Want to know all the best things to do in Cameron Highlands? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best places to visit in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia to plan your ultimate trip.
With its lush landscapes reminiscent of the English countryside, sweeping tea plantations, hiking trails and a touch of colonial nostalgia, Cameron Highlands manages to entice young families, culture lovers and travellers from all around the globe.
With elevations ranging from around 1,200 to over 2,000 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands offers a welcome escape from Malaysia’s tropical heat.
Cameron Highlands is also easy to reach from Kuala Lumpur and other cities along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Direct buses from Kuala Lumpur take approximately 4–5 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or van.
Below, you will find all the top things to do in Cameron Highlands with everything you need to know, as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate holiday. There is also a Cameron Highland tourist attraction map.
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Contents
Top 19 Things To Do In Cameron Highlands
Visit BOH Sungei Palas Tea Plantation
One of the best things to do in Cameron Highlands is visit BOH Sungei Palas Tea Plantation near Brinchang. With its rolling green hills covered in neatly planted rows of tea bushes, this is one of the most beautiful and iconic sights in the region.
BOH was founded in 1929 and is one of Malaysia’s best-known tea brands. The Sungei Palas estate has been part of the company since the 1950s and is now home to a popular visitor centre overlooking the plantations.
The highlight is the BOH Tea Centre, where you can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea and a slice of cake while taking in the spectacular views. There’s an outdoor viewing balcony extending over the hillside, making this a particularly good place for photos.
You can also visit the exhibition gallery to learn about BOH’s history and how tea is produced, browse the gift shop or join a tea tasting or factory tour. Some organised experiences have an additional charge, but you don’t need to book a tour just to enjoy the views and café.
I recommend visiting in the morning when the views are often clearer and before the biggest crowds arrive. The road to the plantation is narrow and winding in places, so allow extra time, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
BOH Tea Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30am–4:30pm. It is closed Mondays except during school and public holidays. It is free to visit the tea centre, with additional charges for food, drinks and guided experiences.
Harvest Your Own Fresh Strawberries
Cameron Highlands is famous for its strawberries, and picking your own fresh berries is one of the most popular activities here, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
Thanks to the cooler highland climate, strawberries can be grown throughout the year. Many farms use raised growing beds, making it easy to walk along the rows and pick ripe strawberries straight from the plants.
Most farms charge for strawberry picking by weight or by the container rather than letting you pick as much as you like for a fixed entrance fee. Prices vary between farms, and picking may not always be available if there aren’t enough ripe strawberries, so it’s worth checking before you visit.
There are several farms to choose from. Big Red Strawberry Farm in Brinchang is one of the most popular, with strawberry picking, flower displays, a vegetable farm and a café. Raju Hill Strawberry Farm near Kea Farm is another good option, with lovely views and a café serving strawberry treats. You can also check out Kok Lim Strawberry Farm.
Even if you don’t want to pick your own, the farms are worth visiting for the food. You’ll find everything from fresh strawberries and strawberry ice cream to milkshakes, waffles and cakes.
I recommend visiting in the morning, particularly on weekends and school holidays, when the farms can get busy. If you’re mainly interested in buying strawberries to eat, purchasing a ready-picked punnet is usually cheaper than picking your own.
Visit Cameron Highlands Flora Park
If you love flowers and beautiful gardens, Cameron Highlands Flora Park is a great place to visit. Located near Kea Farm in Brinchang, this colourful attraction is packed with gorgeous floral displays and landscaped gardens.
There are plenty of places to take photos, including flower-covered walkways, pretty staircases and viewing areas surrounded by blooms. It’s a particularly good choice for families and anyone who enjoys gardens.
The park is open daily from 9:30am to 7pm, with last admission at 5:30pm. Allow around 1–2 hours to explore, although you could easily spend longer if you enjoy taking photos.
Click here to buy discounted tickets.
Revisit History At Time Tunnel Museum
If you’re interested in history or enjoy a little nostalgia, Time Tunnel Museum in Brinchang is an interesting place to visit. This memorabilia museum is filled with thousands of photographs, antiques and everyday objects that offer a glimpse into life in Malaysia over the past century.
The museum has a fascinating collection of old advertisements, household appliances, toys, photographs and posters. There are also recreations of traditional settings, including an old-fashioned coffee shop, kitchen and barber shop.
One of the most interesting sections explores the history of Cameron Highlands, with photographs showing how the region developed from its early days into the popular hill station it is today. There’s also a display about Jim Thompson, the American businessman who mysteriously disappeared in Cameron Highlands in 1967.
Don’t miss the section about the Orang Asli, Malaysia’s indigenous peoples, where you can learn about traditional ways of life through displays of tools, traps and handicrafts.
It’s a particularly enjoyable attraction for adults who recognise items from their childhood, but older children may also enjoy discovering how people lived before modern technology.
Allow around 45–60 minutes to look around, or longer if you enjoy reading the displays. The museum is near Kok Lim Strawberry Farm, making it easy to combine the two attractions.
Visit The Sam Poh Temple
Sam Poh Temple is a peaceful Buddhist temple located on a hillside overlooking Brinchang. Built in 1972, it’s one of the largest Buddhist temples in Cameron Highlands and is surrounded by beautiful green hills.
The temple is known for its distinctive yellow and red exterior, colourful decorations and impressive statues of Buddhist figures. Inside, you’ll find a large Buddha statue, ornate altars and beautifully decorated prayer halls.
It’s a lovely place to spend a little time away from the busier tourist attractions, and you can enjoy views of the surrounding hills from the temple grounds.
Entry is free, although donations are welcome. As this is an active place of worship, dress respectfully and remove your shoes before entering the prayer areas.
Have A Taste Of The Lavender Ice Cream At Cameron Lavender Garden
Cameron Lavender Garden is a colourful attraction where you can wander through landscaped gardens filled with lavender and other beautiful flowers.
The gardens also have plenty of photo opportunities, with colourful flower displays and landscaped areas to explore. There’s an entrance fee, and you can usually spend around 30–60 minutes here. It’s located near Tringkap, making it easy to combine with other attractions along the main road through Cameron Highlands.
There’s also a shop and café where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy the views. Finally, don’t leave without trying their lavender ice cream!
Enjoy Your Afternoon Tea At Jim Thompson Tea Room
Jim Thompson was an American businessman who helped revive Thailand’s silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. He mysteriously disappeared while visiting Cameron Highlands in 1967, prompting a massive search. What happened to him remains a mystery.
Named after the famous businessman, Jim Thompson Tea Room is located at Cameron Highlands Resort, overlooking the golf course and surrounding hills. It’s a lovely place to enjoy afternoon tea, with a selection of pastries, fresh strawberries and sandwiches.
Afternoon tea is served daily from 3pm to 6pm. You don’t need to be staying at Cameron Highlands Resort to visit, but reservations are required.
Enjoy The Butterflies At The Cameron Highland Butterfly Farm
The Cameron Highland Butterfly Farm is found near Kea Farm in Brinchang and houses a variety of butterfly species such as the Raja Brooke.
You can watch these colourful butterflies fluttering among the flowers and greenery. This is an excellent stopover, and a great place to put on your list if you have children.
The farm is also home to other animals such as tortoises and ducks. There’s also a restaurant and a gift shop on the premises.
Tour The Sri Thendayuthapani Swami Temple
Sri Thendayuthapani Swami Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Cameron Highlands and is located in Brinchang, not far from the golf course.
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple was originally established in 1910 by members of the local Indian community, including workers from the area’s tea plantations and gardens. It has since been rebuilt and expanded into an impressive place of worship.
One of the highlights is the colourful architecture, with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities decorating the walls and entrance. The temple is built in a South Indian style, and the grand staircase leads up to the main prayer hall.
The temple is particularly lively during Hindu festivals such as Chithra Pournami, when devotees gather for prayers and celebrations. However, it’s also worth visiting at quieter times to admire the architecture and learn more about the local Hindu community.
As this is an active place of worship, dress respectfully and remove your shoes before entering the prayer areas.
Visit The Night Market
If you’re looking for something to do in Cameron Highlands at night, head to the Golden Hills Night Market in Brinchang. Also known as Pasar Malam, this lively market is a great place to sample local food, browse souvenirs and enjoy the cooler evening weather.
The market is packed with stalls selling fresh strawberries, vegetables, flowers, tea blends and other local products. You’ll also find plenty of street food, making it a great place to visit for dinner or an evening snack.
Some of the treats worth trying include grilled sweetcorn, roasted sweet potatoes, strawberry desserts and a variety of Malaysian snacks. It’s fun to wander between the stalls, trying different foods as you go.
The market generally operates on Friday and Saturday evenings, starting in the late afternoon and continuing until around 11pm. It may also open on additional evenings during school holidays, so check locally if you’re visiting at another time.
I recommend arriving around 5–6pm, before the biggest crowds. Parking can be difficult on busy weekends, and traffic around Golden Hills can get congested. Bring some cash for the smaller stalls and a light jacket, as it can get chilly after dark.
Entry to the night market is free, so it’s an inexpensive way to spend an evening in Cameron Highlands.
Shop At Cameron Square
You wouldn’t expect to find a shopping mall in the highlands, but Cameron Square is a three-level shopping centre in the Kea Farm area of Brinchang.
There are restaurants, cafes, shops and services, making it a handy place to stop for a meal, pick up supplies or escape the rain for a while. It’s also conveniently located near several of Cameron Highlands’ popular farms and gardens, so it’s easy to combine with other attractions.
Explore The Mossy Forest
One of the most unusual places to visit in Cameron Highlands is the Mossy Forest, located high on Gunung Brinchang at around 2,000 metres above sea level. This ancient cloud forest is filled with twisted trees covered in thick moss, ferns, orchids and other unusual plants.
The forest gets its name from the thick carpets of moss that grow on the trees and forest floor. Low-level clouds frequently blanket the area, creating a misty, almost magical atmosphere. You may also spot pitcher plants, which trap insects to obtain nutrients.
The easiest way to experience Mossy Forest is along the raised wooden boardwalk, which takes you through the forest without damaging the delicate vegetation. The boardwalk is relatively short, with steps and viewing platforms along the way. Allow around 30–60 minutes to explore and enjoy the scenery, although you may want longer if you love photography.
For most visitors, I recommend joining a guided 4WD tour. The road up Gunung Brinchang is steep, narrow and winding, and tours make getting there much easier. Many also include stops at nearby tea plantations or viewpoints.
If you’re interested in hiking deeper into the forest, this is a different experience from walking the boardwalk and is best arranged with an experienced local guide. The terrain can be muddy, slippery and difficult to navigate.
It’s worth visiting early in the morning when you’re more likely to have clearer views. Bring a jacket or jumper, as temperatures can be quite cool, and wear shoes with good grip because the boardwalk and steps can be wet.
Mossy Forest is a protected area with an entrance fee, which may not be included in the price of your tour. Check the latest access arrangements before visiting.
Click here to join a tour now.
Relax At Lata Iskandar Waterfall
Lata Iskandar Waterfall is located beside the main road between Tapah and Cameron Highlands. It’s a convenient stop if you’re travelling via Tapah, although you won’t pass it if you’re taking the Simpang Pulai route.
Stop to admire the waterfall, which cascades over several tiers, and browse the food and souvenir stalls nearby. Some visitors wade in the lower pools, but check local restrictions and avoid entering the water during or after heavy rain.
Visit A Bee Farm
Another popular activity in Cameron Highlands is to visit a bee farm. We recommend Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm, located near Kea Farm in Brinchang.
Established in 1980, this is one of the oldest bee farms in Cameron Highlands. Visitors can wander through the landscaped gardens, see the beehives and learn more about how bees produce honey. There are also colourful flowers, bee-themed decorations and a koi pond.
One of the highlights for families is the indoor maze, where kids can have fun trying to find their way out. There’s a small additional charge for the maze, but entry to the bee farm itself is free.
Don’t miss the gift shop, where you can browse different varieties of honey as well as products such as royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis and honey-based skincare. There are also stalls selling flowers and vegetables, plus a food court if you’re feeling hungry.
Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm is open daily from 8am to 7pm. It’s an easy stop to combine with other attractions around Kea Farm, and you can spend around 30–60 minutes here, depending on whether you visit the maze.
Play Golf At Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club
If you enjoy playing golf, Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Course is worth a visit. Located between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, this 18-hole course is the only golf course in Cameron Highlands. Golf equipment is available to rent on-site.
The cool mountain air makes playing here a refreshing change from golfing in Malaysia’s hotter lowland areas. This golf course also provides you with sweeping views of mountain ranges and tea plantations.
Visitors can play without being club members, although it’s worth checking green fees and equipment rental availability before arriving.
Check Out Cactus Valley
Located on a hillside overlooking Brinchang, Cactus Valley is a lovely place to visit if you enjoy gardens and unusual plants. It’s home to an impressive collection of cacti and succulents, ranging from tiny, colourful varieties to enormous specimens that are decades old.
Despite its name, there’s much more here than just cacti. You can wander through the terraced gardens admiring roses, orchids and other ornamental flowers, as well as fruit trees and vegetable plants. There are plenty of opportunities for photos, and you can also buy small cacti and other potted plants to take home.
The gardens are spread across several levels, so be prepared for stairs and some uphill walking. Allow around 45–60 minutes to explore, although you may want longer if you’re particularly interested in plants.
Cactus Valley is open daily from 8am to 6pm. Entry costs around RM8 for adults and RM5 for children. It’s located close to Big Red Strawberry Farm, so you can easily visit both attractions on the same trip.
Admire History at the Mah Meri Art Gallery
Art lovers should visit Mah Meri Art Gallery, which showcases traditional wooden carvings created by the Mah Meri, an indigenous community from Carey Island in Selangor.
The collection includes hundreds of masks, sculptures and statues carved from mangrove hardwood. The Mah Meri are renowned for their intricate woodcarvings, some of which have received the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts.
Explore the Orang Asli Native Villages
For a different experience in Cameron Highlands, consider joining a guided visit to an Orang Asli village. Orang Asli translates to “original people” and refers to the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, including the Semai community who have lived in the Cameron Highlands region for generations.
The Semai have a rich cultural heritage and a long relationship with the surrounding forests. Traditional knowledge includes identifying medicinal plants, using natural materials for building and making tools, and understanding the local environment.
Depending on the village and the tour you choose, a visit may include learning about traditional bamboo houses, seeing a blowpipe demonstration or taking a short walk with a local guide who can explain the plants and wildlife of the area.
It’s an interesting opportunity to learn about a side of Cameron Highlands that goes beyond its tea plantations and tourist attractions. However, it’s important to remember that these are living communities rather than attractions set up purely for visitors.
I recommend arranging a visit through a reputable local guide who works with the community and has permission to bring visitors. Choose a tour that involves local residents and contributes to the community, rather than simply turning up at a village unannounced.
Be respectful of people’s homes and privacy, and always ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of children.
This can be a rewarding cultural experience, especially if you’re interested in learning more about the history and traditions of the people who call Cameron Highlands home.
Enjoy A Steamboat Dinner
Steamboat dinners are particularly popular in Cameron Highlands, where the cool evenings make a hot, comforting meal especially appealing. They’re also a great option for groups and families because everyone can choose their favourite ingredients.
Steamboat is a Chinese-style meal where a pot of simmering broth sits in the middle of your table. You cook your choice of ingredients in the broth, including meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, eggs and tofu.
Try Restoran Taman Apple Cameron Steamboat & Grill in Tanah Rata.
Cameron Highlands Tourist Attractions Map
Best Place To Stay In Cameron Highlands
Take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city as you soak in the cool climate and peaceful atmosphere of Cameron Highlands.
There’s accommodation for every budget in Cameron Highlands, from affordable hotels in the main towns to luxurious resorts that reflect the region’s colonial past.
BEST – The Lakehouse Review
Lakehouse is a colonial-style boutique hotel with its own historic charm. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake, this Tudor-style country home offers 19 stylish rooms and suites filled with antique decor, colonial-era furnishings and modern-day amenities such as an espresso machine.
The beautifully maintained gardens feature wicker lounge chairs and wrought-iron tables and chairs, offering lovely places to relax and enjoy the lake views. Guided hikes are available every morning.
Continuing the hotel’s colonial atmosphere, the restaurant and bar serve a selection of British-inspired dishes. The hotel features a spa that offers Malaysian massages as well.
Click here for the latest prices.
MID-RANGE – Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands Review
This Tudor-style hotel sits around 1,500 metres above sea level, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Tanah Rata. Its rooms and suites combine traditional Tudor-inspired design with modern comforts to create a warm and cosy atmosphere.
Amenities include a minibar, LCD TVs, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities and a private balcony. Accommodation options range from Superior and Deluxe rooms to Presidential Suites.
Dining options include Rainforest Coffee House, which serves local and international dishes, Jasmine Garden Restaurant for Chinese cuisine, and Vintage Tea Lounge for afternoon tea. There’s also Vintage Bar for drinks in the evening.
Click here for the latest prices.
BUDGET – Snooze Hotel Review
If you’re travelling on a budget, Snooze Hotel is a great option in the centre of Brinchang, offering comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
Rooms are simple but modern, with double, twin and family options available. Amenities include free WiFi, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and a shared pantry area.
The hotel is conveniently located near restaurants and shops, making it easy to find somewhere to eat. Popular attractions such as Big Red Strawberry Farm, Cactus Valley and Sam Poh Temple are also nearby.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable place to sleep without spending too much on accommodation.
Click here for the latest prices.
Read our full guide to where to stay in Cameron Highlands here.
Cameron Highlands With Kids
I have visited Cameron Highlands with kids and without them. It’s great in either case!
It’s a great destination for all ages, with plenty of attractions that are perfect for families. Kids will love picking strawberries, visiting the bee and butterfly farms and exploring the gardens. Cameron Highlands seems almost tailor-made for kids!
There’s also a small amusement park called Holiday Park next to Nova Highlands Resort and Residence. It has a small range of undercover rides and is a fun way to unwind at the end of the day. We enjoyed visiting with our kids.
How To Get To The Cameron Highlands
It’s easy to get to the Cameron Highlands by bus or car. If you have your own car, great! You are good to go.
If you need to take a bus, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices.
You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here.
Your other option (the best one!) is to take a taxi. We can book a taxi to the Cameron Highlands from KL or anywhere else in Malaysia. Click here for more information and prices.
You can also read our full guides to getting to Cameron Highlands from:
Final Words
Set high in the mountains of Peninsular Malaysia, Cameron Highlands offers a refreshing combination of cool weather, beautiful scenery and interesting attractions.
Whether you’re visiting for the tea plantations, beautiful gardens, hiking trails or family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Cameron Highlands. I hope this guide has helped you decide what to see and do during your visit!
Read more Cameron Highlands guides here. You can also listen to our full podcast about visiting the Cameron Highlands here.
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