'''Cameron Highlands''' is a hill resort at the northernmost tip of Pahang state, Malaysia.

Get in

From North-South Expressway, exit the expressway at Tapah and then proceed via route 59 straight along the way to the highlands. You are estimated to reach the first town of south End Ringlet in 1 hour 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can exit the expressway at Simpang Pulai, Ipoh and proceed via a new route 145 to Cameron Highlands along the way to the top.You can expect to reach the first town at the northern end, Kampung Raja, in 1 hour.

Regular buses run from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang, stopping in the Highland's main towns, including Tanah Rata.

From Singapore overnight VIP busses run from the Golden Mile tower/complex.

Get around

Most tourists activity is in the town of Tanah Rata. This small town is set up along the road and is easily traveled by foot.

Local buses (to tea plantations, further away tracks, strawberry farms and other attractions) run hourly. Taxis are available as well. Taxi between Tanah Rata and Brinchang costs 6rm, while the bus is roughly 1,5rm.

Some guesthouses have motorcycles and bicycles for rent. Note that in Malaysia a license is mandatory for motorcycles.

See

Rose Centre is located at Kea Farm and Rose Valley is located at Trinkap. They are romantic places that you may want to visit.

The '''Bala's Holiday Chalet''' [http://www.balaschalet.com/] exists now in one of the oldest colonial buildings in the Cameron Highlands, located off the main road between the two main towns. The main building was once the school for English ex-pat children and has had a vibrant history throughout the imperialist conflicts that have taken place in the region. The buildings and grounds are open for visitors where one can enjoy tea and scones and other regional specialties. Ph: 05-491 1660

Do

Thompson, previously a member of the CIA, disappeared mysteriously after going for an afternoon walk on Easter Sunday in Cameron Highlands on March 26th, 1967. Jim Thompson was on a quiet sojourn to the highlands to visit some friends and the fact that he left his cigarettes and a small silver 'jungle box' on the chair outside Moonlight Cottage where he was staying suggests that he had not planned to be gone for long.

Thompson was never seen again, and the theories for his disappearance are many, some plausible and others complex and far-fetched. Many believe that he was kidnapped for his previous involvement in spying activities. However it is more likely that he was eaten by a tiger, murdered in a botched robbery or fell into an aboriginal animal trap (a pit with a spike) and buried by the Orang Asli when they discovered what had happened. Many hypotheses have been put forward to explain Thompson's disappearance, and there were some reported sightings of him after his disappearance, but what happened to him still remains one of the greater unsolved mysteries of Southeast Asia. You can see the beautiful tea plantation from the road leading to the the famous Rose Garden. Don't forget to bring your camera.}} There are plentiful '''hiking''' opportunities in the Highlands. You will find simple maps at tour operators and hotels.

  • Trek to Gunung Brinching, a peak at 2000m, which can be reached by walking 'trail 1' from Brinchang. Finding the path can be a bit confusing as the sign is located about 10m from the main road. Ask for directions to the army base and follow the road to the end. From there you will find clear signs for the path. The walk to the top takes about 2-2,5 hours. While hotels and tour operators will tell it is required to have a guide for this trek it is an easy path to follow and it is perfectly possible to do this trek without a guide. The trek is not very steep but you need to be in decent shape to do this trek through the jungle. When reaching the top you have the option on returning the same path or follow the road which goes for about 6km down towards the main road. By this road you will find the 'boh' tea plantation. From the main road you can take the hourly bus back to Brinchang.
  • A short walk to Robertson Waterfall from Tanah Rata. Follow the road to the hospital and take the road right where the river joins the road. There is a sign from the road but as of September 2008 it was on the ground and not easy to spot.
  • See the Rafflesia Flower. . Several tour shops bring you to see the Rafflesia Flower but make sure it comes with a 4WD taking you into the forest and saving you an hour's mud trek. It's another hour's hike from the 4WD dropoff but its worth the experience.
  • Cloud Forest. There's a new boardwalk up on Gunung Brinchang that takes you through the cloud forest.

    Buy

    Cactus Point is a one of the main attractions in Cameron Highlands. It is a wholesale and retail of cactus centre. It also sells fresh vegetables and souvenirs. Cactus Point is situated 500m from Kea Farm.

    Eat

    There are plenty of Chinese, Indian and Malay restaurants and foodstalls available.

    German Swiss Restaurant is the only restaurant where you can enjoy Home Made German dishes in Cameron Highlands.

    The old colonial school now renovated into a hotel, The Bala's Holiday Chalet, is famous for its tea and scones.

  • Sri Brinchang. Cheap and very good Indian food. Tandoori chicken set for 7,50rm.
  • T's Cafe. anah Rata. ear Mary Browns. Cozy cafe with scones to die for and essentially great food and atmosphere.

    Drink

    The Cameron Highlands are famous for their '''tea plantations''', including those of Malaysia's largest tea company '''Boh''' [http://boh.com.my/].

  • Boh Tea Centre. Boh also operates a delightful cafe called "Boh Tea Centre". It is located at the Boh Sg Palas factory. Certain sections of the factory have also been made friendly for tourists. You could easily walk your way through several of the tea making process. In addition, a staff who acts as a guide can also take you through whilst highlighting some of the key steps in the process. The centre also has an interactive studio, where you can sit through the history of Boh and the art of tea drinking; a retail outlet, where you can buy some of the freshly packed tea leaves; and of course a nice cafe, where you an sip some freshly brewed tea and sample scones, pastries and toast with some home-made strawberry jam. Getting to the "Boh Tea Centre" require some uncanny driving skills through a narrow hill road. Follow the main road from Brinchang towards Kg Raja. After the Equatorial Hotel, look out for signs that say Boh Sg Palas Estate and turn left into the narrow hill road. The junction faces a row of stalls selling fruits and vegetables from the Kea Farm and can be easily missed. The "Boh Tea Centre" also offers some stunning vistas of rolling hills amidst a carefully tendered tea plantation. All in all, this is a must do for all those heading to Cameron Highlands.

  • Travelers bistro. The only pub in Tanah Rata. Shows football matches on big screen. A good place to meet other travelers.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Father's Guest House''', Tanah Rata, +60 549 12484, [http://fathers.cameronhighlands.com]. As comfortable a hostel as you will find anywhere in SE Asia. Accommodation (dorms and private rooms with shared or en suite facilities) is split between the main house and comfortably converted Nissen Huts. In-house cafe open for breakfast and dinner. Tour and transport booking. Daily movies.The dorms are fairly large (with 12 beds: 10RM), although the location and view is superb.
  • '''Daniel's Travellers's Lodge''', Tanah Rata,+60 549 15823(@min Forooghi),[http://www.daniels.cameronhighlands.com/]. Great hostel, hot showers. Really Friendly, Helpful Staff. Huge selection of pirate DVDs and VCDs for free viewing in the movie room. Bonfire every night, Pool table in the Jungle Bar.. Even if you don't stay here, at least go by at night for the bonfire! Free hot water and an easy-going attitude to do-it-yourself meals (including BBQ on the bonfire coals), although the kitchen is not available for guests. Cheapest dorm in town: 8RM.
  • '''Twin pines''', Tanah Rata (''Located just behind the (inactive) construction area''), [http://twinpines.cameronhighlands.com]. Friendly owner and clean rooms. Tiny attic cupboards with a mattress on the floor marketed as "singles" cost 12RM (doubles of the same for 20RM), Single room 15rm, Doubles with private bathroom from RM 30,-. 24-hour TV Room, internet, food, small garden and hot showers.
  • '''Cameronian Inn''' - No.16 Jalan Mentigi. Adorable cottage with a serene garden, afternoon tea and strawberry scones, and mix of dorms and private rooms, all at hostel prices.
  • '''Hotel Chua Gin''', 11 Main Road, Brinchang, tel. +605 4911 801, (''Fax: +605 4912 782, email: info@chuagin.com''). [http://www.ChuaGin.com]. Offers affordable accommodation for tourist. Experience the cozy and cool climate destination of Malaysia on your holiday or vacation.
  • Tudor Home Inn. 0A, Jalan Angsana 3, Bandar Baru Brinchang, Brinchang 39100 Cameron Highlands, Pahang. +605)490 1353. onny@tudorhomeinn.com.my. ttp://www.tudorhomeinn.com.my. Tudor Home Inn

    Splurge

  • '''The Bala's Holiday Chalet''', Tanah Rata. Tel: +605-491 1660, fax: +605-491 4500, [http://www.balaschalet.com/]. One of the oldest colonial buildings in Cameron Highlands, this historic guest house was converted out of a school for ex-pat children and features English colonial decor and manicured gardens. This boutique hotel is located walking distance from Tanah Rata, in between the two main towns, nestled in the serenity of surrounding rainforest. With views of the mountains and a beautiful English style garden in which to enjoy tea and scones and other regional specialities, this accommodation option is one of the more affordable of the upmarket hotels. Rates start from RM120 nett for cottage style rooms and go to RM500+ for suites.
  • '''Strawberry Park Resort''', Tanah Rata. Tel: +605-491 1166, fax: +605-491 1949, [http://www.strawberry-cameronhighlands.com/]. This neo Tudor-style resort contains 230 fully-furnished rooms and apartments. The Resort blends perfectly with its breath taking natural surrounding while offering the comforts of modern facilities. Rates start from RM350 nett for the smallest Studio apartments and go all the way to RM1050 nett for a 3-bedroom Penthouse.
  • '''Cameron Highlands Resort''', Tanah Rata. Tel: +603-2783 1000, [http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com]. The Cameron Highlands Resort (formerly Merlin Inn) is the pinnacle of luxury in the Highlands. The luxurious boutique Resort features 56 well-appointed rooms and suites, and fronts Cameron Highlands_f magnificent 18-hole golf course. It also houses the third wellness centre of the award-winning Spa Village, which offers exotic treatments focusing on the healing and restorative properties of tea. For such opulence, room rates start from US$200 for the deluxe rooms.
  • '''Century Pines Resort''', Tanah Rata. Tel: +605-491 5115, fax: 491 1115, [http://www.centuryresort-cameronhighlands.com]. The Century Pines is a cosy hotel in the Tanah Rata area of the Highlands and in close proximity to the golf course. There are 111 rooms in various sizes (superior, deluxe, and suite) and the rates start from RM215 nett for the superior rooms.
  • '''Equatorial Cameron Highlands''', Kea Farm, Brinchang. Tel: +605-496 1777, fax: +605-496 1333, [http://www.equatorial.com]. The Equatorial is the highest resort in the Camerons and also its biggest. There are 240 self-contained low-rise apartments as well as 270 rooms and suites in the hotel tower. Rates are from RM380 for the rooms and RM680 for apartments.
  • '''Heritage Hotel''', Tanah Rata. Tel: +605-491 3888, fax: +605-491 5666, [http://www.heritage.com.my]. This 165-room hotel is ideally located at 1,500 meters above sea level surrounded by lush tropical forest which gives a bird's eye view of the panoramic town of Tanah Rata. It's eye-catching tudor styled architecture, elegantly sculpture garden provide an ambience of an old English countryside. Rates start from RM350++ for the Superior rooms. Inclusive of Steamboat dinner and breakfirst. Watch out for promotion inside their web page.
  • '''The Lakehouse''', Ringlet. Tel: +605-495 6152, fax: +605-495 6213, [http://www.lakehouse-cameron.com]. A Tudor style property managed by HPL Hotels, the delightful Lakehouse Hotel sits atop a hill overlooking the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake near the town of Ringlet and is a short drive from Tanah Rata. The hotel features 11 Deluxe rooms, three Junior Suites, three Family Suites and one Honeymoon Suite. Promotional rates start from RM465 nett.
  • '''The Smokehouse Hotel''', Tanah Rata. Tel : 605-491 1215, fax : 605-491 1214, [http://www.cameronhighlands.com/the_smokehouse]. This English Tudor style hotel, built in 1939, is the ultimate in colonial ambience. Enjoy the wonderful traditional English breakfast, tea in the lush gardens with scones, cream and strawberry jam, and dine in probably the finest restaurant in the Highlands. Take pleasure in a drink by the fireplace and relax before retiring to one of the well-appointed suites. Room rates range from RM400+ to RM600+.
  • Get out

    Buses run from the bus terminal to Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Penang multiple times a day.