about two hours to the top, over a muddy trail (it had been raining almost every day) and under fallen trees.

The start of Jungle Trail 1

We took it slow, enjoying the nature and avoiding the mud where possible. At the top we made a detour to the Gunung Brinchang viewpoint . On our left their was a fence and on our right the trees and bushes were closing in, not really worth it. The watchtower a bit further along the road (here it gets paved again) grants a nicer view. That’s also where we paused for a lunchbreak, as there is a little cabin as well. We were on the verge of continuing our hike when the rain started pouring, so we stayed a little longer to read some more, while listening to the rain drumming on the roof of the cabin.

Watchtower for a Perfect Viewpoint

When it stopped raining we continued down the paved road. It led us along the Mossy Forest, which was unfortunately closed for cleaning, as David (the owner of our room) warned. When it’s open, you should really pass through it, it’s supposed to be real nice, like a fairytale. Just make sure not to throw any garbage in the forest, so they won’t have to close it again. We carried on until we reached the tea plantations.

Enjoying some Reading in the Rain

Finally we saw some  views like we’d seen on Pinterest! That was what I was expecting from Cameron Highlands! We made some beautiful photos and continued descending to the BOH Tea Centre . Of course it started raining again and after about one hour and a half we finally reached our destination.

Beautiful Tea Plantations

Warming up at BOH Tea Centre

Entrance is free at the BOH (Best Of Highlands) Tea Centre. You can buy tea and souvenirs, read about their history and visit the tea factory. Luck just wasn’t on our side that day: we arrived too late to see the factory in action. They told us the factory processes the tea leaves between 8h30 and 12h30. We drank away our bad luck with a BOH lemon lime ice tea and a vanilla tea, and enjoyed a strawberry cheesecake, all the while it rained cats and dogs outside. It wasn’t going to stop anytime soon and we couldn’t stay there forever so we started walking, hoping to catch a ride. The very first car that passed us stopped so we hitchhiked all the way in the back of a pick up truck. We realised too late that the rain had formed a little pool in the back and the way down was a lot longer than expected. Soaking wet we took a cab back from Brinchang to our room. Never been happier with a warm shower!

BOH Tea Centre in Cameron Highlands

To me, jungle trail 6 actually seemed a tougher climb than jungle trail 1, but I have to admit jungle trail 1 definitely didn’t steal the name “jungle trail”. This one has more obstacles, like climbing over or under trees that block the path. There were also patches you really had to climb, using both feet and hands. We wouldn’t recommend going with little children, as their legs are going to be too short for some climbs on the trail. Note that when we were there, it had rained a lot, so the trail was muddy and slippery. Although we had a lot of rain, we went to bed satisfied about our hike and especially its accompanying views.

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Hiking the Jungle Trails in Cameron Highlands

9 thoughts on Hiking the Jungle Trails in Cameron Highlands

Hello there! Thanks for sharing your awesome jungle trails experience in Cameron Highlands. I’m going there too, in a few more days. Have a nice day! 🙂

Happy to hear you liked the post! Cameron Highlands was our first taste of hiking and left us wanting for more. We’re now in New Zealand and it’s amazing here as well.

Enjoy your time in Malaysia!

Hi! I’ve been googling a lot about cameron highlands jungle trail 1 because I’m not sure whether I need to hire a guide or I can go without one. Did you go without a guide? Was the trail easy to find? How do you know where to start? Did you have a map or something to help that you can possibly share with me please?

Hi Zahirah,

We did not use a guide and don’t think you need one, unless things have changed considerably. The track was clearly marked or it was very obvious where to go (up, usually).

Take a look at our map in the sidebar for the starting point. The dotted line that goes north from there is track 1. You’ll come across that plate that I’m posing next to in the photos.

Good luck and have fun!

Thank you Brecht for your helpful reply! That’s a relief to hear because the guide at eco travel cameron I approached wanted to charge me RM500 for the guide service! Will get the map in the sidebar. Cheers 🙂

Your post is really informative! Am planning a trip up soon and am hoping to go on some of these hikes with my kids. They are 5 and 7. Which of these trails might be suitable?

Happy to hear you like the post!

Trail 4 is definitely the easiest one as it is quite flat. The part of 5 that we did is doable as well, but I don’t know how the rest of that trail evolves as we merged from 6 (which you should avoid). We didn’t do 7 but it’s supposed to be a tough one.

Have fun hiking!

Hi! Thank you for your post! I wanted to ask you – how many km is it the whole trail 1? And how long did it take?

Thanks for help,

Hiking up trail 1 took about 2 hours over 3km. We then walked to the BOH Tea Center which is another 6.2km.

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The Ultimate Guide To Hiking In The Cameron Highlands

by Grant Simpson | Malaysia , Southeast Asia

The Ultimate Guide To Hiking In The Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

A Guide To Hiking The Cameron Highlands

An early morning wake up call to watch the sunrise over rolling hills, and emerald green tea gardens is only one of the many adventures up for grabs in the Cameron Highlands; where the hiking is abundant and better yet; completely free.

It was late afternoon as I found myself sitting in the back of a small van with baggage stacked up to my nose screaming down the highway; I couldn’t have been more ready to get out and stretch; well; everything.

In just a few short hours we would be in the town of Tanah Rata in the heart of the Malaysian highlands where the air is fresh, and space plentiful.

The Town Of Tanah Rata

Located in the Malaysian state of Pahang; Tanah Rata is a quiet yet bustling town in the heart of the Cameron Highlands.  Its name in Malay translates to flat ground, which refers to the relatively flat valley in which it lies.

Tanah Rata, Malaysia

Tanah Rata is a very popular stop on the backpacker trail not only because of its unusually mild weather (compared to the rest of the country), but also for its picturesque rolling hills, tea plantations, and abundant free hiking trails.

Hiking In The Cameron Highlands

In the world of budget travel; free reigns supreme, and when it comes to hiking in the Cameron Highlands; one is spoiled for choice. The area is laden with on the house adventures ranging from fun day hikes to challenging jungle excursions.

However, there is one adventure that isn’t free of charge, but it is; in my opinion; the only ‘must-do’ activity in the Cameron Highlands, and it’s pure madness.

Sunrise Madness

This adventure starts off at 6 am just outside of your hostel or hotel, where a rusty Land Rover will pick you up for a half hour ride to Mount Brinchang ; the highest point in the Cameron Highlands.

After winding round and round the mountain in the dark, you will arrive at your first stop. A small area just off the road facing East overlooking the rolling hills and waist-high tea plants dimly lit by the rising sun.

Mount Brinchang Viewpoint Sunrise

Mount Brinchang Viewpoint

Watching the sunrise over the highlands is only the first part of the Morning Madness Tour offered by Cameron Secrets ; a local company that claims to be the pioneers of the sunrise tour and one of the best in the Cameron Highlands.

The RM69 or $18 price tag is the cheapest that I could find around town and includes transportation to and from your accommodation, sunrise over the hills, a walk through the Mossy Forest, and a tour of the BOH tea plantation.

The Mossy Forest

Deep in the Batu Gangan Forest Reserve near the top of Mount Brinchang, lies the Mossy Forest . Dense fog engulfs the forest most days which allows moss, lichen, and other micro-organisms to flourish.

Even though the forest is over 200,000 years old, the oldest trees are only a few hundred. This is due to moss and lichen enveloping the trees and adding tons of weight causing them to uproot in high wind and heavy rain conditions which are almost always present.

The Mossy Forest, Malaysia

Soggy wooden platforms covered in moss carry you over the forest floor past downed tree trunks and some of the most exotic flora on Earth.

The Boardwalk Through The Mossy Forest

The Boardwalk Through The Forest

The trip through the Mossy Forest lasts only half an hour ending with a climb up the brand new watchtower overlooking the Cameron Highlands. The temperature in the morning can be quite chilly so I would recommend bringing a jacket.

After you’ve made your way back to the Land Rover you will load up in the back and head off to your third and final destination; the BOH tea plantation.

The BOH Tea Plantation

Founded in 1929 by John Archibald Russell; a British born businessman, and A.B. Milne; a veteran tea planter from Sri Lanka; the BOH tea plantation is the largest producer of black tea in Malaysia.

BOH derives its name from the Chinese word Bohea which means precious happiness and also happens to have been the name of the premium tea grade in early China tea trade.

The BOH Tea Plantation, Malaysia

After WWII and communist threat, Archie’s son Tristan took control of the company growing it to 4 plantations and modernizing with innovative techniques and state of the art machinery of the time.

A BOH Tea Rolling Machine

A BOH Tea Rolling Machine

Today BOH’s four tea plantations; covering roughly 3,000 acres; produce nearly 9 million pounds of tea per year, accounting for about 70% of Malaysia’s tea exports.

BOH Tea Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

That’s A Lot Of Tea

Your guide should give you just over an hour at the plantation to walk through the factory and try some fresh tea and pastries in the cafe overlooking the gardens.

And that; in a nutshell; is what the Morning Madness Tour looks like. You should be leaving the plantation around ten-thirty and arrive back in Tanah Rata around eleven, which leaves plenty of time to hike some of the FREE trails around town.

Time For The Free Stuff

What makes the Cameron Highlands so great; other than the two reasons I mentioned earlier; is that unlike almost every other destination in Southeast Asia; it gives you the option to have an amazing adventure for FREE.

The hiking trails surrounding the town of Tanah Rata are accessible without the use of public transportation and relatively easy regarding time and effort required. However, there is one crucial task that needs to be done before attempting any of the trails.

Travel App : Download an offline map app , particularly Maps.Me. This app has every trail extensively mapped out and makes sure you won’t get lost on some of the more confusing trails. (No one wants to have to come find you in the jungle.)

The trail that leads up to Mount Brinchang where the Morning Madness Tour was located. Unfortunately, for reasons unbeknownst to me; trail one is now permanently closed. 😢

Trail 2 & 3

Trails two and three are better used in combination. Trail two starts at the Sam Poh Temple in the nearby village of Brinchang. It later meets up with trail three leading to Mount Berumbun.

While I didn’t get the chance to hike trail two; I did walk back from Berumbun on trail three which was well marked and a beautiful hike through the jungle.

Distance: 1.7 Miles   Time: 1 Hour

Nature's Obstacles

Nature’s Obstacles

This is a nice option if you don’t want to dive too deep into the jungle. The path is mostly paved and an easy day hike near town. The Parit Waterfall is also on trail four. However, it isn’t anything special, so I wouldn’t go just for the falls.

Distance: 1 Mile    Time: 30 Minutes

Trail 5 & 6

Both trails five and six lead up to Mount Berumbun and are more difficult than some of the others. I decided to go up trail seven and down trail three so I can’t personally recommend either of them, but I was told that trail 5 is an OK path and advised against trail six as it’s quite tricky to navigate.

Trail 5 Distance: 1.5 Miles    Time: 1 Hour Trail 6 Distance: 1.8 Miles    Time: 1 Hour

I decided to hike trail seven at four in the morning to catch the sunrise from Mount Berumbun. Here’s why you should and shouldn’t do that.

First, the hike only takes an hour and a half, not the three that the locals advise. Second, the top of Mount Berumbun is COMPLETELY overgrown, making a sunrise view impossible. Third, the trail is steep, muddy, and wild, BUT it makes for a super fun adventure in the dark!

Distance: 1.2 Miles    Time: 1.5 Hours

Trail 7 Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Tree Root Staircase On Trail 7

Trail 8 & 9

Trails eight and nine both lead to the Robinson Falls , with trail eight carrying on to Mount Berumbun. The start of the trail can be confusing as you have to walk through a greenhouse and past a powerplant with a very unfriendly dog.

Trail 8 Distance: 1.6 Miles    Time: 1 Hour Trail 9 Distance: 0.4 Miles    Time: 10 Min.

Trail 8 Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Jungle Fun On Trail 8

Trail 9a & 9b Warning!

Trails 9a and 9b are both known for frequent robberies of hikers. I would advise going in a group if you want to attempt them, but I don’t know why you would because they only lead you to a road outside of town; nothing to see really.

There are two waterfalls located nearby the town of Tanah Rata. Both are pretty disappointing due to the amount of trash found at both. The Perit Waterfall; in particular; looks like a garbage dump.

Robinson Falls, however, is nice. If you try to not think of the trash; the downed trees and mossy boulders make it a pretty nice place for an afternoon hike. As mentioned before Robinson Falls is accessible by walking trails eight and nine.

Robinson Falls Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Robinson Falls

Aside from my early morning adventure on trail seven; trail ten was one of my favorite in the Cameron Highlands.

A few minutes West of town; trail ten begins behind Tan’s Camellia Garden  and through a couple of claustrophobia-inducing boulders.

Give Me Some Space!

Give Me Some Space!

The first twenty minutes of the hike is fairly easy and well marked as you cross through the damp and dark forest.

Trail 10 Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Easy Hiking On Trail 10

Things start to change as you approach the base of Mount Jasar . The flat wide-open path turns into steep slippery tree root staircases just like on trail seven.

You will eventually run into a massive power station surrounded by cement; covering what was once the visible trail. Just look around for a bit until you find the staircase leading up the mountain, and the rest of the way is cake.

Mount Jasar Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The Top Of Mount Jasar

The sunset from the top of Mount Jasar is supposed to be epic. I, however, wasn’t so lucky with the weather.

Trail ten continues North to the Golden Hills area of Tanah Rata, and I hear that it’s very similar to the hike from the West. Keep in mind that the further you walk from town the more likely it will be that you will need to grab a taxi back, which will entirely ruin the free part of the adventure.

Distance: 0.9 Miles    Time: 1 Hour

Trail 11 & 12

Both trails eleven and twelve have been closed for some time. Apparently, there was a landslide a while back on trail eleven, and it never reopened. As for twelve, there is now a residential development sitting right where it used to lead.

Trail 13 & 14

There is supposedly a trail thirteen that links up with trail fourteen, but I was unable to find it on any map.

Trail fourteen starts in the Mossy Forest and leads you along a ridge to Mount Irau . The trailhead for fourteen was blocked off when I was there, by a sign that said special permission was required to hike any further.

Distance: 1.4 Miles    Time: 1 Hour

Getting To The Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Getting To The Cameron Highlands

As with any other destination in Southeast Asia, the Cameron Highlands is extremely easy to get to. The main routes are from Kuala Lumpur, Penang (George Town), and Teman Negara.

From Kuala Lumpur – Buses leave any of the terminals in KL every half hour; the five-hour bus ride should cost you RM30 or $7.

From Penang – Buses leave the main terminal every half hour, with the ride lasting four and a half hours at RM40 or $10.

From Teman Negara – Buses are hard to come by; instead, you can book a van from Kuala Retang to the highlands for around RM75 or $20 on average.

Where To Stay

There are a dozen hostels in the Cameron Highlands but only two that I have heard good things about and would recommend.

Map Travelodge – This is where I chose to stay, and I had a great experience there. The beds where cubicles with plenty of outlets and a fan; a few even have windows. The price is RM30 or $7.50 per night, and the wifi is pretty bad, but the staff are very friendly.

Father’s Guest House – I heard great things about this place. There seemed to be much more space than at Map Travelodge. It also happens to be where the Cameron Secrets Tours office is located. A bed will cost you RM35 or $9 per night.

That’s All Folks

I believe that is all the information you need to have an amazing trip to the Cameron Highlands. Just remember to keep it cheap and to leave no stone unturned in one of Malaysia’s best adventure destinations.

Have You Hiked The Cameron Highlands?

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Complimentary Jungle Trekking

Have a fun-filled day with us.

For active guests, the hotel provides free guided jungle walking tours. Please contact the hotel reception to make a reservation. Details are as follows:

  • Held daily at 10:00.
  • The Complimentary jungle trekking time is 1 hour / 2 kilometers away.
  • Hiking shoes or sports shoes are required.
  • It has 3-5 difficulty levels, steep climbs and challenging steps.

** Not suitable for the elderly, unwell guests, children and pregnant women ** The event can be cancelled due to bad weather.

For more details please contact:

The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands 30th Mile Ringlet, 39200 Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia Tel: +605 495 6152 Fax: +605 495 6213 Email: [email protected]

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YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS, MALAYSIA

  • Travel Guides
  • May 12, 2023 June 6, 2023
  • by wini.henson

Cameron Highlands a beautiful region located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. This popular tourist destination is known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and cool & misty climate.

GETTING TO CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Transportation to Cameron Highlands is quite straightforward. The town of Tanah Rata is the main hub of Cameron Highlands and is where most of the accommodation, restaurants, and shops are located. Tanah Rata is located about 200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur and can be reached by car or bus. The bus departs from TBS station in KL, and costs 38 MYR/person ($8.50 USD) with CS Travel.  

The tickets can be purchased online, but you must show up at the bus station at least 30-45 minutes before departure , as you need to collect your boarding pass from the counter. The line can be quite long, so give yourself enough time. The journey takes about 4.5 hours, and the road leading up to the highlands is scenic and winding, with breathtaking views of the countryside. If you’re prone to carsickness, make sure you bring some Dramamine!

Cameron Highlands hike to the Cameron Valley Tea House, with rolling green tea plantation.

Tanah Rata has a moderate and pleasant climate due to its high elevation of around 1,400 meters above sea level. T he average temperature in Tanah Rata is around 18°C (64°F) throughout the year , making it a popular destination for those seeking a break from the heat and humidity of Malaysia’s lowlands. The highlands experience two distinct seasons – dry season and wet season. January to April and June to October are the dry months in Cameron Highlands . June is the driest month in Cameron Highlands. Usually, the months of April, May, October, and November are the wettest months . During the rainy season, rainfall is relatively constant, and it is not uncommon for it to rain for several hours a day. However, the rainfall is usually moderate and doesn’t cause major disruptions to travel or tourism activities. We went in May and found that although it rained every day, it normally only started in the afternoons after 1 to 2 pm, and the mornings were beautiful. The cool climate and refreshing breeze make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sightseeing.

Cameron Valley Tea House in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

THINGS TO DO

There are plenty of things to see and do in the Cameron Highlands, especially for nature lovers! 

VISIT THE TEA PLANTATIONS

One of the main attractions is the tea plantations. The highlands are known for their tea production, and visitors can take tours of the tea factories and plantations to learn about the tea-making process. The Boh Tea Plantation and the Cameron Valley Tea Plantation are the two main plantations in the area, and both offer stunning views of the surrounding hills. 

Boh Tea House, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Both plantations are accessible by tour or car. There is also a wonderful hike that you can do directly from Tanah Rata that leads you through the Cameron Valley Tea Plantation. To read about our experience on this hike,  click here .

cameron highlands jungle tour

GO STRAWBERRY PICKING

Another popular attraction in Cameron Highlands is the strawberry farms. Visitors can pick their own strawberries or buy them from the local farmers. There are also plenty of other fresh produce available, such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

cameron highlands jungle tour

GO TREKKING THROUGH THE JUNGLE

For nature lovers, the biggest draw of the highlands is the hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. The Cameron Highlands has a reputation for being one of the top trekking destinations in Malaysia, with a network of 14 well known jungle trails surrounding the main town of Tanah Rata. These trails vary in difficulty, but are very accessible from Tanah Rata. One of the most popular hikes in the area is called the Mount Jasar to Cameron Valley Tea House Loop . It’s a moderately difficult hike, with sections of very steep incline and decline, but it’s well worth the effort. The beginning section leads you up through the dense jungle to a beautiful panoramic viewpoint. 

The middle portion of the hike takes you through beautiful farms and tea plantations, where you can get an up close look at the beautiful tea leaves. 

cameron highlands jungle tour

You finish up the hike at the Cameron Valley Tea House, a beautiful building perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the tea plantation. Here, you can enjoy some food and fresh brewed tea while taking in the views.   

To read about our experience hiking the Mount Jasar to Cameron Valley Tea House trail,  click here .

EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE HIGHLAND FLORA & FAUNA

Another amazing nature experience is visiting The Mossy Forest . It is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the unique flora and fauna of the highlands. 

cameron highlands jungle tour

ABOUT THE MOSSY FOREST

The forest is home to a variety of plants, including pitcher plants, carnivorous plants, mosses, and ferns, and is shrouded in mist all year round. The Mossy Forest is located on the highest peak of the highlands, Gunung Brinchang, which stands at 2,032 meters above sea level. 

The forest is named after the thick carpet of moss that covers the ground, trees, and rocks, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. Because the forest is at such a high altitude, it is constantly blanketed by the mist and moisture from the low-lying clouds, creating an ideal environment for moss, ferns, lichen, and orchids. There is a relaxing 2 km boardwalk through the Mossy Forest , where visitors can take in the unique ecosystem of the Mossy Forest. To read in detail about our full Mossy Forest experience, click here .

Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

EATING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Cameron Highlands is also a great place to try out the local cuisine. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as steamboat (hot pot), sambal belacan (a red chilli paste), and nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf).

There are also plenty of various Indian, Halal, and Middle Eastern restaurants in the area.

Cameron Highlands is a beautiful destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. It is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings.

Click here to read about our time in the Cameron Highlands

Click here to view our Cameron Highlands photo gallery

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The ultimate guide to visiting the cameron highlands.

Photo by TM Yap on Unsplash

Table of Contents

Visiting the Cameron Highlands is an absolute must if you’re planning a trip to Malaysia . The area is only a 3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, but when you arrive you feel like you’ve been transported to a completely different country (and climate!).

The area boasts beautiful green rolling hills as far as the eye can see, full of mossy forests and tea plantations. There are times when it’s almost reminiscent of rural England with its gorgeous countryside views.

The local towns have been heavily influenced by the British. As soon as you arrive in the area, it’s hard not to notice the unique architecture. Many of the cafes in the main town, Tanah Rata, serve scones or afternoon tea, with some hotels even having British-themed menus.

Whether you’re a backpacker or luxury traveller, the Cameron Highlands should be on everyone’s Malaysia itinerary .

In the below guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about visiting the Highlands. This includes where to stay, how to get there, the best things to do in the Cameron Highlands and where to eat.

How to get to the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are 3 hours north of Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia’s capital city. They are in a convenient location for those travelling north to Penang or south to the capital.

The Cameron Highlands are well connected to other major tourist destinations in Malaysia including Ipoh and Penang.

Getting to the Cameron Highlands by bus

If you’re on a budget, the easiest way to get to the Cameron Highlands is by bus. There are several bus companies which operate busses from Kuala Lumpur and other major areas to Tanah Rata, the main town in the Cameron Highlands.

The best way to book busses in Malaysia is by using 12Go Asia . 12Go works with most transport operators in Malaysia including busses and boats. It’s the best way to look at the easiest, fastest and cheapest way of getting around Malaysia.

When booking your bus to the Cameron Highlands, select the town of Tanah Rata as the destination. This is the biggest town in the area and where you’ll find most of the hotels and hostels.

The bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands takes just under four hours. They are air conditioned and generally quite comfortable. The roads into the Cameron Highlands are steep and windy, so I’d suggest taking motion sickness tablets if you need to.

Getting to the Cameron Highlands by private transfer

If you’re not keen on getting the bus, there is the option to book a private transfer to the Cameron Highlands .

It’s worth noting there are limited options for this and it well set you back cost wise.

If you’re travelling from Taman Negara, your accommodation can arrange you a shared shuttle.

Weather in the Cameron Highlands

Being at almost 1500m (5000ft) above sea level, the climate in the Cameron Highlands is much cooler than elsewhere in the country. This makes the Cameron Highlands a unique destination to visit in Malaysia.

The daytime temperature rarely goes above 25 degrees. At nighttime, the temperature often drops below 18 degrees. It was the only place in Malaysia where I needed some warmer clothes for the evening.

The cooler weather makes it perfect for hiking and exploring. However, it tends to rain a lot in the Cameron Highlands. With this in mind, make sure to carry a waterproof jacket.

In terms of the best time of year to visit the Cameron Highlands, there’s not really a clear answer. Ultimately, the area can be visited all year round. The dry season tends to be February to June, so if you want to avoid muddy hiking trails, these months are the best option.

The Cameron Highlands

How long to spend in the Cameron Highlands

Choosing how long to spend in the Cameron Highlands depends on what you want to do. For most, two nights is the best amount of time.

Two nights in the Cameron Highlands gives you a full day to hit one of the hiking trails or visit a local tea plantation.

If you’re keen to hike, see the local area and visit a plantation, you’ll likely need three nights in the Cameron Highlands.

This gives you a full day to do a tour around the area and an extra day to go hiking. I spent three nights in the Cameron Highlands and it was the perfect amount of time.

For more information on planning your perfect itinerary, check out my guide to backpacking in Malaysia .

Where to stay in the Cameron Highlands

Choosing an accommodation in the Cameron Highlands can be a bit of a headache. There’s an array of hotels, hostels and luxury resorts spread out around the area.

The two main towns with most of the accommodation options are Tanah Rata and Brinchang .

For backpackers or those who want to get around easily, I’d suggest staying in the town of Tanah Rata. It’s the perfect place to base yourself. The town’s main street is filled with restaurants serving delicious food and it’s easy to walk around. This is also where the main bus station is.

Brinchang is close-by, but has less to offer and definitely isn’t as nice as its neighbour, Tanah Rata. I also found it tricky to get between the two towns and had to wait 30-minutes for a taxi.

There are plenty of accommodation choices in Tanah Rata for all budgets. Budget Options The main hostels in the Cameron Highlands in Tanah Rata are Bricks, Sleepbox and Traveller Bunker. I stayed in Bricks Hostel and it was nice enough. For a more social experience, I’d consider Traveller Bunker. I met people staying in this hostel and it seemed much more social. Luxury With its beautiful countryside, the Cameron Highlands is the perfect place to splurge and book a countryside retreat. One of the most luxurious resorts in the Cameron Highlands is the Lakehouse Cameron Highlands. The Tudor-style building offers guests a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle.

I use Booking.com when selecting any of my accommodations around the world.

The best things to do in the Cameron Highlands

There is no shortage of things to do in the Cameron Highlands. It’s an outdoor lovers paradise with its rolling hills, ancient rainforests, hiking trails and tea plantations.

Here are a few of my favourite things to do in the Cameron Highlands:

Visit a tea plantation

The Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea, and no trip would be complete without visiting a tea plantation here. You’ll need to leave the main town in order to visit one, and can easily reach them by taxi or as part of a day tour.

The most famous is the Boh Sungei Balas Tea Center. Situated in the most stunning setting with gorgeous 360-degree views, Boh attracts the crowds. It’s free to enter and there is a cafe/restaurant where you can buy a cup of their well-loved tea.

Despite it being the busiest tea plantation in the area, I’d highly recommend visiting here. The views are some of the best we saw in Malaysia. If you book a day trip, it will likely include a stop here.

If you want to escape the crowds, another option is the Kuala Terla plantation. Here, you can opt to go for an ATV ride through the plantations.

Visit the Mossy Forest

The enchanting Mossy Forest is around a 40-minute drive from Tanah Rata. There are plenty of tours available that include a stop here as part of the itinerary.

The Mossy Forest is one of the oldest forests in the country (and some believe the world). Many of the majestic trees are covered from top to bottom with green moss, hence the name. It creates a very eerie, almost fairytale setting, and it’s my favourite thing I did in the Cameron Highlands.

Once you arrive there is the option to do a short, well-maintained walk into the forest and up to a stunning viewpoint showing off views of the forest as far as the eye can see. The walk took us around 15 minutes each way.

Although a bit further away from the main town, a stop here is a must, especially if you love nature.

The entrance fee at the time of visiting was RM30 for adults.

Consider a day tour which includes a visit to Mossy Forest and the Boh Tea Plantation .

The Mossy Forest

Hiking in the Cameron Highlands

There are various beautiful hiking trails in the Cameron Highlands. The main trails are numbered 1 through 14. Each trail is of varying difficulty meaning there is a hiking trail for everyone.

Due to rain and landslides, it’s not uncommon for the trails to be closed. Your accommodation will be able to tell you what the status is when you visit.

Unfortunately, when I visited, the rain meant only trail 6 was open. I went in the rainy season in January, so if you want to hike it might be best to avoid this time.

If you’re planning to hike in the Cameron Highlands, research the hikes ahead of time and decide which is best for you.

Walk to Robinson Falls

If you want a short and more local walk, a stroll to Robinson Falls is an option. It’s by no means the most spectacular waterfall you’ll ever see, but it’s worth a visit if you have the time.

The concrete path there is relatively well maintained, but wear sensible shoes are there were some slipperyy parts.

Visit a local market

With its unique climate, the Cameron Highlands are the perfect spot for growing a variety of fresh produce including strawberries and a range of vegetables.

There are several food markets dotted around the area which give you the chance to view and buy some of the locally grown products (especially strawberries).

I visited Kea Farm Market which is a well-known market selling a range of produce. The market is located just outside of Brinchang, so you’ll need to get a taxi from Tanah Rata.

I bought some of the local strawberries for a fraction of the cost than in the UK and they were delicious.

Have afternoon tea

With the Brits having a heavy influence on the area, afternoon tea is a popular pastime in the Cameron Highlands. At the least, most restaurants or cafes will sell scones with jam (and sometimes whipped cream – yes I know, WHIPPED cream, not clotted, the Brit in me nearly imploded).

A quick walk down the main street and you will see lots of advertisements for the “best afternoon tea in town” so you can choose your spot.

Many of the hotels on the outside of the towns offer luxury afternoon teas.

Go strawberry picking

There are endless strawberry farms in the Cameron Highlands. If you visit at the right time of year, you’ll be able to go strawberry picking .

Many farms grow strawberries all year round, but most will only offer strawberry picking in the peak season between May and August when the strawberries are at their best.

I was there in January and nowhere was offering the activity, but if I ever return it will definitely be something I do.

The Cameron Highlands

Day tours in the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands area is full of exciting activities, ancient forests and stunning countryside. To access most of these attractions, you’ll need to use a car. Taxi costs can add up, so it’s worth looking at a day tour to try and cut down on costs.

There are many tour providers in the area offering varying half-day and full-day tours allowing you to easily visit multiple attractions.

These are often sold through the hostels and hotels and can be booked last minute. There is normally either a half-day or full-day option.

I chose the half-day tour and visited:

  • A viewpoint over the tea plantations
  • The Mossy Forest including a hike through the main path
  • Boh Tea Plantation

The full day tour also included a visit to a strawberry and butterfly farm. Due to the time of year I visited, I decided this wasn’t worth the extra money.

There are also tours available to varying tea plantations, extended jungle treks and to local villages. You can book these on Klook which tends to be the best agent in that part of the world.

If you’d rather not do a tour and want to travel at your own pace, you can speak to your accommodation about booking a taxi or even hiring a local driver to take you around for the day.

Where to eat in the Cameron Highlands

There is no shortage of food options in the Cameron Highlands. Tanah Rata has many restaurants including Indian, Malaysian and Western (there’s even a Starbucks).

One of my favourite restaurants in the Cameron Highlands was an Indian restaurant called Highlands Spice. It served authentic Indian food and is some of the best I have ever eaten.

If you’re after somewhere with nightlife, fair warning, this is not the Cameron Highlands. There are one or two bars dotted around, but people don’t come here to party.

Is visiting the Cameron Highlands worth it?

Absolutely! A trip to the Cameron Highlands is a must on any visit to Malaysia. It’s such a unique destination in Malaysia and allows you to see another side to the country.

With its mossy ancient rainforests, endless hiking trails and British influence, it’s the perfect place to go spend a few days exploring and relaxing.

Did you find this post helpful? Share on social media below or check out my other Malaysia posts.

Cameron Highlands

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[3D2N] Taman Negara Cameron Highlands Tour Package

[3D2N] Taman Negara Cameron Highlands Tour Package

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  • Price: USD 600 per pax (2 to go)

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Taman Negara Cameron Highlands Tour Package 3 days 2 nights include 1 night stay at Mutiara Taman Negara and 1 night stay at Strawberry Park Resort, Cameron Highlands.

This 3 days 2 nights Tour Package is the combination of Taman Negara 2 Days 1 Night & Cameron Highland 2 Days 1 Night.

On Day 1, pick up early in the morning from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then drive for 1.5 hours to visit Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. We will then drive to Kuala Tahan Jetty , then to check in to Taman Negara National Park (Pahang). In the evening, we will do the night walk and dinner will b prepared at the hotel. On Day 2, we will do the juggle trekking, canopy walk and at 12pm, check out and we will drive to Cameron Highlands. Dinner will be prepared for you at the hotel.

On Day 3, visit Boh Tea Plantation, Kea Farm Market, Strawberry Park, Cactus Valley, and we will drive to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival in KL, tour ends.

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara

cameron highlands jungle tour

08.30 am:Pick-up from your hotel in KL City Centre and depart to Kuala Gandah Elephant Santuary . NOTE: Journey will take around 1.5 hours.

10.00 am Arrive at Kuala Gandah Elephant Santuary .

Enjoy activities in the Elephant Sanctuary:

  • Watch a video show
  • Photo session
  • Feeding the baby elephants
  • Bathing the baby elephants (at your own expense)

12.00 pm Depart to Kuala Tahan Jetty . NOTE: Journey will take around 2.5 hours. NOTE: Lunch en route at own expenses.

03.00 pm Expected arrival, cross to Taman Negara by boat (less than 2 minutes) (Official Check-in Time is 3.00pm) Registration for entry permit and licenses.  Registration for Chalet (Early check in are subject to room availability only).

07.00 pm Dinner at Seri Mutiara Restaurant.

08.30 pm Introduction of guide at Main Lobby.

08.45 pm Proceed to Night Jungle Walk with Nature Guide. (1 – 1 ½ hours) (INCLUDED). Attire: Long Pants, Long Sleeve Shirt, Sport Shoes, Insect Repellent, Flashlight. Enjoy the experience walking inside the rainforest at night. Learn about nocturnal plants & insects. Catch sights of mammal’s en-route (sambar deer, mouse deer and porcupine, if you are lucky)

Day 2: Taman Negara to Cameron Highlands

Breakfast, Dinner

07.30 am: Breakfast at Seri Mutiara Restaurant.

09.30 am: Jungle Trekking to Canopy Walkway (Canopy Walk closed every Friday and only children aged 7 years & older are allowed) and Teresek Hill with Nature Guide (3 ½ – 4 hours).  Attire: Long/Short Pants, Short Sleeve Loose Cotton T-Shirt, Sport Shoes, Insect Repellent (no denim/jeans and tight/body shape shirt)

Soft adventure activity – walking to the rainforest and enjoy panoramic view of Gunung Tahan from Teresek hill. Experience Canopy Walkway, the longest tree top suspension bridge in the world with 530 metres long and 50 metres height from the ground.

12.00 pm: Registration out and room key return.

01.00 pm: Assemble at resort jetty, cross to Kuala Tahan Jetty by boat (less than 2 minutes). NOTE: Lunch en route at own expenses or you can dine in Mutiara Resort at own expenses.

01.30 pm: Depart to Cameron Highlands. NOTE: Journey will take around 5 hours.

06.30 pm: Expected arrival – drop-off at your hotel in Cameron Highlands. Tour ends.

07.30 pm: Dinner at hotel – Steamboat Dinner. Free & easy after dinner.

Day 3: Cameron Highlands - Kuala Lumpur

07.00 am: Breakfast at hotel. Check out hotel. Leave your luggage with your driver guide.

08.30am: Jeep 4×4 Wheel will come and pick-up from hotel and head to Mossy Forest.  We will do the Mossy Forest Hike (sharing) travel with a Jeep 4×4 Wheel .

09.00am: Arrive at Mossy Forest entrance. Buy entrance ticket at own cost and start Mossy Forest walk. The journey takes around 2 hours. In Mossy Forest, you can experience the chilly and moist atmosphere. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and jacket.

Description: Due to the humidity, cold weather and high altitude in Mossy Forest, most of the trees are not higher than 10 metres. With the misty air, the forest looks more mystical. The view at the top also glamorous if you can hike until the top of the Gunung Brinchang.

11.30pm: Visit Palas Tea Plantation also known as BOH Tea Plantation .

Spanning over 465 hectares, BOH Tea Garden is the largest and oldest of BOH’s tea gardens. It is the home of BOH’s first tea factory which was built in the 1930’s. The near 2-kilometre journey from the entrance of the tea garden to the tea centre is filled with a variety of scenic spots that grab one’s immediate attention. Attractions in Boh Tea Plantation are

  • The BOH CafĂŠ offers a wide range of BOH Teas and an assortment of light bites and confectionaries (You have to try the cakes!)
  • Take a trip down memory lane at the BOH Exhibition Gallery
  • Visit BOH’s Tea Gift Shop to get souvenirs for your loved one
  • Tea Tasting Session where we educate visitors how to appreciate tea
  • Host of Photo Spots against the backdrop of lush tea plantations

01.00pm: Meet with your original driver guide, then tour continues visit:

  • Kea Farm Market
  • Butterfly Farm
  • Time Tunnel
  • Strawberry Farm & Cactus Valley

04.00 pm Depart to Kuala Lumpur.

08.00 pm Arrival in Kuala Lumpur. Tour ends.

What is included?

  • 2 x night accommodation as per itinerary. Day 1: Mutiara Taman Negara (Chalet) Triple Sharing Day 2: Strawberry Park Resort (Studio Suite) Triple Sharing
  • Meals as per itinerary (2 x Breakfast, 2 x Dinner)
  • Tours & Transfers as per itinerary.
  • Mossy Forest Hike with Jeep Drive (Sharing Tour)
  • Driver Guide x 1
  • Driver Guide accommodation, salary and meals
  • Entrance fees for
  • Private Tour
  • 2D1N Explorer Package at Mutiara Taman Negara (please note activities in Taman Negara are based on group joining basic organized by Mutiara Taman Negara)
  • Guided Activities with Nature Guide: ** Night Jungle Walk ** Jungle Trekking to Canopy Walkway & Trekking to Teresek Hill

What is not included?

  • Peak Season Surcharge
  • Entrance fees of Mossy Forest.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Item not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Expenses at Kuala Gandah Elephant Santuary (based on donation) .
  • Visit Taman Negara & Cameron Highlands within 3 Days 2 nights
  • Full with activities in the wild and nature – Canopy Walk – Longest in the world, Jungle Trekking, Mossy Forest Hike with Jeep Drive, Strawberry Park, Cactus Valley etc.
  • Staying in best resort in Taman Negara – Mutiara Taman Negara.

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Pahang, Malaysia.

Tour Style

Tour Style:

Private Journey

Activity

Sightseeing

Days

Minimum pax:

Minimum two person

Accommodation

Accommodation:

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Complete Guide to Trekking in the Cameron Highlands

Complete Guide to Trekking in the Cameron Highlands

Overview of trekking in the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands has a reputation for being one of the top trekking destinations in Malaysia, with a network of 14 well known trails surrounding the main town of Tanah Rata. Despite this reputation, we found it challenging to find information about certain trails such as estimated time to complete, elevation gain, etc. Also, many of the paths were closed due to construction or advised against due to multiple robberies on certain trails.

Guides are not required to trek many of the 14 trails in the Cameron Highlands. However, signage is limited to non existent on certain trails and it can be easy to get lost. There have also been accounts of robbery on the trails as well. Because of this, you should let the hostel owner know what trail you are taking, what time you are leaving at, and the time you expect to return. I also would advise against trekking alone, especially on the less popular trails, as we didn’t encounter many other hikers.

Did you know?  The trail network of the Cameron Highlands was originally used by the military in the 1960’s in order to patrol the borders of the state against Communist forces. 

If you have any additional information about the trails that you know of or would like to add, please comment below so I can update the guide. An additional helpful (although a bit outdated) resource for helping to plan your trekking can be found here . As well, this Wikitravel Guide also has some good information on trekking the Cameron Highlands.

How to avoid getting lost on the trails

A map of the trail network can be found at most tourist information centres throughout the city. However, if you have a smartphone, the best way to decrease your chances of getting lost is by downloading the maps.me application as it also contains the trail network.

Wait, what’s maps.me?

Maps.me is an application that can be downloaded onto your smartphone via iOS or Android. Maps can be downloaded of each country and can then be viewed offline. So, if you ever find yourself lost in a foreign country and with no data plan, maps.me is your savior . Map data is contributed publicly by users from all over the world via Open Street Maps .

Out of the 14 trails, we managed to hike trails 3, 4, 7 and 10. The rest of the trail descriptions are based on what we heard from other travelers and locals in the area. Make sure you do your proper research before setting off and always inform someone of where you are going and when you expect to come back!

Trail Network of the Cameron Highlands

Trail 1:  updated may 28, 2017 – trail 1 is now closed..

Trail 1 leads to the top of Gunung Brinchang , at 2,032 m. We opted for the tour to get to the top instead, but met a fellow traveller at the look out who had walked the full way. The hike is quite long, but also rewarding as it passes some beautiful scenery through the Boh Tea Plantations and leads you to the second highest peak in the Cameron Highlands.

If you are in Tanah Rata and on foot, you may need to either hitchhike or take a taxi to get to the trail head. The trail head is located just north of the town of Brinchang.

If you are feeling particularly ambitious, you may be able to continue on towards the trail head of Trail 14 . This trail will lead you up a ridge to the summit of Gunung Irau , which at 2,110 m is the highest summit in the Cameron Highlands.

The two pictures below show the view from the summit of Gunung Brinchang. If you are a hiker, be warned: as Gunung Brinchang is a part of the most popular tours, expect to find lots of tourists with you at the summit!

Trekking in the Cameron Highlands: The Complete Guide

Trail 2 starts from the village of Brinchang at the Buddhist temple and merges with Trail 3 further on. It is not well marked and quite hilly.

Trail 3 takes you to the top of Gunung Berembun at 1,840 m. I’ll be honest with you: The top of Gunung Berembun is nothing to write home about. The summit is so overgrown you only get the tiniest of views. Even still, we really enjoyed Trail 3 for the walk itself. The trail is clear and well defined, and takes you through jungle, crosses rivers, and through beautiful vegetation and scenery.

There is more than one way to hike Trail 3. We started by taking Trail 7 up to the top of Gunung Berembun, then came back down Trail 3 and Trail 4. It took us just under four hours.

Trails 3, 4 and 7 in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

We took Trail 4 as part of Trails 3 and 7. If you are looking for a short and easy hike, Trail 4 by itself is a good option and is mostly paved. There is an option along the trail to see some waterfalls. Unfortunately, the waterfalls themselves are not so impressive. There was a ton of garbage in and around the waterfalls when we went, and the water is very muddy.

Although we didn’t manage to hike Trail 5, we heard good reviews from other travelers.

We were advised against taking Trail 6 as it is supposedly an easy trail to get lost in, with little to no signage.

Trail 7 is a beautiful trail that is relatively easy to follow. The first 250 m of the trail are extremely overgrown, but afterwards the trail widens and it’s much more pleasant. We took Trail 7 to reach the top of Gunung Beremban, and then came back down Trails 3 and 4. See Trail 3 for more info.

Near the trail head for Trail 7. The trail was extremely overgrown for the first 250 m, but cleared up afterwards.

Trail 8, similar to Trails 3 and 7, takes you to the summit of Gunung Berembun. This trail starts from the Robinson Waterfall before joining up with Trail 3.

Trails 9 and 9a:

We heard several people (both locals and tourists) advising us not  to try Trail 9 due to multiple robberies occurring.

Trail 10 Route in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Trail 10 is a beautiful half day hike. It passes through ancient mossy rainforest, with the ground feeling quite “spongy” as you walk due to the buildup of moss. There were signs along the way. At the end of the trail, we exited into a large commercial electrical power plant, which we walked along before joining up with the road. We then walked along the road and observed several construction sites while heading back into town.

View from the top of Trail 10.

Trail 11 – Temporarily Closed

Trail 11 was closed when we were in the area (late May of 2016) due to a landslide.

Trail 12 – Permanently Closed

Trail 12 is permanently closed. We heard that the mountain that Trail 12 leads up to was dug out for real estate development. Cameron Highlands is growing at an astounding rate. If there was ever a time to visit it before it loses even more of it’s natural beauty, it’s now, before it’s too late.

cameron highlands jungle tour

The mysterious Trail 13. According to  this site , it merges with Trail 14. It’s the only trail out of the fourteen that isn’t shown on  Open Street Maps . If you do happen to come across any information on it, please let me know and I will update the guide.

Trail 14 takes you along a forested ridge to the summit of Gunung Irau, the highest summit in the Cameron Highlands. Although we didn’t have time to do it, it sounds like an amazing trek through much of the mossy forest, and with spectacular scenery looking like something out of Lord of the Rings! I’ve heard that the trail can get very muddy and is also very challenging, so make sure you come prepared and inform others of where you are headed. The trailhead to Gunung Irau starts at the end of the boardwalk through the mossy forest on Trail 1.

To tell you the truth, four days was too short. The Cameron Highlands was one of those places that I could easily have spent a few weeks. Okay, okay, so that may be more to do with the average 18 degrees Celsius and less to do with the town of Tanah Rata, which is quite small with not much going on. But even still, the natural beauty and cooler temperatures of the surroundings make it a must see destination if you ever happen to find yourself in Malaysia.

You might also like:

  • Half Day Tour Review in the Cameron Highlands
  • The Complete Budget Guide to the Cameron Highlands

The ultimate guide to trekking in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands has an extensive trail network of 14 trails surrounding the towns of Tanah Rata and Brinchang. Which trail is right for you? Read on to find out how you can make the most of your stay in the beautiful Cameron Highlands.

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The Cameron Highlands: Half Day Tour Review

The Cameron Highlands: Half Day Tour Review

Guide to the Cameron Highlands on a Budget

Guide to the Cameron Highlands on a Budget

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Mossy forest cameron highlands – latest guide 2024.

Cameron Highlands mossy forest

Table of Contents

If you’re visiting the Cameron Highlands in 2024 the Mossy Forest should definitely be on your list. A visit to the Cameron Highlands mossy forest is a unique, magical and memorable experience. The Cameron Highlands mossy forest is a beautiful damp rainforest located at the peak of Gunung Brinchang mountain (2032m).

But lots of things have changed at the Cameron Highlands mossy forest – and there is a lot of old information still floating about on the web. So please read our guide carefully if you are planning to visit the mossy forest.

In this article we will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know to plan your trip to the Cameron Highlands mossy forest. HOW to get there, prices, what to expect and where to stay in the Cameron Highlands.

GET EQUIPPED – Book your Mossy Forest Tour on KLOOK (also includes the BOH tea plantations)

GET INSPIRED – The best things to do in the Cameron Highlands  

Don’t miss our Cameron Highlands adventures…

If you want to see our adventures around the Cameron Highlands including the mysterious mossy forest then check out our adventure-tastic youtube

Where is the mossy forest located?

Here is a map showing exactly WHERE the mossy forest is located – AND remember although there is a road to this location you are not allowed to drive up here in your own car (more on this soon)

The mossy forest is located along the ridges at the peak of Gunung Brinchang mountain in the Cameron Highlands. At an elevation of 2032m the climate is consistently cool here. The mossy forest is 15km north of Tanah Rata by road (Tanah Rata is the main town in the Cameron Highlands). It is not possible to drive all of the way to the mossy forest. There is a checkpoint that only allows registered jeep taxis to pass.  

How do you get to the mossy forest?

Firstly you need to get to Tanah Rata in the Cameron highlands. Don’t miss our step by step guide on how to travel from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands .

cameron highlands jungle tour

It is not possible to drive all the way up to the mossy Forest. If you attempt to drive up to the peak there is actually a check point where you will be stopped on the way. The main way to get up to the mossy forest now is to take one of the approved jeeps up the hill. Alternatively grit your teeth and walk up.

cameron highlands jungle tour

If you want to visit the mossy forest you need to pay for a Jeep which will take you from the Nova Highlands Hotel all the way to the mossy Forest. You do not need to book these in advance. Just turn up (earlier in the day is better) and speak to a driver. It is likely to cost around RM15 -20 PER PERSON to take a jeep to the mossy forest (return journey). You will probably have around 1 hour to explore the area – arrange this with your driver.  

cameron highlands jungle tour

Alternatively you can arrange tours which include a visit to the mossy Forest. There are several tour operators based in Tanah Rata offering trips that include the mossy Forest. You will also need to pay the entrance fee to visit the mossy Forest out of all of the things to do in the Cameron Highlands this is one of the more expensive experiences.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Discover Camerons Travel & Tour OFFER tours that include the Mossy Forest AND the Boh Tea plantations for RM50 per person (RM35 for children 4 – 11 years old) NOT included entrance fees for the Mossy forest (Adults RM30 and Children RM15).

+6019-563 6405

http://www.discovercamerons.com/

[email protected]

How much does it cost to visit the Cameron Highlands mossy forest?

cameron highlands jungle tour

Not only do you need to pay for a jeep taxi up to the mossy forest. You also need to pay for a ticket to visit the Mossy Forest. Prices to enter the Cameron Highlands Mossy Forest: 

Adults 13 years old and up RM30 (around ÂŁ6 or $8)

Children 12 years and below RM15 (around ÂŁ3 or $4) 

Infants are charged a child’s fee (yeah that’s a bit tight!)

What can you see at the mossy forest?

cameron highlands jungle tour

At an elevation of 2032m the Cameron Highlands mossy forest is made up of small crooked trees covered in moss, lichen, flowers, fungi and vines. The mossy forest has aptly been called the Avatar Forest. We love the range of beautiful unique flora and fauna that you can see in the mossy forest.

Keep an eye out for beautiful Monkey Cups hanging from the trees (also known as Tropical Pitcher plants). These unusual plants are carnivorous, attracting unsuspecting insects (and occasionally reptiles) with their sweet scent and sugary nectar. You can occasionally hear cicadas in the forest – an impressively loud tropical insect. 

cameron highlands jungle tour

This unique ecosystem results from the consistently cool damp climate at these high altitudes. Under these conditions the trees grow more slowly compared to low-altitude rainforest. This creates a very strange, crooked, eerie and beautiful environment to explore. There is something so PEACEFUL and SERENE about this remarkable location. This remarkable habitat is home to a wide range of plant-life, including so many medicinal plants it has become affectionately known as “nature’s pharmacy”. 

cameron highlands jungle tour

The mossy forest has a 2km wooden walkway leading through the trees. The walkway is to protect the environment from tourism. There are several points where you can sit down and look out over the beautiful view. The Cameron Highlands mossy forest located on the state border between Perak and Pahang.

cameron highlands jungle tour

The view over the jungle mountains is GENUINELY spectacular. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear sunny day, you can see miles over the hills and enjoy the lovely fresh mild air. 

How long do you need to visit the mossy forest?

cameron highlands jungle tour

We recommend spending at least 1-2 hours at the Cameron Highlands mossy forest. This is definitely a nice place to slow right down and TAKE IN the natural beauty.

What else is there to do near the mossy forest Cameron Highlands?

cameron highlands jungle tour

There are LOADS of other things to do in the Cameron Highlands. If you are planning a visit to the Cameron Highlands mossy forest we recommend that you stop in at the Boh Tea plantations on the way. The Boh Tea plantations have a cafe serving cakes, scones, sandwiches and of course tea. This is also a great place to walk through the rolling hills with tea terraces.  Be aware that the Boh Tea plantation cafe can get busy. We recommend stopping in early if possible. 

Where are THE BEST places to stay NEAR the Cameron Highlands mossy forest?

cameron highlands jungle tour

The BEST area to stay to visit the Cameron Highlands mossy forest is the MAIN TOWN which is called Tanah Rata. This town has lots of cafes, restaurants, convenience stores and this is the location of the main bus station in the Cameron Highlands. ALSO you can easily book tours in Tanah Rata from lots of little tour offices in town.

HERE are some excellent places to stay in the Cameron Highlands

If you’re on a budget you can get GREAT value for money at Bricks Backpackers Hostel (around ÂŁ10 – ÂŁ30 per night) – very central in Tanah Rata and feel good vibes. 

cameron highlands jungle tour

AND the Rustique Guest House is also a great AFFORDABLE option in Tanah Rata. 

cameron highlands jungle tour

Definitely CHECK OUT the Lake House for colonial style, class, elegance and luxury. Large and beautifully furnished. 

cameron highlands jungle tour

Or What about the incredible Cameron Highlands Resort – regal, luxurious and grand. THE perfect place to SPLASH OUT.

cameron highlands jungle tour

The Smoke House Hotel is ANOTHER tasteful historic tudor style colonial country house with an amazing restaurant

cameron highlands jungle tour

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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This Wild Life Of Mine - travel and wildlife blog

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Taking a jungle hike through the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Jungle Hiking in the Cameron Highlands

Malaysia is the kind of country where even the endless bus journeys are full of stunning scenery. Heading to the Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur by bus takes about three and half hours (not including the two train rides just to get to the bus station), with the last hour or so taking you along windy roads through lush, green landscapes, including the tea plantations for which the area is so famous. I couldn’t wait to get out hiking in the Cameron Highlands.

The main town in the area is Tanah Rata , one main street long. It’s fairly touristy, with lots of souvenir shops and restaurants, but the surrounding hills and walks more than make up for that.

Speaking of walks, oh my god I can still feel the aching in my legs from the jungle walk I did there, even all this time later. I was so unfit.

Who am I kidding? I’m still unfit.

Disclaimer: this website contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase or booking, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue this blog and help wildlife around the world!

cameron highlands jungle tour

Hiking the Cameron Highlands Solo

With no tours running that particular day, I decided to go it alone and walked the 5km to the next town, Brinchang. From there you can take Jungle Track 1 , a fairly tough uphill trek through dense jungle that takes you to the 2000m summit of Gunung Brinchang, the highest mountain in the state. Further up it can get very muddy, but there are some very helpful ropes at the most difficult points.

As you’re hiking through the jungle, there are no views until you almost reach the top. I spent the last third of that walk praying I’d just get to the top already. Then, about five minutes from the summit, there’s a break in the trees and you can see the surrounding peaks.

After the almost claustrophobic nature of the forest, the rolling hills stretching out in front of you really take your breath away.

Taking a jungle hike through the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The Mossy Forest

I’d spent the entire hike alone, not a soul in sight but at the summit I meet a few other travellers from my hostel who were also out hiking the Cameron Highlands. They had left the hostel just minutes before I did. After checking out the viewing platform at the top of a wooden tower at the peak of Gunung Brinchang, we headed a little down the road (yes, you can drive to the summit, but the hike is so much more satisfying) to the Mossy Forest.

The Mossy Forest isn’t really all that mossy, but the short walk along the boardwalks is really quite lovely. I’d never been in a cloud forest before. The boardwalk is there to protect the fragile ecosystem of the forest from the growing number of visitors to the Cameron Highlands, so it’s very important to respect the area and stay on the wooden walkway.

The group from the hostel then decided to continue from the Mossy Forest to the summit of Gunung Irau, a slightly higher peak that is actually across the border in the next state. My legs were already killing me, so I decided not to join them and continued down the road instead. Every step was painful but I kept going.

At the top of the hike in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations

All that pain was totally worth it, because suddenly I turned a corner and BAM! there was the tea plantation I was hoping for. A spectacular sight.

A few workers in those famous conical hats wandered through the tea leaves tending to the crop. They stopped their work and stared as I passed by, but I guess it was only fair, since I was also staring at them. This was what I came to the Cameron Highlands to see. It was like something straight out of a travel magazine.

Hiking in the Cameron Highlands is the perfect way to see Malaysia’s largest tea-producing region, the hills carpeted in the lush, green crop. The area’s cooler climate makes it the perfect place to grow the precious tea. Walking down that road, you would almost think the plantations had been here forever. Surprisingly, they are a more recent addition to the environment here: most were founded in the 20th century and are less than a hundred years old.

The famous tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Getting back to Tanah Rata

Just as I’ve hobbled my way down to the bottom of the plantations, a car pulled up. It was a Malaysian couple on their honeymoon. They were very concerned about the fact I was walking by myself, even though it was broad daylight in a fairly busy area. They offered me lift into Brinchang, saving me several kilometres walk. The couple were absolutely lovely, and quite funny, especially when the wife berated the very chagrined husband after he accidentally drove their rental car over a raised edge of a car park. You could definitely tell who wears the pants in that relationship!

A second hitchhike from a middle-eastern man with no English driving a refrigerated truck (wait, does that sound like the start of a horror movie??), brought me back to Tanah Rata. I’m in desperate need of a shower, food and sleep. Oh, my poor feet.

The next morning it was onto another bus, off to  George Town in Penang , home of street art and street food.

Practical Info:

  • The tea plantations bring a lot of visitors to the area, so there’s no shortage of accommodation options for any budget. Since I visited, the number of hostels has greatly increased. Check out booking.com to see what’s available.
  • Because of the number of tourists, Tanah Rata and Brinchang have everything you might need. ATMs, restaurants, groceries, laundry, pharmacy, etc.
  • Restaurants serve a variety of Western and Asian cuisine, so there’s something for everyone. There’s even a Starbucks!
  • There are several tours available in Tanah Rata. They can take you to the tea plantations, strawberry farms, waterfalls, etc. Just approach one of the booths a day in advance. Or you can do a self-guided tour if you have your own transport (or two working legs). There are many walking trails in the area, some to plantations, some to waterfalls. Some are more popular than others, and the information on several of them is lacking, leading to a bit of confusion over where they start/end. The one I did, Jungle Trail 1 is popular and fairly easy to follow and covers a lot of what makes the Cameron Highlands so special.
  • A note on hitchhiking: yes, I hitchhiked here. Twice. But I always say – go with your gut. If you’re not comfortable or something doesn’t feel right, don’t stay in that situation. Don’t be afraid of being rude or annoying someone if it means you feel safer.

Have you ever been to the Cameron Highlands? Do you want to go? Tell me in the comments below!

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Trekking Trails in the Cameron Highlands

Jungle Trails, Waterfalls, and Temples to Trek to Near Tanah Rata

Getty Images / SANCHAT SANCHAINARA

Picturesque tea plantations, a cool climate, and lush scenery lure hordes of tourists upward into the famed Cameron Highlands of Malaysia . These jungle-surrounded summits in Southeast Asia beckon backpackers and adventurous outdoor lovers alike.

The tropical trails here spider through tea plantations, leading trekkers through a confusing matrix of established brick paths and barely-noticeable dirt tracks to its renowned peaks. Many of them are steep, poorly maintained, and difficult to navigate, but trail maps of Tanah Rata are cheap and the uncharacteristically cool temperatures are just too tempting to skip.

Some may be apt to join a guided tour rather than venture off into the jungle alone. Booking these through a hotel or hostel is the best way to ensure that a company is reputable and legitimate.

Gunung Brinchang

Mount Brinchang, at an elevation of 6,666 feet, is the highest peak in the Cameron Highlands. An observation tower at the top provides panoramic views of the Titiwangsa Mountains, but because it's accessible by road (and is a popular destination for tour groups ), don't expect to be rewarded for this strenuous hike with solitude.

Those who choose to make the journey sans guide will start on Trail 1, which is located on the left side of the main road north of Brinchang, just before Multicrops Central Market. Look for a white stone labeled "1/48." The steep trek takes about four hours for fit hikers. Start early before the afternoon mist obscures summit views.

Parit Falls

For an easier, more family-friendly hike, take Trail 4—north of Century Pines Resort in Tanah Rata—to a hidden waterfall. The short walk to Parit Falls passes through a recreational nature park and small community, eventually spitting trekkers out at the only golf course in the Cameron Highlands.

Sam Poh Temple

In Malaysia, temples reign. The Sam Poh Temple just south of Brinchang is the largest religious structure in the Cameron Highlands. This walk is challenging (albeit rewarding) and, in some areas, poorly maintained. Getting to Sam Poh Temple may require some bushwhacking.

Trekkers will begin at Trail 4 past Parit Falls and turn right at the golf course to continue walking on Trail 3 (look for a private drive on the right side of the road and find the trailhead behind Arcadia Bungalows). When you reach the marker, take Trail 2 to the temple.

Robinson Falls

Possibly the most attractive of the two waterfalls near Tanah Rata is Robinson Falls. This little oasis can be easily found at the bottom of a hill. Take Trail 9, which starts about a mile southeast of Tanah Rata. The trailhead starts at a footbridge and is marked by a yellow sign. This trail turns into a service road for the power station. You can also access the Boh Tea Estate by veering to the left onto Trail 9A.

Boh Tea Estate

The Boh Tea Estate is a major tourist attraction in Malaysia, both because of its expansive green tea fields and the fact that it's the largest manufacturer of black tea in the entire country. It can be reached on foot easily via Trail 9A, which can be combined with a walk to Robinson Falls. You'll take the trail to the main road of Habu Village, then turn left and continue for a couple of miles to the scenic estate. Be sure to check the opening hours before you go. If you're wiped after the hike, you may hail one of the northbound buses rather than walk back up the steep road.

Gunung Beremban

Trails 3, 7, and 8 come to a head at the leg-burning summit of Gunung Beremban. All three trails require at least a three-hour hike for the fit, but Trail 8 from Robinson Falls is perhaps the least punishing. A steep scramble awaits at the finish.

Cameron Bharat Tea Estate

This lush, green plantation is a less-touristy alternative to visiting the colossal Boh Tea Estate, but requires a bit more perseverance when venturing on foot. The route from Trail 10 passes the summit of Gunung Jasar—which is recommended to hike only with a guide—and ends on Trail 6, which is notoriously difficult to follow and sometimes closed. Hikers who go it alone might rather start in Tanah Rata and follow main roads south to the oasis that is Cameron Bharat.

Getting to the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are located about halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Peninsular Malaysia. Tourists get to the area primarily by bus, but beware of the stomach-churning twists and turns.

The small town of Tanah Rata is a perfect base for trekking in the Cameron Highlands. Buses travel to Tanah Rata from as far away as Singapore and Penang, both a five-hour drive. Tanah Rata has a number of lodging options for budget travelers and foreign visitors, whereas Brinchang—higher elevation with a Chinatown-like feel—tends to attract more locals.​

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About cameron highlands.

Cameron Highlands, a hilly region in Pahang, Malaysia is accessible from  Kuala Lumpur  and  Perak .

It started as an outpost for the British somewhere in the  late 19 th  century .

BOH Habu Tea Plantation

There are  3 main townships  – Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Ringlet. With smaller villages like Blue Valley, Tringkap and Kea Farm in between.

The elevation range is between  2,600 ft to ~5,200 ft  above sea level.  A  cooler climate  encourages growth of various flora not seen in the mainland. Strawberries and tea are notable crops here!

Useful Info

Windy uphill roads means that public transport is not as efficient or reliable as in other cities in Malaysia. Locals usually get around via motorcycles and cars.

It’s not advisable to travel up to Cameron Highlands during the rainy season too! So plan accordingly!

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Sightseeing at Cameron Highlands involves being  outdoors ! See  farms, gardens and the tea plantations ! For those who want something more adventurous, there are  jungle trails !

BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre Has Hilltop Views

The high humidity in Cameron Highlands often leads to light afternoon or evening showers.

Make the most of your time in Cameron Highlands by going out early when the sun is still shining!

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Scones are another popular afternoon treat together with tea. And there are a lot of places to try homemade ice cream too.

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And then there is the well-known night market in Brinchang that is only open on  weekends and during school holidays ! Stopping by a  local market  to buy  fresh produce  before leaving Cameron Highlands is something that locals like to indulge in too!

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The 29 Best Things to Do in Cameron Highlands.

Travel lovers are always eager to do interesting and exciting things at some outstanding places. Cameron Highlands is that particular spot where you can do tons of activities, from hiking and trekking to visiting lush hills capes to the sea of green. It’s cool, aromatic weather and ancient vibe make this hill station a unique and surreal attraction to visitors.

From numerous activities, we have listed the 29 best things to do in Cameron Highlands that you must not miss on your next trip.

While visiting Cameron Highlands, it is worthwhile to have another tour to Genting Highlands . For that, check out the best things to do in Genting Highlands and plan your next adventure trip.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

The 29 Best Things to Do in Malaysia Cameron highlands.

1. visit the sea of green at cameron tea plantation.

Cameron-Tea-Plantation

Cameron Highlands is widely known for Cameron Tea Plantation . Its land is very fertile, and the weather is also mild here, which makes the place best for planting tea. So, you can begin your tour with this sea of green at Cameron Highlands.

From the British period, this region has been popular as a tea estate of Malaysia. Besides planting tea, you’ll also get here some delightful tea shops where you can taste a warm cup of tea and take some tea packets as a souvenir of your trip.

BOH Tea Plantation is the most famous tea estate, which offers a tea factory, a tea shop, and a visitors’ centre. There are other tea gardens, including Bharat Tea Plantation and Boh Sungai Palas Tea Center .

BOH Tea Plantation Cameron highlands

BOH-Tea-Plantation

BOH Tea Plantation is the largest tea plantation in southeast Asia and offers one of the most scenic views in Cameron Highlands. Founded by a British businessman, J A Russel in 1929, this tea plantation is spread over 8,000 acres of land and owns three tea gardens, including the first garden in Habu, Fairlie Tea Garden and Sungai Palas Tea Garden.

Not only that BOH Tea Plantation also has a packaging factory near the main garden so that you would always get fresh tea products. BOH Tea products not only rule the Malaysian markets but international markets as well.

There is a free guided tour that starts at 8:45 am to make your visit better and easy. During this tour, you can learn about the tea plantation and the five steps of tea making. 

Address: Unnamed Road, 39000, Pahang

Entry Time: Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 am to 04:30 pm (closed on Monday)

Entry Fee: free

Cameron Bharat Tea Estate

Cameron-Bharat-Tea-Estate

The second largest tea estate in Cameron Highlands is Cameron Bharat Tea Estate . This tea plantation gets visitors due to its scenic viewpoint, a variety of exquisite teas, and delicious cakes and scones. 

The highlight of this tea plantation is the open-air cafe where you get a picturesque view of nature and have a cup of Cardamom tea or uniquely blended masala chai.

The steep steps of this tea estate are not suitable for elderly and younger children so be careful of that. And the entrance may cost you RM3.00.

Address: 15-16, Jalan Besar, Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Entry Time: Monday to Thursday 08:30 am to 06:00 pm|Friday to Sunday 08:00 am to 07:00 pm

Entry Fee: RM3.00 for walking down to the plantation

2. Enjoy the sunrise at Cameron Highlands

sunrise-at-Cameron-Highlands

Watching the sunrise and taking a shot of it is one of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands. The view is unforgettable if you watch it from the top of Gunung Brinchang.

If you’re not familiar with this place, then you should survey the place a day before going to watch the sunrise. So that you can take your perfect shot.  

Furthermore, you can also go with a sunrise tour as Cameron Highlands offers many sunrise tours.

3. Make a Tour of Cactus Valley

Cactus-Valley-Brinchang

Whether you’re a plant lover or not, the colourfully designed cactus of Cactus Valley will certainly impress you. Here you can see numerous varieties of cacti that come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. 

These cacti are not only kept for display, but they’re also for sale. You can buy this prickly cactus as a souvenir for your home or give it to your friends as a gift. Like Cactus Valley, you will also see another cactus farm at Cameron Highlands called Cactus Point .

Entry Time: Daily 08:00 am to 07:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adult RM 4.00|Child RM 2.00

4. Pick Fresh Strawberries at a Strawberry Farm

Strawberry-Farm-and-Cafe

Because of its cooler weather, Cameron Highlands is one of the only places in Malaysia that grows strawberries. Here you’re allowed to pick fresh strawberries and taste some mouthwatering items that are made of strawberries like strawberry ice cream, strawberry jam, milkshake, juice, and many more.

Make your visit from May to August, this time known as strawberry season, and you can try them fresh off the farm. 

At Cameron Highlands, you’ll get more than one strawberry farm, and all of them are well-known for producing juicy strawberries. The most renowned farms are Big Red Strawberry Farm , Raju Hill Strawberry Farm , and Kok Lim Strawberry Farm .

Entry Time: 08:30 am to 05:30 pm

Entry Fee: Free

5. Enter the Purple World of Lavender @ Lavender Cameron Highland

Lavender-Garden

After entering the Lavender Garden , you’ll feel that you have transformed into a different world, a purple world of Lavender. You will not see a lavender garden on a regular basis in Malaysia, so it is a great chance to admire the amazing blooms of lavender as well as other colourful flowers.  This wonderful place has not only pretty purple vistas, but the air is also filled with the enchanting aroma of Lavender. 

You’re allowed to walk through the garden and enjoy its charismatic beauty closely. On the other hand, you can learn about the use of lavender and taste lavender ice cream as it is trendy here.

Address: 59, Brinchang, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang

Entry Time: Monday to Thursday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm|Friday to Sunday 09:00 am to 07:00 pm

Entry Fee: RM 15.00 per person

6. Admire the Queen of the Flowers @ Mrs Robertson’s Rose Garden

Rose-Garden-Cameron

Rose is the queen of all flowers for its charming fragrance. At Cameron Highlands, you will get many flower nurseries, but you can’t resist the enchanting smell of the roses. Mrs Robertson’s Rose Garden , Rose Center , and Rose Valley are the prominent rose nurseries at Cameron Highlands.

These gardens will give you a scenic hilltop view with numerous beautiful roses. All the gardens contain more than 100 types of delightful blossoms that will make you click on some lovely photos.

Address: Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang

7. Enjoy the Colourful Species at Cameron Highlands Butterfly Garden

Butterfly-Farm-Cameron-Highlands

As we mentioned earlier, Cameron Highlands is the home of many types of flowers, so it is not so surprising that you’ll get to see butterflies here. 

But do you know Cameron Highlands also hosts two butterfly farms called – the Butterfly Farm and the Butterfly Garden ? Both have an impressive collection of tropical butterflies. Here you can see the majestic Raja Brooke butterfly as well as other exotic species.

The butterfly farms are excellent attractions to keep on your list if you’re a nature lover. Capture your moment with these beautiful species.

Address: MDCH 3, Batu 43, Green Cow, 39100, Pahang

Entry Time: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adult RM 7.00|Child RM 4.00

8. Get Acquainted with Natives at Orang Asli Village

Orang-Asli-Village

If you want to know the true Malaysian natives, you must visit the Orang Asli Village . “Orang Asli” is a Malay word that means “Original People”. 

On the road going up to the Highlands, you will see this village. The Orang Asli people have chosen to stay in the jungle and continue practising their ancestors’ traditions. Till today they survive by hunting with blowpipe technique and shifting cultivation.

So here, you can learn the tradition, myths, and legends of original Malaysia.

Address: 235, Jalan Masjid, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang

9. Hike up the Mossy Forest

Mossy-Forest

The Mossy Forest is the highest peak in Cameron Highlands, with a surreal scenic view. The name Moss refers to an area that is covered with a thick layer of moss, lichen, and exotic ferns.

The dense foliage and tall trees will give you a fancy-like environment. The forest is rich with numerous unique plants like pitcher plants, medical herbs, and ferns. The whole forest is dressed with thick moss though you’ll get a clear road to hike up. 

Carefully step up when the place gets foggy. As it gets slippy, and you could injure yourself.

Address: Mossy Forest, Gunung Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang

10. Taste Some Honey at Honeybee Farms

Bee-farm-cameron

The lush garden filled with tropical flowers is a common sight at Cameron Highlands, making it the best place to produce honey. The three major honeybee farms produce delicious honey at Cameron Highlands, including Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm , Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm , and Highlands Apiary Farm . All these farms have kept honey for display as well as for sale. 

Visitors are welcome to taste this honey and enjoy the buzzing sound of bees. Here you’ll also see shops selling honey-related souvenirs.

Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm

Address: Bee Farm, Lot F121, Jalan Besar, Tringkap, 39010, Pahang

Entry Time: Everyday 09:30 am to 06:30 pm

Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm

Address: Green Cow, No 75, Batu 43, 39100, Pahang

Entry Time: Everyday 08:00 am to 07:00 pm

Highlands Apiary Farm

Address: Jalan BOH, Tanah Rata, 39000 Ringlet, Pahang

Entry Time: Everyday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

11. Get Some Knowledge about Agro Technology

Agro-Technology-Park

Agro Technology Park is one of the must-visit attractions in Cameron Highlands. The park is the brainchild of MARDI (Malaysian Research and Development Institute). It is divided into six different areas: Herb Garden, Rose Garden, English Garden, Orchid Garden, research centre, and an information centre.

From the research and information centre, you can learn the agro technology techniques and get some knowledge about the latest technological and publication details of MARDI. The park is spread over 42 acres and contains 100 citrus fruits, 40 varieties of roses, and 10 varieties of strawberries.

Address: JKR266, Jalan Persiaran Endah, Tanah Rata, Pahang, 39000 Tanah Rata

Entry Time: Weekdays 08:00 am to 12:30 pm, 02:30 pm to 05:00 pm|Weekends 08:00 am to 05:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adult RM 5.00|Child RM 3.00

12. Enjoy the Tranquillity of Thompson Falls

Thompson-falls

To feel the tranquillity, peacefulness, and serene beauty of nature, you must visit Thompson Falls . The waterfall is one of the crown jewels of Cameron Highlands and will take you away from the buzz of the city.

You have to pass a lush forest through a short trek to get to the waterfall. The place is less crowded and excellent to dip toes in its cool and refreshing water. You can also swim in the pool of the waterfall.

There is a staircase in the mountainside that allows you to climb up and enjoy the extraordinary view of nature.

Address: Pejabat Hutan Daerah Raub Raub, Ulu Bertam Reserve Forest, Pahang

13. Explore the Rich History of Cameron at Time Tunnel Museum

Time-Tunnel-Museum

Time Tunnel Museum is a place that is rich with the history and culture of Cameron Highlands. The museum will take you back to the time through its over 1,000 artefacts, memorabilia, and photographs. 

The museum contains several sections which display artefacts with pictures to show you how the lifestyle was in the early years. On the contrary, it also shows how the lifestyle has changed over the course of time.

The Time Tunnel Museum is educational as well as interactive. Here you’re allowed to take photos with the props of the museum, and you can also ride a classic motorcycle. 

Address: Cameron Highland, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang

Entry Time: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adult RM 6.00|Child RM 4.00

14. Make Jungle Trail

Hiking-to-gunung-Irau-brinchang

Cameron Highlands is a hill station, so don’t think that it doesn’t have any adventure to offer to the enthralling souls. Hiking, climbing, and trekking are the most common and the best things to do at Cameron Highlands.

And the best part is during all these activities you can enjoy the breathtaking scenic vista of natural flora and fauna.

15. Visit Ancient Arts at Mah Meri Art Gallery

Mah-meri-art-gallery

Knowing about ancient tribes and people is quite interesting. But it is very rare in the present day. At Cameron Highlands, you can get acquainted with the art of the Mah Meri tribe in the Mah Meri Art Gallery .

The art gallery is a prominent and most interesting attraction in Cameron. Here you will see intricate wooden carvings that were made by the Mah Meri people. At the same time, you’ll also find some statues, masks, sculptures, and ornaments here, and some of them have been awarded the UNESCO Seal of Excellence.

Address: Pahang, Tanah Rata, No 29 & 30, 1st Floor, Main Road

Entry Time: Daily 10:30 am to 07:30 pm

Entry Fee: Adult RM 37.00|Child RM 21.00

16. Admire the beauty of religion at Sam Poh Temple

Sam-Poh-Temple

Nestled at a small hilltop, Sam Poh Temple is the largest religious construction in Cameron Highlands and the fourth largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The temple is highly admirable to visitors because of its Oriental architecture and gorgeous hill view.

Though it’s a Buddhist temple and you’ll find a giant Buddha structure here, the temple also contains several brass statues of likewise religion inside.

The colourful temple and natural surroundings will give you some stunning pictures here. It’s the prominent religious centre in the hill station that’s why it always remains crowded. 

Address: Jalan Pecah Batu, Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang

Entry Time: Everyday 08:00 am to 05:00 pm

17. Mount Batu Brinchang hiking

Mount-Batu-Brinchang

The best way to explore nature is hiking and in Cameron Highlands, Mount Batu Brinchang is one of the best places to hike. It’s the second highest peak in Cameron Highlands which is also accessible by road.

Mount Batu Brinchang or Gunung Brinchang is rich with a unique variety of flora and fauna. During your hiking to the mountain, you’ll be acquainted with amazing flora like orchids, pitcher plants, and shrubs.

The real beauty of nature you’ll see when you reach the summit of the mountain. There is a watching tower on top of it and from there you’ll watch the tremendous view of the Titiwangsa Mountains. The watching tower is perfect for sunrise and sunset fanatics. 

18. Get a visit to Indian culture in Sri Thendayuthapani Swami Temple

Sri Thendayuthapani Swami Temple is the best place to watch Indian culture and tradition. It’s the largest Hindu temple in Cameron Highlands and is greatly appreciated by tourists for its colourful sculptures and luxuriously styled buildings.

The temple is mostly visited by the local Hindu believers such as the strawberry and tea picking community of Cameron Highlands. And they celebrate a festival here called Chithra Powrnami for 3 days.

It’s the biggest ceremony that is celebrated in this temple and during this ceremony, the temple offers free community meals. Apart from this festival, many traditional weddings also take place in this temple.

Address: Sri Thendayuthapani Swami Temple, Brinchang, Pahang

Entry Time: Everyday 06:00 am to 10:30 pm

19. Buy some fresh vegetables at Hatiku Organic Farm

Hatiku-Organic-Farm

Cameron Highlands has the perfect weather to grow vegetables. And that’s why Fung Chee Siang found Hatiku Organic Farm , where he cultivates 100 different plants. Mr Fung has been running this farm for more than 20 years and he is very friendly to visitors to this farm.

Here he uses old farming techniques like crop rotation and intercropping of different types of vegetables. Mr Fung also explains these techniques of farming to his visitors. 

The farm is spreading over 20 acres of land where he produces cold-climate European herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers. If you wish to buy some organic vegetables in Cameron Highlands, Hatiku Organic Farm is the place. 

Address: Lot 110, Mukim of Ringlet, Ringlet, Cameron Highlands

Entry Fee: RM10.00

20. Feed the fluffy sheep at the Sheep Sanctuary

Sheep-Sanctuary

Located in the middle of the Kea Farm market, the Sheep Sanctuary is a hidden gem and one of the latest places to visit in Cameron Highlands. Here you’ll find 20 Australian woolly sheep.

The entrance of this sanctuary is irresistible as there is huge signage bearing a cartoon sheep. With the entry ticket, you’ll be provided with a box of food to feed these adorable, fluffy sheep. I am sure you and your kids will enjoy this activity as my daughter loved it. 

Address: Pasar Malam Kea Farm, Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang

Entry Time: Everyday 09:00 am to 05:30 pm

Entry Fee: Adults RM8.00 & Children ( aged 4 to 12) RM4.00

21. Gunung Jasar trekking 

Gunung-Jasar

Gunung Jasar is one of the best locations for hiking and trekking in Cameron Highlands and it’s marked as trail 10 jungle trekking guide. This trail is quite popular among nature lovers and hikers.

The good part is Gunung Jasar trail is not too challenging to conquer and the top of the mountain gives outstanding views of Tanah Tara and Cameron Highlands. You are recommended to wear suitable shoes for hiking and trekking. 

Address: Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang

22. Playing golf at Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club

Sultan-Ahmad-Shah-Golf-Club

Playing golf in the chilly atmosphere of Cameron Highlands is quite refreshing. Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club is the only place in Cameron Highlands where you can play golf. 

It’s an 18-hole golf course which becomes quite challenging with tricky greens, thick rough, undulating fairways, some streams, and sand bunkers. Situated in a valley 5,000 feet above sea level, the golf course provides beautiful fresh mountain air to its visitors. 

This golf club is pretty large as it’s spread over 6101 metres of land. And the background of it is spectacular for being surrounded by tree-covered mountains. So if you don’t play golf, you can still enjoy the mountain views here. 

Address: Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, 39000 Tanah Rata

Entry Time: Everyday 07:00 am to 05:00 pm

Entry Fee: The entry fee starts from RM52.50

23. Enjoy the spectacular sight of Robinson Falls

Robinson-Falls

Cameron Highlands is surrounded by beautiful lush mountains, so naturally, waterfalls are a prominent part of this highland.  Robinson Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cameron Highlands. But to enjoy the spectacular sight of this waterfall you have to hike through Trail No. 9 which will lead you to some thick jungle.

The path is a bit challenging but I can assure you that the delightful view of the waterfall will make you forget all your struggles. 

24. Birdwatching

bird-watching

One of the best activities in Cameron Highlands is bird watching. As the highland is surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, you can watch several different species of birds here. According to REACH (Regional Environment Awareness of Cameron Highlands), Cameron Highlands is the home of more than 177 species of birds and most of them are common montane rainforest bird species.

The Brinchang Lookout Tower and a telecommunication tower located near the Mossy Forest are the ideal places for bird watching in Cameron Highlands. Here you’ll find birds like Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle, Black Wing Flycatcher-shrike, Common Flameback, Fire-tufted Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Brown Wood-Owl, Buffy Fish-Owl, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-tailed Bee-Eater, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Little Cuckoo-Dove, Asian Emerald Dove, White-breasted Waterhen, Grey-headed Swamphen, and so on.

25. Ride an ATV or 4WD jeep

Kuak Hill Resort ATV

Hiking and trekking are not the only activities in Cameron Highlands for thrill lovers. There is another must-do activity that any adventure seeker would not miss. And that is riding an ATV or 4WD jeep.

Cameron Adventurous ATV & Safari offers an opportunity to its visitors to ride ATV through the untouched reserved tea plantation. You will be amazed and thrilled to have the privilege of riding an ATV and enjoying pristine tropical surroundings.

You can choose to ride an ATV or 4WD jeep to ascend the hill. A 4WD jeep is cheaper in comparison to an ATV. At the same time, a 4WD jeep is perfect for a family ride as it’s available for RM10.00 only. 

Address: Cameron Adventurous 49th miles Kuala terla, 39010 Tanah Rata, Pahang

Entry Time: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm|Saturday to Monday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

Entry Fee: an ATV ride is RM60.00 for two persons & 4WD jeep is RM10.00 per person

26. Retreat yourself at the Spa Village Cameron Highlands

Spa Village Cameron Highlands

Don’t make excuses to retreat yourself and get rejuvenating treatment. Especially when you’re in Cameron Highlands, do not miss the spa treatment that is inspired by the Orang Asli rituals. This treatment is designed to bring your body and mind back to equilibrium utilising honey, rose, tea, strawberry, and more.

Spa Village Cameron Highlands offers you Spa Village Experience, Ala Carte Experience, and Massage Therapy. In the Spa Village Experience, you can have different treatments namely The Semai, Rose Garden, Fresh Strawberry Escapade, Cameron’s Mint, and Chrysanthemum & Avocado Escape.

The price of these spa treatments starts from RM400.00 per person and massage therapy starts from RM300.00 per person. 

Entry Time: Everyday 09:00 am to 09:00 pm

27. Admire the beauty of Rafflesia

Rafflesia

Rafflesia is the largest species of flower in the world and it’s quite popular in Malaysia. Basically, it is a parasitic plant which does not have external roots. And it grows in limited regions across Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.

Thankfully, you can see the magnificent sight of this flower in the Blue Valley of Cameron Highlands. Blue Valley is a 40-minute drive away from Tanah Rata. Many tour companies in Cameron Highlands arrange a trip to Blue Valley to give visitors the enchanting view of the Rafflesia flower.

The speciality of this flower is not only its size, it has a notably putrid scent which you probably would not like, and dark red colouration which is pretty unique. 

Address: Blue Valley, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang

28. Take some Instagrammable photos at Cameron Flora Park

Cameron-Flora-Park

Cameron Flora Park is the latest attraction in Cameron Highlands and it’s most iconic for taking pictures of its fancy-like surroundings featuring all kinds of beautiful blooms.

This picturesque floral garden is located in Kea Farm, an agricultural district in Cameron Highlands. This park goes viral on social media due to its dazzling white stairs which are curved up a hill and the hill is covered with light purple flowers.

Besides taking your perfect Instagram shot, you can do many activities at Cameron Flora Park like a picnic, ride a pick-up truck, walk among beautiful flowers, climb the white stairs, and have Puku ice cream. 

Address: lot 191, 39010 Brinchang, Pahang

Entry Time: Everyday 09:30 am to 07:30 pm

Entry Fee: RM50.00 per person

29. Don’t Forget to Visit Markets

Pasar-cameron-highlands

Shopping is an inseparable part of any tour, and for some people, it is the most exciting thing to do. So when you visit Cameron Highlands, you undoubtedly don’t want to miss its markets. Here you’ll have two major markets: “Pasar Pagi”, which means morning market and “Pasar Malam”, which means night market.

Pasar Pagi Cameron Highland

As mentioned above, Pasar Pagi is a morning market, so it opens every morning at 8 am. The market is located at the Kea Farm town and is the hotspot for those who are looking for fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Besides fresh produce, in this market, you can have souvenirs and handicrafts items as well. Delicious street food and fresh local breakfast are also waiting here for you.

Pasar Malam Cameron Highland

If you want to enjoy the cool breeze of Cameron Highlands, you must visit the night market. Pasar Malam is located in Brinchang town and sells goods like clothes, souvenirs, and local products. The market starts in the evening at 3 pm and continues till midnight. 

It is the ideal place for those who have good bargaining skills so that you can have all the amazing products at a really cheap price. And don’t miss its famous street food barbecued meats.

What to Eat

What to Eat

Cameron Highlands is loaded with cafĂŠs and restaurants. Whether you visit tea gardens, lavender gardens, or cactus valleys everywhere, you’ll have cafĂŠs and souvenirs shops. All these eateries have signature dishes that will give you a yummy feeling! Here are some items you must try while you’re in Cameron Highlands.

British Cream Tea

You can’t leave Cameron Highlands without trying its famous British cream tea . As you know, this hill station is widely known for tea plantations from the British period. And at almost every corner of this hilltop, you can have fresh tea. So you undoubtedly can’t resist it. The elegant British tea comes with British bread, jam, cream and a warm cup of local tea. With this item, you can start your morning, and at the same time, end your evening!

If you ask any local what food you should try at Cameron, you probably get the same answer from all: “ Steamboat “. This famous dish of Cameron Highlands is greatly inspired by European fondue and comes in a large bowl. Steamboat cuisine allows you to add your own raw ingredients or choose from their opinions: meat, vegetables, noodles, and fish balls. It can be a great dish for your dinner.

where to stay in the cameron highlands

Where to Stay Stay in Cameron Highlands

At about 1,500 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands is a famous tourist spot. So finding a staycation here is not so tough. There are plentiful accommodations that offer many amenities and mesmerising views of lush green valleys, rolling hills, and mystic mountains. Here we have listed a budget and luxury hotel, providing sufficient facilities that you need.

Budget Hotel- Cameronian Inn

Cameronian Inn is the perfect staycation for those who want to enjoy the cool weather of Cameron Highlands within budget. The accommodation offers you an outdoor garden, free Wi-Fi access, private rooms, modest bathrooms, and a TV room. They also have a cafĂŠ that serves local delights. 

The Strawberry Farm is just a 10-minute drive from the Inn, while to get to the Boh Tea Plantation, you have to drive for 25 minutes. So you can get easy access to Cameron’s excellent views and attractions.

The staycation is available on booking.com , and the price starts from RM 68.00.

Luxury Hotel- Cameron Highlands Resort

Luxury lovers can opt for Cameron Highlands Resort which offers world-class services and comfort. The resort is situated just opposite the Golf Course. The accommodation is placed amidst fresh mountain air and cool temperature. 

Here you’ll get an award-winning in-house spa, in-house restaurant, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and lush greenery to see. The elegant rooms are featured with flat-screen TVs, wooden furniture, French doors and balconies, and polished wooden floors.

You can reserve your space from booking.com , and the price starts from RM 1,050.

A full list of budget and luxury hotels in Cameron Highlands here

How to Get to Cameron Highlands

How to Get to Cameron Highlands

To get to the Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur , you have to pass nearly 200km to 270km, depending on the route you choose. Driving may take 3 to 4 hours, while the bus and train will take 4.5 and 5.5 hours respectively.

If you choose to drive, you can take the new route, the Simpang Pulai road. This road is less windy and takes nearly 4 hours to reach.

On the contrary, you can take the Tapah toll exit 132 (after North-South Expressway) as this route takes only 3 hours to reach Cameron Highlands.

Use googles maps for the direction. There are private tours available from Kuala Lumpur

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Cameron Highlands. It may cost you RM 35.00 to RM 47.00, and you can reach there within 4.5 hours. There are many bus lines available, and all these buses depart from the TBS Bus Station in KL. Check out the bus schedule and buy your ticket from 12GoAsia .

You will not get any direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. You have to catch a train from KL Sentral which will take you to Ipoh or Tapah road. The train ride may cost you RM 25.00 to RM 46.00. From there, take a TBS ( Terminal Bersepadu Selatan ) bus that will drop you off at the Tanah Rata Bus Terminal. In total, the train and bus ride may cost you from RM 70.00 to RM 90.00. Buy your train ticket from 12goasia with hassle free.

Cameron highlands location

Cameron Highlands is a district and hill station located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. It is situated in the northwestern corner of Pahang, bordering the states of Perak to the west and Kelantan to the north. The coordinates of Cameron Highlands are approximately 4.4721° N, 101.3801° E.

Cameron Highlands is an excellent place to retreat from the stereotypical busy life. And the site has so many things to offer you that you can’t end in one day. So, plan your trip today and explore the wonders of mountains and hillscape!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which is the best month to visit cameron highlands.

The best time to visit Cameron Highlands for cooler temperatures is between December and February, when the temperature can drop to 10 degree Celsius at certain places. However, rain is common all year round, so be prepared for wet weather even during the dry season between February and April.

What is special about Cameron Highlands?

Cameron Highlands is a highland region located in the state of Pahang in Malaysia. It is a popular tourist destination due to its cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and vast tea plantations.

Is it worth going to Cameron Highlands?

Yes, Cameron Highlands is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy nature, scenic landscapes, and a cool climate. The region’s picturesque tea plantations, waterfalls, and hiking trails make it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to its natural attractions, Cameron Highlands is also known for its fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables that grow in the cool climate.

How many days should I spend in Cameron Highlands?

The length of your stay in Cameron Highlands depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do. However, I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Cameron Highlands to fully experience and explore the region.

What are the best cities to stay at in Cameron Highlands?

Here are some of the best cities to stay at in Cameron Highlands: Tanah Rata: This is the largest town in the Cameron Highlands region and is a popular base for visitors. Brinchang: This town is located about 3 kilometers from Tanah Rata and is another popular base for visitors. Brinchang is known for its night market, where visitors can sample local food and buy souvenirs. Kampung Raja: This village is located in the northern part of Cameron Highlands and is known for its fresh produce, including strawberries and vegetables.

What to do in Cameron Highlands on a sunny day?

Cameron Highlands is a beautiful hill station in Malaysia, and there are plenty of things to do on a sunny day. Here are some suggestions: Visit the Tea Plantations, Trekking and Hiking, Explore the Strawberry Farms, Visit the Waterfalls, Enjoy the Scenic Views, these are just a few of the many things to do in Cameron Highlands on a sunny day.

What can you do in Cameron Highlands for free?

Here are some things you can do in Cameron Highlands for free: Enjoy the Scenic Views: One of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands for free is to simply enjoy the scenic views. Visit the Mossy Forest: The Mossy Forest is a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Walk Around the Towns and Villages: The towns and villages in Cameron Highlands are charming and offer a glimpse into the local culture. Visit the Temples: Cameron Highlands is home to several temples, including the Sam Poh Temple, which is the fourth largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Trekking and Hiking: The Cameron Highlands is known for its many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the landscape. While some of the trails require a guide or a fee, there are several trails that you can explore on your own for free. These are just a few of the many things you can do in Cameron Highlands for free. With its beautiful scenery, charming towns, and unique attractions, it is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers.

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The traffic in Cameron is just horrendous during weekends, school or public holidays. Best to get to Cameron Hill top before 11am and only depart from Cameron after 6pm. Otherwise you would be spending hours (and I do mean hours) in a traffic crawl (everywhere). I was not able to visit places planned.

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The Sunrise Dreamers

Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)

Planning a Cameron Highlands itinerary in 2024? You’re in the right place! The Cameron Highlands is a beautifully unique area of mainland Malaysia and you can spend 2 to 3 days in the Cameron Highlands exploring the best things to do.

From visiting spectacular tea plantations to picking strawberrie s and hiking through the rainforest jungle . You’ll have a great time in the Malaysian highlands. Let’s find out what to do in Cameron Highlands and plan your itinerary!

Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Best Things To Do

The Cameron Highlands is one of the best spots to visit in Malaysia for many reasons. Its unique atmosphere makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a different country with a different climate. It’s one of the highest points in Malaysia with roads and Gunung Brinchang reaches an elevation of 2031m high above sea!

Some of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands are to take in the impressive tea plantations , taste the fresh highlands strawberries and appreciate the colder weather. Some locals come here to the Pahang District just for a break from the hot humidity of Malaysia.

Similar to other areas of Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands has a strong British history and one of the reasons is what makes the area so famous. Back in the colonial days, the British would use the Cameron Highlands as their resort town.

Houses, bungalows and retirement homes started to be built. In 1929, a man named John Archibald Russell started a tea plantation which is now the famous Boh Tea Plantation !

Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Best Things To Do Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations

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Best Time to Visit Cameron Highlands

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

The best time to visit Cameron Highlands is in the dry season which is January to April and June to October. However, if you want to see the highlands fully green then November to December could also be a lovely time to visit.

It will definitely be colder in these months, but it’s an opportunity to gear up and get cosy! It’s also completely possible to plan your Cameron Highlands itinerary all year round.

The Weather in the Cameron Highlands

As Cameron Highlands is high above sea level, it can get pretty chilly! We recommend you bring a rain jacket and a warmer jacket whilst visiting here because even on sunny days it’s cold early morning and in the evenings.

Rain can come at any time which means you may be out on a hike with wet shoes and wet clothes. If you can, bring hiking shoes (although not completely essential)!

Cameron Highlands Itinerary Tea Plantations

Bring along a lightweight tripod to get beautiful photos of yourself or your group when there’s no one around – We love our Joby GorillaPod and used it throughout our Cameron Highlands itinerary. There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod to get amazing videos too!

How to get to Cameron Highlands

Rent a car – You can rent a car for your Malaysia trip to enjoy the things to do in Cameron Highlands. We recommend Paradise Rent-A-Car as we’ve heard great things about this company! The journey takes around 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur. Here’s the link – Paradise Rent-A-Car Website. Alternatively, browse prices on Discover Cars !

Bus – Buses in Malaysia are amazing! You can buy bus tickets at the station or book online with 12Go , EasyBook or RedBus . You may have to get your ticket validated at a station if you book online, however, tickets may sell out if you purchase your ticket at the time of your bus. A bus ticket from Ipoh costs around 25RM and a bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur is around 40RM per person.

How to get around the Cameron Highlands

  • Car – If you have your own car or a rental car this will be the perfect way to get around for the day! Beware of the weekend traffic as it gets super busy from many Kuala Lumpur day trippers!
  • Scooter – There are a few scooter rentals in the Cameron Highlands! If you’re staying in Tanah Rata, we recommend using Cameron Highlands Motorbike Rental ( location here ). The prices are 40RM for half-day and 70RM for 24 hours. Petrol was around 2RM to fill up again after exploring.
  • Tours – If you don’t want to drive your own vehicle, you can hop on a day tour! They’re popular in Cameron Highlands as you can’t reach every spot by bike or private car. We recommend Discover Camerons as a great tour company for your Cameron Highlands itinerary!

BOH Tea Plantations: Best Things to do Cameron Highlands

Day 1 – Tea Plantations, Mossy Forest & Tanah Rata

Finally. we’ll show you what to do in Cameron Highlands! So day one of your Cameron Highlands itinerary will be a great introduction to the life up here in the highlands. You can visit these places by car, bike or tour, however, Mossy Forest is only by a tour in 2024.

BOH Tea Plantations & Cafe

Visiting BOH Tea Plantations is one of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands! It’s the largest black tea manufacturer in Malaysia and spans over 465 hectares! Boh means precious in Mandarin and also ‘Best of Highlands’.

Cameron Highlands Itinerary: BOH Tea Plantations Cafe

Mossy Forest & Mount Brinchang

The Mossy Forest is sometimes described as the Lord of the Rings of Malaysia. It’s home to ancient trees, beautiful viewpoints and of course lots of moss! The forest is said to be around 200 million years old, which is unbelievable. Private vehicles are no longer allowed to drive to Mossy Forest, so you have to book a tour with a 4×4.

Mossy Forest Hike

Cameron Highlands Half-Day Tour

  • BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre (free entry)
  • BOH Cafe (tea from 4RM)
  • Mossy Forest (entry fee: 30RM for internationals / 10RM for locals)
  • Mount Brinchang Viewpoint (included in the Mossy Forest ticket)

Cameron Highlands Half-Day Tour Experience

The half-day tour was amazing! We booked the tour through our hostel Bricks Cameron Hostel and they booked us on a tour with Discover Camerons . We couldn’t recommend our guide and driver enough, he was so thoughtful about everything and pointed out so many plants for us!

The day started at 8 am when we were picked up by our driver and taken to BOH Tea Plantations ( BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre ). There were 8 of us in total and everyone was super friendly! Our guide told us information about the tea plantations and showed us a path to walk for amazing views. We then reached the cafe around 9 am as it started to get busy – the queues for this cafe can be so long in the afternoon!

Boh Tea Plantations: Cameron Highlands Itinerary

Tea prices range from 4RM to 6RM with various cake options (no vegan options for food) There’s also a shop to buy tea and a short movie to watch with more info about the tea factory. Drinking tea overlooking the tea plantations is one of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands!

After the tea plantations, we headed to Mossy Forest ! It was around 10:45 am at this point and we were given an hour to climb through the rainforest which is actually more than enough time! Our guide pointed out different types of plants and offered to take more photos of us. He also helped us out with paying a local price for the entrance fee of Mossy Forest (although we can’t guarantee it will happen in the future!).

Mossy Forest was so interesting! There are a few viewpoints where you can admire the mountains and feel the highland wind. The walk up and down was all by steps and wooden bridges, it took us around 40 minutes.

Mossy Forest Half-Day-Tour

On the way back our guide stopped at the tea fields to show us a beautiful view and we took some more photos of course! You pass through the tea plantations on the way back to town. He also stopped off at a market so we had the option to buy some fresh produce or snacks!

At this point, it was almost 2 pm and he dropped us back off in Tanah Rata where our accommodation is. We thought the tours finished at 12 pm so maybe we were given extra time!

Cameron Highlands Half-Day Tour Review

Overall, it was definitely worth it on our Cameron Highlands itinerary! We usually love exploring places by ourselves but as Mossy Forest isn’t possible to drive to, we had to book a 4×4 tour anyway. For the price of the half-day tour, it just made so much sense to go with this option!

We were lucky the weather was on our side all day unlike the day before. We 100% recommend booking with Discover Camerons or at least at Bricks Cameron Hostel .

Find their details here – Discover Camerons Facebook & Bricks Cameron Hostel

What to do in Cameron Highlands

Browsing around Tanah Rata

After a busy first day of your Cameron Highlands 2 day itinerary come back to relax in your accommodation or town. Tanah Rata means flat ground in Malay, which is exactly where the town is located. There are many Indian & Malay restaurants to grab some food and you can even find lovely cafe’s here too.

The Lord’s Cafe is a cafe highly recommended by other travellers (unsure of vegan options!) ( location )! They have some of the cheapest scones in the Cameron Highlands and many other cakes and drinks. It’s a perfect spot if you need a rest or if it’s raining outside.

Spend your evening browsing around the markets and shops in the area before grabbing some dinner at Singh Chapati ( location !)

Tanah Rata: What to do in Cameron Highlands

Day 2 – Hiking, Tea Plantations & Strawberries

So Day 2 of your Cameron Highlands itinerary will take you strawberry picking, to a different tea plantation and on a hike of your choice!

Are you still wondering what to do in Cameron Highlands? Did you think hiking would be on your list?! The highlands are full of wonderful hikes from beginner to advanced! Remember that the weather in Cameron Highlands is unpredictable so be extra prepared for sun or rain. Here are a few hikes for you to choose from:

Trail 10 into Trail 6 – Tanah Rata to Gunung Jasar to Cameron Valley

This hike is one of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands and is very recommended by many travellers! As we mentioned, you have to be prepared for the weather and unfortunately, if it’s raining a lot the path may get too slippery.

This hike is listed as moderate to hard, if you’re worried about the hard part, you may want to stick with just Trail 10 and return to Tanah Rata. You also don’t need a guide to do these trails. There’s an accurate map of the trail on Maps.Me.

How long does it take? From Tanah Rata to Cameron Valley will take you around 3 hours one way. Trail 6 is the steeper part of the trail, so be extra careful!

If you decide to go complete trail 6 you will end the trail in a lovely tea plantation – Bharat Tea Plantations ( location here ) and then you’ll need a ride/taxi back up to Tanah Rata.

Best Things to do in Cameron Highlands

Also look at our 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary and take a trip to the capital of Malaysia!

Jungle Trekking

At certain times of the year, you can go on jungle hikes searching for the biggest flower in the world – The Giant Rafflesia ! The blooming of this flower is very unpredictable, which means you’ll have to ask around if it’s possible to see one at the moment.

The Giant Rafflesia can take up to one year to grow and only blooms for 3-5 days. As it’s pretty rare it’ll be hard to plan to see this flower on your Cameron Highlands itinerary.

You can still hike in the jungle, even if these flowers aren’t in bloom! The jungle in Cameron Highlands is full of many plants and amazing species. Hiking boots would be perfect for these hikes as they can be pretty muddy, however, trainers may be okay!

Visit Bharat Tea Plantations

Just south of Tana Rata is one of Cameron Highlands tea plantations. It’s slightly less busy than BOH Tea Plantations and you can still get amazing views of the hills with tea plants. Definitely worth adding to your 2 day Cameron Highlands itinerary.

It costs 3RM to walk around the tea plantations and 10RM to do some tea tasting. There is also a cafe selling desserts and tea!

Bharat Tea Plantations Cameron Highlands Itinerary

Pick Your Own Strawberries at Big Red Strawberry Farm

Another one of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands is to go strawberry picking! How to get to the strawberry farms?

If you don’t have a rental car, the only way to reach strawberry farms is to ask your accommodation for a taxi, book yourself onto a Full-Day-Tour or rent a scooter (details above on renting a scooter on your Cameron Highlands itinerary) !

If you pick your own strawberries at Big Red Strawberry farm – the prices are 25RM for 500 grams and 50RM for 1KG. You have to spend a minimum of 25RM and your basket will be able to fit 1KG, so be careful if you don’t want to spend 50RM on strawberries!

Other ways to find strawberries in Cameron Highlands:

More Strawberry Farms:

  • Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm ( location )
  • 200 Seeds Cafe & Farm ( location )
  • Kasimanis Strawberry Farm ( location )
  • Healthy Strawberry Farm ( location )

Strawberry prices at markets : The best price we found was 10RM for a small box of strawberries (pictured below) and the more you buy the higher the price. There were big boxes for 40RM.

Strawberry Picking in Cameron Highlands

Other Things to do in Cameron Highlands

Time Tunnel Museum – A museum with a lot of collectables & nostalgic items from Malaysia’s past. (8RM per person) Find the location here !

Lavender Gardens – A small garden with rows of lavender! Very unique in Malaysia. (15RM per person) Find the location here !

Sam Poh Temple :  A large Buddhist Temple with a peaceful environment. Find the location here !

Golden Hills Weekend Night Market : Only on Fridays and Saturdays! The place to find clothes & snacks! Find the location here !

We are not recommending the butterfly, sheep or bee farms here in Cameron Highlands as we don’t believe they’re very ethical. There are many other things to do on your Cameron Highlands 2 day itinerary to keep you busy!

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands

What to do in Cameron Highlands at night?

At night, the Cameron Highlands is on the quieter side. But you can still find a few things to do! If you pick a good accommodation you hang out in the common area and play games with other travellers.

Check out any of the markets in Tanah Rata or spend your evening at a restaurant with food and drinks.

Where to stay in the Cameron Highlands

There are 3 main towns to stay in Cameron Highlands – Tanah Rata , Brinchang and Ringlet . They all have a range of accommodations for you to choose from and if you have your own vehicle it’ll be easy wherever you stay.

We recommend staying in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata has great restaurants and you can get budget accommodation here. It’s a great spot for travellers and you can book tours and rent motorbikes in the town or simply browse the area. Here are a few places we can recommend that are close to the things to do in Cameron Highlands:

Cameron Highlands Hotel, Hostels & Guesthouses

Bricks Cameron Hostel : $ (Tanah Rata) – We highly recommend this hostel , they have various different rooms to suit any traveller! Dorms, double rooms or triple rooms! A great location and a very great price! – Find here on Booking.com !

EagleNest at Iris House Resort $$-$$$ (Tanah Rata) – A whole apartment in between Tanah Rata and Brinchang! Feel a bit of luxury by having the whole place to yourself – Find here on Booking.com !

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands

Check out our 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary: Best Things To Do !

Best places to eat in Cameron Highlands

  • Singh Chapati – ( Location ) – Indian Restaurant
  • The Lords Cafe – ( Location ) – Tea & Scones (no vegan cakes)
  • Restoran Sri Brinchang – ( Location ) – South Indian Restaurant
  • Restoran Bunga Suria – ( Location ) – Indian Restaurant

As you can see, we’ve recommended a lot of restaurants serving Indian cuisine! We eat plant-based, so we have to find the best spots for us! There are a few western restaurants in Cameron Highlands, serving pizza or sandwiches and there are even a few fast-food joints.

You can also find Malay food all over Cameron Highlands serving rice or noodle dishes! You won’t be too stuck for choice here. Although we do highly recommend Singh Chapati on your Cameron Highlands itinerary!

Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Strawberries

Is Cameron Highlands worth visiting?

Yes!! The Cameron Highlands is so unique compared to other areas of Malaysia. It’s close and easy to get to from Kuala Lumpur , Ipoh or Penang and there are many things to do in Cameron Highlands. We hope this Cameron Highlands itinerary has been exciting to read! We definitely recommend visiting here if you have 1 or more weeks in Malaysia!

How many days should I spend in Cameron Highlands?

We think 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Cameron Highlands . If you want to go on more hikes, add an extra day or two just in case the weather is bad. So we do recommend at least 2 days in the Cameron Highlands.

If you only have one day, it’s possible to still see the main attractions here! Now you know what to do in Cameron Highlands, you can visit without having to worry!

What to do in Cameron Highlands in one day?

The most popular activity in Cameron Highlands is to see BOH Tea Plantations, this is where you’ll see the postcard pictures of Cameron Highlands and you can try the tea for yourself.

You can book yourself on a half or full-day tour to visit all the popular sights such as tea plantations, strawberry farms and Mossy Forest!

Travel essentials for a Cameron Highlands Itinerary

Wondering what to pack for Southeast Asia ? Find everything you need to pack in our Southeast Asia packing guide .

  • Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are a must when travelling with a backpack or suitcase!
  • The Little Bodhi Microfibre Towel – A lightweight towel that dries fast after it rains in the Highlands!
  • Rain Mac in a Bag and a Backpack Cover are two more essentials we need in rainy weather!
  • Anker Power Bank – A portable charger is always useful for those long journeys around Malaysia. Make sure to bring one on your Cameron Highlands itinerary!
  • Stainless Steel Water Bottle – A bottle that’s better than plastic, we love our metal water bottles.
  • Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – GorillaPods are a great little tripod to carry on a Cameron Highlands itinerary, they’re lightweight and they capture some of the best photos when there’s no one around. We love our Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A600 . There’s also a phone version for those TikTok’s or Instagram Reels – Joby Phone Tripod .

More Malaysia Posts:

  • 4 Day Penang Itinerary
  • The Best Ipoh Itinerary: 2 Days in Ipoh
  • 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Best Things To Do
  • The Best 2 Day Melaka Itinerary (Malacca)
  • 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary (Mainland)
  • The Best 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

That’s the end of our Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024) ! Have the best time in the Cameron Highlands and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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2 day Cameron Highlands itinerary 2022 itinerary guide - best things to do cameron highlands what to do in cameron highlands

Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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So green, lavender, strawberries and tea! What was your favourite tea, did you try a few?

We are not big tea drinkers so I had a classic peppermint tea and Dan had an Iced lemon tea! haha, they were both good though!

Is it ok for a 3 night trip with young kids, fed up of hot weather on singapore!

Hey! Yes, this is a great trip to do with young children! They will love the strawberry farms and the tea plantations! You can even drive from Singapore 🙂

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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

langkawi nature wildlife tour

Cameron Highlands

One of the popular tourist activities involves jungle walking and trekking amongst the refreshing cool forest air.

Cameron Highlands is also popularly known as the “Green Bowl” of the country as it supplies large amount of local produce of vegetables to many major cities of Malaysia and Singapore. Tea and strawberries are also grown on the terraced slopes of the Cameron Highlands, and the area possesses notable rose gardens as well.

Cameron Highlands consists of a series of little townships which include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. The best tourist amenities are sited in or around Tanah Rata but Brinchang is fast catching up with a number of new apartments and restaurants.

GETTING THERE

From North-South Expressway, exit the expressway at Tapah and then proceed via route 59 straight along the way to the highlands. Alternatively, you can exit the expressway at Simpang Pulai, Ipoh and proceed via a new route to Cameron Highlands along the way to the top. Travelling to the Cameron Highlands takes up to one and a half hours via a winding road from Tapah by car. There is a newer and easier route up from Simpang Pulai (closer to Ipoh) which has a wider road and gentler curves.

ATTRACTIONS

Highest Peak: 2,031 meters – Gunung Berincang

Background: The area known as Cameron Highlands, long accessible by road only from Perak and more recently from Kelantan, is actually in the north western corner of the state of Pahang. The Highlands extend f rom about 600 metres (2,000 feet) above sea level to 2,031 meters (6,664 feet)at the peak of Gunung Berincang. The area was discovered in 1885 by a government surveyor named William Cameron, who noted that the relatively flat area which forms the core of the Highlands (now known as Tanah Rate or Flat land ) would be ideal as a retreat from the hot lowlands and for growing crops of temperate climates. Enterprising Chinese settlers soon made their way there to grow vegetables and built a road to take their produce for sale in the lowlands. British planters moved in and built Vacations houses. Later, tea plantations were established. Now, Cameron highland the main area in Peninsular Malaysia for growing temperate climate vegetables, flowers and tea. Produce from this area finds its way to all parts of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and some of the tea is exported to other countries. Only fairly flat land is cultivated and the steeper slopes of the Highlands remain under natural montane forest, which can be explored from a number of hiking trails. The whole region was made a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1962.

cameron highlands jungle tour

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Cameron Highlands: Great Things to Do and Things to Skip

Cameron Highlands rafflesia

The Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations. It lies high in the mountains at elevations ranging from 3,600 ft / 1,100 meters up to 5,200 ft / 1,600 meters above sea level. Due to its location, the area has a much cooler climate than the rest of Malaysia and is a perfect place to escape the heat. The Cameron Highlands is famous for its lush green tea plantations, jungle hiking trails, strawberry farms, and flower nurseries.

The main reason we traveled there was to see rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world. Of course, you absolutely cannot miss the beautiful tea plantations. My personal favorites were jungle trekking to see rafflesia and tea plantations, and I really regret skipping mossy forest. Oh well, maybe next time.

Best Time to Go to Cameron Highlands

The weather in the Cameron Highlands is cool throughout the year, but it gets warmer in the summer months. Rain is common, with the monsoon season between November and February. If you plan to go hiking, avoid monsoon months, as there are landslide threats, and some trails can close. We went in December during the monsoon season, it rained only once during the two and a half days. But when we went jungle trekking in some places the trail was muddy and slippery.

Cameron Highlands Jungle Trekking

Try to avoid the peak season from May to September. Also keep in mind that the Cameron Highlands is very popular among local tourists, so it gets very busy during weekends, school, and national holidays.

Best things to do in Cameron Highlands

Tea plantations.

The Cameron Highlands is mainly known for its tea plantations. There are three tea plantations that tourists can visit, BOH Sungai Palas is the most popular one which also means crowds and traffic jams. Try to come as early as possible. Walk around the tea fields and enjoy the views: the tea trees arranged in lines look absolutely wonderful. You can also take a free guided tour of tea processing facilities offered every 30 minutes. In a tea house, you can enjoy a cup of tea with a stunning view of the tea fields.

Cameron Highlands Tea Fields

Rafflesia Tour

Rafflesia is a giant parasitic flowering plant with no leaves, no roots, and no stem. It attaches itself to a host plant to obtain water and nutrients. Rafflesia is the biggest flower in the world and may be over a meter (40 in) in diameter and weigh up to 10-11 kg (22-24 pounds). It occurs in tropical rainforests of South-East Asia including the Cameron Highlands.

Rafflesia

The main reason we traveled to the Cameron Highlands was to see rafflesia. It is one of the rarest plants in the world, which is now critically endangered. It only blooms for 3-5 days, so we arranged a rafflesia tour with a local tour company. I am not a big fan of tours, but in this case, it was well worth it. They say that there are no predictable blooming seasons, and tour operators rely on the indigenous people orang asli who inform them about locations of blooming rafflesias. We hiked for quite a while and found one blooming flower and a couple of rafflesia buds that somehow resemble red cabbage.

Rafflesia Bud

Visit Mossy Forest

Mossy forest boardwalk.

I regret not going to Mossy Forest. It is tucked in the highlands of Mount Brinchang and is known for its and Lord of the Rings-like scenery. Lush mossy carpets and moss dripping from the trees make look like an enchanted forest. Well, I will be going to Malaysia again, and Mossy forest is on my list. This is what I found out for my future visit.

Come as early as possible before tour groups start arriving. Besides, in the morning the mist adds greatly to the mystical atmosphere. If you come at midday, and it is sunny, it may look not as you expect.

There are several ways to get there:

  • drive yourself, but be aware that the road is narrow and bumpy, you may need a 4WD
  • go with a tour
  • take a taxi midway, then hike the rest of the way up
  • take jungle trail No. 1: it’s about 3 hours of hiking through the jungle, mostly uphill.

An Alternative to Mossy Forest Boardwalk

Many people say that Mossy Forest boardwalk reserve is an overcrowded tourist trap. The boardwalk is short and is only about 500 meters long, probably not for hikers.

Fog over Cameron Highlands

But the good news is you can find mossy forests in other parts of the Cameron Highlands. It is not exclusive to this particular reserve. There are 14 jungle trails in the Cameron Highlands (some of the trails are closed due to damage). If you take Trail 10 which goes to the top of Gunung Jasar, you will hike through a stretch of a mossy forest. As a bonus, there is an amazing view from the peak. You can walk back down along Trail 6 which leads to Bharat Tea plantations.

Things to Skip in Cameron Highlands

Strawberry farm, butterfly farm, cactus valley.

Looking back, I think we should have skipped strawberry/ butterfly farms and cactus valley, and done more jungle trekking instead. These attractions could be found in other parts of the world. We went there just because they were included in our Rafflesia tour. For me, the Cameron Highlands are more about jungle trekking and tea plantations.

Cameron Highlands butterfly

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Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Asia , Bucket list travel , Malaysia · September 16, 2024

The ultimate 3 week Malaysia itinerary (including Borneo!)

Looking for a 3 week Malaysia itinerary that includes city breaks, culinary hot spots, paradise islands and outdoor adventures? This three week Malaysia & Borneo itinerary is the answer!

Planning a three week Malaysia itinerary can feel overwhelming, there are too many epic places to explore, and sorting out how to get from A to B isn’t always straightforward.

After spending six weeks zigzagging through the cities, islands and jungles of Malaysia as a solo traveller, I’ve streamlined the highlights of my trip into the ultimate three-week itinerary, visiting both Peninsular Malaysia and the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

I’ve even researched all the best transport and tour options, so you don’t have to waste your time getting bogged down in the logistics.

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With this itinerary for 3 weeks in Malaysia you’ll get to experience buzzing cities, rich culture, heavenly street food, and unique wildlife, with some dedicated island time set aside too. It combines Malaysia’s best experiences into one smooth journey, ticking off bucket list moments in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, George Town (Penang), and the best bits of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

So whether you’re wanting to eat your way around street food markets, come face to face with endangered animals, or immerse yourself in local culture, this Malaysia travel guide has got you covered. Let’s get into it!

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Table of Contents

Quick summary: 3 weeks in malaysia & borneo, malaysia & borneo itinerary map.

A summary of the three week Malaysia & Borneo itinerary

  • 3-4 days in Kuala Lumpur
  • 2-3 days in Ipoh
  • 3-4 days in Penang
  • 1-2 days in Kota Kinabalu
  • 3 days in Kinabatangan River
  • 1-2 days in Sepilok
  • 5-6 days in Semporna/Sipadan

A sea turtle resting on a coral-encrusted structure underwater, while a diver observes from a distance, highlighting marine life in Sabah Borneo

Planning your three weeks in Malaysia & Borneo

Where is malaysia.

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, split between two main regions:

  • Peninsular Malaysia : Situated south of Thailand and north of Singapore, and home to the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi.
  • Malaysian Borneo : Located across the South China Sea to the east of Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo covers some of the island of Borneo, and it’s split into two states: Sabah and Sarawak.

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So Borneo is a part of Malaysia?

Some of it is!

The island of Borneo is actually shared between three countries: there’s Malaysian Borneo , Indonesian Borneo, and the tiny independent nation of Brunei.

A breathtaking sunset over the mountains, reflected on the calm water, creating a magical scene

When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

The best time to visit Malaysia totally depends on where you’re going, and if you’re visiting a couple of different regions then there’s no perfect time of the year that gets you the best weather everywhere you go, but here are some typical weather patterns to keep in mind:

  • Kuala Lumpur has the best weather from June to August and December to mid-February, though afternoon thunderstorms are common year-round. March to May are the hottest months of the year, and November is the rainiest.
  • The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Penang, Langkawi) is impacted by the southwest monsoon between September and November so these months can get super rainy, but it’s hot and humid year-round.
  • The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Perhentian Islands) is impacted by the northeast monsoon from November to February, and the islands pretty much shut down. The best time to visit is between March and October.
  • Malaysian Borneo is a year-round destination, with wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the seasons, and tropical downpours can happen at any time. The dry season is from March to October and is ideal for trekking and scuba diving, but July and August get busy busy busy. November to February is the wet season which can impact some outdoor activities and scuba diving visibility, but it also means less people and lower prices.

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How to get around Malaysia

🚄 To get between the stops in Peninsular Malaysia in this itinerary (Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang), I’d recommend catching the train, which services all three stops. It’s comfortable, efficient and affordable, just be sure to book in advance if you’re planning on travelling at peak commute time.

🚍 There are buses between those spots too, they’re generally cheaper but take longer due to winding roads and traffic.

🎟️ You can book train and bus tickets in Malaysia at 12Go >>

✈️ To get from Peninsular Malaysia to Malaysian Borneo, you’ll need to fly. You can find cheap flights with budget airlines like AirAsia or BatikAir.

🚌 To get around Malaysian Borneo, you could book a small group tour, catch local buses, book private drivers, or jump on domestic flights between Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan (for Sepilok) and Tawau (for Semporna). I’ve explained the options for each route in the different destination sections, and I’ve got a more detailed breakdown of transport in my Borneo itinerary .

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How much to budget for three weeks in Malaysia

Average prices in Malaysia really vary between destinations, but here’s a rough guide to help you plan your budget.

🛌  Accommodation : Hostel dorms from $5-15USD, budget hotels or homestays from $15-30USD, 3* hotels and average apartments from $25-30USD, and nicer apartments or hotels from $30-60USD. 5* hotels from as low as $70USD per night in Kuala Lumpur! Borneo prices and anywhere that’s super touristy will be slightly higher than big cities like Kuala Lumpur.

💤 I book almost all my accommodation while travelling through booking.com, I find that they have the best range, often offer free cancellation, and have the most transparent pricing >>

🚐  Transport : Expect to pay $5-20USD for long bus or train journeys, domestic flights from as little as $20USD (not including checked baggage), Grab (ride-hailing app) very affordable for getting around cities.

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🍜  Food : Cheeeeap! You could eat for $5-10USD per day if you’re happy with street food stalls, local restaurants and fresh fruit from markets, sit-down meals at Western-style restaurants start from $8-12USD, even a fancy dinner out will be half the price of what you’d find in Europe, North America or Australia/New Zealand.

🎟️  Activities : Many popular things to do in Peninsular Malaysia are free or very cheap, like Batu Caves, street art murals, mall-hopping, KLCC Park, the Habitat at Penang Hill, and KL Tower. Day tours in a shared group in Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo range from $30-70USD, more if you want a private booking. Bucket list activities like jungle treks, river safaris, scuba diving etc. make a bigger dent in your budget, upwards of $80USD per day.

A scuba diver exploring the coral reef in clear waters, observing the vibrant underwater life in Borneo

Budget travel tips for Malaysia

📶 Get an eSIM! I use MobiMatter for all my eSIMs while travelling, they’re always LOADS cheaper than Airalo and Holafly (the two eSIM brands you’ve probably seen sponsored posts for), and you can get extra cashback on your first SIM with the promocode FINDINGALEXX

💰 I’ve got two more promocodes for you too, and you can use these on almost every tour and experience I’ve mentioned in this Malaysia itinerary:

  • You can save 10% on your first booking with Klook using the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK
  • And you can save 10% on your first booking with KKDay with the promocode FINDINGALEXX

Both of these are leading providers for travel experiences in Southeast Asia, and you can book things like attraction tickets, city tours, multi-night trips and airport transfers, either on their websites or their apps.

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💳 Use a travel card with no fees, I use a Wise card for all my daily spending around the globe

🚅 Book the KLIA Ekspres train to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city, it’s cheaper than a taxi and it gets you there quickly and comfortably (and you can get 10% off with the promocode FINDINGALEXX)

🍜 Eat at local markets

🏠 Stay at guesthouses, hostels or homestays

✈️ Book domestic flights in advance, prices do jump up if you book last minute. Find the best travel times and cheapest flights with Skyscanner .

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The ultimate three week Malaysia itinerary

Who is this malaysia itinerary for.

This itinerary is perfect for anyone keen to experience the key highlights of Malaysia in three weeks, balancing city breaks, ocean adventures and wildlife spotting. No need to rent a car or splurge on a private driver either, you can follow this exact trip using public transport with the option for some short organised tours.

It’s not too fast-paced, with 2-4 nights in most stops, but it does skip some popular destinations like Langkawi and Cameron Highlands in favour of more remote but absolutely worthwhile places (in my opinion) like Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

The end of the Malaysian Borneo itinerary segment includes a chunk of time for scuba diving, so if you’re not already certified, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go. If that’s not your thing then at the bottom of the blog I’ve listed some potential extensions/detours/swaps to fill your three weeks in Malaysia, so you can tailor the trip to suit your preferences. Too easy!

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Kuala Lumpur

How to get there: Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia’s major transport hubs, you can find direct flights here from loads of countries around the world.

How long to stay: 3-4 days

cameron highlands jungle tour

About Kuala Lumpur

I firmly believe that Kuala Lumpur (or ‘KL’ as it’s usually referred to) deserves more attention from travellers. It’s a world-class city with street food that rivals Bangkok, affordability that rivals Ho Chi Minh City, and shopping malls that rival Singapore, while also being safe and easy to navigate. The dream city break!

The city boasts a seamless fusion of old and new, a perfect combo modern technologies and rich cultural heritage from Malaysia’s varied past, and there’s plenty to see, do, eat and experience to build a Kuala Lumpur itinerary that’s tailored to you.

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Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

  • Climb the 272 rainbow steps at Batu Caves to marvel at the jagged limestone formations and spot cheeky monkeys
  • Wander through Kwai Chai Hong for the best street art
  • See the Petronas Towers, it’s free to visit the bottom of them for the classic photo, but tickets for the observation deck sell out days in advance so book early
  • If you can’t get tickets to the towers, KL Tower also has an observation deck that offers epic views and is less likely to sell out
  • Eat your way around the stalls at Jalan Alor Food Street with a group food tour
  • Bargain hunt at Petaling Street market in Chinatown
  • See the bright and beautiful temples in Brickfields (Little India) and stop off for some Indian sweet treats
  • Visit the city’s key landmarks like Merdeka Square, the National Mosque, Istana Negara (King’s Palace) and National Monument

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  • Head to Bukit Bintang at night to watch it come alive
  • Enjoy fresh air and green space at Perdana Botanical Garden
  • Shop! Pavilion, Suria KLCC and The Exchange TRX are the best shopping malls, Plaza Low Yat has 7 floors of tech and gadgets, Central Market is best for independent gift shops and cute souvenirs, and Berjaya Times Square has a literal rollercoaster inside the shopping centre

Though Kuala Lumpur is cheap and fairly simple to navigate, the most efficient way to see the city’s main highlights is with an organised tour like this top-rated shared tour or this private tour . This way you can see most things in a single day and then take the other 2-3 days to indulge in the culinary scene, enjoy some retail therapy, or take a day trip to somewhere like the Genting Highlands , Putrajaya or Melaka .

See more things to do in Kuala Lumpur on KKDay >> (and save 10% with the promocode FINDINGALEXX)

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Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

  • citizenM Bukit Bintang is my top pick for an elevated budget stay, ideal location with a bus stop right outside, comfortable private rooms and a chilled out but social atmosphere
  • The Freedom Club is the best-rated hostel in KL
  • OA The Factory Bukit Bintang is a cheap and cheerful social hostel with pod-style beds
  • There are lots of super cheap apartments in KL from as little as $25USD a night, but just know that these are often in huge residential buildings like the Regalia or Chambers, so you’re sharing the facilities like infinity pools, gyms and the elevators with hundreds or sometimes thousands of other people. The photos also make them look much nicer than they are, speaking from experience! Worth the risk if you’re on a tight budget, just be sure to read the reviews carefully to know what to expect.

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  • MoMo’s has simple but comfortable rooms in Chow Kit
  • lyf Chinatown is ideal for solo travellers wanting a bit more than a hostel
  • Santa Grand Signature is a top-rated 4* hotel
  • KLoe Hotel is a stunning boutique hotel with epic artist lofts, this one is on my personal hotel bucket list!
  • Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Apartments are my faaavourite place to stay in Kuala Lumpur, with luxurious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments at fantastic value. Loads of space, excellent facilities, very friendly staff, and KL Tower views from some apartments!
  • The RuMa , EQ and Banyan Tree are the top-rated luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur

cameron highlands jungle tour

How to get there: Catch a 2-3h train or a 2-2.5h bus from Kuala Lumpur

How long to stay: 2-3 days

Most travellers taking the overland route from Kuala Lumpur to Penang opt to head through Ipoh and on to the Cameron Highlands, but after visiting both, I’m 100% on Team Ipoh.

The culinary scene is on fire, the old town is authentic and charming, and it offers easy access to spectacular cave temples and Malaysia’s only geothermal hot springs.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Things to do in Ipoh

  • Learn about Malaysia’s colonial heritage with this suggested walking route
  • Search for the hidden (and not-so-hidden!) murals in the old town
  • Marvel at the insanely impressive cave temples of Kek Lok Tong, Sam Poh Tong, Perak Tong and more, tucked into ancient limestone cave complexes just out of the city
  • Experience Ipoh’s famous coffee scene with a slow afternoon at a cafe
  • Treat yourself to a day pass at Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat , a luxury wellness resort hidden amongst the rainforest. This place is reason alone to add Ipoh to your Malaysia itinerary!
  • Trek the jungle in search of the largest flower in the world, the rafflesia

cameron highlands jungle tour

Where to stay in Ipoh

  • DĂŠ Cafe & Rest House (cheap capsule beds close to the train station)
  • The Brownstone Hostel (decent reviews, a really chill vibe)
  • Jindagu Hotel (affordable rooms in a central location)
  • The Horizon (great value apartments and a rooftop pool)
  • Ipoh Bali Hotel (Bali vibes, excellent reviews)
  • Bedrock Hotel (best-rated 3* hotel in Ipoh)
  • Nothing beats the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat , my absolute favourite luxury hotel in Malaysia and one of the best I’ve ever stayed at. Each villa has a private pool and a geothermal hot tub, there’s a bunch of different pools and caves to visit around the resort grounds, you can join a meditation or yoga session with their in-house Guru, and the staff are absolutely brilliant. Actual perfection.

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George Town, Penang

How to get there: 2 hour train from Ipoh to Butterworth, then catch the car ferry (20 minutes) or a Grab (20-25 minutes) to your accommodation in George Town

How long to stay: How much of your three weeks in Malaysia you dedicate to Penang will depend on your travel preferences, I’d recommend setting aside 3-4 days to allow for lots of foodie experiences, some slower pace old town exploring and the chance to get out of town, but you might want more time if your taste buds rule the roost, or less time if you’re not fussed on the food.

cameron highlands jungle tour

About George Town

George Town is the capital of the state of Penang, but some tourists tend to use both George Town and Penang to refer to the same destination. If someone says they’re “going to Penang”, they probably mean George Town.

This is one of the best foodie destinations in the world, with street food stalls and hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving up specialties like char kway teow, asam laksa, hokkien mee and nasi lemak. I hope your pants have a stretchy waistband!

Aside from the food there’s also a beautifully preserved old town, endless street art, vibrant temples and some active adventures within close reach.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Things to do in George Town

  • Eat, eat, eat! I would happily spend an entire week in George Town just to visit a new restaurant each meal of each day. Don’t miss Bibik’s for authentic Nyonya cuisine, Lagenda House for satay chicken, La Vie en Rose for pastries, Mollie for Laksa, and Cecil Street hawker market for cheap street food.
  • Discover the city’s famous murals, lots of them were painted by legendary street artist Ernest Zacharevic
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you can see opulent colonial mansions and grand Chinese temples
  • Take a guided tour through the old town to learn about the history from a local guide, with an included tri-shaw ride
  • Visit Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the biggest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia, with an incredible panoramic outlook
  • Head up to Habitat on Penang Hill for an epic sunset view, or book a ticket to TOP Penang for the view from the state’s tallest tower
  • See the the floating neighbourhood of the Clan Jetties on George Town’s waterfront
  • There are beaches at Batu Ferringhi if you’d like some time in the water, but this itinerary is about to take you to Malaysian Borneo which has a significantly nicer swimming spots
  • Channel your inner child with a day trip to ESCAPE , one of Malaysia’s best theme parks, where you can ride the world’s longest zipline-coaster!

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Where to stay in George Town

  • Sleep Box Penang is my go-to for a super comfortable budget stay, they have stylish and spacious private rooms with shared bathrooms, just a short walk from the centre of George Town
  • New Great Shanghai and Homs Hostel are both top-rated female-only hostels
  • 24 Kimberly (homely hostel with cheap dorm rooms)
  • SAVV Hotel (top-rated 3* hotel with a lush pool)
  • Le Dream Boutique Hotel (affordable 4* hotel with great reviews)
  • Areca Hotel (charming 4* hotel with a super aesthetic courtyard)
  • I loved my stay at The Edison (photos below), a beautifully-restored colonial mansion with huge rooms, stylish interiors, an authentic interior courtyard, and a hidden pool out the back. If you stay here make sure you try the pineapple cinnamon jam at breakfast, honestly I think it’s the best jam I’ve ever had in my life.
  • Eastern & Oriental Hotel is another bucket list stay for me, that pool 😍

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Kota Kinabalu

How to get there: Fly direct from Penang (2h 50m)

How long to stay: 1-2 days

About Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the jumping off point for the Malaysian Borneo part of this three week itinerary, but it’s worth spending a day or two in Sabah’s laidback capital city to see the sights, taste the food, and maybe embark on a day trip before you head inland.

A stunning mosque in Kota Kinabalu, reflected perfectly in the surrounding water, a must-see on a Sabah itinerary

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

  • Savour sea-to-table seafood at KK Garden restaurant
  • Or try a variety of local specialties at the bustling night markets
  • Visit the magical floating mosque, which is perfectly reflected in the surrounding lagoon on a clear day
  • Enjoy sunset cocktails at the waterfront
  • Learn about indigenous culture at the Sabah State Museum or head to Mari Mari Cultural Village to experience it yourself
  • Take a day trip to Kinabalu Park for some hiking, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for snorkelling or diving , or the Kawa Kawa River for a firefly cruise

A peaceful shoreline with calm waters and a view of distant islands, offering a serene experience for travelers

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

  • TOOJOU Hostel  is my go-to, they’ve got dorms and private rooms, a dedicated co-working space, a rooftop bar, and a hostel cat named Pablo who uses the twisty slide to get from the 1st floor to reception. Yes, I’m serious .
  • H2 Worldpackers  (cheap and cheerful social hostel)
  • ACJ Residence  (cosy budget private rooms)

A ginger and white cat sitting in a stylish, art-filled hotel lobby, adding a cozy touch to the space

  • The Aru Hotel  (studios and apartments away from the city chaos)
  • The LUMA Hotel  (stunning boutique design hotel, very affordable for what it is)
  • Hotel 7 Suria  (simple, cheap, fantastic location next to the port)
  • Gaya Island Resort (photos below) is the perfect place if you want a luxe stay, only 15 minutes from KK by boat and you’ll arrive at this paradise island eco-resort. Award-winning spa, delicious dining experiences, an in-house conservation team running epic wildlife experiences, a highlight of my time in Borneo.
  • Hyatt Centric  (super stylish and new 5* hotel with a rooftop swimming pool)
  • Ritz Residence  (fancy, opulent hotel rooms in the Imago shopping complex)
  • Shangri-La Tanjung Aru  (top-rated 5* beachfront resort)

cameron highlands jungle tour

Recommended Borneo tour: East Sabah Adventure

Before I dive into the Borneo destinations on this three week Malaysia itinerary, let me quickly tell you about the tour I did: the East Sabah Adventure with G Adventures .

Borneo isn’t as well-connected as Peninsular Malaysia, and getting from A to B can be time-consuming and expensive if you’re travelling Malaysia solo, so I decided to jump on an eight day tour to minimise the logistical side of things.

It also had added benefits of meeting likeminded travellers, having a legendary local guide who was an expert on the region’s wildlife, and offering fantastic value for money vs. me replicating the itinerary by myself.

A high canopy walkway stretching through the lush treetops, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the rainforest in Sabah Borneo

The tour was eight days in total, starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu, covering Kinabatangan River and Sepilok which I talk about below, as well as having an island stay at Walai Penyu off the coast of Sandakan. Lots of wildlife experiences are included!

If you want to slot this tour in to your Malaysia trip, you could fly from Penang to KK on the tour’s first day, just arrive by 6pm for the welcome meeting.

A proboscis monkey sitting among the dense foliage, blending into its jungle surroundings in Malaysian Borneo

At the end of the tour, if you want to follow the rest of this itinerary and head over to Semporna for some ocean time, I’d actually recommend leaving the tour a day early to save time. Instead of catching the flight from Sandakan to KK on Day 7 of the tour, book your own flight from Sandakan to Semporna instead, and say goodbye to your tourmates at the airport. When the tour arrives in KK it’s just free time with no organised activities, so you’ll just miss out on the typical goodbye dinner (extra cost) and nothing more. Saves a day, and saves an unnecessary flight!

Want more info? Read my full East Sabah Adventure tour review or my two week Borneo itinerary .

Kinabatangan River

How to get there: 5-6 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, or fly to Sandakan (40m) and then it’s 2-3 hours to Kinabatangan

How long to stay: 3 days

A small tourist boat navigating a river surrounded by dense forest, part of a river safari in Borneo

About Kinabatangan River

One of the best and most accessible spots in Borneo for wildlife spotting, the Kinabatangan River is a haven for animal lovers and keen photographers. There’s no better way to search for orangutans, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys than on a river safari, giving you an unbeatable vantage point for seeing these rare animals in their natural habitat.

Staying for a couple of nights at a jungle lodge means you’ve got time for multiple safaris as well as night walks, giving you even more chances of seeing what you’re here for.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Things to do in Kinabatangan River

  • A river safari, obviously. Most lodges run them in the early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are at their most active.
  • A night walk through the jungle to see creatures that prefer the darkness, like tarsiers, frogs, owls and civets
  • Birdwatch from the riverfront deck of your lodge

cameron highlands jungle tour

Where to stay in Kinabatangan River

The majority of the lodges along Kinabatangan River are located in the Bilit and Sukau areas, and most of them offer all-inclusive packages with meals and guided activities included. Some well-rated options are:

  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge  (premium luxury rainforest lodge)
  • Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort  (where I stayed on my tour, simple but well-equipped jungle huts, and Rian, our lodge wildlife guide, was brilliant)
  • Bilit Adventure Lodge  (more comfortable with upgraded amenities)
  • Borneo Jungle Adventure  (basic but great reviews)

Wooden cabins on stilts along a tranquil lake, a perfect nature escape while travelling Borneo

How to get there: From the Kinabatangan River lodges it’s 1h 45m by car, or 20-25 minutes if you’re coming from Sandakan

About Sepilok

Sepilok is renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts, with the main attractions being the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. A day or two is enough time to visit the centres, see the animals, learn about the conservation projects and what we can do to help, and spend a bit of time in the rainforest too.

Orangutan swinging on a rope at a wildlife sanctuary, a key highlight for those following a Borneo itinerary focused on wildlife

Things to do in Sepilok

  • Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see young orangutans play at the nursery, and cross your fingers to see a semi-wild orangutan up close (these are orangutans that live freely in the conservation area behind the centre, but that have access to the centre’s twice-daily feedings if they feel like it)
  • Head next door to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is dedicated to protecting the world’s smallest bear species. See rescued sun bears, learn about the impact of poaching, deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade, and buy a cute souvenir, knowing that your money is going somewhere important.
  • Explore the rainforest from above at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can wander the canopy walkway and spot leaping monkeys and soaring hornbills

A sun bear resting atop a tree stump at a conservation center in Malaysian Borneo, surrounded by dense greenery

Where to stay in Sepilok

Sepilok has eco-lodges that are very similar to the ones I just mentioned in Kinabatangan River.

  • Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat   (super cheap, great reviews)
  • Sepilok B&B  (also budget-friendly)
  • Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort  (where I stayed on my tour, a bit more expensive with nice rooms and a swimming pool)
  • Sepilok Forest Edge Resort  (glamping tents)
  • Sepilok Nature Lodge  (a premium option, lots of reviews mention wild orangutans in the lodge grounds)

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Semporna & Sipadan

How to get there: From Sepilok take a 20-25 minute Grab to Sandakan, then fly to Tawau Airport (TWU) and catch a 1.5-2h transfer to Semporna on the coast. A bit of a rigmarole, but totally worth it!

How long to stay: 1-2 days in Semporna, 4-5 days on one of the islands if you want to scuba dive

About Semporna

Semporna is the gateway to Malaysian Borneo’s best scuba diving spots, offering underwater explorers access to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems and some of the healthiest coral reef in the world.

Spend a day in laidback Semporna to embark on a day trip to hike Bohey Dulang for magical views, then it’s time to explore another layer of Malaysia. And by another layer, I mean under the sea!

Stunning view of lush green islands from Bohey Dulang, surrounded by vibrant blue waters in Malaysian Borneo, showcasing the region's natural beauty

Where to stay in Semporna

  • Bubble House (I spent a night here before my dive trip, quiet, comfortable homestay)
  • Island Backpackers  (budget-friendly social hostel)
  • MY SPACE  (futuristic capsule hostel)
  • Amazing Rooms  (simple, central hotel)
  • Timba Timba Garden Resort (peaceful, rustic retreat slightly out of town)
  • Larapan Water Village  (brand new small overwater resort)
  • Sea Star Resort  (4* overwater resort)

A lone kayak floating on calm open waters, a peaceful moment to experience while travelling Borneo’s coastal regions

About Sipadan

If you’re already certified, chances are you’ve heard fellow divers talk about Sipadan , and now it’s your chance to tick this slice of ocean paradise off your travel bucket list . There are some rules you need to be aware of though:

  • Sipadan permits are limited to 254 divers per day, and they get booked up early. To secure a permit you need to book a Sipadan package with a dive operator, they generally have a minimum number of nights you have to stay to ensure your permit, ranging from 2 to 5.
  • You’ll need your Advanced Open Water certification to dive Sipadan, if you don’t have it yet then just book the course with your dive operator and you’ll be able to do it on Day 1 and Day 2 of your trip, then you can do your Sipadan day afterwards
  • You get two Sipadan dives on a Sipadan day, then your final dive of the day will be at Mabul or Kapalai on your way back

A scuba diver navigating a coral reef, surrounded by colorful marine life, a must-do activity on a Sabah itinerary

If you’ve never dived before but are willing to give it a go, you can do Discovery dives or your Open Water certification with any of the dive operators in the area, and you’ll get to dive at places like Mabul Island and Kapalai Island to see giant turtles, vibrant coral, tonnes of macro life, cuttlefish, octopus and more.

And if you’re just keen to snorkel then that’s fine too, stay at one of the island resorts (there are overwater bungalows for a fairly affordable price) and you’ll still be able to see loads of marine life from the surface.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Where to stay for diving at Sipadan

My absolute top pick for any Sipadan dive trip, and one of the coolest travel experiences I’ve ever had, is Seaventures Dive Rig .

This is the only dive rig in the world , an ex-oil rig that’s been ugly duckling-ed and transformed into an eco-friendly scuba diving paradise, with comfy cabins, super tasty buffet meals, a PADI 5 star dive centre, and an external elevator that literally takes you into the ocean for you to descend to the thriving house reef.

boat approaching the Seaventures Dive Rig in calm waters, with a person standing at the front, showcasing the unique arrival experience at Seaventures Dive Resort

Your stay here includes three boat dives per day, unlimited house reef dives (!!!), and you get one guaranteed Sipadan for a three night stay, or two guaranteed Sipadan days for a five night stay.

You can do your Open Water course on the rig, your Advanced Open Water course (I did mine here), and it’s the only place in the world you can do the PADI Rig Diver Specialty Course. When you’re not breathing through a regulator, you can relax on the sundeck, challenge your dive buddies in the games room, get a massage, or do the 8m high or 20m high rig jump if you dare.

Read my full Seaventures DIve Rig review >>

Watch my Seaventures Dive Rig video >>

Book your Seaventures Dive Rig package >>

A group of divers underwater near Seaventures Dive Resort, surrounded by coral and marine life, showcasing the rich diving experiences available

Other options for your 3 week Malaysia and Borneo itinerary

If you’ve got a bit more time, or you want to swap out any of the places I’ve recommended in the three week Malaysia itinerary above, here are some other popular destinations to visit.

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are located between Ipoh and Penang, a popular stop for tour groups to visit its luscious tea plantations, rolling landscapes and strawberry farms. It’s also one of the few parts of Malaysia that offers a reprieve from the oppressive heat and humidity, thanks to the cooler climate at elevation. I’ve left it off the itinerary because I personally didn’t rate it during my first Malaysia visit a few years ago.

Cameron Highlands Malaysia Contiki

I’m not sure there’s a nice way to say this so I’ll just say it straight: it’s SUPER tacky. Like people in Transformers costumes roaming the street to get paid for photos, endless trashy plastic souvenirs, and sub-par accommodation and food that’s more expensive than anywhere else in Malaysia, completely inauthentic.

Oh, and it’s haunted 🙃 I’m actually not superstitious at all, but the hotel we stayed at in Cameron Highlands was undeniably home to some kind of paranormal activity. Doors that moved themselves, self-opening microwaves and an all-round creepy aura were enough for one of our friends to give up her solo room and come bunk with us for the night!

Cameron Highlands bus tour

The most popular beach destination in Malaysia, you’d probably expect Langkawi to be included in any Malaysia itinerary, but for this trip I’ve opted to focus on the more remote and untouched coastal wonders of Borneo instead.

Langkawi’s tourism industry is decades ahead of Sabah, which means more commercialisation, higher prices and far more people to share the sand with. It’s fine for a holiday, but it’s certainly not an authentic cultural experience.

There are some world-class resorts there though, so if you’ve got ringgit to spare and want a dreamy place to stay, Langkawi could be an add on for your three weeks in Malaysia.

Langkawi sunset dinner cruise Contiki

Perhentian Islands

Another beach option in Peninsular Malaysia, the east coast Perhentian Islands are significantly harder to reach, less developed and more unspoilt than Langkawi over on the west coast. I’ve only left them off this itinerary because I haven’t been there myself, but right now they’re at the very top of my Southeast Asia bucket list!

The diving here might not be as highly-regarded as Sipadan, but it’s still world-renowned, and many divers make the arduous flight-taxi-boat journey to discover what’s living beneath the surface of these remote islands.

If you don’t want to make the trip to Borneo then you could combine the Perhentian Islands with the Taman Negara Rainforest (info below) to tick the wildlife and underwater boxes in Peninsular Malaysia.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Taman Negara Rainforest

This ancient rainforest is your best bet for wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia, so if Borneo’s not going to work for your Malaysia itinerary, consider booking a guided tour here instead.

You’re likely to see macaques, gibbons, hornbills, kingfishers, eagles, crocodiles, colourful butterflies and tapirs, and if you’re incredibly lucky you might get to spot Asian elephants, Malayan tigers, clouded leopards and sun bears.

You can reach the national park from Kuala Lumpur by a combo of bus, train, taxi or boat, with the journey taking 4-8 hours depending on your chosen mode of transport.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Sarawak is the Malaysian Borneo state that sits south of Sabah, it’s well worth a visit but is difficult to fit into just three weeks in Malaysia and Borneo.

If you have more time to explore, or if you want to drop Peninsular Malaysia’s cultural hot spots of Penang and Ipoh in favour of more off-the-beaten-track experiences, then Kuching, Gunung Mulu National Park and Bako National Park are additions worth considering.

Dramatic limestone pinnacles rising out of the jungle in Gunung Mulu National Park, a highlight for adventurers on a Sabah Borneo trip

Add on Singapore

Obviously not actually *in* Malaysia, the city-state of Singapore sits at the southern point of Peninsular Malaysia, making it an easily accessible extension of your three week itinerary.

Budget airlines fly between Singapore and all Malaysian international airports constantly, or from Kuala Lumpur you can catch a bus (5-6 hours) or a train to Johor Bahru and then switch for the final journey to Singapore (7-10 hours).

cameron highlands jungle tour

3 week Malaysia itinerary FAQs

Is malaysia safe for solo female travellers.

Malaysia is generally considered safe and welcoming for solo female travellers, and I didn’t have any safety concerns during my time there, but there are a couple of specific things I want to mention 👇🏼

⚠️ Sabah’s travel warnings

The east coast of Sabah, including Semporna and Sipadan, have had past issues with piracy, which has resulted in travel warnings from some governments that are still in place, despite the last incident happening back in 2016. I’ve explained this and how it can impact your trip in more detail in my two week Borneo itinerary .

A small, lush island in the distance, surrounded by clear blue waters, inviting exploration on a two weeks in Borneo trip

🏮 Kuala Lumpur’s markets at night

The only time I felt a little uncomfortable as a solo female traveller in Kuala Lumpur was at Jalan Alor Food Street at night, it was just so hectic I got overwhelmed with the noises, smells and bright lights, and because I was overwhelmed I probably drew attention to myself.

Be prepared for a bit of chaos, keep your belongings secure because pickpockets can target this area due to the crowds, and consider booking a food tour to experience it in a less stressful way haha.

cameron highlands jungle tour

👗 Appropriate clothing

Malaysia is an Islamic country and it’s important to dress and act modestly, both to respect the people and places you visit, and to avoid unwanted attention.

Touristy places like KL and George Town aren’t super conservative, and Borneo’s coastal areas are also quite laid back, but in smaller towns, villages or anywhere with temples, you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees.

cameron highlands jungle tour

Is three weeks in Malaysia enough?

Spending three weeks in Malaysia is enough to experience a bunch of the country’s highlights, from sleek cities to cultural capitals to wildlife moments you’ll never forget. This itinerary isn’t too rushed, but if you’d like to travel at a slower pace then simply drop one of the stops altogether and you’ll gain a couple of extra days.

What to do with two weeks in Malaysia

If you’ve just got time for a two week Malaysia itinerary, I’d suggest:

  • 2-3 days in Kuala Lumpur
  • 1 day in Ipoh
  • 2-3 days in Penang
  • Fly to Kota Kinabalu and join the 8 day Sabah G Adventures tour , which covers Kinabatangan River, Sepilok and a turtle conservation island off Sandakan

cameron highlands jungle tour

What to do with one week in Malaysia

If you’re limited to just a week in Malaysia, you’ll want to stick to either Peninsular Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo.

With one week in Peninsular Malaysia, you could do:

  • 2-3 days Kuala Lumpur
  • 2 days Ipoh
  • 2-3 days Penang

Or with one week in Malaysian Borneo, you could do the G Adventures Sabah tour (8 days in total), or just fly into Sandakan and spend your time in Sepilok, Kinabatangan River, and either the islands off Sandakan or fly to KK to snorkel in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

cameron highlands jungle tour

What should I pack for three weeks in Malaysia?

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing, it’s humid AF
  • Modest clothing, including a scarf to cover your shoulders for temple visits
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Good walking shoes for jungle treks
  • A reusable drink bottle
  • High SPF sunblock
  • Insect repellent

cameron highlands jungle tour

My toxic trait is that I can’t write a single blog post less than 6000 words 🙃 if you’ve made it to the end then I hope I’ve helped you figure out your perfect 3 week Malaysia itinerary!

If you have any questions then as always just pop them in the comments, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Safe travels!

OTHER MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDES & ITINERARIES:

  • The perfect two week Borneo itinerary
  • Why you should add the world’s only dive rig to your bucket list
  • The ideal Borneo wildlife tour: Sabah with G Adventures
  • Solo travel in Kuala Lumpur: All you need to know

MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong. Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it , or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator. Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com , they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button. Activities 🗽 I use GetYourGuide , Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around. Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company , but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage). Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases , one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff. Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10 . I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14 , it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.

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Alexx is the human behind the keyboard and camera here at Finding Alexx. She’s a full-time solo traveller with a passion for finding bucket list experiences, unique stays that are worth writing home about, and those meals you’ll think about for the rest of your life. Having visited more than 60 countries (50 of them solo!), she shares super detailed itineraries and travel guides on the blog, as well as providing an authentic behind-the-scenes look at all her adventures (and misadventures) on Instagram.

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IMAGES

  1. Hiking the Jungle Trails in Cameron Highlands

    cameron highlands jungle tour

  2. A Complete Hiking Guide to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

    cameron highlands jungle tour

  3. Hiking the Jungle Trails in Cameron Highlands

    cameron highlands jungle tour

  4. Cameron Jungle Trekking Trail

    cameron highlands jungle tour

  5. Jungle Hiking in the Cameron Highlands

    cameron highlands jungle tour

  6. Cameron Highlands Jungle Trek

    cameron highlands jungle tour

VIDEO

  1. Jungle trekking through the mossy rainforest at the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia

  2. Cameron Highlands Wild Custard Apples

  3. Jungle trail to Robinson Falls! 🌲 #malaysia #cameronhighlands #waterfall #beautiful #aesthetic

  4. Monkey goes Bananas!

  5. Hiking CAMERON HIGHLANDS & Tea Plantation Tour

  6. This is MALAYSIA in George Town 🇲🇾

COMMENTS

  1. A Complete Hiking Guide to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

    14 Hiking Trails in Cameron Highlands 1. Trail #1: Brinchang Town to Gunung Brinchang. Duration: 3-4 hours one-way Difficulty: Tough Guide Required: Yes This trail begins in the Brinchang town, north of Tanah Rata, and it climbs all the way up to Gunung Brinchang (2,032m).It takes around 3-4 hours to hike one way.

  2. Jungle Tekking Guide

    Before start your jounery of jungle trekking please prepare following things: 1.Water-Water is very necessary to bring sufficient amount to quench your thirst. (Bring plenty of it as you possibly could because water is heavy) 2.Food-Food will give you some energy and some for emergencies.

  3. Coral Hill Cameron Highlands

    Coral Hill is a lush moss-filled jungle landscape in the Cameron Highlands. It is also sometimes referred to as the 'upper forest' or 'cloud forest.' Short, gnarled trees are covered in a thick layer of moss. ... They offer a full-day experience tour to Cameron Highlands' top destinations, including Mount Brinchang, Mossy Forest, Boh ...

  4. Mossy Forest of Cameron Highlands: Easy Boardwalk ...

    Jungle walk number 1 - A challenging 2-3 hours of walking and climbing uphill through the jungle. Starts from the army quarters. More details on trail 1. ... (and Ipoh to Cameron Highlands tours) that are highly customizable and quality-driven! Contact. Phone Number: +6016 329 8342. Email: [email protected] Useful Guides. Ipoh Travel Guide ...

  5. Top 10 Cameron Highlands Tours 2024

    Discover and book amazing Tours in Cameron Highlands on Klook. Find great deals and discounts on packages with instant confirmation! Top Cameron Highlands Tours ... The canopy walk was indeed cool but waiting 3 hours for 20 mins it could be better spent hiking in the jungle. After the canopy hike we walked up the mountain to the view point ...

  6. Hiking the Jungle Trails in Cameron Highlands

    Hiking Jungle Trail Number 4, 5 and 6. There are about 15 jungle trails in Cameron Highlands, so after some research, Brecht decided to start with an easy one: number 4. As we were walking, we came across a path leading up and Brecht thought this would be more interesting than continuing trail 4, so we began climbing jungle trail 6.

  7. Cameron Highlands and Mossy Forest Half Day Tour

    RM 65.00. Select options. Get away from the city and have a fascinating nature experience on a half day tour at Cameron Highlands. Engulf your holiday with the scenery of most beautiful tea plantation in South East Asia known Sungai Palas BOH Tea Plantation, Tea Cafe and Tea Factory. Be amazed by the unforgettable view of 2000m altitude above ...

  8. The Ultimate Guide To Hiking In The Cameron Highlands

    Watching the sunrise over the highlands is only the first part of the Morning Madness Tour offered by Cameron Secrets; a local company that claims to be the pioneers of the sunrise tour and one of the best in the Cameron Highlands.. The RM69 or $18 price tag is the cheapest that I could find around town and includes transportation to and from your accommodation, sunrise over the hills, a walk ...

  9. Guided Jungle Trekking

    The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands 30th Mile Ringlet, 39200 Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia Tel: +605 495 6152 Fax: +605 495 6213 Email: [email protected] Read more. ... For active guests, the hotel provides free guided jungle walking tours. Please contact the hotel reception to make a reservation. Details are as follows:

  10. Your Ultimate Guide to The Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

    GO TREKKING THROUGH THE JUNGLE. For nature lovers, the biggest draw of the highlands is the hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. The Cameron Highlands has a reputation for being one of the top trekking destinations in Malaysia, with a network of 14 well known jungle trails surrounding the main town of Tanah Rata. These trails vary in difficulty, but are very accessible from Tanah ...

  11. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Cameron Highlands

    Being at almost 1500m (5000ft) above sea level, the climate in the Cameron Highlands is much cooler than elsewhere in the country. This makes the Cameron Highlands a unique destination to visit in Malaysia. The daytime temperature rarely goes above 25 degrees. At nighttime, the temperature often drops below 18 degrees.

  12. [3D2N] Taman Negara Cameron Highlands Tour Package

    This 3 days 2 nights Tour Package is the combination of Taman Negara 2 Days 1 Night & Cameron Highland 2 Days 1 Night. On Day 1, pick up early in the morning from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then drive for 1.5 hours to visit Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. We will then drive to Kuala Tahan Jetty , then to check in to Taman Negara National Park ...

  13. Complete Guide to Trekking in the Cameron Highlands

    This trail will lead you up a ridge to the summit of Gunung Irau, which at 2,110 m is the highest summit in the Cameron Highlands. The two pictures below show the view from the summit of Gunung Brinchang. If you are a hiker, be warned: as Gunung Brinchang is a part of the most popular tours, expect to find lots of tourists with you at the summit!

  14. Mossy Forest Cameron Highlands

    The mossy forest is located along the ridges at the peak of Gunung Brinchang mountain in the Cameron Highlands. At an elevation of 2032m the climate is consistently cool here. The mossy forest is 15km north of Tanah Rata by road (Tanah Rata is the main town in the Cameron Highlands). It is not possible to drive all of the way to the mossy forest.

  15. Jungle Hiking in the Cameron Highlands

    Hiking the Cameron Highlands Solo. With no tours running that particular day, I decided to go it alone and walked the 5km to the next town, Brinchang. From there you can take Jungle Track 1, a fairly tough uphill trek through dense jungle that takes you to the 2000m summit of Gunung Brinchang, the highest mountain in the state. Further up it ...

  16. Trekking Trails in the Cameron Highlands

    Mount Brinchang, at an elevation of 6,666 feet, is the highest peak in the Cameron Highlands. An observation tower at the top provides panoramic views of the Titiwangsa Mountains, but because it's accessible by road (and is a popular destination for tour groups), don't expect to be rewarded for this strenuous hike with solitude.

  17. The Ultimate Guide to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

    The Ultimate Guide to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Richard Collett. May 31, 2023. Found in peninsular, central Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands make for a cool escape from the scorching, hot coastline or the stuffy confines of Kuala Lumpur. This beautiful area of mountain peaks, jungle trails, and tea plantations is found at high elevation ...

  18. Cameron Highlands Travel Guide: All You Need To Plan A Trip

    Cameron Highlands, a hilly region in Pahang, Malaysia is accessible from Kuala Lumpur and Perak. It started as an outpost for the British somewhere in the late 19th century. There are 3 main townships - Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Ringlet. With smaller villages like Blue Valley, Tringkap and Kea Farm in between.

  19. The 29 Best Things to Do in Cameron Highlands

    Furthermore, you can also go with a sunrise tour as Cameron Highlands offers many sunrise tours. 3. Make a Tour of Cactus Valley. ... Gunung Jasar is one of the best locations for hiking and trekking in Cameron Highlands and it's marked as trail 10 jungle trekking guide. This trail is quite popular among nature lovers and hikers.

  20. Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)

    The Cameron Highlands is a beautifully unique area of mainland Malaysia and you can spend 2 to 3 days in the Cameron Highlands exploring the best things to do. From visiting spectacular tea plantations to picking strawberrie s and hiking through the rainforest jungle. You'll have a great time in the Malaysian highlands.

  21. Cameron Highlands

    The whole region was made a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1962. Cameron Highlands is a highland region located about 20 km east of Ipoh and about 150km north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang state. Apart from the cold weather, key attractions in Cameron Highlands include a butterfly farm, strawberry farms, rose gardens, Chinese temple and vegetable farms.

  22. Cameron Highlands Hiking Guide

    Trail 4: Forestry Department (Tanah Rata) to Parit Waterfall. Duration: 30 minutes. Distance: 1.8km. Difficulty level: Easy. Parit Waterfall is a popular attraction in the Cameron Highlands. The easiest trail of all, this is a straightforward walk to Parit Waterfall. Most of the route is paved, making it very accessible.

  23. Cameron Highlands: Great Things to Do

    Due to its location, the area has a much cooler climate than the rest of Malaysia and is a perfect place to escape the heat. The Cameron Highlands is famous for its lush green tea plantations, jungle hiking trails, strawberry farms, and flower nurseries. The main reason we traveled there was to see rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world.

  24. The perfect 3 week Malaysia itinerary (with Borneo!)

    Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are located between Ipoh and Penang, a popular stop for tour groups to visit its luscious tea plantations, rolling landscapes and strawberry farms. It's also one of the few parts of Malaysia that offers a reprieve from the oppressive heat and humidity, thanks to the cooler climate at elevation.