Cameron Hihglands

What to do in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia?

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After the warmth and buzz of Malaysia’s islands and cities, I was craving a little fresh air and greenery and Cameron Highlands turned out to be exactly what I needed. Nestled in the hills, this cool mountain region feels like a different world. Think rolling tea plantations, misty jungle trails, strawberry farms, and cozy cafés where you can sip hot tea while watching the clouds roll by.

In this post, I’ll share where I stayed, how I got there, and all the things I loved (and think you will too!) about Cameron Highlands.

Where I Stayed – Tanah Rata

I chose to stay in Tanah Rata, the heart of the Highlands and I’m so glad I did. It’s a small, walkable town with a laid-back vibe and plenty of cute guesthouses, local restaurants, and backpacker cafés. It also turned out to be the perfect base for exploring the area. From here, I joined a tea plantation tour, found some great hiking trails, and always had a spot nearby to grab a hot chocolate in the chilly evenings.

If you're looking for something more off thegrid, there are also beautiful stays near Brinchang or hidden among the tea fields perfect for a romantic getaway or just some deep rest in nature.

How to Get to the Cameron Highlands?

For my trip, I traveled to the Cameron Highlands directly from Taman Negara no boat involved, just a long but scenic bus ride through central Malaysia. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are a couple of different options, and both offer their own kind of adventure.

From Taman Negara (My Route):
After a few unforgettable days surrounded by jungle in Taman Negara, I took a direct minibus from Kuala Tahan (the main village in Taman Negara) to the Cameron Highlands. It was a full travel day, around 7 to 8 hours, but it was smooth and surprisingly comfortable. The road winds through hills and farmland, and you really get to see a different side of Malaysia along the way.

The journey cost me around 90 MYR, which is roughly €17–18. I booked the transfer through my guesthouse the day before many local accommodations offer this service or can arrange it for you.

The van picked me up in the morning right from my guesthouse in Kuala Tahan and dropped me off in Tanah Rata, the main town in the Cameron Highlands. Super convenient!

From Kuala Lumpur:
If you're coming from Kuala Lumpur, the easiest way is to take a direct bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). The ride takes around 4 hours and costs between 35 and 45 MYR (approximately €6–9).
I’ve heard good things about Unititi Express and CS Travel both run this route regularly and have comfy buses with AC.

How Long Should You Stay?

I stayed for three nights and found that to be the perfect amount of time. It gave me space to really slow down something I often forget to do when traveling. I spent my days hiking, tasting local tea, visiting farms, and just sitting outside breathing in the fresh mountain air. If you want to truly soak it in, I’d recommend at least two full days here.

My Favorite Cafés & Food Spots

One of the unexpected highlights of Cameron Highlands? The food! Here are a few of my favorite spots:

Lord’s Café

This was my go-to spot for tea and scones. It's hidden above a bookstore and feels like stepping into someone’s living room. The scones come warm, with house-made strawberry jam and cream heaven. I came back here twice because it just felt so peaceful.

The Barracks Café

Set inside an old military barrack, this place has such a unique feel. I had a creamy mushroom soup here that I still think about. It’s a great mix of Western comfort food and Malaysian flavors, and the garden seating makes it even more charming.

Ferm Nyonya Restaurant

I wanted to try something local and flavorful, and this place was perfect. Nyonya food is a blend of Chinese and Malay cuisine, and the sambal eggplant was my personal favorite. It’s cozy, family-run, and you can really taste the love in the food.

Don’t Miss: Brinchang Night Market

If you’re in Cameron Highlands on a weekend, make sure to stop by the night market in Brinchang. It’s full of local snacks, steaming hot food, strawberries dipped in chocolate (a classic here), and fresh produce from the farms nearby. I tried fried mushrooms and hot sweet corn — super simple, but so satisfying in the cool air.

Tip: bring some cash, wear something warm (yes, really!), and come hungry.

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Top 10 Things to do in the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands stole my heart with its misty landscapes, cool mountain air, and peaceful vibe. Whether you’re into tea, jungle hikes, or just chilling with a hot cup of local brew — there’s something magical here for everyone. Here are my top 10 favorite things to do:

Visit the BOH Tea Plantation (Sungai Palas)
- This is the classic Cameron Highlands experience. The road up is a bit narrow and winding, but once you arrive — wow. You’re surrounded by rolling green hills as far as the eye can see. The view from the tea café is unreal, and their signature tea with a slice of cake is the perfect mid-morning treat.
Explore the BOH Tea Garden (Fairlie Tea Garden)
- Less crowded than Sungai Palas but equally beautiful, this is one of BOH’s original sites. It has a more peaceful, old-school charm. I loved wandering around the estate and just soaking in the quiet atmosphere — it feels like time stands still here.
BOH’s Habu Estate (near Ringlet)
- The third BOH tea location is in the southern part of the Highlands, and it's often overlooked — which makes it even more special. It’s the oldest of the three estates and has a rich colonial history. If you’re a tea lover, it’s worth visiting all three locations to experience the full story of BOH.
Pick Your Own Strawberries
- You can’t visit Cameron Highlands without picking strawberries! There are tons of farms around, and most let you walk in and pick your own basket. It’s touristy, sure, but still fun — especially with the mountain air and fresh fruit around you. Plus: strawberry ice cream and waffles? Yes, please.
Jungle Trekking Around Tanah Rata
- One of my favorite ways to spend a morning here was just walking straight into the forest. There are several trails (like Trail 5 or Trail 10) that take you through mossy jungle paths, up hills, and to quiet viewpoints. Wear good shoes, bring water, and be ready to get a little muddy — it’s totally worth it.
Wander the Brinchang Night Market
- If you’re around on a weekend, don’t miss the night market in Brinchang. It’s busy, colorful, and full of delicious smells — from grilled corn to deep-fried mushrooms and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Bring some cash, wear something warm, and come hungry!
Have a Drink at Jungle Bar (Tanah Rata)
- Looking for a fun but chill vibe in the evening? Jungle Bar is the place to be. Hidden behind a row of shops in Tanah Rata, it’s got a great backpacker feel, friendly locals, good music, and affordable drinks. I loved ending my day here after a long hike or tour.
Explore a Mossy Forest
- If you’re craving misty, Lord of the Rings-style vibes — the Mossy Forest near Gunung Brinchang is for you. It’s an eerie, beautiful world of twisted trees and soft green moss. Go early in the morning if you want it all to yourself!
Try a Local Steamboat Dinner
- On a chilly highland evening, there’s nothing better than a traditional steamboat. It’s basically a bubbling hot pot where you cook your own veggies, tofu, seafood, and noodles. There are several great spots in Brinchang and Tanah Rata. Comfort food at its best.
Chill in a Tea Café and Watch the Clouds Roll In
- Honestly, some of my favorite moments were the slow ones — just sitting on a balcony with a warm cup of tea, listening to the rain, and watching the fog drift across the hills. There’s something healing about the Highlands that invites you to pause, breathe, and just be.