Cameron Highlands

Options for visiting the Cameron Highlands are plentiful, due to the region’s status as one of Malaysia’s most popular getaway destinations. Multi-day tours, which range from two to four days, allow you to soak up the region’s beauty at a relaxed pace and typically combine the highlands with a visit to Taman Negara, the biggest national park in the country. If you’re pushed for time, you can tick off the Cameron Highlands and Batu Caves in just one day.

• The Cameron Highlands are a must-visit for nature lovers and those looking to escape the city.

• Farms and tea plantations have varying admission charges.

• Wear comfortable shoes as lots of walking is involved in a trip to the highlands.

• Take a jacket and a raincoat as temperatures are much cooler than in the rest of Malaysia and rain is common.

Several bus companies transport passengers from the main bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur (Tanah Rata Bus Terminal) to the Cameron Highlands from early morning until late afternoon. Tours eliminate the hassle of taking public transport by providing round-trip transfers.

The elevated location of the Cameron Highlands means that rain is common throughout the year. The highlands are at their coldest during December and February, while the monsoon season occurs between November and February.

As well as offering a plethora of natural beauty, the Cameron Highlands also boast a rich cultural heritage. There’s no better place to delve into this history than the Time Tunnel, which re-creates bygone eras with vintage products. Sam Poh Temple, one of the area’s main Buddhist temples, reflects the cultural diversity of the hill station, while Mah Meri Art Gallery pays homage to Malaysia’s indigenous communities.

It depends. Hikers, tea enthusiasts, strawberry fans, and anyone looking for a break from the lowlands’ steamy temperatures will find lots to love in the Cameron Highlands. However, travelers with limited time in Malaysia may choose to give the area a miss and focus on islands, jungles, and cities.

The Cameron Highlands’ biggest single attraction is the Mossy Forest, a gothically atmospheric patch of rainforest that drips with moss. But tea plantations are the area’s signature attraction, and the enormous BOH Tea Gardens are one of the most popular tea plantations to visit.

Many travelers find an overnight trip is right for the Cameron Highlands: At around a 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, they’re pretty far for a day trip. You’ll want to hike the Mossy Forest, visit a tea plantation, and see bee, strawberry, and flower farms at work.

Yes, there are plenty of guided tours that explore the Cameron Highlands. Tours from Kuala Lumpur are generally day trips or overnight visits, but you can also take half-day tours, including sunrise tours and tea plantation tours, from within the Cameron Highlands. There are also day trips from Ipoh.

You can expect some rain in the Cameron Highlands at any time of year, but the weather is driest in January–February and June through August. The weather is warm enough for tea plantations to harvest year-round, so there’s no need to worry about missing key stages.

The Cameron Highlands are notoriously rainy, so you should carry a light rain jacket or a poncho with sturdy shoes if you plan to hike. You’ll probably want to wear long pants during the day, but bring a layer if you stay overnight: Night-time temperatures regularly drop to 60°F (16°C).