Cameron Highlands
Emerald tea plantations unfurl across Malaysia's largest hill-station area.
Temperatures in these 1300m to 1829m heights rarely top 30°C,
The Cameron Highlands encompass a string of townships, including (north to south) Kampung Raja, Tringkap, Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Ringlet. Named after explorer Sir William Cameron, who mapped the area in 1885, the highlands were developed during the British colonial period. Gardens, bungalows and a golf course sprang up during the 1930s, cementing the highlands' reputation as a refuge for heat-addled Brits to mop their brows.
Tourism is big business, so views are occasionally blighted by building sites for yet another megaresort; Brinchang in particular felt like a construction site when we last visited. But between trekking and genteel tea culture, there is serenity amid the touristic hubbub.
Visit Boh Plantation
Boh Plantation is a must visit destination in Cameron Highlands due to its scenic vistas, harmony and tranquillity and last but not the least cool fresh pure breathable air. Founded in 1929 by J A Russel, the British Businessman, BOH plantation holds 3 major Tea gardens in Habu, the first one, the Fairly Tea Garden and the Sungai Palas Tea Garden. The tea products are not only sold and consumed within Malaysia but it has huge demand in International markets too. In a total of 8000 acres remain covered with tea plants and exploring it fully is an adventure in itself. However in Sungai Palas there is availability of tour guide who can help regarding tea leaves how tea is processed. The five steps of tea making are briefed in the tour of 30 minutes
Lavender Gardens
Cameron Lavender Garden is a floral garden located in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands. A visual treat for the eyes, the garden blooms with different types of lavenders- purple, red and yellow! The 3D mural art is one of the must-see sections here. The love-lock bridge at Cameron Lavendar Garden is popular among lovers. The garden also houses a vegetable and strawberry farm. Flower-plucking and strawberry-picking is allowed at payment of some fees. The garden also has a cafe on the top serving cheesecakes, ice creams, jams, juices and other lavender-inspired delicacies. There's a small market inside within the garden selling gift-items and souvenirs.
Thompson Falls
Located near Tanah Rata, Thompson Falls is a very popular waterfall in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Surrounded by pristine beauty, the area along the waterfalls beams with lush greenery. The base of the waterfall is ideal for swimming and serves as a picnic spot. In order to get the best view of the cascading water, reach the vantage point of Thompson Waterfall by climbing up a flight of stairs in the mountainside. The area also has some shops selling snacks, fruits, souvenirs and handicrafts.
Honey Bee Farms
Considered as a novelty in Cameron Highlands, the honey bee farms are known for their production of delicious honey which is kept up for sale as well as displayed for the foreigners. There are three major honey bee firms present in Cameron highlands and they are located in Ringlet (Highlands Apiary Farm), Brinchang (Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm) and Tringkap (Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm).All these firms are a prime attraction for the travellers though each vary with the other in terms of size, capacity and honey production. The bee farms are open for the travellers to visit and there remains range of other attractions like vegetable farms, strawberry picking and interesting kid’s activities to entertain the visitors. There are souvenir shops too within the honey bee farms.
Big Red Strawberry Farm
Big Red Strawberry Farm, also known as Taman Agro Tourism Cameron Highlands offers one-stop garden and farm centre to relax and unwind. It is located in Brinchang town, right beside Cactus Valley at the new town of Brinchang. If you are staying in Brinchang, ask the receptionist at your hotel and they can guide you on how to reach there. Alternatively, identify Star Regency Hotel/Apartment and it is only about 500 m from this place. Same location as Cactus Valley. From the main road, turn into road where Star Regency is located. Take a right at the junction and go in about 200 metres.
Time Tunnel Museum
Time Tunnel Cameron Highlands is a fascinating museum in Brinchang in the cool Cameron Highlands containing a vast horde of memorabilia, artefacts and collectables from days gone day. The collection has been curated by Mr. See Kok Shan, a local Cameron Highlander with a passion for collecting old stuff pertaining to the Cameron Highlands’ early days and Malaysia’s history. The museum was opened in 2007 in a kind of metal warehouse adjacent to a strawberry farm on the main road on the outskirts of Brinchang. Time Tunnel describes itself as a journey back in time and if you are middle aged or above you will definitely recognise familiar items from your younger days.
Sampoh Temple
Sam Poh Temple in Brinchang is the largest religious structure in Cameron Highlands, nestled on a small hill top at the back of town. The access road can be found at the turn off next to Iris House Resort; follow the signboards along the narrow road up in less than five minutes by car. While the opulent temple is Buddhist in nature, a variety of brass deities from similar religions can also be found huddled inside. While also a tourist attraction, most visitors are local Chinese or from Singapore, coming to admire the oriental architecture while offering prayers at the altar. The temple is free to enter, as long as you keep a quiet profile and remove your shoes.