South East Asian Trips

The Cameron Highlands, in the centre of Peninsular Malaysia, comprise a series of hill stations at altitudes between 1500 and 1800m (4920 and 5904ft). This fertile area is the centre of Malaysia's tea industry and it's the place where locals and visitors come to escape the heat of the plains. Attractions include jungle walks, waterfalls, tours of tea plantations, beautiful gardens and plenty of wild flowers. The cool weather tempts visitors to exertions normally forgotten at sea level, like golf, tennis, and long walks, but this is really Malaysia's R 'n' R capital par excellence for those who don't like the beach and enjoy a bout of colonial nostalgia. Most of the budget hotels are in the village of Tanah Rata. The more expensive options are scattered between Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

Malaysia is a country that thrives on tourism, a significant percentage of the foreign currency accumulated in the country comes from tourism. In the recent years Malaysia has emerged as a major tourist destination in South Asia. The country is popular all over the world for its enthralling natural wonders and countless entertainment options. Popular destinations in Malaysia are numerous; here you can see places that are replete with natural wonders and boasting of rich cultural and historical heritage and at the same time, you can also see places in the country that epitomizes modernity and boast of all the modern props present in the developed countries. Overall, Malaysia is a unique country that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity and is a treat for every tourist visiting the country. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia is one of the major tourist destinations of the country. It is located in the state of Pahang and attracts thousands of visitors, from all over the world. Cameron Highlands is often referred to as the green bowl of Malaysia as it produces huge measures of vegetables that are later supplied to all the states of the country and Singapore.

The place was discovered by British surveyor William Cameron and the place is named after him. The Cameron Highlands bears testimony to the British colonial rule; in fact the highland prospered under the British rule and the fertile slopes of the mountains were used for tea cultivation. Gradually it became popular among the British settlers and British families settled down in the place, for its pleasant weather. Even now, there are British bungalows that have been preserved for the visitors. Today Cameron Highlands has become the premier holiday destination of the country. Situated 1829 meters above the sea level, the place boasts of cool and fresh air and an ambience that is apt for you to take a break from your hectic schedule.

Cameron Highlands has emerged as a perfect holiday spot for families and honeymoon couples. The visitors, who come here, are captivated by the mesmerizing natural beauty, pleasant weather and the cultural heritage of the place.

Cameron Highlands is a highland region located about 20 km east of Ipoh and about 150km north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang, Malaysia. At 5000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level it is the highest area on the mainland, and enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 25°C and rarely falling below 10°C year round.

Background

The Highlands were named after William Cameron, a British colonial government surveyor who discovered the plateau during a mapping expedition in 1885. The fame of Cameron Highlands then grew during the colonial era when British planters realised the potential of its fertile mountain slopes for growing tea, then a prized commodity. The Cameron Highlands are still home to many tea plantations, being Malaysia's largest tea-producing region. The area is also known as a major supplier of legumes and vegetables to both Malaysia and Singapore with its many farms, and is one of Malaysia's prime tourist destinations. There are many interesting places to visit here.

Key Attractions

Apart from the cool weather, key attractions in Cameron Highlands include a butterfly farm, strawberry farms, rose gardens, Chinese temple and vegetable farms. One of the popular tourist activities involves jungle walking and trekking amongst the refreshing cool forest air.

Travelling to the Cameron Highlands takes up to one and a half hours via a winding road from Tapah by car. There is a newer and easier route up from Simpang Pulai (closer to Ipoh) which has a wider road and gentler curves.

How to Reach

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.
You can also go there on an express bus from Penang or KL.