Mossy Forest at Cameron Highlands Malaysia - more on visiting this unique place in Brinchang on www.travelswithsun.com

The Mossy Forest of Gunung Brinchang is a must-see attraction in Cameron Highlands especially if you love being in the outdoors!

And undertaking the mossy forest hike to get there is not necessary. So almost anyone can come and see this natural wonder! Via the mossy forest boardwalk. Easier on the knees and the fragile ecosystem!

If you want to know how to get to the mossy forest in Cameron Highlands (the entrance fees and other tips), keep reading!

In this post we will talk about:

What Is The Mossy Forest?

The mossy forest of Cameron Highlands spreads out over an area of around 900 hectares close to the summit of Gunung Brinchang!

There are all sorts of lichen and moss covering the roots and hanging from the trees here – it looks like something out of a fairy-tale or even Lord of the Rings!

Note:

  • Did you know that a mossy forest is also called a cloud forest?
  • Gunung Brinchang is the second highest peak in Malaysia at 2000+ meters above sea level.

How To Get To The Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands

1. Get Yourself To Brinchang

It is possible to drive up to Cameron Highlands from either Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh.

You can start your trip from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands by taking this route:

As you get closer to Brinchang, there will be many shops on the side of the road selling vegetables, woven handicrafts and all things strawberry-themed.

Tip: If you can avoid it, DON’T come up to Cameron Highlands on a public holiday as the traffic jam can be a major mood killer.

2. There Are 4 Ways To Get Up To The Mossy Forest

There are 4 ways to get up to the mossy forest:

  1. Through a tour with a 4WD
  2. Driving up there yourself
  3. Taking a taxi midway, then hike the rest of the way up
  4. Jungle walk number 1 – A challenging 2-3 hours of walking and climbing uphill through the jungle. Starts from the army quarters. More details on trail 1.
Notes: If you do plan to hike, don’t go alone and when it’s pitch dark!

Also, some of the trails are closed during and past the monsoon season (around November to Mid-February).

2.1. Driving Up There Yourself

The methods utilizing vehicles will use the same route to get to the mossy forest:

Meaning, it will start with the same one-way road (Jalan Gunung Brinchang) that leads to the BOH tea plantation.

GPS of the T-junction to Jalan Gunung Brinchang: 4.508846, 101.408109

Mossy Forest Location: http://bit.ly/MossyForest

Tips: These groups arrive at the forest around 8:30am so come earlier if you want to bypass them.

Step 1: Head For The Sungai Palas BOH Tea Plantation

This road is usually crammed with cars and tourists:

So go early to avoid the stress of navigating through a one-way road that has cars in both directions!

Eventually, you will come to a fork in the road:

Step 2: Take The Path To The Strawberry Farm

Choose left to Gunung Brinchang (look for the Big Red Strawberry Farm sign).

Note: Right takes you to the tourist center (or tea house/cafe) at the BOH tea plantation.

If you take the left path, you will find that it inclines upwards after you pass the houses where the plantation workers live.

Rolling hills of low tea leaf shrubs will give way to coniferous trees with a steep drop on the right side.

Step 3: Continue Up

Following another ramp up:

Go past the entrance of the strawberry farm and a vegetable farm.

Note: Did you know? This is the highest tarmac road in all of Malaysia!
Driving past a farm on the way to the mossy forest in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
Driving past a farm on the way to the mossy forest in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

And you will soon find yourself at the entrance and car park of the Mossy Forest!

Tips For Driving Up To The Mossy Forest

  1. Come earlier to bypass those tour groups (their trip usually starts at 8am). So that you will have a stress-free drive uphill.
Tourist groups arriving at the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
Tourist groups arriving at the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
  1. Download an offline map – like maps.me.
  2. Remember if you choose to come to the mossy forest early in the morning, drive carefully and use headlights if the surroundings are foggy.
  3. Drive slowly to avoid falling into the potholes and uncovered drains. Someone actually got stuck in one of these holes as we passed down. They managed to get out after all the passengers got out of the car. Although not impossible, it is probably easier if you take a car that is rated for more than 1.5 liters.
A car having some trouble at the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
A car having some trouble at the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

By the way:

Entrance Fee For Mossy Forest

As of March 2019, there is an entrance fee for visiting the 150-meter-long boardwalk over the undulating terrains of the mossy forest, Cameron Highlands.

For locals, it’s RM10 (Adult) and RM5 (Child under 12 or senior citizens 60 and above)

And unfortunately for foreign visitors:

The fee is higher at RM30 (Adult and Senior Citizens) and RM15 (Child).

For OKU visitors you are able to enter for free regardless if you are a foreigner or a local.

Mossy Forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

This is the entrance to the forest at dawn:

Mossy forest entrance in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
Mossy forest entrance in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

At 2000 meters above sea level, it’s quite cool here!

Rain and wind can even make it feel like 10 degrees Celsius!

Tip: Don’t wear shorts like this guy. And don’t even think about flip flops.
Walkways and stairs in the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
Walkways and stairs in the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

Mossy Forest Hiking

Explore the mossy forest boardwalk:

The stairs make the climb easy but be mindful not to slip on the steps!

Note: Stair rails are rusty (unavoidable in those wet conditions!) so try not to hug the rails with your sleeves unless you want to have rust stains on them.
Slippery walkways in the mossy forest of Cameron Highlands
Slippery walkways in the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

There is a lookout post somewhere in the middle with a fantastic view of the surroundings:

Look out post in the mossy forest of Cameron Highlands
Look out post in the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

On a clear day and if there’s not much mist, you can even see the states of Perak and Pahang!

If you want to see the winds in action, check out our video – Cameron Highlands, Malaysia | Top things to do | Mossy Forest, Gunung Brinchang.

It is quite eerie with all the wind and the fog but strangely beautiful:

The twisted branches and roots of the trees are covered in dark green moss.

Slippery roots in the mossy forest of Cameron Highlands
Slippery roots in the mossy forest of Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

At the end of the boardwalk, you can continue to press on but at your own risk if you didn’t hire a guide!

Because there will be no more boardwalks or stairs to help guide you! Expect some mud too!

If you do take a guided tour, your guide will point out interesting flora and fauna along the way!

Tips For Exploring The Mossy Forest

  1. Check the weather before you go!
  2. Dress warmer than you expect – especially if the forecast foretells rain or if you’re going early in the morning.
  3. A raincoat or poncho may come in handy.
  4. Take your trash out with you!
  5. It tends to rain less in the morning so that’s the best time to visit!
  6. Be on the lookout for animals and strange plants!
  7. Morning is the best time to spot birds!
  8. Have a dry bag for your things (I.e. electronics) in case it rains!
  9. Bring snacks and water
  10. Be wary of slippery roots and steps!

Mossy Forest Tour Package 2022

You can engage a mossy forest tour guide to take you through the forest. There are local operators that offer similar packages like the one below:

Klook.com

Hotels Near Mossy Forest

Staying close to the mossy forest will give you more time to beat the impending crowds from Tanah Rata! And the morning mist gives the place a magical feel!

A couple of the best hotels in Cameron Highlands are actually quite close to the mossy forest.

For those who intend to self-drive or take a tour to mossy forest:

1. Nova Highlands Hotel And Resort

Nova Highlands Hotel And Resort is next to the only mall in Cameron Highlands. It’s close to some eateries as well as the Kea Farm and Sungai Palas tea plantation too.

Nova Highlands Hotel And Resort
Nova Highlands Hotel And Resort – photo credits to booking.com

The 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartment suites are spacious with views of the hills.

What you’ll like:

  • Parking is convenient
  • Staff is friendly
  • Rooftop garden
Room At Nova Highlands Hotel And Resort
Room At Nova Highlands Hotel And Resort – photo credits to booking.com

Good to know:

  • Breakfast and cleanliness are only satisfactory
  • You have to request for crockery and cutlery if you need them

Address: The Square, Jalan Aranda Nova, Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang

Contact: +605 4961434

Price Range: From RM141 (2 Pax)

2. Copthorne Hotel Cameron Highlands

Being walking distance to Kea Farm and a strawberry farm, its location is its best asset as Copthorne Hotel Cameron Highlands has seen better days when it was known as Equatorial Hotel.

Copthorne Hotel Cameron Highlands
Copthorne Hotel Cameron Highlands – photo credits to booking.com

However, it’s still a comfortable place to stay with many facilities.

What you’ll like:

  • Great room views of surrounding scenery
  • Clean rooms
  • Good breakfast
  • Room service
  • Superb service
  • Indoor pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Children’s playground

Good to know:

On public holidays, the traffic in this area is immense! And should be avoided.

Parking is at a first come, first serve basis.

Address: Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang

Contact: +605 4961777

Price Range: From RM155 (2 Pax)

And if you would like to take Trail 1 up to the mossy forest:

3. Flora Plus Boutique Hotel

Flora Plus Boutique Hotel is a neat place to stay at Brinchang Square if you’re trying to save cost on accommodation!

Room At Hotel Flora Plus Cameron Highlands
Room At Hotel Flora Plus Cameron Highlands – photo credits to booking.com

Families will find the rooms a bit small though.

What you’ll like:

  • Polite staff
  • Close to eateries and a convenience store
  • Strategic location
  • Pleasant décor
  • Rooms have a kettle and complimentary tea and drinking water

Good to know:

  • There is a lift to get to the higher floors!
  • Basement parking for guests (But there are limited spaces)
  • Inconsistent WiFi (common in Cameron Highlands)
  • Toiletries are not provided
  • Rooms aren’t soundproofed

Address: Block B3, 29-30 Brinchang Square, Jalan Besar Brinchang, Brinchang, 39100 Cameron Highland, Pahang

Contact: +605 4911297

Price Range: From RM98 (2 Pax)

Other Activities In Cameron Highlands

1. Sungai Palas BOH Tea Plantation

After the mossy forest, most people head for the BOH tea plantation to get a nice hot beverage and go crazy on the selfies.

Tea house at the Boh Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands
Tea house at the Boh Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands

2. Visit a Strawberry Farm In Cameron Highlands

Or you can check out “Mountain Strawberry Farm” which is somewhere between the BOH tea plantation and the entrance to the mossy forest.

Another strawberry farm that is quite popular is “Big Red Strawberry Farm“.

3. Make a stop at the Lavender Garden In Cameron Highlands

With its own small strawberry section and many flowers to see:

Lavender in the Lavender Garden near Tringkap, Cameron Highlands
Lavender in the Lavender Garden near Tringkap, Cameron Highlands
Lavender Garden at Cameron Highlands
Lavender Garden, Cameron Highlands

Read more: Butterfly Farm Cameron Highlands: Everything About This Farm + Review

Strawberry section in the Lavender Garden, Cameron Highlands
Strawberry section in the Lavender Garden, Cameron Highlands
More purple flowers in the Lavender Garden, Cameron Highlands
More purple flowers in the Lavender Garden, Cameron Highlands

Read also: 13 Top Steamboat Restaurants In Cameron Highlands (Includes 2 Halal Restaurants)

And if you crave something more luxurious:

4. Have your breakfast or high tea at Ye Olde Smokehouse

With the cold weather, you kind of feel like you are in the UK at this British-styled bungalow which has a beautiful garden and high tea sets!

The gardens of the Smokehouse, Cameron Highlands
The gardens of the Smokehouse, Cameron Highlands

You can even stay overnight as it serves as a hotel too!

The side of the Smokehouse, Cameron Highlands
The side of the Smokehouse, Cameron Highlands

There’s a tonne of other things to do in Cameron Highlands! Keep your eyes peeled for signs to other attractions!

Further reading:

Attractions Along The Way From Ipoh To Cameron Highlands

And if you’re starting your journey from Ipoh, here are some attractions on the way to Brinchang:

1. Sam Poh Tong

The famous Sam Poh Tong temple is along this route and you can stop there for a quick visit:

Admire the outside architecture and use of the natural limestone formations to house the temple!

Highlights:

  • Oldest Buddhist temple in Ipoh
  • Small but pretty garden in front
  • Turtle sanctuary at the back

Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Remark: Closes early at 2:30pm

2. Lubuk Timah Fall and Hot Spring

Besides this, there is a local hot spring and recreation park (Pusat Rekreasi Lubuk Timah) with a very perfect-looking crescent-shaped waterfall!

Lubuk Timah Waterfall & Hotspring
Lubuk Timah Waterfall & Hotspring – photo credits to seeseeduh (Instagram)
Note: The sign is big but quite old and the colors are faded. Look out for it carefully if you do want to go here.

Highlights:

  • Different pools of different temperatures
  • Recently revamped
  • Beautiful picnic spot

Address: http://bit.ly/LubukTimah

Opening hours: 8am to 6:30pm

Entrance fee: RM5 (Adult), RM3 (Kids/ Seniors)

Remarks:

  • It’s RM10 to rent a shaded bench
  • Water isn’t very clear
  • River flow is quite strong

Continue the drive up to Brinchang:

You will pass by many shops on the side of the road selling vegetables, woven handicrafts and all things strawberry-themed.

3. Cactus Valley

Near Kampung Raja, this attraction is worth a stop!

Cactus Valley at Cameron Highlands
Cactus Valley – photo credits to iamhud4 (Instagram)

Highlights:

  • Free entrance
  • Huge variety of cacti
  • You can buy flowers, cacti and other souvenirs here
  • Mini zoo

Address: Cactus Valley Pekan lama, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang

Opening hours: 8am to 7pm

Remarks:

  • It costs RM5 to go upstairs to the strawberry section
  • Parking is limited and on a slope
  • Challenging walk for elderly or those with knee problems

After Kampung Terla:

4. Ride an ATV

Look out for the signboard for “Cameron Adventurous ATV & Safari” if you want to try driving an ATV through a tea plantation (Kuala Terla Tea Plantation)!

ATV Activity At Kuala Terla Tea Plantation
ATV Activity At Kuala Terla Tea Plantation

You can also opt for a ride on their 4WD instead!

Highlights:

  • Nice view of the plantation from the top!

Address: Kuala Terla, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm

Remarks:

  • Safety is a concern here. They do provide helmets though!
  • Allocate 20-30 minutes here
  • There is a toilet by the cafe

Don’t want to drive up to Cameron Highlands?

Private Tour And Transport From Ipoh To Cameron Highlands

No worries!

You can book a Ipoh to Cameron Highlands tour with Travelswithsun/RayTheTour.

RayTheTour

Pros of the service:

  1. Comfortable transport
  2. Safe as can be since the drivers are familiar with the route
  3. Without the conveniences of public transport (e.g. waiting time, queues, lack of rest stops, etc)
  4. The rate is almost the same as renting a car from Ipoh
  5. Direct transfer from your pick-up point in Ipoh at the time you want to your hotel in Cameron Highlands!

If you want to book or inquire more, send us a message on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

Further reading:

Conclusion

The mossy forest of Cameron Highlands is a must-see among Malaysians. Even if it’s no longer free to visit, it is a doable visit for different ages!

So don’t forget to include the mossy forest into your Cameron Highlands itinerary!

Check out more Cameron Highlands travel guides here.

You may also like these articles:

Similar Posts