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

Some 1000-2000 meters above sea level, is Cameron Highlands – a very different side of Malaysia. Here is a list of all the Cameron Highlands attractions that are worth doing!

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:

• Towns Of Cameron Highlands
• Things To Do In Cameron Highlands

1. 1. Tanah Rata
   2. Brinchang
   3. Watercress Valley
   4. Hatiku Organic Farm
   5. Strawberry Farms
   6. Bee Farms
   7. Cactus Farms
   8. Butterfly Farm
   9. Agro Technology Park Mardi
   10. Gardens
   11. Tea Plantations
   12. Cafes For British Cream Tea
   13. Indian Food
   14. Nightlife
   15. Golf
   16. Bird-watching
   17. ATV
   18. Hiking
   19. Mossy Forest
   20. Waterfalls
   21. Mah Meri Art Gallery
   22. Time Tunnel Museum
   23. Shopping
   24. Temples
   25. Steamboat
   26. Spa Village Cameron Highlands
   27. Rafflesia
   28. Orang Asli Village
   29. Sunrise

• How To Get To Cameron Highlands

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

Along with 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.

Views of the tea plantation from Gunung Brinchang – photo credits to adv2wheels (Instagram)

But while there’s nothing much going on in Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang are more interesting to explore!

Read also: 15 Best Hotels In Cameron Highlands

Things To Do In Cameron Highlands

For more accommodation and food though, most tourists will choose to stay in Tanah Rata:

1. Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata – photo credits to brokencompass_lostmap (Instagram)

Being the main town (or township) of Cameron Highlands, you can expect to find:

• Plenty of shops, hotels and restaurants
• The post office is here too.
• Medical clinic and hospital.
• Pharmacy and supermarket
• Tourist offices
• Hiking trails that start from the town.

Tanah Rata – photo credits to baharodayanun (Instagram)

However, most attractions are out of Tanah Rata which makes it highly convenient if you have your own car.

Further up north from Tanah Rata, is Brinchang:

2. Brinchang

Past the golf course and 10 minutes’ north from Tanah Rata, is the second largest town of Cameron Highlands.

Old building in Brinchang – photo credits to prilaaah(Instagram)

Signs of development are more apparent here as resorts and budget hotels jostle for prime estate.

Brinchang at night – photo credits to leefranz (Instagram)

Like Tanah Rata, the town is easy to explore on foot!

Brinchang town

The highlight in this town is the Brinchang Night Market.

Cameron Highlands – photo credits to dearmelissalee (Instagram)

Read also: How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Kuala Lumpur

Moving on to the other main industry in Cameron Highlands (besides tourism):

3. Watercress Valley

Watercress Valley – photo credits to geraise (Instagram)

This farm also has its own steamboat restaurant so you can pop in for lunch if you like!

Steamboat at Watercress Valley in Cameron Highlands – photo credits to nerusen (Instagram)

The RM1 entrance fee is waived off if you dine in.

Steamboat at Watercress valley – photo credits to farm_meizhi (Instagram)

4. 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 and other aspects of an organic vegetable farm!

Organic vegetable farm

Buy organic vegetables straight from the farm!

Young shoots at an organic vegetable farm in Cameron Highlands

5. Strawberry Farms Cameron Highlands

Yes, plural because there are many!

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

Visit a strawberry farm in Cameron Highlands

Strawberries have a season and that is typically between May and August. Many farms let you pick your own (and charge by weight)!

Strawberries grow well in Cameron Highlands – photo credits to clarissasy03 (Instagram)

Perhaps the most notable one:

5.1. 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!

Strawberry spread at Big Red Strawberry – photo credits to _bha (Instagram)

5.2. Kok Lim Strawberry Farm

This is a hydroponic strawberry farm.

Pick your own strawberries at Cameron Highlands – photo credits to pillegriman (Instagram)

You can also sample ice cream and jam here!

Other strawberry farms you can visit:

1. Strawberry Farm Kea
2. Healthy Strawberry Farm
3. Kok Lim Strawberry Farm
4. Raju Hill Strawberry

6. Bee Farms Cameron Highlands

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

Highlands Apiary Bee Farm, Cameron Highlands – Photo credits to hadamohdnor (Instagram)

Pick up some honey-related souvenirs too!

1. Highlands Apiary Farm, Ringlet

Highlands Apiary Bee Farm, Cameron Highlands – Photo credits to fungrimiss (Instagram)

2. Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm, Brinchang

Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm – photo credits to hazrul.haron (Instagram)

3. Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm, Tringkap

Photo credits to http://cameronhighlands.dangdiren.com.my

7. Cactus Farms

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

7.1. Cactus Valley

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

Cactus Valley – photo credits to iamhud4 (Instagram)

They have other plants for sale too at their retail section:

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

Small cacti and succulents are great to take back as souvenirs!

Cacti make popular souvenirs for Cameron Highlands – photo credits to nur_ain_z (Instagram)

7.2. Cactus Point

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

Cactus Point – photo credits to nimbusneil (Instagram)

8. Butterfly Farm Cameron Highlands

Close to the Kea Farm in Brinchang, the Butterfly Farm houses many species of butterfly (like the Raja Brooke) in the butterfly enclosure.

Butterfly Garden in Cameron Highlands – photo credits to iamzupleth (Instagram)

The colorful butterflies are a marvel to behold! They have guided tours too and other animals like ducks and tortoises!

Note: Some of the animals are in a very sorry state. Unfortunately, these “mini zoos” seem to be a growing trend among attractions in Cameron Highlands.

Raja Brooke butterfly – photo credits to therow338 (Instagram)

A gift shop and restaurant are also on the premises.

Last farm on the list:

9. Agro Technology Park MARDI Cameron Highlands

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

Taman Agroteknologi MARDI Cameron Highlands – photo credits to hueiwen21 (Instagram)

Things to 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

Taman Agroteknologi MARDI Cameron Highlands – photo credits to salina_baharuddin (Instagram)

10. Gardens In Cameron Highlands

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

10.1. Lavender Garden Cameron Highlands

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

Gerbera daisies at Cameron Lavender Garden

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

Lavender ice cream sold at Lavender Garden – photo credits to food_mantra_ (Instagram)

10.2. Rose Gardens Cameron Highlands

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

Roses in Rose Valley in Tringkap- photo credits to sookyanbb (Instagram)

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

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

1. Rose Center

Red Rose At Rose Centre – photo credits to nash_ath (Instagram)

2. Rose Valley

Rose Valley Tringkap – photo credits to sookyanbb(Instagram)

3. Orchid And Rose Garden

11. Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations

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

BOH tea plantation

11.1. Boh Tea Estate

11.2. Bharat Tea Plantations Sdn. Bhd.

Bharat Tea Valley – photo credits to jessicadervishi_ (Instagram)

Cameron Valley Tea House – photo credits to alvin8883 (Instagram)

11.3. BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre

Teahouse At Sungai Palas BOH Tea Estate

12. Cafes For British Cream Tea

12.1. Ye Olde Smokehouse

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

Ye Olde Smokehouse – photo credits to chinkiatl (Instagram)

Only paying patrons can access the garden!

Ye Old Smokehouse in Cameron Highlands

It is a gorgeous venue to have high tea!

Scones and strawberry jam tea platter at Smokehouse Hotel – photo credits to vailurapoda (Instagram)

12.2. Jim Thompson Tea Room

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

Jim Thompson Tea Room cafe – photo credits to hannahlysha (Instagram)

The cafe is part of Cameron Highlands Resort.

Jim Thompson Tea Room – photo credits to vivipua (Instagram)

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

High tea set by Jim Thompson Tea Room – photo credits to __ziqianlin (Instagram)

12.3. The Lord’s Cafe

The other cafe options on this list can come off as pricey. So, if you’re looking for something a bit kinder on your budget, consider this place:

The Lord’s Cafe – photo credits to xinhuilovette (Instagram)

Where homemade food and scones rule!

Scones come recommended at The Lord’s Cafe – photo credits to rosalindhor (Instagram)

12.4. Cameron Valley Tea House 1

The highlight at this tea house is the Cameron Valley tea and views of the plantation! British food features on the menu.

Cameron Valley Tea House – photo credits to new.myvi (Instagram)

And yes, there is a Tea House 2:

12.5. 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 the first tea house!

13. Indian Food

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

Restoran Kumar – photo credits to nikokol (Instagram)

13.1. Cameron AA Curry House

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

Read more: 15 Best Food In Cameron Highlands

13.2. 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!

Opening hours: 7am to 11pm

13.3. Restoran Sri Brinchang

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

Restoran Sri Brinchang Tanah Rata – Photo credits to ariefbadiuzzaman (Instagram)

Great if you like nasi kandar!

13.4. Singh Chapati URBAN Restaurant

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

Singh Chapati URBAN Restaurant in Tanah Rata – photo credits to biiancaayeoh92 (Instagram)

Recommended dishes include:

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

14. Nightlife in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands attractions are usually best appreciated during the day but there are a few options if you want something to do at night!

Travellers Bar in Cameron Highlands – photo credits to navin_219 (Instagram)

14.1. Brinchang Weekend Night Market

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

Selling anything from winter wear, vegetables and fruit, tea, honey, plants, 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!

Deep fried sweet potato balls at Brinchang Night Market – photo credits to rezwanbd (Instagram)

14.2. Traveller’s Bistro & Pub

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

Travellers Pub in Cameron Highlands – photo credits to shukwan.t (Instagram)

14.3. Cameron Bar

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

14.4. Jungle Bar

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

Jungle Bar – photo credits to chimyun_ (Instagram)

14.5. Cricket Lounge

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

They have high-speed internet as a bonus!

15. 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. 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. ATV

For an ATV experience through a tea plantation, you can check out Cameron Adventurous ATV & Safari.

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

ATV Activity At Kuala Terla Tea Plantation

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

Pathway At Kuala Terla Tea Estate

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.

Ours had to be manually jump-started but it did manage to get up and down the hill with two stalls. Not sure if that was our problem or the vehicle’s.

The guide showed us 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!

A little bumpy but not uncomfortable. The speed doesn’t get higher than 50 km/h.

18. Hiking at Cameron Highlands

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

Hiking in Cameron Highlands – Photo credits to traveladdict.nl (Instagram)

Seeing that there are a lot of hiking trails, we’ll just cover the ones that are a must-do!

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!

Trail No. 1 (Gunung Brinchang) in Cameron highlands – photo credits to withinflyingdistance (Instagram)

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!

View from Gunung Jasar – photo credits to zaqui_aqui (Instagram)

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

Mount Jasar – photo credits to azwanshah74 (Instagram)

Try to spot some flora and birds along the way!

Wild flower spotted around Gunung Jasar – photo credits to nicolethum (Instagram)

19. 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!

We have a dedicated post on this must-see attraction of Cameron Highlands if you want to know more about getting here!

Mossy forest of Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

20. Cameron Highlands Waterfalls

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

Lata Iskandar Waterfall – photo credits to kamal.nor (Instagram)

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!

People enjoying Lata Iskandar Waterfall – photo credits to pottermutan (Instagram)

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!

Parit Falls – photo credits to afar_dde (Instagram)

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.

Robinson Falls – photo credits to partridge_jess (Instagram)

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.

Robinson Falls in Trail 9 – photo credits to segjahea (Instagram)

Turn into this road for about 100m:

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

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

21. Mah Meri Art Gallery

If you’ve never seen Pulau Carey’s (Carey Island) indigenous Mah Meri people of 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!

Guided tours are available.

22. 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.

Time Tunnel Museum In Cameron Highlands – photo credits to shrekinah (Instagram)

They are actually the private collection of a local of Cameron Highlands, Mr See Kok Shan. It’s not a bad place to explore the history of Cameron Highlands and have some fun taking photos too!

23. 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.

Kea farm morning market in Cameron Highlands – photo credits to _ayie_smile_keke (Instagram)

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

Vegetables sold at Kea Farm – photo credits to ellyshuhaili (Instagram)

Sweet potatoes from Kea Farm – photo credits to foongpc (Instagram)

Street food (corn cob) at Kea Farm pasar pagi – photo credits to karthiga_m (Instagram)

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. Temples

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!

Sam Poh Buddhist Temple in Cameron Highlands – photo credits to new.myvi (Instagram)

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. Steamboat Cameron Highlands

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

Restaurants in Brinchang

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.

Highland Steamboat Cheese & Grill – photo credits to nizam.misran (Instagram)

25.2. Watercress Valley

Better to enjoy this particular steamboat during the day when you can see the beautiful valley below you!

Steamboat at Watercress Valley – photo credits to kellyleee__ (Instagram)

25.3. Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant

Organic Steamboat at Brinchang

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. 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 heft price tag!

Black tea bath at Spa Village, Cameron Highlands Resort – photo credits to creamycrimson (Instagram)

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

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

27. 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 has been any recent sightings!

Rafflesia – photo credits to davidkmcheng (Instagram)

28. Orang Asli Village 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.

Rattan roadside stall at Cameron Highlands – Photo acquired from aselletee (Instagram) but photo credits to w0ffel (Instagram)

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

29. Sunrise

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

Sunrise over a tea plantation – photo credits to lamer547 (Instagram)

Sunrise at Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands – photo credits to h0mersimpsons (Instagram)

Read also: Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Cameron Highlands One Day Trip, 2D1N & 3D2N Itinerary

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.

Our recommended option?

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

Windy roads are part of getting up to Cameron Highlands

Conclusion

With so many Cameron Highlands attractions, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and know what you want to do before you go!

Consult this list first!