With ~560km between Singapore and Cameron Highlands in Pahang, this is still a journey that is doable by bus or car.
Though the easiest and quickest way is to take a 1-hour flight to Ipoh (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport). This itself has its own disadvantages since the airport is quite far from tourist attractions.
We’ll discuss these methods in further detail below!
Contents in this guide:
- Private Car
- Self-drive
- Bus / Coach
- Flight
- Travel Tips to Cameron Highlands
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Private Car
It’s a straining drive of 7 hours total to reach Cameron Highlands from Singapore!
Even if you wanted to take a private car service, it would be very expensive and not too many operators offer this route!
If you’re travelling during peak periods (i.e., public holidays or school holidays coinciding with weekends), you can expect to be in the car for longer.
While much more costly, it saves travelling time and thus, you might be better off taking a flight to Ipoh. The flight often takes less than an hour! See the next section on taking a flight for more details.
2. Self-drive
You’ll need to have ample time and sound driving experience 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!
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 has less bends than the older road (see Route 2) which is great news for those that tend to get car sickness.
- Average Travelling Time: 7-8hrs
- Total Distance: About 622km
- Toll Fee: About RM56.80
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 more curved road up to Cameron Highlands.
- Average Travelling Time: 8-9hrs
- Total Distance: About 568km
- Toll Fee: About RM52.40
3. Bus / Coach
Buses are the cheapest way to go! 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. Buses are sufficiently comfortable but still tiresome for exceptionally tall folk, elders and young children. Hence, we don’t advise this transport method for families.
There are some bus operators that now offer a direct route from to Cameron Highlands. These are overnight buses from multiple departure points in Singapore.
Drop-off points may be the Tanah Rata bus terminal in Cameron Highlands. Or hotels like Copthorne Hotel.
Prices are around RM200 per pax for a one-way trip. More details here.
Tip: Bring a jacket, water bottle and snacks onboard if you’re taking a bus!
Average Travelling Time: 9hrs
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 landed transport (e.g. bus or taxi) 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 tend to be in the morning!
- Popular Airlines: Jetstar, Scoot and AirAsia
- Duration: About 1 hour
- Price Range: From RM300
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 8:15am to 5pm everyday with 2-hour intervals or so.
- Average Travelling Time: 4hrs
- Total Distance: About 200km
- Price Range (one-way): RM38 / passenger
| Bus Operators | Pick Up Point | Drop Off Point |
|---|---|---|
| Unititi Express | TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) | Tanah Rata Bus Terminal |
| CS Travel | TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) | Tanah Rata Bus Terminal |
| Pahang Lin Siong Motor Co Bhd | Jalan Pekeliling (KL) | Tanah Rata Bus Terminal |
Book a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands via easybook.
We’ve got a separate and even more detailed guide on How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Kuala Lumpur if you want to dive in deeper.
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.
- Airlines: Scoot or AirAsia
- Flight Duration: About 1 hour
- Price Range: From RM400
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!
A private tour service assures that everyone in your travel group will be able to conserve all their energy for exploring Cameron Highlands. Their guides and drivers are experienced and familiar with the highlands.
The itinerary is flexible so you can even stay longer in Ipoh before heading up. You get to choose your own drop off point in Ipoh (or Cameron Highlands) too.
And you’ll have ample legroom and luggage space for everyone!
Send them a message on WhatsApp to make a booking.
Average Travelling Time: ~2 hours with light traffic (Ipoh to Cameron Highlands)
Read our separate post on other transport methods for travelling from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands. These including taking the bus.
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℃!
If you want to know how to avoid the worst of the rain or holiday crowds, read our separate post on when best to visit Cameron Highlands.
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!
Read this post for ideas on how to fill a 2-day itinerary in Cameron Highlands. We don’t recommend staying longer than 3 days in Cameron Highlands as many attractions are similar.
5.3. What Can You Do In Cameron Highlands
Mostly everything is outdoors – you can visit a tea plantation, strawberry and bee farms, gardens, waterfalls, etc.
But there are some indoor activities like enjoying a British cream tea set, sharing a steamboat dinner with friends and family.
In between sightseeing, you can get some fresh produce and hunt for souvenirs at local markets. If you want our personal recommendations, check out this list of attractions in Cameron Highlands.
5.4. Can You Explore Cameron Highlands On Foot?
It’s not possible to see all of Cameron Highlands by walking. Many places are steep. The main roads are dangerous with fast speeding cars. Also, most of the attractions are not within walking distance of each other!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
The most convenient method 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.
