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
- How To Go To The Mossy Forest
- Entrance Fee For Mossy Forest
- Mossy Forest of Cameron Highlands
- Hiking At the Mossy Forest
- Mossy Forest Tour Package 2022
- Hotels Near Mossy Forest
- Other Activities In Cameron Highlands
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.
2. There Are 4 Ways To Get Up To The Mossy Forest
There are 4 ways to get up to the mossy forest:
- Through a tour with a 4WD
- Driving up there yourself
- Taking a taxi midway, then hike the rest of the way up
- 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.
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
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).
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.
And you will soon find yourself at the entrance and car park of the Mossy Forest!
Tips For Driving Up To The Mossy Forest
- Come earlier to bypass those tour groups (their trip usually starts at 8am). So that you will have a stress-free drive uphill.
- Download an offline map – like maps.me.
- Remember if you choose to come to the mossy forest early in the morning, drive carefully and use headlights if the surroundings are foggy.
- 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.
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:
At 2000 meters above sea level, it’s quite cool here!
Rain and wind can even make it feel like 10 degrees Celsius!
Mossy Forest Hiking
Explore the mossy forest boardwalk:
The stairs make the climb easy but be mindful not to slip on the steps!
There is a lookout post somewhere in the middle with a fantastic view of the surroundings:
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.
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
- Check the weather before you go!
- Dress warmer than you expect – especially if the forecast foretells rain or if you’re going early in the morning.
- A raincoat or poncho may come in handy.
- Take your trash out with you!
- It tends to rain less in the morning so that’s the best time to visit!
- Be on the lookout for animals and strange plants!
- Morning is the best time to spot birds!
- Have a dry bag for your things (I.e. electronics) in case it rains!
- Bring snacks and water
- 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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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:
Read more: Butterfly Farm Cameron Highlands: Everything About This Farm + Review
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!
You can even stay overnight as it serves as a hotel too!
There’s a tonne of other things to do in Cameron Highlands! Keep your eyes peeled for signs to other attractions!
Further reading:
- 3 Best Honey Bee Farm In Cameron Highlands
- 4 Best Rose Gardens In Cameron Highlands
- Kea Farm Market At Cameron Highlands: All Covered Including Food & What To Buy
- Cameron Highland Night Market: Brinchang Market One-stop Guide
-
3 Beautiful Cameron Highlands Waterfalls – Where To Cool Off In Nature
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!
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!
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)!
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.
Pros of the service:
- Comfortable transport
- Safe as can be since the drivers are familiar with the route
- Without the conveniences of public transport (e.g. waiting time, queues, lack of rest stops, etc)
- The rate is almost the same as renting a car from Ipoh
- 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:
- Time Tunnel Museum In Cameron Highlands: Notalgic Place To Check Out
- Agro Technology Park MARDI Cameron Highlands: Review + What To Expect?
- If you still have time to spare and you’ve already tried everything in Cameron Highlands, then consider this alternative activity.
- Or maybe, you’re looking for another place in West Malaysia with similar cool weather conditions – Bukit Larut of Taiping.
- Other short trips from Ipoh