The Best Things to Do When in Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is the perfect example of why Malaysia is a perfect tourist destination. This is because its variety of attractions and natural landscapes opens the door to tons of fun activities that your friends and family will truly enjoy!
Whether you’re looking to get your blood pumping or relax your senses, you’ll have a blast exploring this mountainous region. This being said, here are some of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands to make sure that you don’t miss out on fun activities:
Explore the tea gardens of Boh Tea Plantation
Address: Unnamed Road, 39000, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-493 1324
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
One of the most famous attractions in Cameron Highlands is the countless acres of tea fields found in the Boh Tea Plantation.
Being in the middle of these tea fields is a serene experience like no other. Nothing beats seeing luscious greenery for as far as the eye can see while breathing in some of the most fragrant and fresh air that Malaysia has to offer.
However, the experience doesn’t stop there, as you can also sample the tea itself! Found on top of one of the hills in this green paradise is a cafe where you can sip on some cuppa while enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of the valley.
If you’re big on history, you’ll also be pleased to know that this place has a strong historical significance. Built during the 1930s, this place is the first tea factory of BOH, Malaysia’s most popular tea brand.
Trek through the mysterious Mossy Forest
Address: Mossy Forest, Gunung Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 13-674 1406
If you want to be transported to a place that looks straight out of a fantasy movie, then you have to explore the Mossy Forest! This ever-so-mysterious place is hidden in Mount Brinchang and its mystifying appearance can be attributed to its thick mist.
This entire forest is heavily blanketed by this beautiful white fog, which makes exploring it all the more interesting. The reason behind this mystical appearance is simply its elevated position, as the forest stands at an impressive height of 2,032 metres.
The trek itself is pretty difficult but it’s not impossible, just be sure to remember the hiking basics to ensure your safety. However, we do recommend booking a travel package that comes with a tour guide to make sure that everything goes smoothly during your visit.
The hard work is well-rewarded though, as you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views that Cameron Highlands has to offer once you reach the peak.
Meet new fluffy friends at The Sheep Sanctuary
Address: Pasar Malam Kea Farm, Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-491 4638
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Some people would say that the real treasures of a journey are the friends we meet along the way. In Cameron Highlands, however, they’ll do you one better by letting you meet friendly, gentle and most of all, fluffy sheep!
These cuddly creatures can be found in The Sheep Sanctuary where visitors can freely engage with them. This is a safe place for them, as they have more than enough room to roam freely and live their best lives, which is far better than being cooped up in a barn.
You can interact with these adorable animals by feeding, petting and playing with them! You can also take tons of pictures to forever remember this cute moment.
Then, after a tiring day of playing with them, you can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of joe in the quaint cafe located nearby.
Conquer Gunung Jasar
Address: Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
For those looking to break a sweat and get their blood pumping, we recommend conquering the famous Gunung Jasar trail! This is one of the most accessible hiking trails in Malaysia, but the reward is anything but less because of the beautiful unobstructed sight of Cameron Highlands.
Aside from hikers, nature lovers will also get a kick out of this activity as well because of the beautiful views that they’ll be spoiled with. These majestic natural landscapes will be on full display during the hike, which can easily make anyone stand in awe.
This is also a great place to visit if you’re looking to spoil yourself with fresh air. Thanks to the elevation and the abundance of greenery on this hiking trail, the air will be as fresh as it gets, which can help you relax and release accumulated stress.
Go on a romantic picnic at Cameron Flaura Park
Address: Lot 191, Kea Farm, 39010 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia.
Contact details: +60 12-654 3657
Operating hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Cameron Flaura Park is one of the region’s most beautiful attractions. It features multiple acres of colourful flowers belonging to different species and it opens the door to several photo opportunities and other fun activities.
One of the many activities you can do here is go on a nice and romantic picnic among the beautiful pink flowers. This is one of the best date ideas you can follow in Malaysia because you and your partner will be surrounded by the most serene and beautiful scenery while chatting.
Not to mention that the park offers impressive picnic sets that cost under RM900. The price may be steep, but you’ll be surprised at how many inclusions it has from tea to cookies, and other kinds of snacks.
If you’re looking for a great place to get a cup of joe while enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the park, there’s a cafe aptly named “The Views”. This establishment is located on a hilltop and the building itself features huge windows to provide unobstructed views of the park.
There are tons of other things to do in Cameron Flaura Park. If you want to learn more about them, check out our complete guide here.
Shop for local products at Kea Farm Market
Address: 39100, Brinchang 39000 Malaysia
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
It would be a shame if you leave Cameron Highlands without bringing some of its local produce with you. The best place to go shopping before you leave the place is this huge market called Kea Farm Market, where locals gather to sell amazing products such as fruits and vegetables.
Aside from being a great place to purchase local products, we also recommend this spot for foodies. This is because of the creative and unique snacks being sold by locals here such as steamed corn, deep-fried sweet potatoes homemade ice cream and more!
You can also meet some of the friendliest locals in town here as you browse their offerings to get a deeper understanding of their way of living. However, be sure to practice your bargaining skills to make sure that you end up paying the best price possible!
Hunt for the sweetest strawberries
Thanks to Cameron Highland’s cold climate, strawberries can grow all year round, making it one of the region’s specialities. This is why you’ll find various estates across the highlands, each of which offers the sweetest strawberries you’ll ever taste in your life!
Aside from being sweet, the strawberries in these highlands are noticeably bigger than those found in normal markets. This makes them all the more worth it to buy and take home to your loved ones.
You can choose from different farms, but we recommend stopping by Kea Farm, 7 Strawberry Farm and the Big Red Strawberry Farm. These are the most famous places to get this fruit because they’re known for their high-quality products.
Plus, the great thing about these farms is that you can handpick the strawberries themselves to try them at their freshest state. Alternatively, you can also try some of their strawberry-based snacks such as waffles, ice cream and shakes.
Bring home a prickly souvenir from Cactus Valley
Address: Cactus Valley, Pekan lama, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-491 5640
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
One of the best souvenirs you can bring home from Malaysia is a pot of cactus, and there’s no better place to get one than in Cactus Valley! Nestled in the highlands of this region, this place feels more like a tourist attraction than just a simple plant store.
As soon as you head inside its doors, you’ll be greeted with tons of cacti of different shapes and sizes. All of them are charming, but it’s up to you to choose which one you’d like to become a part of your interior decor.
What’s great about these plants is that they’re all succulents that require little to no maintenance at all. So if you want to spice up your home but you don’t want to commit too much of your time and energy, these cacti are solid options.
Be transported into the past in the Time Tunnel
Address: Cameron Highland, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Aside from farms and natural landscapes, Cameron Highlands also has some interesting museums–case in point, the Time Tunnel. In this old-timey building, you’ll be transported back in time to see how Cameron Highlands came to be.
One of the most interesting attractions in this museum is the Jim Thompson section, the founder of the Thai silk company of the same name. What makes the American’s story worth telling is his mysterious disappearance during a stroll in the highlands way back in 1967.
Some say his disappearance was faked while others claim that he was attacked by a tiger during his walk. Regardless of the real reason, it’s still a mystery today and the only thing people can remember him by is displayed in the Time Tunnel exhibit.
Other highlights found inside the Time Tunnel include old photos of Cameron Highlands, images of the Orang Asli Village and other documents. You can even find old advertisements here that have aged quite graciously.
If you find yourself tired after a long day of walking, you can also take a breather at the museum’s cafe. It’s widely praised for its delicious offerings and world-class service so make sure to stop by if you have the time!
Meet beautiful butterflies
Address: MDCH 3, Batu 43, Green Cow, 39100, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-496 1364
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Located in the Big Red Strawberry Farm is the butterfly garden where you can reconnect with your inner child! These colourful and majestic creatures are sure to make you feel like a kid again, especially when they land next to you.
What’s great about them is that they’re completely harmless! Plus, you’ll get to visit them in their natural state and not cooped up in a zoo where they can’t live their best lives.
You can also learn a lot about them such as their behaviours just by observing them from afar. If you have kids and you’re looking for great activities to do with your family, then this should be on your list of places to visit in Cameron Highlands!
Spend a nice afternoon at The Lakehouse
Address: 30th Mile, Jalan Ringlet – Sungai Koyan, Sungai Khazanah, 39000 Ringlet, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-495 6152
A great way to spend a nice sunny afternoon in Cameron Highlands is by visiting The Lakehouse. Alternatively, you can book a stay here since this is a boutique hotel.
The Lakehouse is a colonial-style establishment that will make you feel like you’re in New Zealand because of its amazing interior and exterior decor. What makes this place even more dreamy is the fact that the house itself is built on a garden surrounded by lush greeneries.
The amazing thing about this hotel is that it also has restaurants and lounges that serve high-quality dishes. This way, you can chill and treat yourself to some delicious comfort food as you bask in the serene ambience of your surroundings.
As for the rooms themselves, you can expect to see the same quality when it comes to their designs. Each one is fitted with antique decor and other stylish elements to make your stay even more memorable.
It also helps that the rooms are also equipped with amazing beds with bed sheets that are ultra comfortable. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Cameron Highlands, this is indeed a special hotel that will make you feel at home.
Book a stay at Cameron Highlands Resort
Address: Pasar Malam Kea Farm, Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3 2783 1000
Operating hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Speaking of feeling at home, the best place to book a stay when you’re in this region is the Cameron Highlands Resort. This establishment won’t only make you feel at home, but they’ll also treat you like royalty.
As you may have expected in a place of this calibre, Cameron Highlands Resort offers tons of amenities. One of their best ones, however, is the spa village where you can relax and release all of the stress that has accumulated in your body.
They’re able to do this through massages and various other pampering techniques. Trust us, your body will feel brand new right after one of their services and treatments.
As for the rooms, they’re of high quality as well, design-wise and amenity-wise. Each room is decorated tastefully and equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, warm water, comfortable beds and everything else you may need.
You can also enjoy a myriad of dishes ranging from local delicacies to English cuisine in their in-house restaurants and cafes. If you want to enjoy a good cuppa while munching on some biscuits, we recommend checking out the Jim Thompson Tea Room!
Eat local delicacies and buy souvenirs at Golden Hill Market
Address: Jalan Sungai Ruil, Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang, Cameron Highlands
Operating hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
If you’re ready to wrap up your time at Cameron Highlands, make sure to stop by the Golden Hill Market! This is one of the best places to get your hands on souvenirs, ornamental plants and fresh crops to bring home with you as a piece of Cameron Highlands.
You can also munch on some tasty snacks that you can only see here as you browse the market for some souvenirs. If you don’t know which one to try, we recommend getting chocolate-coated strawberries and barbequed corn!
Aside from the usual fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also buy amazing products such as toys, clothes, keychains and so on.
Also, don’t worry if you have to bump your visit to this market to the evening because it’s open every day until 11:00 PM. However, do keep in mind that the later you visit, the more people will be at the market.
Dine at one of the steamboat restaurants
Cameron Highlands is home to various steamboat restaurants, which is why we recommend checking out at least one of them during your visit. This is a great option if you’re looking to get your tastebuds satisfied and your tummies filled.
If you’re not familiar with steamboat dining, it’s when you have a boiling pot of soup in front of you along with ingredients placed in saucers. The main highlight of this dining experience is dipping the ingredients into the soup, instantly cooking and flavouring them at the same time.
Have a buzzing fun time at the Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm
Address: Green Cow, No 75, Batu 43, 39100, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-496 1951
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Aside from strawberries, Cameron Highlands is well-known for its sweet honey and you can thank the bees for that. If you’re scared of bees, visiting the Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm will surely change your perspective on these tiny fuzzy insects.
On this farm, you’ll get a better understanding of the process behind making the sweet syrup we all know and love. Although you’ll hear a lot of buzzing, it’s still a blast exploring the maze on this farm and witnessing the little critters at work.