Cameron Highlands Road Trip Guide - DirectAsia Insurance

With its picturesque green valleys and rolling hills, Cameron Highlands was an easy choice to feature for the fifth instalment of our Malaysia Road Trip Guide series. It’s one of the most ideal destinations in Peninsular Malaysia because of its cool weather and beautiful tea plantations. Direct flights to Cameron  Cameron Highlands’ narrow and steep roads are suited for motorists looking for a more challenging drive.

In this article, we guide you on the best way to get to Cameron Highlands as well as some tips to make your road trip an unforgettable vacation. Don’t forget to check out travel checklist to know what to pack.
 

CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Getting There

Cameron Highlands is approximately 7 hours away from Singapore. With stopovers, getting there can take as long as 8 to 9 hours. The most effective route to Cameron Highlands is through the North-South Expressway (NSE). Once there, you can choose between two exits –Simpang Pulai & Tapah – to get to Cameron Highlands proper. The Simpang Pulai exit is the easiest and most comfortable which means its best suited for families. Second exit you can take is the Tapah exit. This exit is known for being the more rugged route and it is often used by heavy vehicles.
 

Stopovers

Apart from being stuck in a car for 7 hours, driving up to Cameron Highlands requires you to go through rough terrain. This is why stopovers are highly encouraged. Not only will you be able to stretch your legs and rest for a bit but you can also go on that much needed bathroom break. There are several Rest and Service Areas (RSAs) along the NSE such as Gelang Patah, Machap, Pagoh, Ayer Keroh, Seremban, Dengkil, Rawang, and Tapah. If you have a little bit more time for a detour, Kuala Lumpur is an excellent choice since it’s the half way point between Singapore and Cameron Highlands.
 

Attractions

Cameron Highlands is made up of three townships that offer tourists a variety of different attractions. These townships are Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. Here are some of the best attractions you can find in each township.

• Ringlet (Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia) Ringlet is the first township you will pass from the Tapah exit. Tourists can expect a lot of lush vegetable and flower farms when driving in this area. Popular farms you should check out in the area are Highlands Apiary Farm and the Orchids Farm.

• Tanah Rata (Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia) The Tanah Rata Township is located in the middle of Cameron Highlands. One of the highlights of Tanah Rata is Cameron Bharat Tea Estate. It’s a well known tea plantation in Cameron Highlands where tourists are treated to the stunning views of the entire plantation. It’s here where you can sample the best teas that Cameron Highlands has to offer. Another great destination in Tanah Rata is the Mah Meri Art Gallery. It features beautiful wood carvings from the Mah Meri indigenous people.

• Brinchang (Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia) Brinchang is the northernmost township in Cameron Highlands. Similar to Tanah Rata, there are a lot of great tourist attractions to find in Brinchang. One of its most notable sights is the Mossy Forest. Located in Gunung Brinchang, the Mossy Forest is one of the most fascinating sights in Malaysia where tourists can witness a forest completely covered in moss. Other famous tourist destinations in Brinchang are the Sam Poh Temple, Night Market, Boh Tea Plantation, and Cactus Valley.
   

Accommodations

Fantastic hotels and inns are abundant in Cameron Highlands. From luxury hotels to charming inns, you will certainly find a place to stay in depending on your budget. Here are some of the best reviewed hotels in Cameron Highlands:

• The Lakehouse (30^th Mile Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, 39200 Pahang, Malaysia) One of the most notable hotels in Ringlet is the Lakehouse. It was built by a retired British Colonel in 1966. Its antique furnished rooms and Tudor-style architecture make it a very popular hotel in Cameron Highlands. With exclusive views of Ringlet and Tanah Rata, the Lakehouse is a hotel perfect for that weekend getaway.

• Parkland Hotel (No 45 Jalan Besar, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, 39100 Pahang, Malaysia) The Parkland Hotel is a modern hotel in Brinchang. Each room has apartment like amenities that make it a perfect choice for large families and groups. It also overlooks the only golf course in Cameron Highlands – Cameron Highland Golf Course - which also makes it an ideal choice for those on a golf holiday.

• Cameron Highlands Resort (By The Golf Course, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, 39000 Pahang, Malaysia) The Cameron Highlands Resort is an iconic luxury hotel in the Tanah Rata Township. It’s romantic setting and upmarket amenities make it an ideal destination for couples celebrating special occasions.
   

Dining Options

Apart from the cool weather and stunning views, Cameron Highlands also offers tourist an exciting array of dining options. To add to this, you can also find a lot of fresh produce in the area providing you with delicious dishes. From traditional English tea houses to Chinese steamboat restaurants, here are some of the best restaurants in Cameron Highlands: Singh Chapati Urban Restaurant, Barracks Cafe, The Lord’s Cafe, Sri Brinchang, The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant, and Gonbei. Be sure to check out the other restaurants in the area. You never know when you are going to find a great restaurant you can recommend to friends and family in Cameron Highlands.
 

Driving Reminder

Since roads in Cameron Highlands are a little bit unforgiving, do check out our previous blog posts on keeping your car in tip top shape before the big road trip. Please note that petrol stations are hard to come by in Cameron Highlands. Make sure to gas up before entering the different townships. Bring cash as most restaurants don’t accept credit cards. Do also ensure that your car’s insurance covers your destination as well.

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