2D1N Cameron Highlands Weekend Trip - What To Eat, See and Do

One of the thing Malaysians love to do is to escape the city heat and travel to somewhere chill and cold. While we don’t have four seasons in our country, a couple of places does have chiller climate thanks to their high elevation such as Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands. While Genting Highlands is fairly near to Kuala Lumpur, there aren’t many attractions around besides the casino and theme park whereas Cameron Highlands offers more to see and do. 

As RMCO now has been extended until end of 2021, Cameron Highlands makes a good destination for a weekend family trip. 

How To Get To Cameron Highlands 

The most convenient way to get the Cameron Highlands is of course by driving your own car. From KL, it takes approximately 3 hours while from Penang, it takes approximately 4 hours. If you are based in Ipoh, it takes only about 2 hours drive. 

For those who are planning to take public transport, the only means of public transport is express bus from either Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in KL (about 3.5 to 4 hours), from Sungai Nibong Terminal in Penang (about 4 to 4.5 hours) and from Aman Jaya Bus Terminal in Ipoh (about 2 hours). Buses will arrive in Tanah Rata Bus Terminal in Cameron Highlands. 

There is no airport or train station in Cameron Highlands, but one can either fly to Ipoh airport or take ETS train to Ipoh before taking the bus from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands. You can add a few more days in Ipoh for some food hunt before or after your trip to Cameron Highlands. 

Read: What To Eat in Ipoh: From Morning Breakfast to Late Night Supper

Getting around Cameron Highlands

If you drive a private car to Cameron Highlands, getting around shouldn’t be a problem, but if you reach Cameron Highlands by bus, you will need to get around either by foot or by taxi. 

What To Do In Cameron Highlands

Disclaimer: I actually visited this place in 2019 but have not have time to blog about it until now. Prices stated below are true as of August 2019. 

Smokehouse

Those familiar with Cameron Highlands will know that Cameron Highlands is famous for tea plantation, BOH tea and of course scones. And when we talk about scones, the first place that comes to our mind is definitely Smokehouse Hotel and Restaurant. 

Scone set

Scone set for me Chicken Maryland for him

Located by a golf course in Tanah Rata, this black and white English-style bungalow has beautiful garden outside and in the inside, it is decorated with beautiful wooden fireplace, antiques and leather sofas. 

Look at the garden!

Must take photo at every corner here

In love with this garden

Long legs :)

Entrance to restaurant

I wander around here after our tea time

A small gate to the backyard garden

Despite the relatively high prices, it’s a perfect spot to be transport back to British Malaya era where patrons get to enjoy high tea with delicious scones and BOH tea, like how the Brits used to back in the days. I personally like their scones a lot as they are served in huge portion, served with delicious strawberry jam and clotted cream. Their scones are so buttery and such a perfect combination with their handmade jam and clotted cream. Writing this post right now makes me salivate!

The interior

Love the lighting

At the fireplace

Old phone booth

Don’t forget to take lots of photo in their garden so you can spam your gram with them. 

Address: By the Golf Course, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang
Opening hours: 7.30am to 9.30pm
Price: RM26 for scone and tea set (2 piece scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream and a pot of Cameron Highlands tea)

Lord’s Café

We can’t talk about scones without mentioning Lord’s Café, the place which serves the cheapest scones in Cameron Highlands at only RM2.80. That’s almost 10% percent of the price we paid at Smokehouse sans the tea of course. Scones are their home specialty, and it is served hot with butter, homemade strawberry jam and whipped cream. For its price, there’s no complaint on the portion of strawberry jam and whipped cream provided. Taste wise, the scones were on par with that of Smokehouse and their strawberry jam actually taste better. The only let down is their whipped cream as I prefer the clotted cream served at Smokehouse. For its price, really no complaint and I will definitely return in future for more scones. 

Lord's Cafe

They also serve other desserts and pastries at reasonable price. If you travel to Cameron Highlands by bus, be sure to drop by as it’s located just opposite the bus terminal in Tanah Rata. Just look for Marry Brown and it’s directly above. 

Scone, banana lassi, apple pie and coffee

Address: Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang (directly above MarryBrown)
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, closes on Sunday
Price: RM2.80 for one scone (cheapest in town)

Yong Teng Café

Think that scones are just for tea time and need something else for breakfast? For some cheap and good breakfast, head over to Yong Teng Café which offers some of the best pancakes in Cameron Highlands. The stall is run by a pair of deaf couple, where the husband takes order and the wife is in charge if cooking. Menu in English and Chinese are provided to customers and pen and paper are prepared for customers to write down their order. 

Banana and strawberrry pancake, nasi lemak, coffee and tea

They serve local food like nasi lemak, fried mee, toasts, half-boiled eggs and western food such as hamburgers and hot dogs. However, while you are there be sure to order their fruit pancakes particular banana or strawberry or mixed. You can also top up a scoop of ice cream for your pancake. 

Address: 72a, Persiaran Camelia 4, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang (Stall No. 4)
Opening hours: 7am to 5pm
Price: Can’t remember but very reasonable

Big Red Strawberry Farm

Cameron Highlands is the only place in Malaysia (I think so, correct me if I’m wrong) where succulent strawberries grow. The year-round cool climate makes it an ideal growing condition for these lovelies red fruits, so you will find strawberry farm at almost every corner in Cameron Highlands. The farms normally provide self-picking experience so it’s a good family bonding activity to do with kids. You will be given a basket and scissors to do the job and charged according to the weight. 

Big red strawberry farm

Come here to pick some strawberries

I chose Big Red Strawberry Farm which is free to enter and strawberry picking is charged at RM50 per kg with RM50 refundable deposit. They also have a strawberry themed café where you can snack on ice cream, milk shake and other desserts but unfortunately they aren’t any good. 

Other strawberry products sold here

Unfortunately the strawberries here are sour

There are also flowers here to be admired

Apart from strawberries, Big Red Strawberry Farm also has abundant flowers, vegetables and cactus to admire so you don’t get bored here. We visited in the morning when there is less crowd but after noon is when it would be more crowded, especially on public holiday and school holidays. 

Address: Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 6pm (9am to 6pm on Sundays)
Admission: Free
Price for strawberry picking: RM50 per kg. RM50 refundable deposit
Other strawberry farms to visit: Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm, Strawberry Farm KEA, Kok Lim Strawberry Farm

Time Tunnel Museum

Cameron Highland’s Time Tunnel Museum holds the title as Malaysia’s first memorabilia museum. With entrance fee of only RM5 per adult, it’s definitely value for money as the museum features eight galleries representing different eras of Malaysia’s past. 

Time tunnel museum

Kitchen in the olden days

LLB = look like busy

Hello~

Coffee, tea, or me?

Soda in glass bottle tastes the best

Check mate!

There are over 4000 relics ranging from antiques to old posters to black and white photographs. It’s a good place to learn a bit of our history and at the same time enjoy the instagrammable antiques corner. I was there for about an hour, admiring the antique collections and snapping photos. A must-visit when you are in Cameron Highlands. 

Address: Jalan Sungai Burung, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
Admission: Adult RM5, Child RM3 (I think they have increased the price to RM6 now for adult)

Lavender Farm

Perhaps the further attraction from Brinchang (9km away), Lavender Farm is located along the main road right between the two villages of Tringkap and Kuala Terla and is the most expensive farm in Cameron Highlands. Admission fee have been steadily increasing throughout the years due to the influx of tourists wanting to snap photo of the purple lavender field. It is a must visit if you have not been to a lavender farm before, however lavender only occupies a small plot, with the rest of the premise decorated with other flower species (gerbera daisies, hydrangea, Japanese rose, morning glory, dwarf chenille, etc) , decorations (white piket fences, vintage car, colourful wooden windmills and a purple castle) and murals. If your goal is to mainly see the lavenders, you will find yourself disappointed. However, if you like to take photos, it’s quite a nice place to be. I personally isn’t a big fan and I find the admission fee on the steep side. 

Lavender farm

I think I came at the wrong timing, some flowers seemed to have just been replanted

Flowers looks nicer from this angle

Not many lavender

Trying to strike the flamingo pose

Whatever la...

Windmill

Mural

One last photo before we leave

Lavender flavour soft serve ice cream is another popular thing here but I was disappointed as it looks better than it tastes. I find the taste artificial and offputing and the steep price of RM8 per cone only makes it more disappointing. I would say it’s a marketing gimmick, so try at your own risk.

Lavender flavour ice cream

Not very nice, just a marketing gimmick

Address: 59, Brinchang, 39100, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00am to 6:00pm, Friday – Sunday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Admission: Adult RM10, Child RM8 (I think they have revised the price to RM15 now)

Cactus Point

Reason why I visited cactus point in the first place was because it is free of charge, as opposed to Cactus Valley which one would have to pay admission fee. After all, it is conveniently located along the main road with plenty parking. 

Cactus Point

So many cactus here

Free entrance so here I am even though I'm not a fan of cactus

As you enter Cactus Point, you would notice that its main attraction is in the center where various cactus species are placed prominently. There are about hundreds of different cactuses here which come in different sizes and shapes. The left and right section are for other flowers for sales. 

Cactus lovers can dropped by to grab some cactuses or if you are like me, swing by for some photos isn’t such a bad idea since admission is free. 

Address: Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
Admission: Free

Sheep Santuary

Newly opened in 2019, the sheep sanctuary is one of the newest attraction near KEA Farm. Taking inspiration from the sheep farms in Taiwan (Qing Jing perhaps?), the owner imported about 20 Merino sheep from Australia as well as some rabbits. 

Rabbit

Visitors can interact with the sheep and even feed them. A packet of feed costs about RM4 if I remember correctly. However, I have read that they have now increased their entrance fee but comes with a packet of feed for each visitor. 

So cute

Unfortunately the area for them to roam around is quite small

What saddened me is how small the pens were and the grass field doesn’t seem big enough for the little animals to roam around. Hopefully the owner will expand the place to give the sheeps better living condition. 

Address: Kea farm, Brinchang, 39100 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am to 5.30am
Admission: RM6 for adult (I think they have now increase it to RM8 but includes a packet of feed)

Puku Café

I first came across PUKU Café on Instagram and then Facebook and was excited to try some delicious strawberry popsicles. This café is actually a small stall conveniently located in front of KEA Farm, and they sell various types of homemade ice cream on sticks or in cups. Since we were in Cameron Highlands, of course we go for strawberry flavour and they are really delicious. 

Puku Cafe

Strawberry popsicle is yummy!

RM5 per stick

Flavours offered and their prices

We have had lousy ones at other places in Cameron Highlands (some strawberry farm) but the ones at PUKU Café are the real deal, and they only costs RM5 per stick! If you happened to visit Sheep Santuary, they also have a stall there. 

Address: Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
Price: RM5 per stick

Nasi Lemak Cheesecake @ Strawberry Cottage

Malaysians love nasi lemak and it’s not a surprise that someone would come out with nasi lemak flavour cheesecake. This special flavour cake can be found in Strawberry Cottage, a café located in Cameron Square. I find the nasi lemak cheesecake special and is a must try (at least once in a lifetime). If you are not up to something so extraordinary, they also offers other cakes selection. Do also look out for their cendol cheesecake which is another specialty as well. 

Nasi lemak cheesecake

Tip: If you happened to visit Sungai Palas BOH Tea Centre, you can also find their cakes here so you can hit two birds in one stone without making another visit to Strawberry Cottage.

Address: Lot G-13, Cameron Square, Jalan Aranda Nova, Greencow, 39100, Pahang

Jin Jin Steamboat

One simply does not leave Cameron without having a steamboat meal. With such a cool weather, nothing tastes better than having a hearty hotpot at night. You will find plenty of steamboat restaurants in Cameron Highlands and be spoilt for choices. We pick Jin Jin Steamboat Restaurant which seemed to be quite popular. The place was quite crowded during peak hours, so do expect to wait. 

Food are fresh and delicious and portion and prices are also reasonable. There were plenty of soup bases to choose from and having gotten access to fresh produces all over Cameron Highlands, there is no doubt on the freshness of the vegetables served here.

There is also a western style pub next to it if you are up for some western food and beer. 

Address: Brinchang, 39000 Brinchang, Pahang
Opening hours: 5pm to 1am
Price: about RM25 per pax for 2-person set
Other steamboat alternative: Cactus View Restaurant, Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant, May Flower Restaurant and Water Cress Valley Restaurant.

Tea Plantation

Tea plantation is a synonym to Cameron Highlands, so it is only right to make a visit to tea plantation when visiting Cameron Highlands. I mean, how can we not? 

There are two main tea plantation in Cameron Highlands, one being BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre in Brinchang and another is Bharat Tea Plantations in Tanah Rata, with BOH being the more popular one. Both are only open after 8.30am and they have their own tea room serving tea with scones and cakes. Visitors can stroll through the fields, take a factory tour and drink a fresh cuppa in the tea room. However, do prepare for the crowd as they are always bursting with tourist at all times of the day especially weekend and public holiday. 

For those who only care for the view and hated the idea of sharing the place with flock of tourists, I would suggest stopping by at the roadside on the way to BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre, where you can get astonishing view of the tea valley. When I was there in August 2019, I skipped BOH and Bharat and went here for the view. 

Need to walk up a small here to get a shot of this view

After which we wandered around the tea fields

No one around but us

Sky was gloomy when we were there so photo turned out dull

There is also another nice viewpoint near Mossy Forest which we visited and it is also quiet there without crowds.

Found another quiet spot

Empty and literally no one

The whole place was ours!

Hiking

Nestled around the Titiwangsa Mountain Range, Cameron Highlands is an excellent place to go hiking in Malaysia. From easy marked trails to hardcore mountain trails, hikers will be spoilt for choices. 

Beginners can look at this hiking trail guide which doesn’t need a mountain guide: https://www.bucketlistly.blog/posts/cameron-highlands-jungle-hiking-trail-guide

For avid hikers, looking for more adventurous hike, there’s plenty of mountains to scale, but make sure to engage a mountain guide and apply for the necessary permit before attempting these trails:

⛰Trans Titiwangsa V1 (difficulty – very difficult)
⛰Trans Titiwangsa V2 (difficulty – very very difficult)
⛰Trans Jerging (difficulty – moderate, not suitable for beginner)
⛰Mount Yong Belar (difficulty – moderate, not suitable for beginner)
⛰Mount Brinchang (difficulty – moderately easy)
⛰Mount Irau (difficulty – moderately easy)

If hiking is not for you, you can consider doing the Mossy Forest trail. Thanks to the cool climate, the thick green moss, creepy-looking ferns that grows in the forest, coupled with the descending mist create the sense of being in a horror film. One doesn’t really need to hike long mountain trails to see the Mossy Forest as there is a two km boardwalk installed for visitors, penetrates this eerie mist-filled woods. You can either join a local tour operator which will pick you up from hotel on a 4WD or drive on your own (but the road conditions may be too rough for normal sedan). Of course, it comes with an entrance fee of about RM10 per adult (Malaysian, non Malaysian RM30.

Of course for enthusiast hikers, you can even hike to Mossy Forest by hiking to Mount Brinchang. Experienced hikers who would like to shy away from crowded touristy place would likely give Mossy Forest a miss as these mosses can also be found in other trails in Cameron Highlands. 

Others things you can do in Cameron Highlands:

➤Visit a rose farm - Rose Valley / Orchid and rose garden / KEA rose centre
➤ See small insects - Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm / Butterfly farm
➤Visit a temple - Sam Poh Temple
➤Café hopping - Strawberry moment Café / Avant Chocolate / Capitale Café / Mr. Aisu Ice Cream Café
➤High tea - Jim Thompson Tea Room
➤Market – KEA Farm Market / Brinchang Weekend Night Market
➤Trek to a waterfall – Lata Iskandar / Parit Waterfall / Robinson Falls

Final thoughts

Though usually crowded during the weekend, Cameron Highlands is still a lot of fun. If the weekend crowd traumatise you, perhaps planning your visit on weekdays is a better choice. Aside from lesser crowd, you also get to enjoy cheaper hotel rate. After all, you have got plenty of annual leave to clear right? *laugh*

Although we are no longer in a lockdown and domestic travel is still allowed, it is still advisable to stay safe, put up your mask in public places and practise personal hygiene and social distancing at all times. I hope all of you have an enjoyable Cuti-Cuti Malaysia this year, and hopefully we get to travel the world again soon!

Thanks for reading!