29 Must-See Cameron Highlands Attractions + Things To Do (New Guide 2020)

1000-2000 meters above sea level, is Cameron Highlands is very different from the rest of West Malaysia.

Here is a list of all the things to do in Cameron Highlands!

Most of these are outdoor and why not?

With gorgeous scenery and crisp cool air, you should be out as much as possible!

Table of Contents:

1. Take A Tour Of Hatiku Organic Farm
2. Pick Strawberries At Strawberry Farms In Cameron Highlands
3. Stop At Some Bee Farms In Cameron Highlands
4. Get A Prickly New Friend From The Cactus Farms
5. Spot a Raja Brooke At The Butterfly Farm Cameron Highlands
6. Explore The Many Gardens At Agro Technology Park MARDI Cameron Highlands
7. Find Your Instagram Moment At The Lavender Garden In Cameron Highlands
8. Wander Among The Flowers At Rose Gardens In Cameron Highlands
9. Relax At Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations
10. Try British Cream Tea In a Colonial Setting
11. Dine On The Best Indian Food
12. The Sheep Sanctuary
13. Brinchang Weekend Night Market
14. Partake In The Nightlife In Cameron Highlands
15. Have A Refreshing Round Of Golf
16. Do Some Bird-Watching
17. Ride Your First ATV
18. Go Hiking At Cameron Highlands
19. Head Up To The Mossy Forest
20. Discover Cameron Highlands Waterfalls
21. Admire Local Craftsmanship At The Mah Meri Art Gallery
22. Recall Childhood Memories At The Time Tunnel Museum
23. Bring Your Own Bags And Go Shopping In Cameron Highlands
24. See Temples Of Different Cultures
25. Enjoy Steamboat At Cameron Highlands
26. Treat Yourself At The Spa Village Cameron Highlands
27. Smell Your First Rafflesia
28. Visit An Orang Asli Village Of Cameron Highlands
29. Wake Up For The Sunrise

Towns Of Cameron Highlands

Depending on which route you take up to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh, you will pass through these towns:

• Ringlet
• Tanah Rata
• Brinchang

And some other small kampung (villages in Malay).

The famous BOH tea plantation is in between Ringlet and Tanah Rata. These two townships are a 20 minutes’ drive apart.

There’s nothing much going on in Ringlet, but Tanah Rata and Brinchang have more to explore!

29 Best Places To Visit In Cameron Highlands

1. Take A Tour Of Hatiku Organic Farm

At this organic vegetable farm, the friendly owner (Mr. Fung) will show you around for RM10 per person.

100 different plants grow at this farm. And he will explain how crop rotation helps with the fertility of the soil. Plus other aspects of an organic vegetable farm!

Feel free to buy organic vegetables straight from the farm!

2. Pick Strawberries At Strawberry Farms In Cameron Highlands

The cooler environment in Cameron Highlands enables strawberries to flourish! You will not see them in the lowlands!

Thus, picking strawberries in Cameron Highlands is usually at the top of any list of things to do in Cameron Highlands!

The strawberry season is typically between May and August. Many farms let you pick your own (and charge by weight)!

2.1. Big Red Strawberry Farm

A hillside strawberry farm on the way to the mossy forest. And is close to Cactus Valley too.

They have a cafe on-site where you can taste their strawberry ice cream, strawberry juice and have cream tea with their strawberry jam!

2.2. Kok Lim Strawberry Farm

This is a hydroponic strawberry farm.

You can also sample ice cream and jam here!

Other strawberry farms you can visit:

• Strawberry Farm Kea
• Healthy Strawberry Farm
• Kok Lim Strawberry Farm
• Raju Hill Strawberry

3. Stop At Some Bee Farms In Cameron Highlands

Learn about the fascinating life cycle of bees and sample honey at these farms!

Pick up some honey-related souvenirs too!

1. Highlands Apiary Farm, Ringlet

2. Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm, Brinchang

3. Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm, Tringkap

4. Get A Prickly New Friend From The Cactus Farms

There are two main cactus farms in Cameron Highlands. However, you can see cactus for sale in most gardens and markets.

4.1. Cactus Valley

Cactus Valley has giant cacti on display – some of which are over 60 years old!

They have other plants for sale too:

Like bird of paradise, fuchsia, camellia and geranium, to name a few.

The small cacti and succulents make great souvenirs!

4.2. Cactus Point

If you have any intention to buy a cactus, they sell them pretty cheap here!

5. Spot a Raja Brooke At The Butterfly Farm Cameron Highlands

The Butterfly Farm houses many species of butterfly (like the Raja Brooke) in the butterfly enclosure.

There are guided tours and some animals like ducks and tortoises too!

A gift shop and restaurant are also on the premises.

6. Explore The Many Gardens At Agro Technology Park MARDI Cameron Highlands

MARDI is the Malaysian Research and Development Institute – the oldest research center in Malaysia, actually!

Surprisingly, it’s not as well known as some of the other best places to visit in Cameron Highlands!

Activities you can do here:

• Learn about local farming and agricultural practices here
• Wander through the 42 acres divided into many gardens
• Buy souvenirs, plants and seeds here

7. Find Your Instagram Moment At The Lavender Garden In Cameron Highlands

Other than strawberries, flowers thrive in the cooler climate too!

Lavender Garden has a very advantageous location. They have two levels to explore with 3 different lavender species on the ground level.

There is a mini strawberry section and gift shop. You can try lavender ice-cream here too!

8. Wander Among The Flowers At Rose Gardens In Cameron Highlands

You will undoubtedly pass a number of flower nurseries on your way up to Cameron Highlands.

Here are two you can stop at if you are fond of roses:

Both have excellent hill top views and many species of roses!

8.1. Rose Center

8.2. Rose Valley

8.3. Orchid And Rose Garden

9. Relax At Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations

Like the farms and gardens, there are so many tea plantations to choose from!

With their rolling green hills and quaint tea houses, these are definitely some of the best places to visit in Cameron Highlands!

9.1. Boh Tea Estate

9.2. Bharat Tea Plantations Sdn. Bhd.

9.3. BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre

10. Try British Cream Tea In a Colonial Setting

10.1. Ye Olde Smokehouse

A hotel and a cafe combined into one! The English-style cottage look is completed by an enchanting garden.

Note: Only paying patrons can access the garden!

It is a gorgeous venue to have high tea!

10.2. Jim Thompson Tea Room

For an “atas” (slang for luxury in Malaysia) feel, you can try this posh cafe in an elegant colonial-style mansion.

The cafe is part of Cameron Highlands Resort.

Afternoon tea is served from 3-6pm. Food and ambiance will impress!

10.3. The Lord’s Cafe

If you’re looking for something kinder to your wallet, consider this place:

Where homemade food and scones rule!

10.4. Cameron Valley Tea House 1

Sip on Cameron Valley tea while you take in views of the plantation! British food features on the menu.

And yes, there is a Tea House 2:

10.5. Cameron Valley Tea House 2

Tea is just as good as the first tea house. Mind that they only sell pastries and no mains here. Try the chicken curry puff!

Some prefer the views of the plantation from this cafe rather than at the first tea house!

11. Dine On The Best Indian Food

You can get delicious Indian food everywhere in Malaysia, including Cameron Highlands!

11.1. Cameron AA Curry House

Try the plain and garlic naan. They have more than just Indian food here! Even pizza and macaroni!

11.2. Restaurant Bunga Suria

For the roti and vegetarian dishes! Masala tea (less sweet) is worth having here!

Look out for their banana-leaf meal special.

Have their idli (savoury, soft fermented-rice-and-lentil cakes) for breakfast!

11.3. Restoran Sri Brinchang

Wide variety of good Indian food at decent prices! The tea is good!

Great if you like nasi kandar!

11.4. Singh Chapati URBAN Restaurant

You’ll need to go early to avoid the dinner crowds for this one!

Recommended dishes include:

• mutton masala
• chapati
• vegetable biryani
• butter paneer and smoky aubergine

Read more: 15 Best Food In Cameron Highlands

12. The Sheep Sanctuary

A new and interesting place to visit in Cameron Highlands:

At The Sheep Sanctuary at Kea Farm, you have an opportunity to get up close to the 20 or so woolly residents flown all the way from Australia!

They have rabbits too!

13. Brinchang Weekend Night Market

During the weekends and school holidays, pasar malam (night market) stalls will open as evening draws:

Selling anything from winter wear, vegetables, fruit, tea, honey, plants and toys. To other knick-knacks.

There are halal food stalls selling roasted venison, nuts and all sorts of fried stuff.

You may find this guilty pleasure for sale too – strawberries covered in melted chocolate!

14. Partake In The Nightlife In Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands attractions are usually best appreciated during the day. But there are a few exceptions!

14.1. Traveller’s Bistro & Pub

Have a beer or cocktail while making new friends over a soccer game at this pub:

14.2. Cameron Bar

For a quiet glass of Scotch by the fire, head over to The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands.

14.3. Jungle Bar

Play pool and have a cheap beer in front of a bonfire! A bar with a real rustic feel to it!

14.4. Cricket Lounge

This is another popular option if you want to enjoy sports and alcohol!

They have high-speed internet as a bonus!

15. Have A Refreshing Round Of Golf

There’s only one place to play golf in Cameron Highlands!

Cameron Highlands Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club or Cameron Highlands Golf Club

The 18-hole course provides enough challenge with undulating greens, some streams and sand bunkers!

With the cool weather, you can play a most delightful game of golf!

16. Do Some Bird-Watching

Birds definitely count as Cameron Highlands attractions over here!

Avid bird watchers should not miss the opportunity to spot some montane birds up in Cameron Highlands!

Trail 10 is a good start. Else, you can also join a tour!

17. Ride Your First ATV

Check out Cameron Adventurous ATV & Safari for an ATV experience through a tea plantation!

Choose either an ATV or 4WD jeep to ascend the hill.

The scenery is great with ample time to enjoy the view and snap photos once you are on top!

They have a photographer too but that’s extra charge.

Quick Review of ATV Activity:

Vehicles are not in amazing shape but good enough for the short 30-minutes ride.

The guide will show you how to start and drive the ATV (there is no practice run). Safety seems to be taken too casually here. But you do get helmets!

And the speed doesn’t get higher than 50 km/h.

18. Go Hiking At Cameron Highlands

Hiking is a fantastic way to get a real feel of the environment in Cameron Highlands!

Since there there are a lot of hiking trails, here the most well-known trails:

Have solid hiking shoes and ample drinking water. A poncho or umbrella and a light sweater/jacket will come in handy!

The app, Maps.me (offline maps) can also be a lifesaver if you lose the trail!

18.1. Trail No. 1 – Mount Brinchang (Gunung Brinchang)

A very popular lookout point with its own observation tower!

Visit the mossy forest on your way back down!

Sometimes, it’s foggy and you won’t be able to see the tea plantation from the lookout!

18.2. Trail No. 10

This trail is steep and starts near a construction site! Use the pink strings tied around the trees as a guide!

You will know when you’re almost at the top of Mount Jasar when you see the high voltage transmission tower!

19. Head Up To The Mossy Forest

At the top of Gunung Brinchang is one of the most acclaimed Cameron Highlands attractions of all time:

The mysterious mossy forest has an entrance fee now!

See the dedicated post on this must-see attraction of Cameron Highlands if you want to know more!

20. Discover Cameron Highlands Waterfalls

A prominent part of Cameron Highlands’ beautiful lush mountains are the waterfalls!

There is one on the way to Cameron Highlands through the old winding road:

20.1. Lata Iskandar waterfall

Visible from the main road, it’s a scenic picnic spot and chance for everyone to stretch their legs after a long drive!

20.2. Parit Fall

Easy 10 minutes’ trek if you happen to be staying at The Century Pine Resort:

This small waterfall (more of a cascade) can be reached via Trail No. 4 and there aren’t as many people here!

Don’t do this hike if it’s been raining heavily recently!

20.3. Robinson Falls

Use Trail No. 9 (Starting point: MARDI) to get to this waterfall just outside of Tanah Rata.

Or:

You can drive in the direction of the Cameron Highlands Hospital.

About 500m before reaching the hospital, take the road on the right with a huge billboard and a small sign for Robinson Waterfall.

Turn into this road for about 100m:

There should second billboard and a concrete bridge made with colorful tires!

Follow the bridge in and you will presently see the waterfall in less than 1 km.

21. Admire Local Craftsmanship At The Mah Meri Art Gallery

If you’ve never seen Pulau Carey’s (Carey Island) indigenous Mah Meri people or their crafts before:

You can stop by this gallery with a brilliant collection of masks and statues created by the impeccable woodcarving skills of the Mah Meri people and mangrove hardwood!

It’s certainly one of the most interesting places in Cameron Highlands!

Guided tours are available.

22. Recall Childhood Memories At The Time Tunnel Museum

In the basement space of Kok Lim Strawberry Farm:

Is this curious museum of 8 galleries with a 1000+ items that were common in Malaysia years ago.

They are actually the private collection of a Cameron Highlands local, Mr See Kok Shan.

Have some fun taking photos here!

23. Bring Your Own Bags And Go Shopping In Cameron Highlands

Other than the night markets:

23.1. Kea Farm

Pasar pagi (Morning market) are also a thing! The one in Kea farm starts at 8am every day.

Stalls sell vegetables and fruit, spices, household stuff, street food, souvenirs like handicrafts, tea and honey, clothes and accessories!

23.2. Cameron Square

If there is anything resembling a mall in Cameron Highlands, it would be this place! Inside, there are many retail stores and eateries.

24. See Temples Of Different Cultures

Take a closer look at the religious harmony in Cameron Highlands!

You can find a Hindu temple, Buddhist temple and mosque practically side by side in Brinchang!

24.1. Sri Thendayuthapani Swami Temple

Hindu devotees frequent this Nadu-style double story temple as it’s the only one in this area. And the largest Hindu temple in Cameron Highlands!

Many Hindu deities and epics detail the temple walls. Come and admire the architecture and seek some peace here!

24.2. Sam Poh Temple

This yellow and red Buddhist temple is home to a large Buddhist statue – one of the largest in Malaysia!

Built in 1972 to honor the memory of the famous Chinese eunuch admiral, Zheng Ho:

Many Buddhists come to pray here all throughout the year.

25. Enjoy Steamboat At Cameron Highlands

Surprise, surprise! Steamboat pairs well with the cooler weather!

Locals even bring their own steamboat kit up. Getting their ingredients from the local markets in Cameron Highlands.

Cameron Highlands has many restaurants specializing in steamboat too:

25.1. Highland Steamboat Cheese & Grill

Halal steamboat free-flow style in an open-air setting:

Pick what you want for RM35 per head! Packed on weekends.

25.2. Restaurant Tuan Yuan | Cameron Highlands Steamboat & Chinese Food

This is the place if you want to try charcoal hotpot that has a pork bone soup base! The family-run restaurant in Brinchang is open for most of the day!

In the earlier part of the day, they serve the quintessential Chinese noodle dishes (e.g. loh mee, hor fun, Hokkien mee, etc) too.

25.3. Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant

The owner is an organic vegetable farmer. The soup base that they use is “qing” (Chinese for clear, wholesome and simple) with homemade rice noodles.

No MSG unless you count the processed food (crabsticks, tofu cubes and some of the fishballs).

26. Treat Yourself At The Spa Village Cameron Highlands

For some 5-star treatment:

Stop by Cameron Highlands Resort for some pampering! The tea bath is their specialty!

Be prepared to splurge though as the exquisite treatments come with a hefty price tag!

The couple rate can reach RM800 while the individual rates are around RM400.

If you want a massage, it will be around RM300.

27. Smell Your First Rafflesia

Rafflesia can be found in Cameron Highlands in Blue Valley, a 40-minute drive away from Tanah Rata.

Arrange with a tour company (like Eco Cameron) and they can let you know if there have been any recent sightings!

28. Visit An Orang Asli Village Of Cameron Highlands

Pay a visit to the indigenous people (orang asli in Malay) that live in Malaysia! There are some villages on the way up to Cameron Highlands. While others are in the jungle.

They have shops by the roadside selling their wares – herbs, rattan crafts, petai etc.

A tour is necessary to visit them in the villages. Guides will take you in to learn about their culture.

29. Wake Up For The Sunrise

Some things to do in Cameron Highlands look wholly different in the early morning! Plus, you can escape the crowds!

If you don’t feel confident going on your own, you can always go with a sunrise tour!

Further reading:

• Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Cameron Highlands One Day Trip, 2D1N & 3D2N Itinerary
• 17 Best Hotels In Cameron Highlands

How To Get To Cameron Highlands

Here are your options:

1. Drive – Use the old road from Kuala Lumpur or stop by Ipoh first to take advantage of the newer (and straighter) road!
2. Public Transport – Buses from Kuala Lumpur cost about RM30-35 and take ~3.5 hours to reach Cameron Highlands. Daily services until 5pm (usually).
3. Tours – One-day tours from Kuala Lumpur cost about RM600-900 and will take you directly up to Cameron Highlands.

Or:

You can book a private tour with RayTheTour from Ipoh by sending us a message through WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

Why you should book a private tour from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands with RayTheTour:

1. Trustworthy drivers who know the route well
2. Easy communication (in English or Mandarin)
3. Comfortable cars
4. Customize your pick-up time and location.
5. Direct journey straight to your hotel in Cameron Highlands
6. Skip the inconveniences of taking the bus

Further reading:

• How To Go To Cameron Highlands From Singapore
• How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Penang
• How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Kuala Lumpur

Conclusion

With this long list of the best places to visit in Cameron Highlands, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and know what you want to do before you go!

Consult this list first!