Things to do in Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands needs no introduction. Besides being one of the few places in Malaysia where we can make a trip just to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands, the hill station also hosts numerous fun attractions like scenic tea plantations and strawberry farms - perfect for de-stressing from city hustling.
For those looking for new places to visit in Cameron Highlands, we rounded up a list of the best things to do there - including glamping in bubble domes and riding ATVs to catch glimpses of rolling hills.
Which month is good for visiting Cameron Highlands?
Just as how KL has its monsoon seasons, Cameron Highlands also has its own fair share of rainy seasons. So if you’re looking forward to spending your holidays in the outdoors, you might want to schedule a visit to Cameron Highlands during the drier months of February, April, July, or August.
That said, you shouldn’t entirely dismiss the idea of visiting Cameron Highlands during the wetter months. Thanks to the rain, the green scenery can appear more lush and vibrant during this period.
1. Cameron Adventurous
Ride ATVs through serene tea plantations
Strolling through tea plantations by foot is a must when you’re visiting Cameron Highlands. Though, if you’re a thrillseeker looking to sneak in an adventure while taking in the sprawling plantations, you’re in luck - with Cameron Adventurous, you can hop on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for a scenic ride through green rolling hills.
The trip will take you for an approximately 2.5km-long ride, weaving through a tea plantation and hitting designated lookout points where you can stop and snap photos of the lush greenery.
For an additional RM10, you can get on a swing to experience dangling in the air with the surrounding valleys as your backdrop.
Adventurous individuals can also opt to ride solo on a single ATV (RM80/pax), or pair up for a double ATV (RM90) combo.
If you’re taking little ones with you, hitch a ride on the Safari Ride (RM20/adult and RM15/child) instead - a staff at Cameron Adventurous will drive a group of guests through the plantations and make pit stops at the amazing lookout points too.
Address: Cameron Valley Tea House 3, Jalan Besar Kuala Terla, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: Sat-Mon 9am-6pm | Tue-Fri 10am-5.30pm Contact: 013-534 2002 | Cameron Adventurous’ Facebook
2. The Sheep Sanctuary
Pet & feed fluffy sheep
You’ll hear locals likening going to Cameron Highlands to a ‘trip abroad’ due to the area’s charming cottages and grassy landscapes. The Sheep Sanctuary, home to flocks of actual fluffy sheep, will have you thinking you’re literally in New Zealand.
Image adapted from: The Sheep Sanctuary via Facebook
This mini farm’s fluffy residents have been brought in from Australia, and they roam both within a pen and freely on a lawn. Parents with easily-frightened little ones can stick within the sheep pen, which is enclosed with wooden fences to keep the adorable floofballs at a comfortable distance.
Whether you come to pet and cuddle the sheep - or just snap cute selfies with them - you’ll be guaranteed a fun-filled time here. Each entrance ticket also comes with a pack of feed for you to treat the adorable creatures with.
Tickets: RM12/adult and RM7/child
Address: No 187, Kea Farm Market 39100 Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily Contact: 05-491 4638 | The Sheep Sanctuary’s Facebook
3. Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Pauh
Pitch a tent & sleep under the stars
Image credit: @terryfredericks via Instagram
Outdoorsy wanderlusters looking to spend more than a day in Cameron Highlands can have an overnight at Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Pauh. This campsite comprises three main areas to pitch tents, and is located next to a forest. It especially draws nature lovers who want to sleep under the stars, brushed by the cool night breeze.
Image adapted from: @chingychann via Instagram
You’ll need to rough it out in true camping style here - this covers bringing your own cookware to prepare meals, and pitching your own tents for sleeping. Don’t leave out clothes or blankets to bundle up in either, as temperatures here are known to drop as low as 15 degree Celsius.
Bring your own hammocks to enjoy a relaxing day in nature at Kem Sungai Pauh Image credit: @asmidarz via Instagram
The campsite is, however, equipped with common barbecue pits and bathrooms with shower heads, as well as electric power points and tap water. As you’ll have to bring along tents and other essentials for a camping trip, you can borrow a wagon to port your personal equipment from your car to the camping site.
There’s a one-time entry fee (RM3), as well as fees (RM10/pax) for each person in your group to camp at Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Pauh.
Address: Pejabat Hutan Daerah Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: 24 Hours, Daily Contact: 05-491 1384
4. Gunung Berembun
Go on a hike to enjoy scenic mountain views
Image credit: @syabilmhd via Instagram
If you spend a night at Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Pauh, you can consider hiking up Gunung Berembun the next morning. Not to be mistaken for the peak in Negeri Sembilan, this mountain in Cameron Highlands offers several different trails, including the Trail No. 6, accessible directly from the campsite.
Image credit: @amy_nuramy via Instagram
Trail No. 7 is recommended for both beginners and avid hikers who want to complete a hike in under three hours. Regardless of which trail you choose to tackle, a hike up to the peak of Gunung Berembun - which has an elevation of 1840m - lets you take in plenty of fauna and flora, as well as views of mist hovering over mountaintops.
To start your journey on this trail, simply head to Agro-Technology Park.
Image credit: @jane.yapp via Instagram
Hiking duration: 3 to 5 hours Fees: RM3/pax
Getting there: It’s recommended you drive here or hire a private car. Trails 6 and 7 will have parking spots if you’re planning on coming here by vehicle. You can locate it via the GPS coordinates 4.472583, 101.400429.
5. A’Moss Farmstay
Go glamping in bubble domes
Image credit: @yunnaquiah via Instagram
Glamping has become a popular staycay option, as it wraps the comforts of a proper hotel with impressive views of nature. At Cameron Highlands, you’ll find A’Moss Farmstay, a glampsite on a farm that lets guests spend nights in bubble domes with comfy beds and private bathrooms.
Each tent has an outdoor patio attached, where you can catch views of Cameron Highlands at different times of the day - stargazing after nightfall included.
Image credit: @sharnicechua via Instagram
There are different domes here - Domes 1, 2 and 3 (from RM299/night) with large windows overlooking the farm, and the fully transparent Crystal Dome (from RM400/night). Each features a queen-sized bed and accommodates up to three people.
Image credit: @kentwongbug via Instagram
Do note that none of the tents have air-conditioning - but this shouldn’t be much of a problem, as guests can open the doors to let the cool mountain air in. And as the domes are in the middle of a farm, you’ll have to drive down a narrow road to reach the site.
If you get hungry, there’s a shared kitchen equipped with a fridge, oven, stovetop and grill.
Address: Kampung Gerak Sepadu, Brinchang 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: 3pm (Check-in) | 11am (Check-out) Contact: 019-555 0356 | A’moss Farmstay’s website
6. Cameron Highlands Flora Park
Have picnic in a garden among flowers
Image credit: @yilingggg__ via Instagram
Cameron Highlands Flora Park has been turning heads ever since it opened its doors back in 2021. This flower garden features a plethora of photogenic spots, including whitewashed steps against a hill of dainty pink flowers that look right out a page from a fairytale book.
Image credit: @ckyoxkai via Instagram
If a stroll through a garden abloom with pastel flowers is not enough, the park also offers outdoor picnic sets for couples and groups of four at its pretty-pink Cameron Sakura Garden. Two sets are available for RM288 each - Menu A comes with savoury dishes such as pizza and sushi, while Menu B is a dessert-focused spread of sliders, macarons, fresh fruits, and more.
Image credit: @ch_flora_park via Instagram
Address: 16A Jalan Corina 13, Taman Desa Corina, 39010, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands Opening hours: 9:30am-7pm, DailyContact: 012-654 3657 | Cameron Highlands Flora Park’s Instagram
7. The Lord’s Cafe
Nibble on affordable scones at a homely cafe
Image credit: @tayeichi via Instagram
The Lord’s Cafe is a humble cafe on the second floor of a building, that’s linked to a Catholic church in Tanah Rata. Their menu features affordable bakes and beverages all priced below RM10, so it’s not unusual to see long queues outside their shop.
Image adapted from: @alfredchan83 via Instagram
You’ll find a cosy dining area here featuring bookshelves and rattan chairs, to dine on cream scones (RM3.20/each) served hot with butter, homemade strawberry jam, and a dollop of whipped cream. The Strawberry Fruity Scone (RM3.50) is another speciality here that has bits of strawberry baked into the fluffy scone.
Other bakes to order include their hearty Apple Pie (RM4.10) served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (RM5.60), and cakes such as Banana Chocolate Cake (RM3.50/slice) and Lemon Cheesecake (RM5/slice).
Image credit: @weekendee via Instagram
You’ll have to order at the counter and pick your own food up once they’re ready, as this cafe operates on a self-service basis.
Address: No 4, Jalan Besar, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (Closed on Sundays) Contact: 019-572 2883
8. Mossy Forest
Visit an enchanting forest for misty views
Image credit: @azmirulshafiq via Instagram
The scenery at Mossy Forest is often compared to the surreal backdrops from the Lord Of The Rings. And not without reason, as this Cameron Highlands forest is well-known for its enchanting moss-covered landscape, where visible mist seeps between exotic plants and trees.
Image credit: @white_label_company via Instagram
The border between Perak and Pahang is also visible when you reach the peak on your mountain hike here, roughly at 2000m. At this height, you’ll find yourself looking down on low-lying clouds - the reason why the forest has also been dubbed ‘Garden in the Clouds’ by locals.
Image credit: @ariannamaurii via Instagram
Avid hikers can choose from 14 different hiking trails here, including an easy one with paved pathways, which takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Hiking duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Fees: RM10/adult and RM5/child
Getting there: From Brinchang town in Cameron Highlands, drive about 7km towards Copthorne Hotel and the junction to Mossy Forest should be to your left after the hotel.
9. Hobbitoon Village
Step into a Hobbit-inspired village
Image credit: Sue G via Google Reviews
The hills around Cameron Highland boast more than just tea plantations and blossoming gardens. Just a 30-minute drive from the main town of Cameron Highlands sits Hobbitoon Village, a Hobbit-inspired attraction with charming mound cottages to enchant Lord of the Rings fans and cottagecore enthusiasts alike.
A gathering of these low-ceilinged houses with their circular doors and gardens can be found across this village, making the perfect photo backdrops for shutterbugs.
Image credit: King Arthur via Google Reviews
Once you’re done exploring the grounds, you can head to its in-house Hobbitoon Cafe to recharge with refreshing drinks.
Address: PT,24739, Mukim, 31300, Perak Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
10. Stellar GoldenHill
Spend a night in a cosy caravan
Image credit: @stellargoldenhill via Instagram
Take advantage of Cameron Highland’s cooler climate with a stay at Stellar GoldenHill. This glamping spot in town features different accommodation types, including bubble domes and tents. But its their cosy caravans that guests beeline for, as it’s said to be the first of its kind in Malaysia.
Image credit: @stellargoldenhill via Instagram
A stay in The Cozy Caravan will set you back RM988/night. While on the pricier side, each caravan comes with a small kitchen area equipped with a fridge, dining table, and kettles. Amenities such as a TV and personal outdoor camping tables and chairs are also provided.
At the private deck with a hammock, you can laze around and enjoy the beautiful scenery during the day and the stars at night.
Image adapted from: @journeyoftwinkletoes via Instagram
There’s also an outdoor movie-watching space at this glamping spot, with camping chairs, umbrellas, and a projector set out so guests can watch movies surrounded by the cool breeze.
Image credit: Stellar GoldenHill via website
Address: Lot 13, Jalan Golden Hills 9, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, PahangOpening hours: 24 Hours, Daily Contact: 018-586 9642 | Stellar GoldenHill’s website
11. Agro Park
Marvel at multicoloured flower knolls
Image adapted from: @winacamelli_ via Instagram, @sharvinisukumaran via Instagram
If you’re a fan of manicured gardens, then a trip to the stunning Agro Park is highly recommended. Instead of the usual rolling hills with flowers in blooms, you’ll get to weave through a collection of multicoloured flower knolls.
Image credit: @rasyidahawatif via Instagram
Pro-tip: have a wall of flowers as your backdrop by zooming in on your subject at one of the mounds.
Image credit: @siangye_ via Instagram, @jo_sephinetan via Instagram
There’s also a mini Santorini and cactus photo areas at the park, to check out make the most of your ticket.
Admission: RM25/adult & RM10/child Address: Tanah Rata, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang Darul Makmur. Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
12. The Smokehouse Hotel
Dine on scones & sip on tea in an English-style garden
Image credit: @new.myvi via Instagram
One of the many charms of Cameron Highlands is the English-style cottages that dot the area - The Smokehouse Hotel is one of these. Besides being a quaint space for guests to spend a comfortable night in, it’s also known for the famous Smokehouse Scones (RM20), a delightful country-style treat comprising two scones, jam, and cream.
Image credit: @cosyrumah via Instagram
Non-staying guests are also welcome to check out the area while taking afternoon tea here, with all patrons having the option to have their meals in a serene English-inspired garden with views of lush greenery.
Image credit: @fangling_514 via Instagram
To avoid disappointment upon your arrival, it’s recommended that you make a reservation online here.
Address: Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands, By the Golf Course, Jalan Besar 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang Contact: 05-491 1215 | The Smokehouse Hotel & Resort’s Facebook
13. Cactus Point
Shop for succulents at a plant nursery
Image credit: @yenleecheng via Instagram
Anyone looking to adopt succulents, or just stroll through a scenic garden filled with a variety of plants, can visit Cactus Point. This attraction in Cameron Highlands is frequented by locals and tourists alike, and offers free admission.
Image credit: @hatimaniss via Instagram
Find a wide array of greens while you’re walking through the plant nursery, including succulents that bloom with red, pink and yellow flowers, sold at RM10 for four. There are also exotic plants to look out for that are worth checking out if your home could use a refresh from live blooms.
Address: 42, Jalan Brinchang 39100, Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily Contact: 011-1782 9384
14. Lata Iskandar
Chase a scenic waterfall
Image credit: @yifan_connie via Instagram
Most waterfalls in Malaysia require a bit of a hike to reach. But at Lata Iskandar, just a short walk will get you to the base of a scenic mile-long waterfall. The cascades are even viewable from your vehicle if you’re on your way up to Cameron Highlands via the Malaysia Federal Route 59.
Nonetheless, it’s highly recommended that you make a stop at the waterfall to take in the views on foot.
Image credit: @icheezer via Instagram
If you’re up for a challenge, trek up a flight of steps along the waterfall to reach the top and be treated to splendid views of the waterfall and its surroundings. Though, you won’t be deprived of vistas even while staying close to the falls’ base, with bridges and gazebos to walk along and take photos of the stunning waterfall.
Image credit: @syikinsalleh via Instagram
Locals often come to dip their feet in the cool, refreshing waters at the foot of this waterfall - there’s even a small rock pool for wading. However, if you want to go for this yourself, note that the waters can get pretty deep and caution should be exercised.
Address: Exit 59, 35000 Tapah, Perak
15. Stellar Cafe
Have brunch at a stunning glasshouse cafe
Those with low heat tolerance will want to note that the space can get pretty warm as ample sunlight floods the dining area. Image credit: Stellar GoldenHill via Facebook
Just a stone’s throw from the caravans at Stellar GoldenHill is a recently opened cafe, Stellar Cafe. The glampsite’s in-house cafe is open to guests and non-guests, with its aesthetic boho-chic ambience resembling something off the pages of a Kinfolk magazine - picture rattan chairs, communal-style dining tables, and dainty white cloth hanging overhead.
Image credit: Stellar GoldenHill via Facebook
As it has been attracting crowds, there’s an entrance fee of RM10 to fork out if you’re not dining here. Otherwise, you can plop down at a table and order a meal to avoid the charges. You can expect to pay between RM10-RM50 for a meal here.
Address: One Ground @ Golden Hills Cameron Highland, Lot 33a, Jln Golden Hills 7, Tanah Rata, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily Contact: 018-586 9642
16. Cactus Valley
Wander through a cactus maze
Image credit: @claraxlala via Instagram
Cactus Valley is another popular attraction to visit in the Highlands, due to its cacti ‘maze’ of diverse varieties that line the pathways. If the pandemic turned you into a plant parent, you can shop for affordable cacti here, as the plants are not just for show.
Image credit: @iffaahh___ via Instagram
Browse through pots of succulents (from RM2/pot) large and small, or flowers (from RM8/pot) such as roses and lavender, and purchase some colourful live decor for your home.
Image credit: @lijhuin via Instagram
Fees: RM8/adult and RM5/child
Address: 42, Jalan Brinchang 39100, Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily Contact: 011-1782 9384
17. Jim Thompson Tea Room
Have afternoon tea in a colonial-style tea room
Image credit: @minn.cha via Instagram
Cameron Highlands Resort is another hotel housed in a charming cottage in Cameron Highlands. Here, afternoon tea is served from 3pm in the Jim Thompson Tea Room. You can dine on a selection of small bites with cups of warm tea in a cosy dining area in the colonial-style tea room.
There’s even live piano music to further enhance the old-fashioned afternoon teatime experience.
Image credit: @_farahhani via Instagram
Those here with their SO can order the Couple Set (from RM130), a three-tier tray of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, served alongside your choice of tea or coffee. If not, opt for the regular afternoon tea set priced RM75 per guest.
Address: Cameron Highlands Resort, Brinchang 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: 12pm-6pm, Daily Contact: 05-491 1100 | Cameron Highlands Resort’s Facebook
18. 200 Seeds Cafe
Try strawberry-infused nasi lemak
It’s no secret that nasi lemak is a favourite dish among Malaysians. Over at 200 Seeds Cafe, you can try this local dish with a sweet twist, in the form of Nasi Lemak Sambal Strawberry (RM14.90).
Image credit: @aminjamean via Instagram
Instead of served just on the side, sweet and juicy strawberries are infused in fluffy rice, turning it an interesting shade of pink. The sambal also gets simmered with strawberries for extra fruity flavours.
Image credit: @fadzidahahmad via Instagram
Other interesting food combos you can order here are the Naan Strawberry (RM10), with bits of fresh strawberries baked into the dough, and Lasagna Sambal Strawberry (RM14.99) which has bolognese sauce uniquely flavoured with strawberry sambal.
Address: No 27, Kampung Taman Sedia, Tanah Rata 39000 Cameron Highlands, PahangOpening hours: 8am-4.30pm, Daily
19. Lavender Garden
Try lavender-flavoured ice cream in a lavender garden
Image adapted from: @_liamohamad via Instagram
Lavender Garden is filled with flowers in vibrant shades of purple, yellow and red, all neatly grouped and arranged on a gently-sloping hill. While this garden’s forever-spring vibes has made it a well-known photo attraction, the Lavender Ice Cream (RM8) sold here is equally popular with visitors.
Image credit: @moonisme91 via Instagram
The ice cream combines lavender and creamy vanilla in a classic soft serve, and can be bought from a stall within the park.
There’s a fee to pay for both adults (RM20/pax) and children (RM10/pax) to enter the garden. Besides the flowers and ice cream, there’s also plenty of photogenic spots to check out to make the most of your ticket, including a mural of purple trees and storybook-inspired statues of oversized boots.
Image credit: @baby_meksaleh via Instagram
Address: Tringkap 39100 Cameron Highlands, PahangOpening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 05-496 1208 | Cameron Lavender’s Facebook
20. Golden Hills Weekend Night Market
Shop for street food at a popular night market
Image credit: Informasi Malaysia via Facebook
Golden Hills Weekend Night Market is well-known among visitors for its mile-long row of stalls selling street food and fresh produce from nearby plantations and farms. The late-night haunt is also known as Brinchang Night Market among locals, and operates on Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm.
Image credit: @metatts_ via Instagram
One of the main highlights of this pasar malam is its immense range of quick food options. Some Malaysian-favourite treats you can expect to find here include sloppy Ramly burgers and sweet apam balik. As this is a popular spot to visit among locals, it’s highly recommended that you drop by early, as parking can be difficult to find.
Address: Jalan Sungai Ruil, Brinchang, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang
[Closed] Time Tunnel Museum
Take a trip down memory lane at this old-school museum
For a trip down memory lane, pay a visit to Time Tunnel Museum in Brinchang. This unique memorabilia museum, said to be Malaysia’s first, will transport you back to the past with a kitchen set-up reminiscent of our grandparents’ homes, and various antiques on display that’ll have you feeling nostalgic.
Spot old tin cans of popular local drinks, such as Nestum and Milo, on view in the ‘kitchen’ exhibit. Vintage posters advertising food brands from yesteryear will surely jog your memory too.
Other nostalgic items, such as enamel tiffin carriers, have also been carefully preserved and put on display by the museum’s collector.
Image credit: @naomiii_1003 via Instagram
Other things you can see at this local museum are photos of Cameron Highlands taken during the ‘50s and ‘60s - a real treat for history buffs looking to learn more about the town’s history as a resort and hill station.
Tickets: RM8/pax
Address: Jalan Sungei Burung, Brinchang 39100 Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
How much time do you need in Cameron Highlands?
Typically, 2 to 3 nights in Cameron Highlands are enough to cover almost everything you want to do in your itinerary, as most attractions are a short drive from each other. Otherwise, you can also opt for a day tour from KL for a short getaway.
What’s the coldest temperature in Cameron Highlands?
The weather in Cameron Highlands can range from an average high of 25°C during the day and an average low of 12°C at night.
What should I wear in Cameron Highlands?
Since the temperature in Cameron Highlands is generally on the cooler side, we suggest packing a few pieces of outerwear or sweaters and long trousers to keep you warm throughout your stay. If you’re the type to get cold very easily, you might also want to bring along some extra stockings to layer underneath your pants.
Best things to do in Cameron Highlands
There are plenty of interesting attractions to visit in Cameron Highlands, with the many plantations and farms that cover the area. But if you’re looking to expand your itinerary beyond these, bookmark this guide for future trips there.
For more weekend plan ideas, check out these 15 adventurous things to do in KL or plan a day-trip to Jeram in Kuala Selangor, which is home scenic beaches and a sky mirror jetty. And if you’re thinking of spending a longer time here, you can check into one of these hotels in Cameron Highlands.
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia, @claraxlala via Instagram, @ckyoxkai via Instagram
Photography by Khairul Shafit.
This article was originally published on 9th June 2022, and updated on 4th July 2024. Last updated on 6th August 2024.
