Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands

Set amid the lofty peaks of Banjaran Titiwangsa, Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations. Despite experiencing over 70 years of tourism, the plateau still features the same undulating hills encircled by spectacular mountains as it did when it was ‘discovered’ in the early 1900s. It’s not as glamorous and glitzy as Genting Highlands – the ‘City of Entertainment’ – but there’s an undeniably quintessential English character to the elevated fields, sprinkled with country cottages, farms and a golf course, which year after year draw visitors. Though weekenders flock here in droves, it’s easy to avoid the crowds. Leisure activities, namely hiking and visiting agro farms, tend to be rather wholesome with an emphasis on clean air and early nights. The best accommodation options are either in Brinchang or Tanah Rata.

Cameron Highlands Resort

Listed as one of the ‘Best Five Tea Plantation Hotels in the World’ by The Independent, UK in 2007, Cameron Highlands Resort is a five-star resort that enjoys gorgeous surroundings. Set amidst tea plantations and lush green hills, the Tudor-style hotel has 56 rooms facing the highlands’ 18-hole golf course. Lodging units feature timber floors, large four-poster beds, attached bathrooms, private balconies and flat-screen TVs; hotel facilities include a grand ballroom, conference hall, three restaurants (including the only Japanese restaurant on the plateau), an on-site spa, a reading room and bar. Read More...

Hotel De’ La Ferns Cameron Highlands

Located between Brinchang and Tanah Rata – the most convenient spots for tour excursions – Hotel De’ La Ferns is a four-star venture with 75 beautiful and spacious rooms. Accommodation units in the boutique resort feature attached bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and fully stocked mini-bars; the hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool but there are two conference rooms, a business centre and two restaurants. Nearby entertainment options include an 18-hole golf course and driving range. Read More...

Strawberry Park Resort

The newly-renovated Tudor-style Strawberry Park Resort is one of Cameron Highland’s most popular accommodation options. Boasting 230 rooms and apartments with attached bathrooms, each lodging type comes equipped with different amenities – the best quarters are the apartment suites which have separate dining areas, microwaves and DVD players. Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a squash and tennis court, a kids’ playground, jogging track, three restaurants, a sauna, gift shop and three bars. Set between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, the hotel is conveniently located for tours of the farms and tea estates, since many operators will collect guests directly from Strawberry Park’s lobby. Read More...

Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands

Surrounded by elegantly sculptured gardens, Heritage Hotel is one of Cameron Highland’s numerous mid-range accommodation options. Offering affordable room rates, the three-star establishment is another Tudor-inspired venture and features 238 rooms with comfy beds, wooden floors and attached bathrooms. Hotel facilities are limited but there are four decent restaurants and bars. The property is close to numerous sightseeing attractions such as the Parit Waterfalls, as well as a smorgasbord of dining venues and nightlife outlets including Vintage Bar and Singalot. Read More...

Smokehouse Cameron Highlands

Built in 1937, Smokehouse Cameron Highlands is still one of the highlands’ best mid-range accommodation options. Reminiscent of a timber framed English-style inn with open fireplaces and crooked floors, the three-star property features 13 spacious rooms with canopied or four-poster beds and attached bathrooms. Facilities are limited but the resort houses the popular Ye Olde Smokehouse that serves up the best traditional English breakfast on the plateau – tea in the lush gardens with scones, strawberry jam and cream is a not-to-be-missed experience.