Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The Cameron Highlands is a picturesque hill station located in Pahang, Malaysia, established in the 19th century by British colonialist Sir William Cameron. This region was designed to provide a refreshing escape for those in the lowlands, allowing them to enjoy a cooler climate reminiscent of traditional English villages, reflected in numerous English influences throughout the highlands.

The area is famed for its unique attractions, including rose and lavender gardens. One of its popular activities is strawberry picking. True to its British heritage, visitors can stay in colonial-style accommodations and indulge in traditional English cream teas. Additionally, the highlands are renowned for expansive tea plantations.

Encompassing approximately 71,000 hectares, the Cameron Highlands offers a multitude of activities, particularly for nature enthusiasts eager to explore the lush jungles or conquer Mount Brinchang, the region’s most notable peak.

Let us delve into the premier activities in the Cameron Highlands:

1. Tour the Boh Tea Plantation

Established in 1929, the Boh Tea Company stands as one of Malaysia’s most distinguished tea brands. A visit to the Boh Tea Plantation offers an opportunity to admire its verdant terraces while learning about tea cultivation and harvesting. Guests can also enjoy the delightful onsite tea shop, sampling signature brews and acquiring souvenirs.

The vistas across this plantation are breathtaking, making it a prime location for appreciating the renowned scenery of the Cameron Highlands.

2. Smell the roses at Mrs. Robertson’s Rose Garden

The Cameron Highlands is well-known for its diverse flora, particularly its extensive rose species. A visit to Mrs. Robertson’s Rose Garden, situated on a picturesque hillside, allows visitors to admire various rose species such as Pink Queen Victoria and Maid of Hearts. The altitude contributes to the impressive size of many of the blooms. This attraction often features a charming café and gift shop.

3. Climb Mount Brinchang

Mount Brinchang is the highest peak in the Cameron Highlands, accessible via a winding road that presents both excitement and a challenge. Upon reaching the summit, visitors can enjoy an observation tower that offers panoramic views, fresh air, and scenic landscapes, including lush tea plantation valleys and vibrant wildflower forests. Standing at 6,666 feet above sea level, it is the highest point in Malaysia accessible by a cable car and offers trekking opportunities for the adventurous.

4. Tour the Orang Asli Villages

The term Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of the Cameron Highlands. Various traditional villages can be found throughout the area, particularly along the main road to Tanah Rata, the central town. For those keen on experiencing authentic village life, guided tours are available to explore some of the more remote communities hidden within the jungle.

5. Pick some strawberries at Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm

Renowned for its high-quality strawberries, Raaju’s Hill Strawberry Farm is ideally situated in a mist-laden valley. It is an excellent choice for families, where visitors can pick strawberries to take home and enjoy. In addition, an onsite café serves traditional English cream tea with fresh strawberry jam and signature strawberry juice for those who prefer to savor the fruit in a different manner.

6. Visit the Time Tunnel

Although not a conventional museum, the Time Tunnel serves as a nostalgic exhibition dedicated to the history of the Cameron Highlands. Visitors will encounter a collection of vintage memorabilia, including signs, postcards, and photographs that reflect on the significant past of this area. Although modest in size, it provides intriguing insights into local history.

7. Go jungle trekking

For nature enthusiasts keen on exploring the rich biodiversity of the Cameron Highlands, jungle trekking is the optimal activity. Numerous well-maintained trails meander through dense forests, offering experiences ranging from striking mountain views to cascading waterfalls, classified by difficulty levels from 1-10 to aid in preparation.

8. Admire Sam Poh Temple

Visitors to the Cameron Highlands may be taken aback by the presence of a Chinese temple, the Sam Poh Temple. This vivid edifice is dedicated to the notable admiral Zheng Ho and houses what is reputed to be the fourth largest Buddha statue in Malaysia. Located just a kilometer from Brinchang’s summit, it showcases exquisite examples of imperial Chinese artistry.

9. Sample the Steamboat

Renowned for its Steamboat cuisine, which is traditionally inspired by European fondue, this dish comprises a large bowl of simmering broth placed over a burner. Diners can select from an assortment of fresh ingredients, including meat, vegetables, noodles, fish balls, and tofu, making it a perfect way to replenish energy after an active day exploring the Highlands.

10. Enjoy the buzz at Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm

Although the strawberry farms are a draw for many, the Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm provides a different experience. This functioning apiary features engaging attractions, including an indoor maze, making it ideal for families. Young visitors can marvel at the colorful bees, while a gift shop offers a variety of honey-themed souvenirs.

11. Spend the morning at Pasar Pagi

The Morning Market, or Pasar Pagi, is the ideal venue for breakfast in the Cameron Highlands. Nestled within KEA Farm Town, visitors can savor delectable street food and local breakfast specialties while browsing for souvenirs and handicrafts.

12. Trek to the Thompson Falls

Among the most captivating sites in the Cameron Highlands is Thompson Falls, located within the surrounding areas of Tanah Rata. A short trek through lush forest will lead to a serene swimming pool at the base. While invigorating, the water tends to be quite cold due to the region’s elevation. For those seeking a different view, a staircase ascends the mountainside to a lookout point above the waterfall.

13. Visit the Mah Meri Art Gallery

Art enthusiasts visiting the Cameron Highlands should not miss the Mah Meri Art Gallery, showcasing intricate wooden carvings crafted by the Mah Meri people, an indigenous tribe from the Carey Islands in Malaysia. The collection features various sculptures, masks, and elaborate artistic expressions highlighting the cultural heritage of the tribe.

14. Explore the Agro Technology Park

A must-visit for those with an interest in agro technology is the Agro Technology Park, located at MARDI (Malaysian Research and Development Institute). The park features diverse sections, including a fragrant Herb Garden, manicured English Gardens, a captivating Rose Garden, and a vibrant Orchid Garden. Visitors can explore the sprawling grounds that support over 100 citrus species, ten strawberry variants, and 40 rose varieties.

15. Wander around the Lavender Gardens

Another natural highlight of the Cameron Highlands is the Lavender Gardens, where visitors can immerse in the sweet scents and stunning purple hues. The gardens are meticulously landscaped with walking paths providing a close-up view of the lavender fields while also hosting a bee history exhibit and a café to relax and enjoy the scenery.

16. Visit the Sri Thendayuthapani Swamy Temple

The Sri Thendayuthapani Swamy Temple offers a distinct experience in the Cameron Highlands as a significant Hindu temple. This sacred site serves the local Tamil community, many of whom work in tea plantations. The temple is adorned with vibrant colors and intricate reliefs depicting stories from Hindu epics in the Tamil Nadu style.

17. Have dinner at the Night Market

In addition to the Morning Market, the Cameron Highlands features a lively Night Market in Brinchang, which opens as the sun sets. Visitors can explore a wide range of products, including souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts. Street food is abundant, offering an affordable opportunity to experience local culinary delights.

18. Check out the butterflies at the Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is among the most well-known attractions in the Cameron Highlands, and it offers a fascinating insight into the delicate beauty of various butterfly species. Visitors can observe a multitude of colorful butterflies in a free-flying environment, along with other exhibits including tortoises and insects. Guided tours are available to provide information on the butterflies’ habitats and life cycles.

19. Admire the cacti in Cactus Valley

Positioned near Brinchang, Cactus Valley is recognized for its diverse range of cacti. Here, visitors can explore numerous colorful and intricately shaped specimens, providing a unique opportunity to experience some of the more distinctive flora of the Cameron Highlands.

20. Play a game of golf

Golf enthusiasts will find the Cameron Highlands to be a stunning location for a game. Situated between the towns of Tanah Rata and Brinchang, the region boasts an expansive 18-hole course, characterized by challenging terrains and picturesque streams. Clubs are available for rent, and the clubhouse provides various dining options.

21. Go bird watching

The Cameron Highlands is a paradise for birdwatchers, featuring an extensive variety of avian species. The rainforests provide a thriving habitat for many birds, including the Mountain Peacock Pheasant, Yellow Breasted Warblers, and Silver Eared Mesias. Several guesthouses and hotels offer guided birdwatching tours, or visitors can explore the mountains independently.

22. Check out the Mossy Forest

The Mossy Forest is noted for its lush moss, lichen, and stunning ferns. This remarkable area represents one of the highest points in the Cameron Highlands, where trees reach heights up to 10 meters. Mist regularly blankets this region, contributing to the thriving plant life. A convenient boardwalk extends for two kilometers, allowing visitors to explore the forest easily while following the path to the summit of Mount Brinchang.

23. Visit Big Red Strawberry Farm

Big Red Strawberry Farm is one of the larger strawberry farms in the Cameron Highlands and is conveniently located near Cactus Valley, making it an ideal combined visit. Alongside strawberries, the farm produces organic salads, but the main attraction is its café, where guests can enjoy delicious strawberry ice cream made fresh from the farm’s produce.

24. Have tea in a Tudor mansion

The architectural heritage of the Cameron Highlands reflects its British colonial roots, evident in mock-Tudor mansions such as the Smokehouse Hotel, built in 1937, and the Lakehouse. Visitors can stroll around these historical structures and enjoy traditional cream tea inside.

25. Check out the Rafflesia flowers

The Rafflesia flower, renowned for being the world’s largest flower, can be found in Malaysia. While commonly referred to as a flower, it is actually a parasitic plant without external roots. Often dubbed the ‘Corpse Flower’ due to its strong odor, witnessing this remarkable specimen in bloom is a significant highlight of a visit to the Cameron Highlands, particularly in the Blue Valley, approximately an hour’s journey from the main town.