Selamat Pagi! We landed in Malaysia in January 2024, right after our epic tour of India and a quick, delightful week in Hội An!
During our visit to Malaysia, we couldn’t resist visiting some stunning spots, including Cameron Highlands which is generally around 1800 meters above sea level. We’d heard so much about its breathtaking scenery, and we just had to see it for ourselves. Needless to say, we were not disappointed!
The weather this time of year wasn’t ideal—it was a bit misty, cool, and fresh. However, the upside was that we didn’t have to deal with the usual crowds of peak season. Plus, the mist actually added to the overall atmosphere, making it even more enjoyable.
Location: Cameron Highlands
Things We Did
There are so many things to explore in the highlands, which happens to be one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the country. With so much to choose from, we decided to prioritise the places that interested us the most. Since it’s Malaysia’s top tea-producing region, visiting the tea plantations was our top priority!
Boh Tea
When we are in Malaysia we always drink Boh Tea purchased from the local supermarket so of course, this plantation was of great interest to us. We visited the Heritage Tea Centre and factory, sipped samples of tea, wandered out onto the deck by the cafe and walked through the fields and along the paths.
A misty, cool day, walking, viewing and feeling fresh and invigorated.
Cameron Valley Tea
At Cameron Valley Tea Plantation, we had another opportunity to explore the tea fields up close, take a leisurely walk down to the river, soak in nature, and give our step count a boost by trekking back up to the road. We were now warming up!
Cameron Flora Park
Flora Park is great for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts. It’s filled with flowers everywhere you look, like colourful carpets of blooms! The park is completely covered and stretches uphill, so be prepared for a good climb to reach the top.
Cameron Lavender Garden
So, I was a bit puzzled at the Lavender Garden… yes, there was lavender everywhere, and I even tried some lavender ice cream. But it was more than just lavender—it was a whole flower garden, much like the Flora Garden. I took plenty of photos, but now that I’m back home, it’s a bit tricky to remember which ones are from which garden.
Hopefully, I got it all sorted out correctly!
Mossy Forest and Gunung Brinchang
We arrived at the Mossy Forest bright and early in the morning to find misty, gloomy weather with light rain. Unfortunately, the conditions were too poor for us to explore beyond the short walks near the entrance, as the main paths were closed. This forest is renowned as Malaysia’s oldest, at 2031 meters above sea level near Mount Brinchang’s summit. Despite the long, windy, challenging drive to reach it, finding out it was closed was disappointing.
Nevertheless, we made the most of it by walking along the tracks, climbing on the boardwalks above the ticket entrance, and immersing ourselves in the eerie, slippery moss-covered ambiance before heading to the nearest café for a steaming cup of coffee.
Local Restaurants and Brinchang Weekend Pasar Malam
Near the Zenith Hotel in Cameron Highlands, we found a variety of local restaurants serving authentic Malaysian dishes. From cosy cafes to bustling eateries, each place offered its own specialties like Nasi Lemak and steamboat dinners with fresh vegetables and meats. Dining was a pleasant part of our stay, providing a taste of local culture right by our hotel. We particularly enjoyed sampling local dishes with their spicy flavours! We liked Singh Chapatti, lots of yummy North Indian home-style food!
Just a short walk from the hotel, we enjoyed visiting the Brinchang Weekend Pasar Malam (Night Market). This market is open every Friday and Saturday evenings with stalls selling local produce, handicrafts, and street food. It was a vibrant and enjoyable experience, giving us a glimpse into the local community’s lively atmosphere and delicious food.
Getting There
We took the CS Travel Express bus from Aman Jaya Bus Station in Basker’s hometown, Ipoh, to Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands. The journey passed through some interesting scenery, and time flew by—it’s only a 2 1/2 hour drive. However, when we reached the winding and steep roads, things got a bit intense. The driver took each corner very quickly, causing the tires to squeal and the bus to lurch to the side. We were feeling seriously car sick and hoped the journey wouldn’t continue like this. It did!
To our surprise, on the return trip, we had the same driver—but this time, he drove much more calmly and steadily. We had a smooth ride back. Go figure, right?!
Where We Stayed
Zenith Cameron Hotel, Tanah Rata
Getting Around
It was easy and convenient to walk to restaurants from our hotel, offering Indian, Malay, and international cuisine that caters to both tourists and locals.
However, it’s not possible to walk to the attractions. The options are to catch a local bus, hire a taxi, hire a car or join a tour.
We hired a taxi with a driver who took us to all the sights, including the Mossy Forest… we initially thought we needed a 4-wheel drive for that part, but the taxi handled it just fine!
Our time in Cameron Highlands made a lasting impression on us. We have pleasant memories of green hills, carpets of flowers, friendly encounters, and the hospitality of Malaysia.
The air was cool, the scones were warm, and the views went on forever—Cameron, you were lovely. ♡ Janet
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