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The Cameron Highlands is a hidden highland valley in Malaysia and was largely inaccessible until modern times.
Sunrise of tea plantation in Cameron Highland
Malaysia is one of the most stunning tropical countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Malaysia has plenty to see and do and is a place that everyone should visit. Malaysia is split between the Malay Peninsula and the Malaysian side of the massive island of Borneo. Both sides have much to see and do and one of the most remarkable attractions on the peninsula is the Cameron Highlands.
Malaysia is a tropical country with extensive tropical rainforests (don’t forget to go Orangutan trekking in Borneo Malaysia). Travelers can get tired of the tropical weather of the peninsula (it is located just north of the equator). Malaysia has some of the best tropical rainforests to explore on expeditions. Alternatively, discover Australia’s Daintree forest which may be the world’s oldest rainforest.
Discovery Of The Highland Rainforest Valley Of The Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands is a highland valley in the heart of the peninsula.
The Cameron Highlands valley remained unknown to the outside world until the British discovered it in 1885 as it was largely inaccessible by mountains and thick rainforests (although there were native people living in the rainforests). It was first surveyed by British geologist and explorer, William Cameron.
- Discovered: 1885
- First Developed: 1930
As he surveyed the region, he managed to forge a path through the dense vegetation. But it wasn’t for another 40 years that the valley was developed by the British Administrator Sir George Maxwell (who developed it as a hill station).
It wasn’t until the 1930s that the remote tableland was developed as one of the oldest tourist spots in Malaysia. At that time it was the colonial British period, and some of the colonial buildings they constructed there can still be seen today.
Some of these colonial mansions have been converted into boutique hotels today.
- Native People: Orang Asli
The indigenous people of the highlands are the Orang Asli (a distinct people from the majority of Malay people). They were the oldest inhabitants of the Malay Peninsula and numbered around 200,000 (or 0.7% of the population).
This is a very different part of the Malay Peninsula history that was set apart until more modern times.
Enjoy A Highland Reprieve From The Hot Tropical Lowlands
The area is located at an elevation of up to 1,600 meters (5,269 feet) above sea level. At that altitude, the valley provides a reprieve from the hot humid weather of the lowlands.
In the Cameron Highlands the weather is never hot or stifling (nor is it ever cold — although a sweater is a good idea for the sometimes chilly evenings).
The valley is famous for its cool weather, tea plantations, waterfalls, mossy rainforests, and nurseries. Foreign tourists are drawn to the valley for hiking through the lush cool rainforest.
Remember to plan for rain — it is a rainforest after all.
If one is going to the Cameron Highlands for hiking, avoid the rainy season when some of the hiking trails may be closed.
Mossy Forest Cameron Highlands
Visitors to Machu Picchu will be familiar with how different the temperature of the highlands is from the lowlands in tropical zones. One of the best things about visiting Machu Picchu is hiking the old Inca trail to it.
What To See & Do In The Cameron Highlands
Today the Cameron Highlands is a place that Malays and foreign tourists go to relax. Enjoy the serene alpine tea plantations as they sprawl across the valleys.
Tea Plantations Cameron Highlands
Top Activities:
- Go Hiking In The Rainforest
- Visit Boutique Tea Plantations (Notably the BOH Tea Garden)
- See The Tunnel Museum
- Enjoy An Assortment Of Asian Food
- See Colonial Buildings
One of the most popular ways for tourists to explore the Cameron Highlands is with a guided tour. These tours can be booked at most accommodations or on the streets.
Typical tours are half-day or full-day tours and discover the key highlights of the area in a Land Rover. The tours offer pick-up and drop-off services and a day group tour typically costs around 80 MYR or $18.00.
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from as well (in fact Malaysia is home to the largest hotel in the world according to the Guinness World Book of records). One example of a great resort in the Cameron Highlands is the Cameron Highlands Resort.
Night time Cameron Highlands
It only takes a couple of days to explore the Cameron Highlands. There are few activities to enjoy, mostly people enjoy the atmosphere of the valley and taking great Instagram pictures of the rainforests and tea plantations.
