Nestled high in the Titiwangsa mountain range of Pahang, Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands sits gracefully about 200 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. Rising nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, this hill station gives a refreshing break from the tropical heat. The air here feels lighter and cooler and carries the soothing scent of tea leaves and fresh soil, a rare combination that makes every breath feel like a small escape from the chaos of city life.
Named after William Cameron, a British surveyor who discovered the area in 1885, the highlands were once a colonial retreat for British planters escaping the lowland heat. Over time, the rolling hills transformed into lush tea plantations, flower gardens, and vegetable farms. The Tudor-style cottages, flower gardens, and cozy tea houses in the English countryside still have a charm that makes time seem to slow down.
Among the many wonders of Cameron Highlands, a few stand out for their beauty and charm. The BOH Tea Plantation gives one of the most iconic views, with endless waves of green tea bushes disappearing into the mist that gently drifts over the hills. At the BOH Tea Centre’s terrace café, you can sip a freshly brewed cup while overlooking the valley below—a moment of pure calm.
Nearby, the Mossy Forest unveils a dreamlike world where every tree is draped in moss, and the cool air carries an earthy scent. Walking along its wooden pathways feels like stepping into a living fairytale. For a splash of color, the Cameron Lavender Garden bursts into shades of purple, pink, and white, with floral scents filling the air and cozy cafes offering sweet treats among the blooms.
The region’s famous strawberry farms add another layer of joy, inviting visitors to pick their fresh berries at spots like Big Red Strawberry Farm and Raju’s Hill, best enjoyed with whipped cream or chocolate. And if you’re in the mood for something nostalgic, the Butterfly Garden and Time Tunnel Museum blend nature and history beautifully with fluttering butterflies all around and vintage collectibles that tell stories from Malaysia’s past.
Cameron Highlands’ cool climate blesses it with an abundance of fresh produce, and that reflects beautifully in its food. You’ll find strawberry desserts almost everywhere: from pancakes and milkshakes to homemade jams. The steamboat hotpot is a must-try evening meal—a bubbling pot filled with vegetables, meat, and noodles that warms you up in the chilly mountain weather.
For tea lovers, there’s no better experience than pairing locally grown tea with freshly baked scones, served with strawberry jam and cream—a delightful colonial-era treat that’s now a local favorite.
Cameron Highlands stays pleasantly cool all year round, but the best months to visit are March to September, when the skies are clear and the tea gardens are lush. Mornings are perfect for walks, while evenings bring a light mist that gives the hills a romantic touch. Don’t forget a jacket; even tropical Malaysia feels like autumn here.
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