Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands was named after and discovered in 1885 by an English man named William Cameron during a survey operation in the Titiwangsa Mountain Range. Forging a path through the dense vegetation, he finally reached a magnificent and sublime plateau ‘shut up in the mountains'. From then on, the British colonists recognized its potential for growing tea, a precious commodity then.
Over time, townships began to sprout around Cameron Highlands as the tea plantations grew. After Malaysia's independence, its popularity as a highland holiday retreat steadily rose (Though the idea was already implanted in 1925 by British Official Sir George Maxwell). Today, it is a popular tourist destination to visit on holiday, due to it cooling atmosphere, serene environment and picturesque scenery.
The Cameron Highlands is part of Pahang state, though most entry points, via Tapah and Simpang Pulai, lie in Perak state. From Ringlet to Brinchang, the Cameron Highlands is mostly cooling throughout the year, enabling visitors to enjoy a holiday here anytime.
In terms of culture, the Chinese make up the largest community in Cameron Highlands, running most of the businesses and plantations in the valley. Indians and Malays from the next two largest communities with similar economic activities. There are also a large number of laborers from Bangladesh and Myanmmar, who come to work the fields of tea and vegetables. Finally, you can also find tourists from places like Europe and Asia that have decided to settle down in the Cameron Highlands and call it their home.
The three main townships of Cameron Highlands are Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Riglet, all of which are detailed below. Smaller villages, residential areas and townships exist further down the range from Brinchang, such as Kampung Raja and Tringkap. Tourist spots and shopping places are concentrated mostly in Brinchang and Tanah Rata.
1. Ringlet is a tiny town located at the base of the Cameron Highlands at around 1,000 meters above sea-level. There is little to do here but most stop by after the windy drive up the forested road from Tapah in order to get some rest or food. There are a few banks, petrol stations and some sundry shops, but little else is available to explore. However, just further down the road from Ringlet, you will find the start of tea plantations and a large dam
2. Tanah Rata is the biggest township in Cameron Highlands and lies smack in the middle between Brinchang and Ringlet. This is the commercial hub of Cameron Highlands with a large number of resorts, banks, shops and other amenities. A popular activity is to walk through the long row of shop houses opposite the bus stand and along the main road for shopping. A few pubs, bars and restaurants are open here till late.
3. Brinchang, the highest town at around 1,600 meters above sea-level is where most of the vegetable markets and strawberry farms are located. Because of its height, Brinchang is frequently carpeted in fine mist, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons. This is the coldest town in Cameron Highlands, and the most frequented by tourists and visitors.
The town in Brinchang is also famous for its dining opportunities. Due to the high Chinese population, you can get a wide variety of Chinese dishes but other traditional Malay and Indian food are available as well. During the weekends, a popular night market takes place just opposite the police station. The Butterfly Garden and Kea Farm are located a short way after Brinchang.

Cameron Highlands may be accessed by three major roads. Decades ago, the windy road from Tapah was the only way of getting there, and it was prone to landslides and other dangers. Today, due to the modern development of Cameron Highlands for tourists, an additional two roads have been built, approaching Cameron Highlands from the north while the old road has undergone much renovation and repair works.
Since there is no air strip for planes to land on or a railway track up into Cameron Highlands, you'll need to know your way to this holiday destination. Visitors will either have to drive their own vehicles or take public transport such as taxis and buses. Getting there by bus is inexpensive, and can be taken from cities such as Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.
From Kuala Lumpur (provided you are driving your own vehicle), there are two main ways to reach the Cameron Highlands; the old and traditional Tapah Road or the more recent Simpang Pulai exit near Ipoh. A third highway connects to the Cameron Highlands from Gua Musang in Kelantan, meeting up at the end of the Simpang Pulai road, and then proceeding to Tringkap and Kampung Raha. Finally, visitors can take the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur which connects to Kuala Lipis, where there is another highway recently built to Ringlet in Cameron Highlands. At the open, it is only accessible with a special pass that you can obtain from the police station in either Ringlet or Kuala Lipis.

For visitors from Singapore, they have to drive their own cars across the causeway or take the bus from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur. The North-South Highway or various trunk roads offer a 3-4 hour drive from Singapore to KL, and from there, follow the same directions listed above. For those on a coach or bus, purchase a ticket to the Cameron Highlands from Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. Upon seeing the exit to Tapah, make your way through this small town that's located at the base of the mountain range. Tapaha can also be reached via the old trunk road from Rawang located near Kuala Lumpur, if you want to avoid paying toll. This road will lead up to the first township of Cameron Highlands, which is Ringlet.

The old road meanders through mostly pristine rainforest areas, passing by numerous Aborigine (Orang Asli) villages along the way over its 35 km stretch. The scenery along the road, especially at the higher elevations, offers breath-taking views and vistas. Orang Asli people also open makeshift stalls along the road side, selling harvest from the forest such as ferns, plants, orchids, drift wood and seasonal fruits such as Durian and Petai. Shady and quiet, the only thing breaking the peaceful atmosphere is the cacophony of jungle wildlife, but that is itself a pleasant sound. Visitors will pass by some awesome mountain ranges on the right as they navigate their way around the twisty bends. For best effect, open up the windows and enjoy the cool, refreshing air as the road steadily ascends up the mountains.
Accomodation
Hotel & Resort
Accommodation in Cameron Highlands can easily be found in and around the major towns of Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang, but during peak seasons, do remember the price can shoot up dramatically while enough rooms may not be available. Book your room, apartment or chalet early to avoid sleeping under the stars when you make your way here. Below is a list of popular hotels and chalets with their contact numbers. For even cheaper options, you can look at backpacker inns or lodges. For large families or groups, apartments are recommended. This information is provided for tourist reference and we are in no way affiliated with any of the hotels and apartments below.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Bala's Holiday Chalet, Lot 55, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 1660
Casa de la Rosa, Lot 48, Jalan Circular, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 1333
Century Pines Resort, Lot 42, Jalan Masjid, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 5115
Equatorial Resort, Kea Farm, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-496 1777
Heritage Hotel, Jalan Gereja, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 3888
The Lakehouse, 30th Mile, 39200 Ringlet, Telp :05-495 6152
Rosa Passadena, No. 1, Bandar Baru Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 2288
The Smokehouse, By the Golf Course, PO Box 77, 39007 Tanah Rata, telp :05-491 1215
Strawberry Park Resort, Lot 195 & 196, Tanah Rata 39000 Tanah Rata, telp :05-491 1166
Cameron Highlands Resort, Main Road, just opposite the Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 1100
Budget Hotels
BB Inn, 79A Persiaran Camelia 3, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 4551
Brinchang Hotel, 36, Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1755
Camlodge, 55C & 55D, Persiaran Camelia 3, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 4549
Chua Gin Hotel, No.11, Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1801
Cool Point Hotel, 891, Persiaran Dayang Endah, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 4914
Country Lodge, Lot 47, Section 3, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1811
Downtown Hotel, 41 Main Road, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 2868
East Garden Hotel, Lot 13, Section 2, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 2380
Golden Shop Hotel, 39, Main Road, Cameron Highlands, Telp :05-495 6048
Golden Star Hotel, 26, Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1247
Green Garden Hotel, Lot 13, Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 5824
Highlanders Hotel, 80b, Persiaran Camelia 4, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :017-413 7204
Hill Garden Lodge, No.15-16, Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 2988
Hotel Plastro, 19, Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1009
Hotel Wira Awan, PT826 Jalan Pecah Batu, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 4251
Iris House Hotel, No.56, Jalan Kuari, 39100 Brinchang,Telp :05-491 1818
Jasmine Hotel, No.29-32, Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1588
Kavy Hotel, 44, Main Road, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp ;05-491 5652
Kowloon Hotel, No.34-35, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1366
Lido Hotel, 9, Brinchang 39000 Cameron Highlands, Telp :05-491 1271
New Cameron Hotel, 29 & 30 Jalan Besar, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 1160
Orient Hotel, 38A, Main Road, 39007 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 1633
Pines & Roses Hotel,Bandar Baru Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 2203
Parkland Hotel, Lot 45, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1299
Raffles Country Inn, Lot 65, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 4600
Rainbow Hotel, Lot 25, 39100 Brinchang, Telp ;05-491 4628
Roselane Hotel, Main Road, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 2377
Sentosa Hotel, 38 Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1907
Shahzan Inn Hotel, Istana Kayangan, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 4975
Star Regency Hotel, 39 Main Road, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 5133
Backpacker Inns and Lodges
Cameronian Inn, 16 Jalan Mentigi, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 1327
Daniel's Travelers Lodge, 9 Lorong Perdah, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 5823
Father's Guest House, PO Box 15, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 2484
Hillview Inn, 17 Jalan Mentigi, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp 05-491 2915
Jurina Lodge, No. 819 Jalan Mentigi, Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 5522
New Garden Inn, Jalan Masjid, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp 05-491 5170
Sri Juliana Chalet, F32 Jalan Sultan Abu Bakar, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 4461
Twin Pines, 2 Jalan Mentigi, 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 2169
Apartments
Arabella Apartments, Puncak Arabella, 39000 Tanah Rata,Telp :019-219 6813
Honeymoon Villa, Jalan Quarry, 39100 Brinchang, Telp :05-491 1346
Leisure Holiday Apartments, Jalan Gereja. 39000 Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 4371
Num Song Apartments, No. 40 Main Road, Tanah Rata, Telp :05-491 1250