Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur (KL) can be a tiring journey. Especially if you choose to drive up during a public holiday. Is it worth the trouble?
It is you want to see a different sort of scenery from the rest of Malaysia. And take advantage of the cooler daily temperatures.
Find out how you can go with this handy guide.
Table of Contents:
1. Self-drive
If you have your own car, you can consider driving up to Cameron Highlands. This is what most locals choose to do.
It’s your car so that means your rules on where and when you go and stop. The only disadvantage is somebody has to drive, and that person will have less energy to enjoy Cameron Highlands.
Some roads in Cameron Highlands require some skilful manoeuvring that should be left to experienced drivers.
The total driving distance will be around 200km to 270km depending on the route or mode of transportation you take to Cameron Highlands.
Estimated traveling time: 3 to 4 hours
There are three different driving routes to choose from:
Route 1: New Road Via Simpang Pulai (Less Windy)
You can take the newer road up to Cameron Highlands. This is the best option available if you have passengers who are prone to car-sickness!
However, this is also arguably the most popular route and hence, can be congested during weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
KL > Simpang Pulai > Cameron Highlands:
- Google map: http://bit.ly/Route1fromKLtoCH
- Duration: about 4 hours
Route 2: Original Road Through Tapah (Windy But Quicker)
Take the North-South Expressway. From there, you may use the Tapah toll exit 132. The Tapah toll exit is the main entry point to Cameron highlands.
KL -> Tapah -> Cameron Highlands:
- Google map: http://bit.ly/Route2-KLtoCH
- Duration: about 3 hours
Lata Iskandar waterfall is on the way up and makes for a beautiful rest stop to stretch the limbs! The immediate surroundings of the waterfall is unfortunately often the victim of litterbugs.
That said, this route is faster than the newer alternative (Simpang Pulai) albeit your passengers will likely feel dizzy.
Route 3: Detour To Genting Highlands (Via Bentong)
It’s possible to visit Genting Highlands with a little detour using this route.
Bentong is worth going if you want to stop by a durian farm during durian season or to buy some excellent ginger.
KL > Genting Highlands (detour) > Bentong > Sg. Koyan > Ringlet > Cameron Highlands:
- Google map: http://bit.ly/Route3-KLtoCH
- Duration: about 4 hours (without Genting Highlands), approx. 5 hours (with Genting Highlands)
2. Taxi Or Private Car Service
This is an expensive option, especially for solo and couples.
But it is also the most convenient way to get straight to Cameron Highlands if you don’t happen to have your own car or a friend you can carpool with.
3. Bus
You might be interested in taking the bus if you don’t want to drive and want to save on transport fares as much as possible.
Because buses are cheap, do book early if you will be travelling in peak season or on a weekend.
Two bus operators, Unititi Express and CS Travel & Tours have daily services from KL to Cameron Highlands. They depart from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan daily.
The drop off point will be Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.
Note: The only bus station in Cameron Highlands is in Tanah Rata, and it is called Terminal Bas Tanah Rata.
- Departure Time: From 8:15am to 5pm at almost hourly intervals
- Destination: Tanah Rata Bus Terminal (Terminal Freesia)
- Duration: 3 hours, 40 minutes to around 5 hours
- Price Range (One-way): Between RM36 to RM38
Book your bus ticket here.
Once you reach Cameron Highlands though, you will have to resort to other modes of transport again. And there’s no localized public bus system in Cameron Highlands.
4. Train
There is no direct train (ETS) from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. What you can do instead, is to take the train from Kuala Lumpur and get off at Ipoh (Ipoh Railway Station).
We would not suggest taking this method unless you plan to stop in Ipoh for the day, or at least a few hours.
- Duration (Kuala Lumpur to Tapah Rd.): 1 hour 50 minutes
- Duration (Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh): 2.5 to 3 hours
- Price range: RM25-46
- Departure point: KL Sentral
- Bus schedule: 7am+ to 11.30pm (hourly intervals)
Book a train ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.
If you plan to take the bus from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands after getting to Ipoh from KL by train, be aware that Ipoh Railway Station and AmanJaya Bus Station are not walking distance from each other. You will need a taxi to get to the bus station.
Or you can save yourself the trouble and go for a private tour that combines both Ipoh and Cameron Highlands.
You get a personal local and experienced guide as well as a driver! And control over the itinerary. Other benefits include that you won’t have to drive or deal with toll fees, petrol costs and parking. And there’s no time wasted in waiting for the bus or other passengers.
The tour service we’re recommending here is RayTheTour. If you’re interested, send them a message on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the driving distance between Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur?
A1: About 210km. It takes 3 hours using the old road (via Tapah) or ~4 hours (via Bentong).
Q2: How do I get to Cameron Highlands from klia2 using public transport?
A2: Take the Star Shuttle at the klia2 airport to Puduraya Bus Terminal. Or the Skybus to go to KL Sentral. From there, you can take a bus to Cameron Highlands.
Q3: Where is the closest city to Cameron Highlands?
A3: Cameron Highlands is ~90km from Ipoh. This is a 2-hour drive with no traffic.
Q4: What are the best things to do at Cameron Highlands?
A4: Visit a tea plantation, rose garden, strawberry farm, Sam Poh Temple, Gunung Brinchang, or go jungle-trekking.
See more suggestions for things to do in Cameron Highlands.
Q5: What is the best way to get around Cameron Highlands?
A5: Locals themselves, tend to have their own cars. It is easy enough to find taxis and Grab cars in the bigger townships like Tanah Rata and Brinchang. You might be able to rent a scooter from your hostel too.
For anyone thinking of hitchhiking, this is an uncommon in Malaysia but not impossible.
Malaysians just aren’t very accustomed to this sort of behaviour so you might be waiting a while before you are successful.
Q6: When should you go to Cameron Highlands?
It rains throughout the year in Cameron Highlands. If you like colder temperatures, then you can brave the rain and go during December and February.
Generally, you should avoid going on weekends, school holidays or any long public holidays. Otherwise, you’ll have to tolerate getting stuck in the jam (especially around Kea Farm Market area) for longer than you’d like.
Want more details? See our separate post on when to visit Cameron Highlands.
Q7: How Many Days Do You Need To Explore Cameron Highlands
While it’s completely possible to see the best of Cameron Highlands (and go back to Ipoh or KL) on the same day:
You’re better off staying at least 2 days to soak up the beautiful surroundings and to enjoy the cooler climate up there.
And you can make the most of your trip since you don’t have to constantly rush from one attraction to the next too.
See our suggestions for a fool-proof Cameron Highlands itinerary.
Conclusion
The route to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur is very well-travelled. Because Cameron Highlands is a popular day trip or weekend getaway destination with Malaysians living in the city.
And while most Malaysians prefer to drive there themselves, there are some reliable options that you can use if you don’t have your own car.
We highly recommend booking a private tour service if you are travelling with family. RayTheTour is one such service that offers day trips from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands (Pickups are from Ipoh only).
How To Go To Ipoh From Kuala Lumpur
We do have a separate and more detailed post on how you can make your way from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh. You can use the train, bus, or hire a private taxi.
Singapore To Cameron Highlands
This is another well-travelled route. For those starting their journey in Singapore, flights are the most convenient way to get to Ipoh. And from there, it’s only a 2-hour drive up to Cameron Highlands. Read more about how to arrange transport from Singapore to Cameron Highlands.
