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Cameron Highlands,
Pahang |
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There is much to see and do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia largest highland resort. Whether it is walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry and honey bee farms or the delightful Tudor styled country inns and sprawling tea plantations, this resort will captivate you.
Situated 1,500 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands comprises a series of little townships that include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja.
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What to See and Do |
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The journey from the foot of the hill to the summit is an adventure itself. You can begin via the town of Tapah or through the new highway at Simpang Pulai. The route via Tapah takes you past natural waterfalls, hot springs, Orang Asli (indigenous people) villages, religious shrines, souvenir shops, roadside markets and more. |
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A quick stop at Kuala Woh unveils a recreational park with natural hot springs, while further on at Chenderiang and Lata Iskandar sits the beautiful cascading waterfall. |
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Ringlet. Cameron Highlands first township lies 1,135 metres above sea level. If you are driving, you may want to make a quick stop for petrol and even take in the surrounding attractions that include a market, a tender, a temple, a magnificent Tudor styled hotel (The Lakehouse) and delightful flower nurseries.
A right turn after Habu leads you past a multitude of vegetable farms and straight to the sprawling Boh Tea Estate where you can tour the Boh factory and indulge a cup of tea. For the adventurous, you may want to get off the beaten track and get on the Dayang Endah trail that will lead you to the Robinson Waterfall.
Back to Tanah Rata, you will come across the Cameron Bharat Tea Plantation and the Tea Shop that sells souvenirs and tea delicacies. In the valley below, the enchanting dark green terraces of tea plantation acts as the perfect backdrop for a photo opportunity
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Tanah Rata. The main township, Tanah Rata, offers attractions like the Nine Emperor God Temple, the Parit Waterfall, a Hindu temple and the Rainbow Garden. Accommodation would not be a problem as you can choose from a range of first class hotels, motels and apartments.
Drop by Bala's Holidays Chalet & Restaurant or the Smokehouse Hotel to experience the feel of staying in a country inn.
The Smokehouse Hotel has managed to retain much of its country house charm, adorned with latticed windows, wooden beam and rose garden with white iron-wrought garden furniture.
Its interior is filled with antiques, portraits of the British Royal family, rich dark carpets, heavy sofas and four-poster beds.
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Brinchang Beckons. Five kilometres up the road is Brinchang, the highest-lying township in Cameron Highlands. Its attraction includes a Sikh temple, the ornate Sam Poh Temple, numerous amenities and a handicraft centre. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy teeing off at the 18-hole Cameron Highlands Golf Club, the only course on the hill.
The nearby Cactus Valley boasts a comprehensive variety of plants and foliage as well as apple trees, passion fruit and other temperate climate fruits.
Several strawberry farms dot the area. Some grow strawberries organically in coconut husks placed on stilt-like platforms off the ground.
Here you can pay a small fee to pick fresh succulent strawberries or simply purchase the assortment of homemade jam or dried strawberries.
A short distance away, the Multicrops Central Market and Kea Farm offers fresh highland produce at a fraction of what you would pay in the city. From big ripe brinjals and juicy avocados, to the multi-coloured dried flowers and dainty little souvenirs, you will want to spend some time exploring the many delightful finds.
On your descent, stop by the Butterfly Farm and Butterfly Garden to view the beautiful species, including the renowned Raja Brooke. Nearby, a giant comic replica of honey bees will lead you to the Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm. You will be able to view bees gathering pollen amidst the plush sweet scented gardens and orchards, as well as savour and purchase bottles of pure honey. Don't miss the adjacent Rose Valley where 450 variety of roses flourish.
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On the left of the Butterfly Farm is the picturesque Sungai Palas Boh Tea Estate. Stop by at the factory to learn about tea processing or watch an audio visual presentation and sample some Cameronian tea. The same road leads you to Gunung Brinchang, reputedly the highest road in Peninsular Malaysia at 2,000 metres above sea level. Enjoy the panoramic views from the mountaintop. |
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| Click here to check out more at Perak's interesting destinations |
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How to get there |
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Cameron Highlands is accessible via Tapah or the new highway at Simpang Pulai. If you are driving up from Kuala Lumpur, the Simpang Pulai exit takes an additional 45 minutes to reach the north of Tapah using the North-South Expressway. The ascent along this route is much smoother and less precarious than the route from Tapah.
Bus and Taxi services are available from the Pudu Raya Terminal in Kuala Lumpur and the journey will take you to Tanah Rata. Alternatively, take a train to Tapah and then continue your journey with a taxi or a bus. |
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(Click the map to enlarge) |
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