Top 10 Things To Do In Cameron Highlands
With a rich mix of cultures and heritage, Cameron Highlands in Pahang offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. If you’re wondering what to do in Cameron Highlands, there are over 29 activities to choose from. Here are the top 10 Cameron Highlands tourist attractions you must visit.
An Overview of Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands features lush hills filled with expansive fruit and tea plantations. This region is packed with Cameron Highlands tourist attractions, making it perfect for a short, exciting stay. You can easily explore most of these attractions in 2-3 days, enjoying both nature and local town life.
There are two main towns to visit—Tanah Rata and Brinchang, with the most attractions nearby.
Here are the top 10 activities of both towns!
Things to do: cameron highland attractions
1. BOH Tea Plantation
The BOH plantation is a historic highland tea garden and a must-see Cameron Highlands tourist attraction. As the first and largest tea plantation in Malaysia, it was established by British John Archibald Russel and Sri Lankan A.B. Milne. The plantation, named after the Bohea hills where tea was first discovered, boasts nearly a century of success.
Now including the Sungei Palas Plantations, the BOH enterprise has two locations. Both are worth visiting, but the original BOH tea gardens offer an unmatched experience. Tour the gardens, enjoy the expansive views, and relax with a cup of tea at their café—making it a standout Cameron Highlands tourist attraction.
2. Sam Po Temple
Sam Po Temple, located in Brinchang, is a must-visit Cameron Highlands tourist attraction. Perched on a small hill at the edge of town, this Buddhist temple features a large Buddha statue and various Buddhist and Chinese deities. It’s a peaceful spot offering beautiful views of the town and great photo opportunities.
Things to Note:
- Free Entry: The temple is open to all visitors at no cost.
- Respectful Behavior: Remove your shoes before entering and maintain silence inside.
- Active Temple: Though a popular Cameron Highlands place of interest, it remains an active temple where locals and tourists come to pray. Be respectful to the resident monks and the temple’s sanctity.
3. Gunung Brinchang Peak
Gunung Brinchang is a top Cameron Highlands tourist attraction and the second highest peak in the area, standing at 6,667 feet. It’s the highest peak accessible by road, offering spectacular views of the lush landscape. At the top, you’ll find a telecommunication tower that provides even better vistas.
Extra Tip:
To experience two amazing Cameron Highlands tourist attractions in one go, take the trail through the Mossy Forest to reach Gunung Brinchang. The Mossy Forest, with its fairytale-like atmosphere, makes the trek to the peak even more enchanting. The hike takes about an hour each way. Be sure to check the trail’s status with a local before heading out, as it can be affected by landslides.
4. The Time Tunnel
The Time Tunnel is a must-visit Cameron Highlands tourist attraction. Located in Brinchang, this small museum, the first memorabilia museum in Malaysia, offers a unique look into the area’s history.
Housed in the basement of Kok Lim Strawberry Farm, the Time Tunnel showcases a collection of items and stories gathered by local resident See Kok Shan. It provides fascinating insights into Cameron Highlands’ cultural influences over the years.
Fee for the Time Tunnel:
There is a small fee to enter the museum: RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.
5. Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm
Everyone recommend visiting Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm as a prime Cameron Highlands tourist attraction. Situated opposite Kea Farms on the main road, this renowned strawberry farm is among the district’s most popular destinations.
At the farm, you can explore the facilities, pick up to half a kilo of fresh strawberries, and observe the processing plant. The farm also features a dining area where you can savor tea and various strawberry-based treats such as cakes, jams, and waffles.
The farm’s rooftop seating area offers picturesque views of Brinchang Peak, making it a relaxing spot for a break. Admission is free, and the family-friendly environment makes it a great place to unwind between other activities.
Located approximately 3 km from Brinchang town, Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm is an ideal starting point for a day of exploration.
6. Mah Meri Art Gallery
Located in Tanah Rata, this Cameron Highlands tourist attraction showcases the impressive works of the Mah Meri indigenous tribe. If you’re exploring things to do in Cameron Highlands, this art gallery is a must-visit!
The gallery features unique art pieces made from mangrove hardwood, all recognized by UNESCO for their excellence in craftsmanship. The Mah Meri crafts are distinctive and offer a fascinating glimpse into indigenous artistry.
Timings & Entry Fees
- Open: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Entry Fee: RM37 for adults, RM21 for children
Don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary cultural showcase during your visit to Cameron Highlands.
7. Pasar Pagi / Morning Market
For a relaxed and enjoyable start to your morning, visit the morning markets in Kea Farms and Brinchang town. This Cameron Highlands tourist attraction is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM.
The market offers fresh farm produce, local goods, and various other items at affordable prices. It’s a great place to stock up on fruits and other products while experiencing the daily life of the locals.
The morning market is a key Cameron Highlands tourist attraction where you can mingle with people and soak in the local atmosphere.
8. Pasar Malam / Night Market
After a busy day of exploring, don’t miss the vibrant weekend night market in Tanah Rata, a must-visit Cameron Highlands tourist attraction. This market starts around 4 PM and closes at 11 PM, offering a wide range of local merchandise, souvenirs, and food.
Originally located in Brinchang, the market now takes place in Tanah Rata from Friday to Sunday. It’s a lively spot where you can experience local life and find unique items.
Weather and other conditions can affect the market’s timing, so check with locals or your guide for updates on its schedule.
9. Cactus Valley
Located on a hill in Brinchang Town, the Cactus Valley is a top Cameron Highlands tourist attraction. This botanical garden features a wide range of cacti, flowers, fruits, and ornamental plants, including some that are around 60 years old.
It’s a must-visit spot in Cameron Highlands where you can stroll through the beautiful garden and even purchase reasonably priced potted plants to take home.
Timings & Entry Fee:
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry fee: RM5 for adults, RM2 for children.
10. Agro Technology Park
The MARDI Agro Technology Park, located in Tanah Rata, is one of the top 10 Cameron Highlands tourist attractions. This park, a remnant of British colonial times, was handed over to the Malaysian Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in 1990 and has since become a popular Cameron Highlands tourist attraction.
You can explore the park’s gardens, showcasing countless species of flowers, fruits, and other plants. The park also features a sales center where you can purchase souvenirs and farm produce.
Originally opened as a research station in 1926, the park now operates as both a research center and a tourist spot. It is divided into six sections:
- The English Garden
- Herb Garden
- Orchid Garden
- Rose Garden
- Research Centre
- Information Centre
Visiting this Cameron Highlands tourist attraction provides a delightful blend of botanical beauty and historical significance.
Where to stay
For backpackers and digital nomads, I highly
I recommend Travel Bunker Hostel the hostel has a few nice common areas, and even better capsule style beds. They serve coffee and have snacks in the lobby for sale. The Cameron highlands in malaysia is a must see tourist location!
Safety
Leeches in hiking areas:
If you are going hiking wear jeans, or high socks, as leeches are common.
Stay Hydrated
If you start to feel light headed, get under some shade and slowly drink water, take it easy.
Things to remember
Backroad to Cameron Highlands:
If you’re driving to Cameron Highlands, ensure your car is working properly. Have the brakes, headlights, and other parts checked beforehand. Follow traffic rules, avoid overtaking and speeding, and honk when making sharp turns, which is customary here, don't be afraid to honk, it's not rude, just makes the road safer when turning on the roads with many blind spots
Bring an umbrella or raincoat
During the rainy season, rains start and stop all day.
Common Questions THINGS TO DO IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS MALAYSIA
Cameron Highlands, a renowned hill station in Malaysia’s Pahang State, attracts local and international visitors. As one of the country’s oldest and most famous hill stations, it’s known for its stunning landscapes, including lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and dense forests.
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!
What are the top sightseeing places in Cameron highlands? The top sightseeing places in Cameron highlands are Mossy Forest, Boh Tea Plantation , Big Red Strawberry Farm, Thompson Falls, Time Tunnel Museum, Cactus Valley.
I hope this guide made it easier for you to narrow down your choices, but if you’re still having trouble deciding, I can recommend Tanah Rata. Because it’s not as isolated as Brinchang and Ringlet, Tanah Rata offers the ideal blend of escapism and adventure!
Best Time to Visit Cameron Highlands
While Cameron Highlands is a year-round destination, the best time to visit depends on the activities you’re interested in. If you’re keen on outdoor activities and want to avoid rainfall, the dry months from February to April and July to August are ideal.
Cameron Highlands is famous for its beauty, serenity, tea plantations and strawberry farms. What should I wear in Cameron Highlands? You should wear comfortable cotton clothes in the day and for the cold and chilly night, you must carry track pants and a warm jacket.
The most effective route to Cameron Highlands is through the North-South Expressway (NSE). Once there, you can choose between two exits –Simpang Pulai & Tapah – to get to Cameron Highlands proper. The Simpang Pulai exit is the easiest and most comfortable which means its best suited for families.
Genting Weather is a spring-like subtropical highland climate with daily temperatures falling between 10°C – 25°C. This means that it is cooler than most lowland areas in Malaysia but warmer than Cameron Highlands or Fraser’s Hill, which are also popular hill stations.
Three main townships make up the Cameron Highlands region: Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. Steeped in colonial history, the highlands were named after British explorer and geologist William Cameron, who was commissioned in 1885 to map out the Pahang-Perak border.
This colonial era road was the first one that was built, so it is narrow, boasting many tight corners, and offering little chance for overtaking. You will also have that challenge of avoiding potholes along the way up. I would suggest that less seasoned drivers approach with some caution.
The food is great as it is very fresh especially the stream boat. There are so many flower gardens where you can spend the whole day going from garden to garden, great places to take photographs of the beautiful flowers. Cameron Highland is really a place to relax and enjoy.
Cameron Highlands are mostly famous for its fertile mountain slopes and climate with daytime temperatures averaging around 25°C and 18°C at night making it the perfect place for tea and vegetable production.
Cameron Highlands boasts an array of lush green landscapes, cool temperatures, and fertile soil, making it perfect for tea plantations and agricultural farm stays. If you plan a trip to Cameron Highlands, read on to discover some amazing things to do in the region. Pin it for later!
Thanks for reading. Any suggestions? comment below
I hope you enjoyed reading about the top destinations in Cameron Highlands. Comment your favorite one, and let me know if I missed a spot!
And while you’re in Malaysia, definitely visit the Batu caves in Kuala Lumpur!
Start Planning Your Malaysia Trip Now!
Book Your Flight:
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Book Your Bus or Transportation Within Malaysia:
There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using Easybook or 12go.asia
Book Your Accomodation:
Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.
Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:
Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Usefull Apps?
Grab/Uber – Local Transportation
Food Panda/Grab – Food Delivery
Whatsapp – Communication
Want More Information On Indonesia?
Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the Malaysia for even more tips.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.