Despite it being in another state, it is still possible to get to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh in around 2 hours!
Locals prefer driving up and if you have your own car and don’t mind windy roads, you can very well drive up too. By the way, hitchhiking is not a common practice in Malaysia.
But if you don’t have a car, there is always the local bus. Or going with a tour package. Read on to find out more – it is easier than it looks!
1. Self-Drive
There are 2 driving routes to choose if you’re starting from Ipoh. Both routes are prone to landslides during the rainy season.
It’s safer to travel in the daytime rather than in the evenings when heavy rains usually occur.
You’ll also need to be on high alert all the time when turning bends. These get progressively narrower as you go higher up.
And of the 2 routes, the newer route (via Simpang Pulai) doesn’t have as many sharp turns and is slightly shorter.
But you do get to stop by a local hotspot, the beautiful Lata Iskandar waterfall on your way up if you take the old Kampar road (Route 2).
Note: Litter is a common sight at this waterfall, especially after school holidays
Route 1: Via Simpang Pulai
Ipoh > Kampung Raja > Brinchang > Tanah Rata > Ringlet
- Distance: 88.9km
- Driving duration: About 2 hours
Tip: Possible toilet stops from Ipoh to Camerons:
- Petronas petrol station in Simpang Pulai
- Between Simpang Pulai and Cameron Highlands, there is another toilet stop on the left, Green View Garden/ Avant Chocolate Flower Nursery.
- Petrol station at Blue Valley Junction to Tanah Rata
Route 2: Via North-South Express Toll Road and Tapah, Perak
Ipoh > Kampar > Tapah > Ringlet > Tanah Rata > Brinchang
- Distance: 114km
- Driving duration: About 2 hours 40 minutes
2. Private Tour Service
If you haven’t got a car, you can always book private transport together with a guided tour!
A typical tour itinerary with RayTheTour begins with a pick-up (anywhere in Ipoh) at 8:30am. It’s usually a 2-hour trip one way using the new road and with light traffic.
The tour can cover popular attractions like the BOH tea plantation estate as well as the Lavender Garden and a strawberry farm.
But if you want to customize your tour to begin later (or earlier) so you can visit somewhere else in Ipoh first, then that’s not a problem either!
Why you should book a private tour:
- You don’t have to worry about driving or parking in an unfamiliar place
- Affordable rates
- Family-friendly
- Flexible tour itinerary – You can customize your own itinerary
- Comfortable car
- Pick up and drop off service within Ipoh
- No need to share the ride with other strangers
- Return trip included
- You can make a new friend from Ipoh
Book a private tour to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh with RayTheTour by sending them a message through WhatsApp.
3. Bus
At around RM20 per person, taking the public bus is the most budget-friendly way to get to Cameron Highlands if you don’t have your own car.
And while you can get bus tickets straight at the terminal, we don’t advise doing this if you’re travelling during a weekend, public holiday or during school holidays.
There are only a couple of bus operators that offer a direct service from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands. Typically, this service is available 5 times daily.
Daily bus departures start from 10:30am with the last departure at 4:30pm.
However, taking the bus is at your own risk as the roads are narrow and windy. This is especially treacherous during the wet season.
Duration: Roughly 2.5 hours via Simpang Pulai from AmanJaya Bus Terminal (Ipoh) to Tanah Rata bus terminal (Cameron Highlands).
Note: Heavy traffic can impact this duration greatly.
Check easybook.com or busonlineticket.com for the latest bus schedule and fare.
Pick up point: AmanJaya Bus Terminal
Drop off point: Tanah Rata Bus Terminal
How To Go To AmanJaya Bus Terminal
Note that the AmanJaya Bus Terminal (which is the departure point for these direct services) isn’t walking distance to the Ipoh town (or the Ipoh Railway Station) or the Ipoh airport (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport)!
- Distance from Ipoh town: 18 minutes’ drive
- Distance from Ipoh airport: 21 minutes’ drive
We recommend taking a Grab or taxi from Ipoh centre or Ipoh airport to AmanJaya Bus Terminal.
There is a public bus service (Route T37) from the airport, but it doesn’t go directly to AmanJaya Bus Terminal and you will have to transit to another service (either Route T30a or T30b) at Medan Kidd bus station first.
Operation Hours:
- T37: 5:40am – 7:00pm
- T30a: 6:00am – 9:00pm
- T30b: 6:30am – 9:30pm
Click here for more info about the bus route.
Sine the bus intervals are hourly, we suggest taking a taxi or Grab get from the Ipoh airport to AmanJaya Bus Terminal.
Note: Ipoh has only one airport, Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.
Travel Tips
- Public buses between towns in Cameron Highlands are not reliable. Local taxis can be pricey.
- It’s best to have your own transport or take a private tour for the utmost convenience when traveling to and around Cameron Highlands.
- Bring motion sickness pills for the windy drive.
- Most of the Cameron Highlands attractions are not within walking distance from each other
- Ipoh town to AmanJaya Bus Terminal is around a 25 minutes’ drive.
- Allow more time for potential delays if you’re taking public transport from Ipoh town to AmanJaya Bus Terminal. It is recommended to take a taxi or e-hailing service instead.
- There is no express bus from Ipoh airport to Cameron Highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to drive from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands?
A1: The road distance between Ipoh and Cameron Highlands is ~91.4 km which is about 2 hours’ drive with fair weather conditions and minimum to light traffic.
Q2: What are the main attractions at Cameron Highlands?
A2: The cooler climate, scenic tea plantations, strawberry farms, flower gardens, and jungle trails.
Q3: Is it dangerous to get to Cameron Highlands?
A3: Many roads up to and in Cameron Highlands are prone landslides during the rainy season. Larger vehicles use this road too and hence, you have to be alert to look out for oncoming traffic at sharp bends.
Q4: When is the best time to visit Cameron Highlands?
A4: To avoid the holiday crowds and traffic, come during the off-peak season.
Read more: Best Time To Visit Cameron Highlands: Best Month & When Not To Go
Q5: What should I pack for Cameron Highlands?
A5: Bring at least one pair of long pants, socks, and a light jacket or sweater. And comfortable shoes or trekking shoes if you intend to go for the jungle hikes. A rain parka will be useful during the rainy season.
Q6: Is Grab available in Cameron Highlands?
A6: Yes, you can download and use the Grab app in Cameron Highlands. Especially in Tanah Rata. Though you should not expect to find a driver as quickly as in bigger cities. And as you get further from the towns, you might not have a steady signal to rely on.
Q7: Is there any flight or train service that goes to Cameron Highlands?
There is no flight or train to Cameron Highlands from anywhere in Malaysia.
Conclusion
Getting to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh is a straightforward process! Do as the locals do and drive up.
Or take a bus if you have a tight budget and ample time to allocate as buffer time to compensate for unforeseen delays (e.g. bad weather, high traffic, fallen trees).
Traveling with family? You’ll be more comfortable with our private tour service. We specialize in Ipoh to Cameron Highlands day trips. And the itinerary is flexible too!
WhatsApp us to make a booking or inquiry.
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