Singapore to Cameron Highlands

With ~560km between Singapore to Cameron Highlands in Pahang, this is still journey that is doable by bus or car.

In reality though, the easiest and quickest way is to take a 1-hour flight to Ipoh (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport) which is unfortunately not close to any bus station!

So, what are your options once you reach food-capital, Ipoh? We’ll discuss these in further detail below!

Contents in this guide:

  1. Private Car From Singapore To Cameron Highlands
  2. Self-drive From Singapore To Cameron Highlands
  3. Bus From Singapore To Cameron Highlands
  4. Flight From Singapore To Cameron Highlands
  5. Travel Tips to Cameron Highlands
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Private Car From Singapore To Cameron Highlands

It’s a straining drive of 7 hours to get from Singapore to Cameron Highlands!

Even if you wanted to take a private car service, it would be very expensive and not too many operators offer this route!

Instead, you’re better off taking a flight to Ipoh – this takes less than an hour! See the next section on taking a flight from Singapore to Ipoh!

2. Self-drive From Singapore To Cameron Highlands

You’ll need to have ample time to fully enjoy an ambitious self-driven road trip from Singapore to Cameron Highlands.

There are 2 recommended routes you can choose:

If you just want to get to Cameron Highlands as quickly as possible, then Route 1 is your best bet!

Driving Up To Cameron Highlands
Driving Up To Cameron Highlands

However, if you have time for sightseeing, you can opt for Route 2. You might even get to stop at a durian orchard along the way if it’s durian season (Mid-July to mid-September)!

2.1. Route 1 (Via Simpang Pulai):

Take the North-South Express highway (AH2/ E1) all the way until the Simpang Pulai Toll.

From then onwards, you be using what is considered the newer road (locals refer to this as the Simpang Pulai road) up to Cameron Highlands. It’s slightly less windy than the older road (see Route 2).

  • Average Travelling Time: 7-8hrs
  • Total Distance: About 622km
  • Toll Fee: About RM56.80
Winding Road On The Way To Cameron Highlands
Winding Road On The Way To Cameron Highlands

2.2. Route 2 (Via Tapah):

Take the North-South Express (AH2/ E2) but exit earlier at the Tapah toll instead of the Simpang Pulai toll (as with Route 1).

With this route, you could easily make a detour to Batu Caves on the far edge of Kuala Lumpur too.

Note: This uses the older and windier road up to Cameron Highlands.

  • Average Travelling Time: 8-9hrs
  • Total Distance: About 568km
  • Toll Fee: About RM52.40

3. Coach From Singapore To Cameron Highlands

Buses are the cheapest way to go from Singapore To Cameron Highlands!

But as with most buses, it somehow takes longer to cover that same 576km than driving would.

You can expect to be on the road for 9 hours depending on the traffic that day.

Tanah Rata Bus Terminal At Cameron Highlands
Tanah Rata Bus Terminal At Cameron Highlands

As of November 17, 2022:

There is one bus operator (WTS travel) that offers a direct route from Singapore to Cameron Highlands. These are overnight buses with only 2 departures per day (from the same location in Singapore).

Moreover, the drop-off points are two destinations in Cameron Highlands – either Heritage Hotel or Strawberry Resort Park in Cameron Highlands.

Prices are around RM200 per pax for a one-way trip. More details here.

Bus Operators Time Pick Up Point Drop Off Point
WTS 10:30pm Jurong East (Venture Ave No:5 Bus Bay) Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands or Strawberry Park Resort

Tip: Bring a jacket, water bottle and snacks onboard if you’re taking a bus!

Average Travelling Time: 9hrs

Pros Of Taking A Bus From Singapore To Cameron Highlands:

  1. Get an overnight bus and sleep on the way
  2. You don’t have to drive
  3. Comfortable seats
  4. Most economical mode of transport

Cons Of Taking A Bus From Singapore To Cameron Highlands:

  1. Not suitable for kids! How are you going to entertain them for 9 hours?
  2. May be an uncomfortably long journey for the elderly
  3. Longest travel time
  4. No refunds if you miss the bus!
  5. If you’re tall, you might not have enough leg room

4. Flight From Singapore To Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands doesn’t have an airport so there are no direct flights here from Singapore.

The alternative is to fly in from Singapore to either Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur and then take a bus to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur!

4.1. Flight From Singapore To Kuala Lumpur

Step 1: Singapore To Kuala Lumpur (Flight)

Flights from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur are very regular (almost hourly) every day but the cheaper flights under RM300 tend to be in the morning!

Airasia Flight
  • Popular Airlines: Jetstar, Scoot and AirAsia
  • Duration: About 1 hour
  • Price Range: RM150 – 400

Step 2: Kuala Lumpur To Cameron Highlands (Bus)

A bus ride from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands can take 4 hours. Or more if traffic is heavy in Kuala Lumpur.

Buses are available from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) from 8:30am to 5pm everyday with 2-hour intervals or so.

Bus Terminal Bersepadu Selatan
Bus Terminal Bersepadu Selatan
  • Average Travelling Time: 4hrs
  • Total Distance: About 200km
  • Price Range (one-way): RM38 / passenger

Bus Operators From Kuala Lumpur To Cameron Highlands:

While there used to be 5 (pre-pandemic), there are 2 bus operators in total with similar rates (usually identical) – Unititi Express and CS Travel.

Bus Operators To Cameron Highlands From Ipoh
Bus Operators Pick Up Point Drop Off Point
Unititi Express TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) Tanah Rata Bus Terminal
Perak Transit TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) Tanah Rata Bus Terminal
CS Travel TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) Tanah Rata Bus Terminal
Star Qistna Express TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) Tanah Rata Bus Terminal
Pahang Lin Siong Motor Co Bhd Jalan Pekeliling (KL) Cameron Highlands

Book a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands via easybook.

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

4.2. Flight From Singapore To Ipoh

Step 1: Singapore To Ipoh (Flight)

There are typically only 2 – 3 flights per day from Singapore to Ipoh – morning, midday and afternoon.

Ipoh Airport (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport)
Ipoh Airport (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport)
  • Airlines: Scoot or AirAsia
  • Flight Duration: About 1 hour
  • Price Range: RM360-440

Step 2: Ipoh To Cameron Highlands

You can hire a private tour service (like RayTheTour) to take your whole group up to Cameron Highlands straight from the Ipoh airport!

You can send them a message on WhatsApp.

A private tour service assures that everyone in your travel group will be able to conserve all their energy for exploring Cameron Highlands.

And you’ll have ample legroom and luggage space for everyone!

Average Travelling Time: ~2 hours with light traffic (Ipoh to Cameron Highlands)

Pros Of Taking A Private Tour Service From Singapore To Cameron Highlands:

  1. An experienced guide to plan the itinerary and give you local insight on the food, history and attractions
  2. Flexible itinerary – want to stay longer in Ipoh before heading up? No problem!
  3. You can sleep on the way
  4. You don’t have to drive
  5. Comfortable
  6. Choose your own departure point and pick-up time

Cons Of Taking A Private Tour Service From Singapore To Cameron Highlands:

  1. Expensive for solo travelers

So what is the more affordable option?

From Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, take a Grab to AmanJaya Bus Terminal to catch a bus from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands!

AmanJaya Bus Terminal
AmanJaya Bus Terminal at Ipoh – photo credits to thestar.com.my

Note: It’s a ~20-minute drive from the south to north side of Ipoh where the bus terminal is.

Note: The journey from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands is shorter by 2 hours compared to taking a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands (4 hours)!

Bus operators, Unititi Express and CS Travel run services from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands daily at least 3 times a day.

Unititi Express Bus From Penang To Cameron Highlands
Unititi Express Bus To Cameron Highlands

Usually at noon and twice around 3pm – This may not coincide nicely with your flight arrival time or give you much room for potential flight delays so beware.

  • Average Travelling Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
  • Total Distance: About 90km
  • Price (one-way): RM20 to RM25 per adult or kid
  • Departure Point: Amanjaya Bus Terminal, Ipoh
  • Arrival Point: Tanah Rata Bus Terminal, Cameron Highlands

Read more: How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Penang

5. Travel Tips to Cameron Highlands

Read these handy tips before you book your trip!

5.1. Best Time To Visit Cameron Highlands

The average temperature in Cameron Highlands is between 14℃ to 28℃. Between December and February, some places are even down to 10℃!

It rains a lot in Cameron Highlands:

  • Especially during the monsoon months of September to November
  • The dry season is between January and February. As well as June to July.

To avoid crowds and traffic congestion:

  • Avoid going during a weekend, public holiday or school holiday (You have to consider Singaporean holidays too!)
  • Cameron Highlands tends to be less crowded after a public holiday has ended

If you want to have a look at Golden Hill Night Market, arrange your Cameron Highlands trip over a weekend night or during the school holidays when it usually open daily.

Cameron Highlands Golden Hills Weekend Night Market On A Rainy Day
Cameron Highlands Golden Hills Weekend Night Market On A Rainy Day – Photo by Travelswithsun

5.2. How Long Should You Stay In Cameron Highlands

If you’re making the journey all the way from Singapore, you should stay at least 2 nights to better appreciate Cameron Highlands!

5.3. What Can You Do In Cameron Highlands

Mostly everything is outdoors – hiking and visiting a Cameron Highlands tea plantation, strawberry and bee farms, an orang asli village, gardens, waterfalls, etc.

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

But there are some indoor activities like enjoying a British cream tea set, sharing a steamboat dinner with friends and family. Or making a stop at the Time Tunnel museum!

The new attraction, CH Flora Park has an extensive indoor section too.

In between sightseeing, you can get some fresh produce and hunt for souvenirs!

More details on places to visit in Cameron Highlands.

Read more:

5.4. Can You Explore Cameron Highlands On Foot?

It’s not possible to see all of Cameron Highlands by walking:

  • It not a flat surface most of the time
  • It’s dangerous with no designated pedestrian walkways once you are out of the towns
  • Most of the attractions are not within walking distance of each other!

5.5. Public Transport In Cameron Highlands

Public transport is very limited:

  • The bus is irregular and not punctual.
  • Tanah Rata bus terminal is the sole bus terminal in Cameron Highlands.

Taxis are pricey (no fixed charges or meters) as they charge something like RM30/hour and you can only get them in Brinchang and Tanah Rata.

FAQ For Singapore To Cameron Highlands

Q1: How far is it to drive to Cameron Highlands from Singapore?

A1: ~7 to 9 hours’ drive away from Singapore.

Q2: When should I visit Cameron Highlands?

A2: For less rain, avoid the monsoon season around November. For less crowds, avoid the weekends, school holidays and public holidays (for Malaysia and Singapore).

Q3: How dangerous is the drive up to Cameron Highlands?

A3: The old road (via Tapah) is especially prone to landslides during the rainy season. Heavy vehicles are another hazard and cause the road to be uneven. Sharp bends require you to honk to warn approaching vehicles.

Q4: What is the nearest city to Cameron Highlands?

A4: Ipoh is 90km away from Cameron Highlands.

Q5: How should I prepare for Cameron Highlands?

A5: Long trousers, socks, comfortable shoes and a sweater or jacket are necessary during the night. Trekking shoes and a rain parka will help you prepare for a jungle hike. Otherwise, if you’re just sightseeing farms and tea plantations during the day, bringing along a light jacket on top of summer wear is fine for most people.

Read also: 15 Best Hotels In Cameron Highlands

Conclusion

Your time allowance and budget play a crucial role in selecting a suitable transport mode in Cameron Highlands.

We’ve already done part of the work for you in this post. Just be sure to read each section so you can see which suits you best.

Our recommendation is to fly into Ipoh (or take the ETS train from Kuala Lumpur) so you can enjoy Ipoh food, then take a private fuss-free tour service up to Cameron Highlands!

WhatsApp RayTheTour for a private tour service from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands.

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