Cameron Highlands travel and tourist guide
The rolling hills are great for trekking
Europeans have been flocking to the cooler climbs of the Cameron Highlands for the best part of a century, and its charms do not seem to be dwindling with ever more tourists making the 1,500m journey up to the historic hill station. So if you like the idea of bathing in sparkling waterfalls, sipping hot tea on picturesque verandas and gorging on scones and fresh strawberry jam, the Cameron Highlands may just be the place for you.
Below is a brief introduction to Cameron Highlands but for our comprehensive guide visit here or see 1stopMalaysia.
One of the main draws to the area are the magnificent tea plantations which bejewel the surrounding mountainous countryside. Tea has been a part of rural life in the area since the British established it as a staple crop. Experienced Chinese and Indian immigrants were brought in to handle production and these communities have had a profound effect on the cuisine and culture of the region.
The temperate climate of the Cameron Highlands endows a therapeutic quality and it can be extremely refreshing and invigorating to wander the scenic countryside. The area is best known for hiking and trekking with maps and tours available from most hotels. People should take sensible precautions when embarking on these excursions, wear sensible clothing and footwear, tell someone your route and leave adequate time to complete the itinerary before darkness falls.
What to see in the Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands is famous for tea plantations
Brinchang is most important local town of the Cameron Highlands although most tourists tend to opt for staying in Tanah Rata, five kilometres away. The latter is nothing more than a tiny quaint village but has seen its status grow in recent years as numerous hotels and restaurants move in. There is an arty feel to the place and it is possible to get lost here for days not doing much in particular. For active people there are tea plantations and waterfalls that lie within easy reach by bicycle or on foot.
Also nearby is pretty Robertson Waterfall, only a short stroll from Tanah Rata. It is easy to find from the town and makes a splendid spot for a picnic if you stock up on delicious food before setting off. For the full story how tea gets from the bush to your china cup, try paying Boh Tea Centre a visit. The trek to Gunung Brinching mountain is a surefire way to work up an appetite as the three hour journey to the peak snakes through jungle and by tea plantation with spectacular views.
Trekking around the area is the most popular activities for tourists in Cameron Highlands, although there are also volunteer projects and even an 18-hole golf course. Swimming is possible in streams and pools whilst picking fruit at some of the abundant farms also makes spending time choosing a mid-afternoon snack all the more satisfying. More on Cameron Highlands activities.
Many of the attractions of the Cameron Highlands can be visited whilst trekking through the area. This serves to split up journeys into manageable segments and adds some extra interest en route. Butterfly farms, fruit and veg stalls, flower nurseries and a fascinating museum can all be enjoyed. Many people get guided tours of tea plantations or visit aboriginal Orang Asli villages which are amazing insights into how people lived centuries ago. More on Cameron Highlands attractions.
Cameron Highlands hospitality
The Cameron Highlands are blessed with a wide variety of hotels, guesthouses and resorts which tend to be centred on the travellers’ haven of Tanah Rata. There are a few options in Brinchang, although this tends to be a slightly less popular base for visitors. Tourists on a tight budget will find their ringgits go a long way with cheap dorm beds on offer for a handful of dollars, with internet and even free breakfasts thrown in. There are some superb value boutique hotels as well which feature more comfort for only a small increase in costs plus a few high-end resorts with spas and luxurious rooms with cable TV and all the extras. More on Cameron Highlands hotels.
Evening entertainment in Cameron Highlands is pretty low key with only a couple of bars in Tanah Rata and nothing to really speak of in Brichang. There are a wide variety of restaurants serving good value Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes at prices far lower than Penang or the large cities.
Northern Europeans will love the Swiss-German Restaurant that serves up traditional Bavarian sausages as well as traveller favourites such as burgers and sandwiches. More on Cameron Highlands restaurants and bars.
Getting to the Cameron Highlands
Transportation in Cameron Highlands is a relatively simple affair from the big cities with direct VIP buses connecting Tanah Rata with Kuala Lumpur and beyond to even Singapore. From Penang there are direct private minibuses departing from various guesthouses so it is best to ask about these whilst in town. Otherwise Tapah is the major transport hub nearby and only two hours from Tanah Rata. Ipoh is on the main Bangkok to Singapore rail line and those wanting to catch a train should head here. For more on Cameron Highlands transport.
For more on the Cameron Highlands see 1stopMalaysia.
