Cameron Highlands is a highland region located about 20 km east of Ipoh and about 150 km north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang, Malaysia. At 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level it is the highest area on the mainland, and enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 25C and rarely falling below 12C year round. It was then recommended as a resort but it was not until 1925 that the present location was proposed as a hill resort, and developed.
Cameron Highlands is also popularly known as the "Green Bowl" of the country as it supplies large amount of local produce of vegetables to many major cities of Malaysia and Singapore. Tea and strawberries are also grown on the terraced slopes of the Cameron Highlands, and the area possesses notable rose gardens as well.
Cameron Highlands consists of a series of little townships which include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. The best tourist amenities are sited in or around Tanah Rata but Brinchang is fast catching up with a number of new apartments and restaurants.
AttractionCameron Highlands is the perfect, cool mountain hideaway distant from all the frantic rush of city life. With perfect climatic condition it abounds with lush and colourful flora, providing an excellent and serene atmosphere for both business and pleasure.
Tea PlantationThe Cameron Highlands are well known because of its tea plantations. You can visit the tea factories to see the process of tea production and some have shops where you can drink and buy tea.
1. Road Habu, Ringlet
One of the most beautiful tea plantation located about 9 km from Ringlet. Founded by J.A .Archie Russell in 1929, the Boh Plantation is a Cameronian institution. The tea factory is open to public and you can also have a cup of BOH tea at the tea shop. Open everyday except Monday from 9am to 4.30pm.
2. Bharat Tea Estate
Located along the main road from Ringlet to Tanah Rata and further up from BOH, you can stop and enjoy a great view of the tea estate. It is second largest tea producer in Malaysia, producing Cameron Valley Tea which is synonymous with exquisite highland tea.
3. Sungai Palas Tea Estate
Another tea estate with a breathtaking view, located off
the Kea Farm.There are short guided
tours of the factory and you can also buy tea here. Open everyday except Monday and public holidays from 9am to 4.30pm.
Butterfly FarmCameron Highlands is home to a number of birds and insects not found in the lowlands. A selection of the unusual butterflies including the well-known Raja Brooke butterfly , moths and insects indigenous to the area can be found at Butterfly Garden and Butterfly Farm in the Green Cow area. The Butterfly Farm located 5 km north of Brinchang, which open daily from 8am - 6pm
Flower NurseriesA number of flower nurseries can be found alongside the main road from Ringlet all the way to Kampung Raja. Most nurseries allow visitors to view the various varieties.
Robertson Rose Garden
2km to the northwest, on the way to the Palas Tea Estate, you'll find the Robertson Rose Garden which open daily from 10am - 6pm. Have the free visit here which also offers superb views of the sculpted sweep of the surrounding hills. Rose bushes aside, the shop here sells honey and cordials, as well as attractive dried flowers and arrangements.
Strawberries FarmVisit the strawberry park here will entail visitors not only to the
opportunity to see how strawberries are cultivated but also offer the opportunity to purchase freshly picked strawberries with thick delicious fresh cream at affordable prices. Cameron Highlands's strawberries tend to be slightly smaller than those grown in Europe, probably due to a lack of long sunshine hours to promote growth, although they can be just as sweet and delicious. Most strawberries are sold to visitors as fresh fruit or jam, with the rest exported down to the lowlands.
Fruits & Vegetables Farm
There are many vegetable farms located throughout Cameron highlands. The most interesting ones to view can be found along the Boh Tea Estate road at Habu and in the Kea Farm area surrounding the Equatorial Hotel after Brinchang. Over forty percent of the produce is for export to Singapore, Brunei and Hong Kong.
Cactus Valley
Cactus Valley is one of the biggest and most popular tourist destination located at the cool mountains of Brinchang, Cameron Highlands. Cactus Valley boast of having one of the most variety of cactus plants, some as old as 60 years. Red and green man-made cactus beckon to you from afar. Here you'd be able to witness Nature at its finest, with blooms of every shape, size and colour. .
Golf CourseThe 18 hole Golf course allows visitors to play in comfort away from the heat and humidity at sea level. The course is quite challenging with tricky greens and undulating terrain. Best to play from early in the morning as heavy afternoon rains are quite common.
Mountain HikingThe most popular mountains are Gunung Brinchang, Gunung Beremban, Gunung Jasar, Gunung Perdah and Bukit Mentigi.
- Brinchang Hill: The highest sealed road on Peninsular Malaysia leads to the tallest peak in Cameron Highlands, Gunung Brinchang. The summit is 2,032 metres high, which offers panoramic view over the surrounding forest to the city of Ipoh. To reach the summit, head towards the Equatorial Hill Resort which leads to the Sungai Palas tea estate. The narrow single track road then leads direct to the summit, winding up steeply through the tea estate and vegetable farms.
Jungle TrekkingThere are plenty of jungle walks of varying difficulty and distance to satisfy nature lovers. Two of them lead to the popular Parit Waterfall and Robinson Waterfall near Tanah Rata. Maps showing the trails are available at many of the shops and most hotels.
AccommodationCameron Highlands used to be a favorite amongst the British during the British colonial rule. To them, this place resembles England - with its old English country inns, chalets, and government rest houses in the form of quaint bungalows. These beautiful buildings still dot the rolling countryside to this day and now offers a cheap & cosy accommodation. Apart from this you will find a huge choice of luxurious 4-
5 star Hotels, country lodges, in town or in the quiet countryside.
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