From Singapore to Cameron Highlands: A Self Drive Family Travel Guide Through Malaysia's Emerald Hills (2026 Edition)
Originally published in 2012 | Refreshed in 2026
Some journeys begin with a destination in mind. Others begin with a longing.
For us, the longing was simple. We wanted to escape the hot and humid weather of Singapore and spend a few days somewhere cool, refreshing, affordable, and close enough for a short family holiday. Cameron Highlands seemed perfect. Misty hills, tea plantations, strawberry farms, cool mountain air, and a slower pace of life.
Cameron Highlands has always been a popular getaway for people living in Singapore. Many travel agencies offer coach and hotel packages, and at first, those packages looked quite attractive. But once we started enquiring, we realised that the long travel time of around nine hours would not be very comfortable for us, especially with two young children. Another concern was that most coaches did not have toilet facilities inside the bus.
Travelling with children changes the way one looks at a journey. A long bus ride may sound simple on paper, but with little ones who may want to stop often, either because they genuinely need a toilet break or simply because getting down and climbing back into the bus feels exciting, the journey can become tiring not only for the family but also for the driver and fellow passengers.
We checked further and found that Grassland had buses with toilet facilities, but they operated only between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, not all the way to Cameron Highlands.
That was when my husband suggested, "Why don't we go to Genting Highlands instead?"
I smiled and replied firmly,
"Cameron Highlands it is... or nothing."
Finally, my husband half heartedly offered to drive all the way there.
It was certainly an adventurous decision. A distance of over 600 kilometres, Malaysian expressways, heavy vehicles, winding mountain roads, unpredictable weather, and two young children in the back seat were enough to make anyone think twice.
But my husband, my knight in shining armour, decided to brave it all for the happiness of the majority, namely me and our girls.
Looking back today, I can honestly say it became one of our most memorable family road trips.
Quick Travel Snapshot
📍 Destination: Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
🚗 Distance from Singapore: Approximately 612 km
⏱ Driving Time: Around 7½ to 9 hours, depending on immigration clearance, traffic, rest stops, and route.
🌡 Temperature: Generally between 14°C and 24°C, making it a refreshing escape from Singapore's tropical climate.
🗓 Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year. December to February offers cooler temperatures, while February to April is generally drier.
👨👩👧👧 Perfect For:
Families
Couples
Nature lovers
Photography enthusiasts
Tea lovers
Weekend getaways
Why We Chose a Self Drive Holiday
One of the first decisions you'll need to make when planning a trip to Cameron Highlands is whether to travel by coach or drive yourself.
At first, we seriously considered taking one of the many coach packages available from Singapore. They were reasonably priced and included hotel accommodation, making them an attractive option.
However, after weighing the pros and cons, we realised that travelling with two young children would make such a long coach journey rather challenging.
Driving ourselves offered something a coach never could.
Freedom.
The freedom to stop whenever we wished.
The freedom to enjoy a leisurely breakfast along the way.
The freedom to stretch our legs whenever the children became restless.
The freedom to photograph beautiful landscapes without worrying about departure times.
Most importantly, it transformed the journey into part of the holiday rather than merely the means of reaching our destination.
Looking back, I would choose a self drive holiday all over again.
Self Drive or Coach?
| Self Drive | Coach Tour |
|---|---|
| Travel at your own pace | Fixed itinerary |
| Flexible sightseeing | Limited stops |
| Ideal for families with children | Better for those who prefer not to drive |
| Easy to carry luggage | Limited luggage space |
| Freedom to explore | Time restricted |
Our recommendation: Self drive, especially for families and first time visitors who enjoy exploring.
Planning Your Route
Planning your route is perhaps the most important part of a self drive holiday to Cameron Highlands.
Before leaving Singapore, I spent hours researching different routes, reading travel forums, comparing experiences shared by other travellers, and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
There are two main routes leading up to Cameron Highlands.
The Tapah Route is the older and more traditional approach. Although shorter, it involves a longer mountain climb with numerous sharp bends and narrower roads.
The Simpang Pulai Route, on the other hand, is the newer route. While it adds approximately fifty kilometres to the overall journey, the roads are considerably wider, visibility is better, and the drive is generally much more comfortable.
For first time visitors and families travelling with children, I would strongly recommend taking the Simpang Pulai Route.
Our own experience confirmed that this was the right decision.
| Feature | Tapah Route | Simpang Pulai Route |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Slightly shorter | Around 50 km longer |
| Mountain Drive | Nearly 3 hours | Around 1½ to 2 hours |
| Road Width | Narrow | Wider |
| Sharp Bends | Many | Fewer |
| Visibility | Moderate | Better |
| First Time Drivers | Less suitable | ⭐ Highly recommended |
We left our home in the western part of Singapore at around 7.00 am, which, looking back, was perhaps a little later than we had originally planned. Nevertheless, the excitement of finally setting off for Cameron Highlands more than made up for the slightly delayed start.
We chose the Tuas Second Link, hoping to avoid the heavier traffic usually experienced at the Woodlands Causeway. It turned out to be the right decision.
Immigration clearance was smooth, traffic was light, and before long we found ourselves cruising comfortably along the North South Expressway in Malaysia.
As the kilometres passed by, the familiar city landscape gradually transformed into stretches of lush greenery, plantations, small towns, and rolling countryside. It was one of those drives where reaching the destination was only half the experience. The journey itself became equally memorable.
Although the direct driving time can be around seven and a half hours, we deliberately took our time. Travelling with children meant making regular stops to stretch our legs, enjoy refreshments, and simply appreciate the changing scenery.
Looking back, those little breaks became some of our favourite memories.
Our route was carefully planned well before we started the journey.
Singapore → Tuas Second Link → North South Expressway → Machap → Pagoh → Seremban → Tapah → Simpang Pulai → Brinchang → Cameron Highlands
Using a GPS made navigation extremely straightforward. Today, travellers can also rely on Google Maps or Waze, both of which provide live traffic updates and alternative routes.
One lesson I learnt from this trip is that spending a little extra time planning the route beforehand makes the entire journey far more enjoyable.
Before starting your drive, make sure your fuel tank is at least half full.
Petrol stations become less frequent once you begin ascending towards Cameron Highlands.
The main fuel stations within the highlands are located at:
Ringlet – Shell and Petronas
Brinchang – Shell and Petronas
It is always better to refuel before beginning the climb rather than waiting until you arrive.
For many first time visitors, the mountain roads can appear intimidating.
In reality, they are perfectly manageable provided you drive patiently and responsibly.
The most important rule is not to rush.
Maintain a comfortable speed, stay in your lane, and enjoy the beautiful scenery rather than trying to reach the destination as quickly as possible.
If you are driving a manual car, use lower gears while climbing and descending the mountain roads. Engine braking is much safer than relying continuously on your foot brake during long descents.
Automatic vehicles should also be driven using lower gear selections where appropriate.
Having experienced the journey ourselves, here are a few suggestions that may help make your trip safer and more enjoyable.
✔ Use a reliable GPS or navigation app.
✔ Inspect your tyres, brakes, lights, and windscreen wipers before leaving Singapore.
✔ Carry sufficient drinking water and light snacks.
✔ Take regular breaks during the journey.
✔ Drive within your comfort zone.
✔ Avoid unnecessary overtaking.
✔ Be extra cautious during wet weather.
✔ Keep a safe distance from buses and heavy vehicles.
✔ If local buses or lorries indicate that it is safe to overtake, proceed only when you are completely confident.
✔ Do not allow impatience to influence your driving decisions.
Remember, the holiday begins the moment you leave home.
Personally, I would advise first time visitors to avoid driving through the mountain roads after dark.
Although the roads are much better today than they were years ago, some stretches still have limited street lighting, and mist can reduce visibility during rainy weather.
If driving at night is unavoidable:
Reduce your speed.
Use your headlights appropriately.
Pay special attention around blind corners.
Never overtake unless you have a completely clear view of the road ahead.
Safety is always more important than saving a few minutes.
After experiencing the drive ourselves, I have absolutely no hesitation recommending the Simpang Pulai Route.
Although it is slightly longer, the roads are considerably wider, visibility is better, and the gradients are gentler.
For families, first time visitors, and anyone who simply wants a more relaxed drive, this route offers far greater peace of mind.
Sometimes, the safest road is also the most enjoyable one.
Travel Smart: Before starting your journey, download offline maps, keep a power bank in your car, and check the weather forecast, especially during the monsoon season. Mountain weather can change quickly, and being prepared always makes for a more enjoyable trip
After a long but enjoyable drive, we finally reached Cameron Highlands.
We had left Singapore at 7.00 am and, after several leisurely breaks along the way, arrived at the Equatorial Resort in Brinchang at around 6.00 pm.
Although the journey had taken most of the day, we never felt rushed. Travelling with children naturally meant stopping frequently, stretching our legs, enjoying refreshments, and simply taking in the beautiful countryside. Looking back, those little pauses became some of the most memorable moments of our road trip.
As we gradually climbed higher into the mountains, something magical happened.
The warm tropical air slowly gave way to a refreshing cool breeze.
The landscape transformed from highways and towns into rolling hills covered with lush greenery, while clouds drifted gently across the valleys.
The moment we entered Cameron Highlands, we knew the journey had been worth every kilometre.
Our Stay at the Equatorial Resort
Nothing could have been more welcoming after a full day on the road than the magnificent entrance of the Equatorial Resort.
The feeling of finally stepping out of the car, breathing in the cool mountain air, and knowing that we had arrived safely was simply wonderful.
Nestled approximately 1,628 metres (5,300 feet) above sea level, the Equatorial Resort enjoys one of the highest accessible locations in Cameron Highlands, surrounded by misty mountains, rolling valleys, and beautiful countryside.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is its excellent location.
Many of Cameron Highlands' most popular attractions, including the Butterfly Farm, Strawberry Farm, Honey Bee Farm, and several local markets, are just a short drive or even a pleasant walk away.
For families like ours, that convenience made sightseeing extremely easy.
First Impressions
Even before checking in, the resort impressed us.
The grand Tudor style architecture, spacious lobby, high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, generous seating areas, and beautiful stone fireplace immediately created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Since we visited during the Malaysian school holidays, the hotel was understandably busy, and we had to wait patiently to complete the check in process.
Fortunately, the comfortable lounge area made the wait quite pleasant.
One thoughtful feature that particularly impressed us was the indoor play area for children, which kept young guests happily occupied while their parents relaxed after the long journey.
Sometimes, it is these small details that make a family holiday so much more enjoyable.
Our Suite
Knowing that we were travelling as a family of four, we decided to book a One Bedroom Suite rather than a standard hotel room.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.
Instead of feeling cramped after a long drive, we were welcomed into a spacious apartment style suite complete with:
A generous living room
A separate bedroom
A fully equipped kitchenette
Two bathrooms
A large private balcony
Dedicated parking right outside our unit👇
The suite overlooked a beautiful valley, and the view from our balcony was simply breathtaking.
We placed our luggage inside, made ourselves a cup of tea, stepped onto the balcony, and simply admired the peaceful scenery.
Rows of hills disappeared into the distance while cool mountain air drifted gently through the valley below.
After spending hours on the road, it felt like the perfect reward.
Sometimes, travel is not about rushing from one attraction to another.
Sometimes, the greatest luxury is simply sitting quietly on a balcony, sipping a hot cup of tea, and appreciating nature.
Facilities at the Resort
The Equatorial Resort offers an excellent range of facilities, making it suitable for couples, families, and business travellers alike.
Some of the facilities available during our stay included:
Indoor heated swimming pool
Gymnasium
Tennis courts
Squash courts
Children's play area
Multi purpose hall
Cameron Ballroom
Conference and meeting rooms
Dining options included:
Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant
Coffee Shop with verandah dining
Cricket Bistro
Cricket Lounge
Singalot Karaoke Lounge
The resort also provides tea and coffee making facilities, television, mini refrigerator, and all the amenities required for a comfortable stay.
The staff were courteous, friendly, and always willing to help, despite the large number of guests during the holiday season.
Our First Evening
After settling into our suite and taking some time to freshen up, we headed out to explore the area and look for a hot vegetarian meal.
One thing we immediately appreciated was how conveniently located the resort was.
The nearby market was only a short five minute walk away, making it easy to explore the local shops, sample fresh produce, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Cameron Highlands.
Little did we know that the following few days would be filled with tea plantations, strawberry farms, colourful flowers, local markets, delicious food, and countless unforgettable family memories.
Our Cameron Highlands adventure had only just begun.
🌿2026 Travel Note:
Hotels change ownership, facilities may be renovated, and services evolve over time. Before making your booking, always check the latest guest reviews, room types, and current amenities. While our experience at the Equatorial Resort was wonderful, it is always wise to verify the most recent information before planning your stay.
Discovering Cameron Highlands
One of the things I enjoy most whenever I travel is learning about the history of the place. Understanding how a destination evolved over the years makes every visit far more meaningful.
Before our trip, I spent time reading about Cameron Highlands, and I was fascinated by its history. It is remarkable to think that this peaceful hill station, known today for its tea plantations, strawberry farms, flower gardens, and cool climate, was once nothing more than dense tropical rainforest.
Today, Cameron Highlands remains one of Malaysia's most loved hill stations, attracting visitors from around the world who come to escape the tropical heat and enjoy its refreshing mountain climate.
A Brief History of Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is located in the state of Pahang, approximately 1,500 metres (5,000 feet) above sea level.
The highlands were named after William Cameron, a British surveyor who was commissioned by the colonial government to map the region in 1885.
During his expedition, Cameron described the area as a landscape of gentle plateaus surrounded by mountains, with tremendous potential for future development.
His observations attracted the attention of Sir Hugh Low, the British Resident of Perak, who envisioned the area as a health retreat, sanatorium, and agricultural settlement. Although little happened immediately, the idea had been planted.
Nearly forty years later, Sir George Maxwell revived the proposal, and development finally began in earnest.
Constructing the mountain road was an enormous challenge. Workers had to battle dense jungle, rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and even the constant threat of malaria.
When the road was finally completed in 1931, settlers gradually arrived. Tea planters, vegetable growers, dairy farmers, and local communities soon transformed the highlands into one of Malaysia's most productive agricultural regions.
By the mid 1930s, Cameron Highlands already featured:
Tea plantations
Vegetable farms
Dairy farms
Nurseries
Boarding schools
A golf course
Rest houses
Police station
Agricultural research facilities
Development slowed during the Japanese Occupation between 1942 and 1945, but after the war the region flourished once again.
Today, Cameron Highlands continues to be one of Malaysia's most picturesque destinations and remains the highest hill station in the country that is easily accessible by road.
The Weather We Experienced
One of the greatest attractions of Cameron Highlands is undoubtedly its climate.
Coming from Singapore, where the weather is warm and humid throughout the year, the cool mountain air felt wonderfully refreshing.
During our visit in March, daytime temperatures hovered around 24°C, making sightseeing extremely comfortable.
As evening approached, temperatures gradually dropped to around 16°C to 17°C, and whenever it rained, it felt even cooler.
The gentle mountain breeze, combined with drifting mist and the scent of fresh tea leaves, created an atmosphere that immediately helped us relax.
It was exactly the break we had hoped for.
Best Time to Visit Cameron Highlands
One of the advantages of Cameron Highlands is that it can be visited throughout the year.
However, each season offers a slightly different experience.
December to February
The coolest period of the year.
Ideal for travellers who enjoy chilly mornings and misty landscapes.
February to April
Generally drier weather.
Excellent for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor activities.
May to October
Pleasant temperatures continue, although occasional afternoon showers are common.
The rain often makes the tea plantations appear even greener and more vibrant.
November to January
Rainfall is usually higher during the monsoon period.
Travellers should allow additional driving time and be prepared for misty mountain roads.
What Should You Pack?
Packing for Cameron Highlands is surprisingly easy, but a few essentials will make your trip far more comfortable.
Clothing
During the daytime:
T shirts
Comfortable shorts or light trousers
Walking shoes
For the evenings:
Light jacket
Sweater
Comfortable long trousers
Don't Forget
✔ Umbrella
✔ Rain jacket
✔ Comfortable footwear with good grip
✔ Camera
✔ Extra memory cards
✔ Power bank
✔ Reusable water bottle
For Families
If you are travelling with young children, carry:
Extra clothing
Light snacks
Drinking water
Small blanket for cooler evenings
Why Cameron Highlands Continues to Charm Travellers
There are many hill stations around the world.
Some are famous for adventure.
Some for luxury.
Others for shopping.
Cameron Highlands has a charm that is entirely its own.
It invites you to slow down.
To breathe deeply.
To enjoy a leisurely cup of freshly brewed tea while looking across endless emerald plantations.
To walk through strawberry farms, flower gardens, forests, and local markets without feeling hurried.
It is not a destination that demands excitement.
It quietly offers peace.
Perhaps that is why visitors return again and again.
🌿 A Personal Reflection
One thing that stayed with me long after our holiday ended was not just the scenery, but the feeling.
In our increasingly busy lives, we often believe that relaxation means travelling farther or spending more.
Yet sometimes, all we truly need is a place where nature gently reminds us to slow down.
For us, Cameron Highlands became exactly that place.
Exploring the Beauty of Cameron Highlands
One of the greatest joys of travelling through Cameron Highlands is that every few kilometres reveal something completely different.
One moment you are walking through endless emerald tea plantations, the next you are surrounded by colourful flowers, butterflies, strawberries, honey bees, cactus gardens, or charming little roadside cafés.
Unlike destinations where sightseeing feels rushed, Cameron Highlands encourages you to slow down and enjoy every stop along the way.
Here are some of the places that made our family holiday truly unforgettable.
Raju Hill Strawberry Farm
No trip to Cameron Highlands would be complete without visiting a strawberry farm, and Raju Hill Strawberry Farm was one of our favourite stops.
The farm was beautifully maintained, and what impressed us most was the warmth of the staff. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming.
When they learnt that we were driving all the way back to Singapore, they surprised us with two boxes of fresh strawberries for the journey. It was such a simple gesture, but one that we still remember fondly.
If you enjoy bringing home local products, don't miss their sugar free strawberry jam. It was one of our favourite purchases and makes a lovely souvenir.
Travel Tip: Visit in the morning when the weather is cooler and the farm is generally less crowded.
Cactus Valley
Before visiting Cameron Highlands, I never imagined that there could be so many varieties of cactus.
Walking through Cactus Valley felt like stepping into a miniature botanical garden. Tiny decorative cacti, giant mature specimens, colourful succulents, flowering varieties, and unusual shapes filled every corner.
Many of the plants are available for purchase, making it an ideal stop for gardening enthusiasts or anyone looking for a unique souvenir.
Butterfly Farm
Although it is called a Butterfly Farm, it offers much more than butterflies.
It is almost like a miniature nature park where children can learn about insects, reptiles, birds, rabbits, and several other small animals.
Our daughters thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the exhibits, making it one of the most family friendly attractions we visited.
For parents travelling with young children, this is definitely worth including in your itinerary.
Rose Valley
Rose Valley was probably the only attraction that didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Perhaps I had imagined an endless valley filled with blooming roses stretching across the hillsides.
Instead, it felt more like a beautifully maintained nursery with an impressive collection of rose varieties.
Although it wasn't my favourite attraction, flower lovers may still enjoy the wide variety of colours and species on display.
I always believe in sharing honest experiences because every traveller's expectations are different.
Ee Feng Bee Farm
This was one of the most fascinating places we visited.
Rows upon rows of bee hives surrounded by colourful flowers created a peaceful environment where bees moved naturally from blossom to blossom collecting nectar.
One of the highlights of our visit was watching a beekeeper carefully harvest honey directly from a hive.
The farm also has beautiful gardens and several educational displays that explain the fascinating life of honey bees.
Please note that visitors need to climb several flights of stairs, so it may not be suitable for elderly visitors with mobility challenges.
Nevertheless, it is absolutely worth visiting.
Mushroom Farm
This turned out to be another pleasant surprise.
I had never seen mushrooms cultivated in such interesting ways before.
The different varieties, colours, and cultivation techniques were fascinating, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for the whole family.
For anyone interested in farming or sustainable agriculture, this is a worthwhile stop.
BOH Tea Plantation
If someone were to ask me what defines Cameron Highlands, my answer would undoubtedly be its tea plantations.
The rolling green hills covered with perfectly manicured rows of tea bushes create one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Malaysia.
We visited the famous BOH Tea Plantation, where visitors can learn about the fascinating journey of tea from leaf to cup.
The factory tour was both educational and enjoyable.
One person who made our visit especially memorable was the Indian guide, whose cheerful personality and ability to speak several languages kept everyone thoroughly engaged throughout the tour.
After the visit, we relaxed at the café overlooking the plantation while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of tea.
Few experiences are more peaceful than sipping hot tea while gazing across endless green hills.
Bharat Tea Plantation – My Personal Favourite💕
Although BOH Tea Plantation is undoubtedly famous, Bharat Tea Plantation completely stole my heart.
The plantations are incredibly picturesque, and the layout allows visitors to walk comfortably among the tea bushes while enjoying spectacular panoramic views.
This was where we captured some of our favourite family photographs.
If you are planning only one tea plantation visit, I would honestly recommend making time for Bharat.
The café, appropriately named Anytime is Tea Time, offers an excellent selection of teas and snacks.
My personal recommendations are:
☕ Masala Chai
☕ Cardamom Tea
🍪 Ginger Oat Crunch
Trust me, they are absolutely worth trying.
Even today, whenever I think of Cameron Highlands, it is the beautiful tea-covered slopes of Bharat Tea Plantation that first come to mind.
A Temple Amidst the Hills
While travelling between Brinchang and Tanah Rata, we came across a beautiful Indian temple nestled among the hills.
The colourful architecture stood out beautifully against the lush green surroundings and served as a gentle reminder of Malaysia's rich multicultural heritage.
Directly opposite the temple was a Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre, adding another interesting cultural dimension to our journey.
Sometimes, it is these unexpected discoveries that become the most memorable part of travelling.
Shopping in Cameron Highlands
Although Cameron Highlands is best known for its breathtaking landscapes and tea plantations, shopping here has a charm of its own.
Don't expect large shopping malls or luxury brands. Instead, you'll discover bustling local markets, colourful roadside stalls, beautiful flowers, fresh produce, handmade souvenirs, and delicious local treats that perfectly reflect the region's agricultural heritage.
One of the things I enjoyed most was simply strolling through the markets without any hurry, soaking in the lively atmosphere and chatting with the friendly local vendors.
Brinchang Night Market (Pasar Malam)
One of the highlights of our evenings was visiting the famous Brinchang Night Market, locally known as the Pasar Malam.
The market usually operates on Friday and Saturday evenings, although during school holidays it often opens every night starting from
As the sun sets and the cool mountain air settles over the highlands, the market comes alive with colourful stalls selling everything from cooked food, Fresh Vegetables, fruits, beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers, potted plants of different varieties, Clothes and Souvenirs. The Night Market has stalls selling everything. They also have some very talented local artists who can make cartoon caricatures of you or artistically make a beautiful wooden nameplate for your door or a personalized name plate, keychain etc. or you can have your name engraved in Metal/ wood etc.
Walking through the market was an experience in itself.
The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, cheerful vendors welcomed visitors with warm smiles, and every few steps revealed something new and interesting.
It was impossible not to stop and browse.
Fresh Produce Straight From the Highlands
One of the biggest advantages of Cameron Highlands' cool climate is the abundance of incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables.
Everywhere we looked, colourful stalls displayed freshly harvested produce.
Among the most attractive were:
🥕 Carrots
🥦 Broccoli
🫑 Capsicums
🥔 Potatoes
🥒 Zucchini
🫘 French Beans
🍓 Fresh Strawberries
Many vendors offered attractive bundle deals, making it difficult to resist buying some to take home.
Even if you don't intend to shop, simply admiring the vibrant colours is a delight.
Capsicums, Zuchinis, Carrots, Brochollis, Potatos, Beans look very attractive - most sellers offer three packet for RM5!
We could find strawberries galore at the night market.
Shopping
There isn’t much shopping available in CH. But the Pasaraya Jimat is quite impressive and carries almost everything.
Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home
The souvenir shops throughout Cameron Highlands are full of charming reminders of your visit.
You'll find:
🍓 Strawberry themed souvenirs
🍵 Tea
🍯 Honey
🌵 Miniature cactus plants
🌸 Fresh flowers
🧸 Handmade gifts
🎁 Local handicrafts
Many stalls also offer personalised keychains, engraved wooden nameplates, caricatures, and other customised keepsakes that make thoughtful gifts.
A Paradise for Plant Lovers
If you enjoy gardening, you'll probably find it difficult to leave empty handed.
Beautiful flowering plants, ornamental shrubs, herbs, miniature cactus collections, and colourful succulents can be found almost everywhere.
The cool climate allows many varieties to thrive beautifully, creating a gardener's paradise.
They were selling cactus at RM10 for 7 pots
Street Food We Loved
One of my favourite ways to experience a destination is through its local street food. First the street food or street nibbles as I call as you can buy these and nibble on the way while sightseeing or shopping.
Cameron Highlands may be famous for tea and strawberries, but we discovered several simple treats that quickly became family favourites.
Steamed Purple Sweet Potatoes
This was my husband's absolute favourite.
Sold piping hot by roadside vendors, these sweet potatoes were wonderfully soft, naturally sweet, and incredibly comforting in the cool mountain weather.
Holding a warm packet while strolling through the streets on a chilly evening was one of life's simple pleasures. They are served hot in small plastic bags. It’s a delight to bite into the warm creamy soft, somewhat sweet delight while walking leisurely in the cool weather
Sometimes the simplest foods leave the strongest memories.
Fresh Roasted Corn
Another snack we couldn't resist was the freshly roasted sweet corn.
The cool climate seems to make every bite taste even sweeter.
Simple, delicious, and perfect while exploring the markets.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
One of Cameron Highlands' signature treats is fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate.
Locally known as Strawberry Coklat, these colourful treats are sold throughout the markets and make a delightful snack while sightseeing.
A Vegetarian's Delight
As lifelong vegetarians, one question always accompanies us whenever we travel:
Will we find good vegetarian food?
I am happy to say that Cameron Highlands pleasantly surprised us.
Not only did we find excellent vegetarian restaurants, but the freshness of the locally grown vegetables made every meal even more enjoyable.
The cool climate produces wonderfully crisp vegetables, and many restaurants are more than willing to prepare vegetarian dishes on request.
For fellow vegetarian travellers, here are some places we personally enjoyed.
First Brinchang, as we stayed at Brinchang.
BRINCHANG
Fu Guang Vegetarian Fast Food Restaurant
Highly Recommended⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
No.5 Jalan Pasar, Bandar Baru Brinchang (39100)
Landmark : This hotel is located at the back side of the Green Garden Hotel. A friendly CH local was kind enough to show us the way.
The prices are extremely affordable.Chinese Herbal Tea for RM1.00 (recommended)3 dishes + rice = RM 3.50 (recommended)Bee Hoon (Fried noodles) (Highly recommended)They got a few starters too…
The business hours are between 8.30am to 3.30pm only.
The lady who owns the place is very friendly. She said only recently they hiked the price by 0.50 cents as everything is getting expensive and difficult to manage. A while ago the Rice Set with 3 dishes used to cost only RM3.00, Now, it costs RM3.50.
Among all the vegetarian restaurants we visited, Fu Guang Vegetarian Restaurant easily became our favourite.
The restaurant is simple, unpretentious, and extremely popular with the locals.
Sometimes those are exactly the places where you discover the best food.
The vegetables were incredibly fresh, the portions generous, and the prices remarkably affordable.
I particularly loved the fact that fresh dishes were prepared throughout the day rather than leaving cooked food sitting for hours.
That freshness was reflected in every bite.
My recommendations:
🥢 Fried Bee Hoon
🍚 Rice with three vegetables
🍵 Chinese Herbal Tea
If you're vegetarian, don't miss this place.
Strawberry Moment Café
Highly Recommended⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Everything here celebrates the fruit that Cameron Highlands is famous for.
Among the highlights are:
🍓 Strawberry Strudel
🥗 Strawberry Salad
🍨 Ice Baby
🥭 Mango Fever
🍰 Cakes
🥞 Crepes
Fresh fruit juices
Ice creams
Hotel Sentosa
The Hotel Sentosa is very strategically located in the midst of the Night market just besides Pasaraya Jimat. It offers several Indian vegetarian dishes.
The chef understood vegetarian requirements well and was happy to prepare suitable meal.
Restaurants in Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata has an even wider selection of restaurants than Brinchang.
Among the vegetarian friendly restaurants we came across were:
Restaurant Kumar
Restaurant Sri Brinchang
Restaurant Bunga Suria
Saw this restaurant Suria’s Cameron Tandoori Special. I didn’t try it, but saw a few Europeans inside. I guess it’s popular with the European tourists.
T Café (The Lord's Café)
Starbucks Coffee
T-Cafe or The Lord's Cafe
Each offers its own unique specialties, from South Indian meals to local favourites and delicious cream scones served with Cameron tea.
Breakfast at the Equatorial Resort
Every morning began with one of the most beautiful sights imaginable.
As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the surrounding hills, the valleys slowly emerged from the morning mist.
The buffet breakfast at the Equatorial Resort offered an impressive selection of both Asian and Western dishes.
The chef was kind enough to prepare vegetarian dishes specially for us, something we greatly appreciated.
Enjoying a leisurely breakfast while looking across the rolling mountains was the perfect way to begin each day of our holiday.
We had to pay separately for the buffet breakfast, but it was worth it as they had a huge spread, a mix of western and asian with local delicacies and the lovely tropical fruits. The chef was kind enough to specially rustle up vegetarian food for us.After having the sumptuous breakfast, we started off to come back home to Singapore .
🌿 A Personal Reflection
Food has always been one of the ways through which I understand a place.
Every meal tells a story.
Every local market reflects the culture.
Every cup of tea carries with it the history of the hills where it was grown.
Cameron Highlands wasn't simply a destination we visited.
It was a place we experienced through its landscapes, its people, its fresh produce, and its food.
And perhaps that is why, even years later, the memories remain so vivid.
Sightseeing
