Cameron Highlands Attractions

At about 1,500 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands – located only four hours away from Kuala Lumpur – is set along a mountain plateau high above the river valley. Temperatures on this hillside fluctuate between 22° and 25° Celsius during the day and between 15° and 22° Celsius at night, making it easier than in the lowlands to jungle trek, camp and picnic.

Named after William Cameron – a British government surveyor who ‘discovered’ the area in 1885 whilst on a mapping expedition – Cameron Highlands’ fame grew during the colonial occupation era as the British were attracted to this cool hill station due to its climate. As a direct result of their stay here, nostalgic reconstructions of English cottages and narrow village lanes are sprinkled across its landscape.

These days the Highlands are home to a plethora of agricultural farms and there’s no place better in Malaysia to get fresher-than-fresh produce. These farms and plantations make good sightseeing spots when you’re here – to best enjoy Cameron Highlands’ offerings, visit a sweet-smelling strawberry plantation, a sprawling tea estate or a prickly cactus farm.

Boh Sungai Palas Tea Estate

Set in the hills north of Brinchang, this tea plantation is a sprawling scenic domain with a tea factory, a teashop and a visitors’ centre. When you’re here you can watch an educational video on the history of the estate as well as purchase tea products from the on-site souvenir store. Also don’t miss out on the chance to sip some tea and take in the sights of the plantation from the pleasant tearoom.

Cactus Valley

Cameron Highlands is home to a few cactus gardens that are found within the Tanah Rata and Tringkap area. Cactus Valley is home to tiered terraces laden with various local flowers, fruits, vegetables as well as cacti. Stroll through the green space and observe the many varieties of cacti as well as purchase these potted plants as souvenirs.

Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm

The Highlands are home to two butterfly farms – the Butterfly Garden and the Butterfly Farm. Both play host to a fluttering collection of tropical butterflies, including the well-known and majestic Raja Brooke as well as numerous other insect species.

Chai Kok Lim – Kok Lim Strawberry Farm

There are a handful of things that Cameron Highlands is best known for – tea plantations, jungle trails and… strawberry farms! The highlands play host to more than a few hydroponics strawberry cultivation sites that merit a visit for anyone with a keen interest. Plus you really shouldn’t miss out on a chance to sample the (slightly-costly) strawberry jam and ice cream.

Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm

This working apiary is the best-known honeybee farm in Cameron Highlands and is home to a pleasant flower-filled garden. Various honey-based products are available for purchase including wholesome and tasty honey itself!

Mrs. Robertson’s Rose Garden

There are a number of flower nurseries along the main road from Ringlet all the way to Kampung Raja. The Robertson Rose Garden specializes in the eponymous flower and is worth a detour due to its excellent hilltop views. Make it a sure stop along your itinerary to admire the Scarlet, Pink Queen Victoria and Maid of my Hearts roses that are markedly larger than their downhill counterparts due to the cooler climate.

Orang Asli Village

Home to a few unique and interesting orang asli villages, Cameron Highlands’ refreshing climate makes a trip to observe the daily life of these Malaysian natives a truly pleasurable experience. The villages are oftentimes located along the road going up to the Highlands but there are also a few tucked away deep in the jungle; the best way to visit them is via organised day trips and tours.

Sam Poh Wan Futt Chi Temple

The large and ornate Buddhist temple – dedicated to Chinese medieval eunuch admiral Zheng Ho – is built high on a hill overlooking Brinchang Town. Located just one kilometre off the main road, this inspired pastiche of grand Chinese regalia – built in 1972 – is purportedly the fourth-largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.

Sri Thandayuthapani Swamy Temple

Festooned with multihued Tamil Nadu-style sculptures created by Indian artists, the Sri Thandayuthapani Swamy Temple is a colourful and vivid Hindu temple frequented by the tea-picking community of the Cameron Highlands.

Time Tunnel Museum

One of the latest attractions in the Cameron Highlands, this fun and educational local museum is the first memorabilia museum in Malaysia. Depicting significant milestones of the Highlands’ history, it exhibits more than 1,000 artefacts, ranging from photographs to traditional motorcycles.