Cameron Highlands 3 Days: A Journey Through the Tea Plantations

Created by Hoang Anh at 2024-10-25 16:49:17 , Updated by Hoang Anh at 2024-10-30 08:39:27
Discover Cameron Highlands with our ultimate 3-day travel guide! Learn why you should visit, the best time to go, how to get there, top accommodations, and a detailed itinerary exploring Malaysia's scenic tea plantations. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers

Smaller than the other hill stations in Malaysia, Cameron Highlands sits in the Pahang state and gives every visitor a perfect setting of natural beauty, tranquility, and culture in plenty. If you are an admirer of nature, an avid fan of tea, or in search of serenity through the landscape, then Cameron Highlands is the place to be.

The beautiful of Cameron Highlands

The beautiful of Cameron Highlands (Source: tomanetwanderers)

Why should you visit Cameron Highlands?

While the Cameron Highlands are synonymous with their tea estates, there is a lot more to them. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, it boasts a unique kind of climate with lush landscapes, ideal for ecotourism activities.

Its elevation ranges from 1,100 to 1,600 meters, with temperatures that hardly rise above 25°C, which further indicates the bleak opposite of Malaysia's tropical lowlands. It is not only cool weather that makes outdoor activities more fun but also a perfect environment for the cultivation of tea, strawberry, and flowers give the signature charm to the region.

Cameron Highlands is a popular tourist destination

Cameron Highlands is a popular tourist destination (Source: BoiDapChay)

Undoubtedly, the highlights in Cameron Highlands are those sprawling tea estates where endless rows of green tea bushes blanket the hillsides. Visitors can walk around the plantation areas; they are allowed to enter the plantations, so they can have a quiet, refreshing atmosphere with panoramic views that look just like something out of a postcard.

Besides tea, there are gorgeous mossy forests, colorful fresh-produce markets, and the colonial architecture harks to the British past of Malaysia.

Refreshing atmosphere at the place

Refreshing atmosphere at the place (Source: SafeandHealthyTravel)

Best time to visit 

The cool, temperate climate of the highlands makes it an attractive destination throughout the year, but mostly for what one wants to experience. The coolest months fall between December and February, thus being the period most ideal for tourists looking for relief from the tropical heat in most parts of Malaysia. However, this can be quite crowded, especially during holiday seasons.

Best time to visit Cameron Highlands

Best time to visit Cameron Highlands (Source: Girlswanderlust)

Accommodations

The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands

  • Location: Ringlet, about a 30 minutes drive from the Boh Tea Plantation.
  • Price: RM 600 (approximately $125) per night.

This is an English Tudor-styled boutique hotel that sits perched on a small hill with the tranquil lake unfolding below. Visitors who like a more premium experience should check into this place. The establishment has old-world charm with a fireplace in the lounge. 

The cottage provides a very peaceful retreat owing to its proximity to the tea estates and other attractions, yet it is only a few minutes' drive away from the main town. There is also a small restaurant within the hotel serving local and Western cuisine.

The Lakehouse bedroom

The Lakehouse bedroom (Source: Booking)

Cameron Highlands Resort

  • Location: Tanah Rata, near the entrance to the Mossy Forest.
  • Price: RM 800 (approximately $170) per night.

Cameron Highlands Resort ranks among the plush hotels in this region, and it combines full-on colonial charm with comfortable facilities. Spacious rooms come fitted with four-poster beds amidst a golf course, a spa, and a tea lounge facing across lush green hills.

It is only a short drive away from Boh Tea Plantation and other attractions. This resort will definitely be one of the best options for an indulged and comfortable stay for couples or families. Besides that, the resort also prepares guided tours in the nearby tea plantations and Mossy Forest.

Beautiful room at the resort

Beautiful room at the resort (Source: Wildnfreediary)

Father’s Guesthouse

  • Location: Tanah Rata, close to the main town center.
  • Price: RM 50 (approximately  $11) per night.

Budget travelers will find Father's Guesthouse, which offers basic but comfortable accommodations in a homely atmosphere. It is within walking distance of the town center of Tanah Rata, with markets, eateries, and local shops.

It's also close to the bus terminal, very convenient for those who go there using public transportation. The rooms are basic as much as they're clean and comfortable, and the staff are very helpful. Father's Guest House would be a good option for backpackers or any other people who would like to visit Cameron Highlands on a shoestring budget.

Comfortable room at Father’s Guesthouse

Comfortable room at Father’s Guesthouse (Source: Hotelmix)

3 Days discovering Tea Plantations in Cameron Highlands

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Tanah Rata

Begin the tour with an arrival in Tanah Rata, which happens to be the biggest town in Cameron Highlands. Book yourself in a hotel of your choice and have a leisurely stroll across the town, thus feeling the cool climate of the highlands and the laid back mood.

First in your itinerary is the Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, the biggest and oldest in Malaysia. It is advisable to visit this plantation in the morning when the air is freshest, and the tea bushes glisten with dew. Take a guided tour of the tea factory, where one may learn about the production of tea right from the time of plucking to that of its packaging. 

Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation

Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation (Source: ForeverVacation)

During lunch time, you will be driven to the Tea House at the same estate for your meal amidst surroundings with panorama views. Most of the tea houses offer light refreshments such as sandwiches, cakes, and scones, together with freshly brewed tea.

Later in the afternoon, head to the Cameron Lavender Garden, a short drive away from the tea plantation. This vibrant garden is home to numerous species of lavender, complemented by other colors of flowers and plants. Take some time to enter the fields of lavender and take some beautiful pictures.

Beautiful flower at Cameron Lavender Garden

Beautiful flower at Cameron Lavender Garden (Source: sirbtrips)

At the end, head back to Tanah Rata for dinner and enjoy a hearty meal at one of the many local restaurants serving traditional Malaysian meals or steamboat-a must try in the highlands.

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Day 2: Mossy Forest and Boh Tea Plantation

Start the second day with an early morning visit to Mossy Forest, one of Malaysia's most distinctive ecosystems. The thick moss shrouding the forest floor and trees gives the area an almost magical touch. Take a guided tour through the forest and learn about the more rare flora and fauna, which are in abundance in this cool, misty environment.

This hike through Mossy Forest is relatively easy and offers breathtaking views of the highlands from the top. Well-marked trails mean that you'll have plenty of opportunities to take in the lush greenery of the forest and some fresh mountain air.

Mossy Forest

Mossy Forest (Source: CameronHighlands)

Following your morning hike, head to the famous Boh Tea Plantation, one of the most iconic tea estates in the highlands. This plantation is synonymous, above all, with its beautiful scenery, whereby rows upon rows of bushes of tea stretch as far as the eye can see. 

Take a guided tour in the factory and see how the leaves are processed and packed into boxes. Don't miss the tea center and cafe, just to sit back, sip your hot Boh tea, and gaze out at the panoramic views of the surroundings below.

Enjoying at Boh Tea plantation

Enjoying at Boh Tea plantation (Source: Thepoortraveler)

For lunch, try the Boh Tea Cafe, serving a variety of light meals and desserts, all incorporating local ingredients. The al fresco seating area is just right for savoring the meal amidst the plantation's beautiful surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, proceed to the Cactus Valley, which is a short drive from Boh Tea Plantation. Indeed, a wide range of cactus species, some of which were over 60 years old, dwelled in this valley. Take a leisurely stroll around the gardens that house not just cacti but also a variety of other plants and flowers. It is definitely worth a visit if you're interested in plants.

Cactus Valley

Cactus Valley (Source: PetitGo)

Finally, end your day with dinner at any of Tanah Rata's popular restaurants to taste some of its most popular dishes like nasi lemak, laksa, or fresh strawberries for dessert.

Day 3: Strawberry Farms and Farewell

Spend your morning on your last day in Cameron Highlands to one of the many strawberry farms. The cool climate of the highlands is really favorable for this strawberry farming; visitors can have their own strawberry plucking or taste their fresh strawberry-based products such as jams, juices, and desserts.

These are some of the more noted ones like Big Red Strawberry Farm or Raaju's Hill Strawberry Farm offer entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. Don't forget to buy strawberry-themed souvenirs like dried strawberries, strawberry jam, or even strawberry-flavored tea. 

Family visiting Strawberry Farms

Family visiting Strawberry Farms (Source: CameronHighlands)

Visit the Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm before leaving and see the way honey is prepared. Bees at this farm are seen working, with many products of honey sold right from natural honey to honey skincare to souvenirs.

Have your last lunch in Tanah Rata, after that you will get started on your way back to Kuala Lumpur or Penang, thinking about the serene and scenic beauty of Cameron Highlands.

Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm

Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm (Source: Foodveler)

Conclusion

The Cameron Highlands have been a favorite destination for nature, outstanding beauty, and a very relaxing atmosphere to make it an unforgettable experience. This hill station proves to be an ideal place for nature lovers and adventurous souls who seek tranquility. A 3-day tour to the tea estates will rejuvenate you, leaving nostalgic memories of lush greenery, fresh mountain air, and refreshing local brew.

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