Introduction

If you’re looking for a short escape that will give you the feel of being in a different world, then the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is just what you need! This small mountainous area offers a diverse range of activities and attractions – from tea plantations and butterfly farms to hikes through lush jungles and visits to local culture and food centers.

Going there for a weekend is an amazing experience, especially as it’s so easy to reach from any major Malaysian city. Bring your activewear, your hiking boots, and your appetite for adventure – because I’m about to take you on an epic two-day journey through the Cameron Highlands! I’ll show you the best things to see and do, where to stay, and how to best make use of your two days. So come with me on this journey through stunning nature, unique wildlife, and charming local culture. Let’s go!

Getting to the Cameron Highlands

Located around 200 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands is a popular destination for travellers who are looking for an adventure.

Taxi or Bus?

To get there, you can either take a bus or rent a car from Kuala Lumpur. Most people opt for car rentals as it makes it much easier to explore all that this beautiful place has to offer.

However, for budget travellers like me, it’s much cheaper to take the bus, tickets cost £6-£8 and the journey takes approximately 4 hours. I like to book buses in Malaysia through the redBus website or app, the prices are very reasonable and it gives you lots of transport options to choose from.

The main town in the Cameron Highlands is Tanah Rata – here you’ll find plenty of local eateries and cafes where you can grab some breakfast or lunch before continuing on your journey!

Getting Around in the Cameron Highlands

Getting around in the Cameron Highlands involves driving on very windy roads so make sure to bring your sickness tablets if you get car sick!

1. Grab Taxi: Once you arrive in the Cameron Highlands, the easiest way to get around is via GrabTaxi – download the app on your phone and you can find a driver near you and pay either in cash or via online banking.

2. Regular Taxi: Sometimes the traffic can be bad in certain areas because of the windy roads and large vehicles trying to navigate them so be prepared to wait for a taxi too.

3. Scooter Hire: Another good option to get around with ease is to hire a scooter for the day. Scooter rentals cost around £12 per day and give you the freedom to go where you want when you want! However, the roads can be steep in some places and slippery when it rains so be careful!

4. Tours: Lastly, you could go on an organised tour to see the main sights in the Cameron Highlands.

Where to Stay in the Cameron Highlands

Tanah Rata is the main hub for visiting and exploring the Cameron Highlands, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of places to stay here. Options include:

Budget: ESM Hotel

Mid-range: Hillview Inn

Luxury: Zenith Cameron

On our visit, Brett and I stayed in a lovely hotel called ‘Hillview Inn Cameron Highlands‘, a deluxe double room with a balcony cost £30 per night. We chose a nicer hotel than we usually would because we were celebrating Valentine’s Day and our 4-year anniversary!

Day 1 Itinerary: Cameron Valley Tea House 2, Agro Technology Park MARDI, Hiking Trails

Are you ready for an unforgettable weekend in the Cameron Highlands? Your Day 1 itinerary is full of incredible places to explore!

Cameron Valley Tea House 2

Start your day at the Cameron Valley Tea House 2, where you can learn all about tea production, sample teas, and even buy some local tea to take home with you.

This was one of my favourite places in the Cameron Highlands! The cafe was simple and affordable. I had a masala tea, Brett had a teh tarik and we each had a scone with jam and cream. Luckily we managed to get a table right next to the tea plantation, with stunning views over the rolling green hills.

You can pay a small entrance fee to walk around the tea plantation and take pictures to your heart’s content. This place is simply beautiful, so sit back, relax, and sip your local tea as you gaze at the wonders of nature.

Address: 34.5 Mile Cameron Highlands, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands Agro Technology Park MARDI

Afterward, make your way to the Agro Technology Park MARDI in Jalan Tanah Rata. This park is free and easy to explore, with attractions such as rose and lavender gardens, an orchid nursery and much more. Don’t forget to take some amazing photos while you’re there!

Address: Agro Technology Park MARDI, Tanah Rata, 39007 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia

Hiking Trails in the Cameron Highlands

For late afternoon entertainment, why not head out on one of the region’s many hiking trails? This is a great way to see the stunning landscape that makes Cameron Highlands so popular. You’ll get to visit mesmerizing waterfalls, tranquil forests and breathtaking views of the countryside. With its cool climate and plentiful trails for all experience levels available, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor adventure.

Day 2 Itinerary: BOH Tea Center, Mossy Forest & Butterfly Farm

On day 2, you’ll be visiting the BOH Tea Center, exploring the Mossy Forest and then ending your trip with a visit to the Butterfly Farm. Let’s dive into some of the amazing sights you’ll see as you explore:

BOH Tea Center

The BOH (Best of Highlands) Tea Center should be at the top of your list on day 2. It’s one of the largest tea estates in Malaysia, covering 19 hectares – offering up an incredible view of endless rolling hills blanketed with tea plantations. Explore their educational centre, take part in their guided tour and of course, sample some of their famous tea!

Brett and I were so lucky to get a table right next to the tea plantation when we were here. We tucked into a couple of tuna sandwiches, muffins and of course – tea! I had the passionfruit tea and it was so good! I like my tea sweet, so I added a little sugar to it.

Address: Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia

Mossy Forest

The Mossy Forest is over 200 million years old! This ancient forest is a protected area of biodiverse terrain in the Cameron Highlands. I recommend taking a tour which includes a trip to the Mossy Forest because you are not allowed to go there on rental scooters because the roads are too steep, narrow and windy. There are plenty of half-day tours available which will give you access to some of their most popular sights such as tea plantations, strawberry farms, and the Mossy Forest itself.

Once you arrive at the Mossy Forest, there is a 600m boardwalk through the trees where you can take in the beauty of your surroundings. Be sure to climb the steps to the viewing tower and see the stunning vistas over this ancient treasure.

Ticket price: 30 ringgit (£6)

Address: Mossy Forest, Gunung Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia

Butterfly Farm

End your Cameron Highlands trip by stopping off at one of its most iconic sights — The Butterfly Farm. Home to hundreds of butterflies, this little oasis is a great way to take in your last few hours in the Highlands before heading back home.

Top Tips For Visiting the Cameron Highlands

If you’re planning to spend the weekend in the Cameron Highlands, here are some top tips to make your stay smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Plan ahead – The Cameron Highlands is a huge tourist destination, so it’s important to book accommodation and tours beforehand. Doing this is a great way to avoid queues during peak season and keep your costs low.

2. Be mindful of the weather – The Cameron Highlands has a unique weather system with unpredictable rainfalls and low temperatures. Be sure to check the forecast before packing your bags and bring plenty of layers.

3. Always be prepared – When it comes to exploring the Cameron Highlands, come prepared with insect repellent, plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. It might also be useful to have a map of the area with you (or download one on your phone). I like using Maps.me to access maps offline!

4. Be respectful of nature – As incredible as some sites in the Highlands are, it’s important to remember that this is someone else’s home. Dispose of all materials and litter correctly, stay on marked trails when hiking or trekking, and take only photographs – never take anything from its natural habitats.

Conclusion

The Cameron Highlands is a charming and magical place, and a great getaway for a few days of sightseeing, relaxing and indulging in some of Malaysia’s best local cuisine. With its stunning views, great trekking and outdoor activities, and a wide range of eateries, Tanah Rata is the perfect destination for a weekend escape. Whether you choose to explore the nearby tea plantations, visit the Butterfly Farm, or take in the incredible views from Cameron Valley Tea House 2, your visit to the Cameron Highlands is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories!

If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out my other Malaysia blogs here! If you have any questions or suggestions please contact me via email: tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.