Nestled in the cool, misty mountains of Malaysia, Cameron Highlands is a haven for travelers seeking a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. This picturesque destination boasts a variety of accommodations that cater to every type of traveller, from luxurious spa retreats to charming country houses. Whether you’re looking for spacious family suites with breathtaking overlooks or cozy rooms and suites perfect for a romantic getaway, Cameron Highlands has something to offer. The region’s unique blend of colonial charm and natural beauty makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation.
Our pick of the best hotels in Cameron Highlands 🏩
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Zenith Hotel Cameron
- 🏡 Charming Retreat: The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant Cameron Highlands
- 🌿 Nature Lover’s Paradise: Rain Forest Inn
- 🏞️ Scenic Views: Kensington Sunrise at Sg Palas, Palas Horizon
- 🌸 Boutique Experience: Kavy Boutique Hotel
- 🏡 Family-Friendly: Delisha Homestay at Aranda Nova
- 🏕️ Rustic Charm: Santai Desa Chalet
- 🌺 Floral Delight: Cameron Lavender Mansion by PLAY
- 🛏️ Comfortable Stay: Parkland Apartments
- 🏡 Traditional Stay: Naufa Muslim's Homestay
- 🏡 Colonial Charm: The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, many of the highland’s accommodations boast top-notch amenities. Imagine unwinding in a spa after a day of exploring tea plantations, or enjoying the view from a balcony in a beautifully restored country house. Family suites provide ample space for those traveling with children, ensuring everyone has a comfortable stay. With so many options available, this guide will help you find the best places to stay in Cameron Highlands, ensuring your visit is as memorable and enjoyable as possible.
Quick Guide to the Best Areas in Cameron Highlands 📃
- 🌟 For Central Location and Attractions: Tanah Rata
- 🍓 For Night Markets and Cool Climate: Brinchang
- 🌾 For Quiet Countryside Charm: Ringlet
- 🌸 For Flower Gardens and Rural Beauty: Tringkap
- 🌿 For Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures: Kampung Raja
1. Tanah Rata – Best Place to Stay in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia with Easy Access to Attractions 🌟
🚌 First impressions: As I stepped off the bus in Tanah Rata, the cool mountain air instantly refreshed my senses. This charming town is the beating heart of Cameron Highlands, and I quickly realized why it’s the go-to spot for travelers.
🍃 Perfect base: Tanah Rata’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the region. I found myself surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills covered in tea plantations. The town’s compact size means everything is within easy reach, whether you’re looking for a cozy café or the start of a hiking trail.
🏞️ Top attractions:
- Time Tunnel Museum: A quirky trip down memory lane
- Parit Waterfall: A hidden gem for nature lovers
- Robinson Waterfall: Perfect for a refreshing dip
- Sam Poh Temple: A serene Buddhist retreat
- Agricultural Research Station: Great for plant enthusiasts
🍲 Foodie paradise: Food lovers, rejoice! Tanah Rata offers a smorgasbord of dining options. I indulged in everything from local Malaysian delicacies to international cuisine. The steamboat restaurants are a must-try – there’s nothing quite like warming up with a hot pot on a chilly highland evening.
🥾 Hiking heaven: For the adventure seekers, Tanah Rata is the gateway to some of the best hiking trails in Cameron Highlands. I laced up my boots and hit the trails, each offering its own unique glimpse of the region’s natural beauty. Trail 10 to the Mossy Forest was my personal favorite – the misty, ethereal landscape felt like something out of a fairy tale.
🌿 Nature meets comfort: What I love about Tanah Rata is its perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty. It’s a place where you can start your day with a locally sourced cup of tea, spend the afternoon exploring verdant forests, and end the evening with a cozy dinner in town.
Accommodation in Tanah Rata 🏨
⭐ Luxury hotels
- Tekoma Resort Cameron Highlands This resort offers a tranquil retreat with a garden, restaurant, and 24-hour front desk. It’s located near Jungle Trail 10, making it perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
- Campod Resort @ Cameron Highlands Resort Located in Golden Hills, this resort offers a great location with easy access to local sights. Guests enjoy modern amenities, spacious rooms, and beautiful views from private balconies, making it perfect for families and couples alike.
- Palas Horizon by Kensington This Brinchang property features spacious apartments with mountain views and free private parking. Ideal for families and groups, it offers a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living spaces.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Zenith Hotel Cameron This five-star hilltop hotel features luxurious amenities including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and sauna. Guests enjoy stunning views of the mountains and access to the private Titanium Club Lounge.
- Ten Mentigi Guesthouse This budget-friendly guesthouse in Tanah Rata offers essential amenities like free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. It’s perfect for backpackers and solo travelers looking for a cozy, quiet environment.
- Golden Lodge Cameron Highlands Located in Tanah Rata, this lodge provides a rustic stay with free parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. It’s an excellent choice for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.
🛏️ Best budget hotels
- ZEN Rooms Rose Crest Hill This budget-friendly accommodation in Brinchang offers free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and easy access to local attractions. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a simple, comfortable stay.
- Rovers Inn Guest House Situated in Tanah Rata, this guest house features cozy rooms, free WiFi, and a garden. It’s a great spot for budget travelers and those looking to explore the town on foot.
- Vintage Guesthouse Located in Tanah Rata, Vintage Guesthouse offers a charming stay with free WiFi and a shared lounge. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring local attractions and dining options.
2. Brinchang – Vibrant Night Market and Cool Climate 🍓
🏔️ High altitude: Brinchang, perched at 1,540 meters, is the highest town in Cameron Highlands. Its cool climate and dense development make it a bustling tourist hub with a unique local flavor.
🌽 Night market: The Brinchang Night Market is a must-visit, especially on weekends. Here, you can find fresh vegetables, strawberries, and a variety of street food that will tantalize your taste buds.
🍲 Foodie’s delight: Brinchang is famous for its culinary offerings, particularly the traditional steamboat cuisine. I highly recommend trying the hotpot dishes at one of the many Chinese restaurants in town.
🚶♂️ Walkable town: Despite its steep gradients, Brinchang is quite walkable. The compact town center is packed with shophouses, public buildings, and commercial developments, making it easy to explore on foot.
🌦️ Weather watch: The climate here is mild year-round, but it’s best to pack an umbrella due to the frequent rain. The extra rainy seasons from April to May and September to December can be quite wet, so plan accordingly.
🏞️ Top attractions: Here are some must-visit spots in Brinchang:
- Mossy Forest: A mystical, misty forest perfect for nature walks
- Boh Tea Plantation: Iconic tea fields with stunning views
- Butterfly Farm: A delightful spot for families with kids
- Cameron Lavender Garden: Beautiful blooms and photo ops
- Time Tunnel Museum: A nostalgic journey through Malaysia’s past
Where to Stay in Brinchang? 🏨
⭐ Best hotels
- Kensington Sunrise at Sg Palas, Palas Horizon Located in Brinchang, this property offers stunning mountain views and spacious accommodations. It’s perfect for families and groups looking for a serene getaway near Kea Farm.
- Cameron Lavender Mansion by PLAY This hotel in Brinchang features modern amenities, free WiFi, and a restaurant serving local and Asian cuisine. Guests love its unique decor and proximity to popular sights.
- The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant Cameron Highlands Situated between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, this English cottage-style hotel offers charming accommodations with views of award-winning gardens or the golf course. Guests can enjoy traditional English breakfast, afternoon tea, and the hotel’s signature Beef Wellington in a setting that includes four-poster beds, a cozy fireplace, and a garden terrace.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Parkland Apartments Situated in Brinchang, Parkland Apartments offer spacious units with kitchen facilities and free private parking. Ideal for families, it provides easy access to local markets.
- Delisha Homestay at Aranda Nova This homestay in Brinchang features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s perfect for larger groups or families looking for a comfortable stay.
- Naufa Muslim's Homestay Located in Brinchang, this homestay offers a peaceful retreat with free WiFi and parking. It’s ideal for Muslim travelers seeking a family-friendly environment.
🛏️ Best hostels
- Santai Desa Chalet This chalet in Brinchang provides a cozy stay with free WiFi, parking, and a garden. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a rustic experience in a serene setting.
- Kavy Boutique Hotel Located in Brinchang, Kavy Boutique Hotel offers modern rooms with free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. It’s a great choice for couples and solo travelers.
- Aparthotel Cameron Situated in Brinchang, this aparthotel features spacious units with kitchen facilities and free parking. It’s ideal for families and groups looking for a comfortable and convenient stay.
3. Ringlet – Quiet Countryside Charm 🌾
🌾 Southern gem: Ringlet is the southernmost town of Cameron Highlands, sitting at an altitude of 1,135 meters. Known for its vegetable farming and international flower farming sector, it’s a peaceful escape from the busier areas.
🚜 Farming hub: The town is surrounded by small villages like Bertam Valley, Boh, and Habu Height, which are hubs for vegetable and flower farming. The scenic agricultural landscape adds to Ringlet’s rustic charm.
🛣️ Easy access: Ringlet is served by Federal Routes FT 59 and FT 102, making it easily accessible from Tapah in the south and Kuala Lipis in the east. This makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Cameron Highlands.
🌿 Natural attractions:
- Boh Tea Estate: Iconic tea plantation with stunning views
- Orchids Farm: Beautiful collection of orchids
- Highlands Apiary Farm: Learn about bee farming and enjoy fresh honey
- Sultan Abu Bakar Dam: A picturesque lake supplying water to the highlands
🚶♂️ Local life: Despite its rural setting, Ringlet offers essential amenities like banks, petrol stations, and restaurants. The town’s laid-back vibe is perfect for those looking to experience local life.
🏡 Colonial charm: The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands is a charming colonial-style hotel located a few kilometers north of Ringlet. This hotel offers a unique blend of English heritage and Malaysian hospitality, making it a great place to stay.
Best Hotels in Ringlet 🏨
- The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands This charming Tudor-style boutique hotel in Ringlet offers luxurious rooms with antique furnishings and stunning views of Sultan Abu Bakar Lake. Guests can enjoy guided jungle treks, a cozy reading room, and delicious local and English cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
- Rain Forest Inn Nestled in the lush greenery of Cameron Highlands, Rain Forest Inn provides a unique stay with traditional bamboo huts and modern amenities. Perfect for nature lovers, it offers a serene environment, guided tours, and a communal kitchen for a homely experience.
4. Tringkap – Rural Beauty and Nature Lover’s Paradise 🌸
🌾 Quiet town: Tringkap is a small, tranquil town in Cameron Highlands, known for its rural charm and picturesque landscapes. It’s a great escape from the more commercialized areas like Tanah Rata and Brinchang.
🌹 Flower valley: The Rose Valley in Tringkap is a must-see for flower enthusiasts. With over 450 types of roses and other species like lilies and gerberas, it’s a floral paradise. The Cameron Lavender Garden is another popular sights in Tringkap. The garden features beautiful rows of lavender, photo booths, and even a quirky lavender-themed castle.
🛒 Local produce: Tringkap is also famous for its fresh local produce. You can find stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables and strawberries to honey and flowers.
🚶♂️ Easy access: Despite its rural setting, Tringkap is easily accessible from both Brinchang and Kampung Raja. The town’s location makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the northern gateway of Cameron Highlands.
🌸 Natural attractions:
- Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm: Learn about bees and enjoy fresh honey
- Rose Valley: Explore a vast collection of roses and other flowers
- Cameron Lavender Garden: Enjoy the beautiful lavender fields
- Guan Dai Temple: Visit this beautifully designed temple with serene surroundings
5. Kampung Raja – Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure 🌿
🌿 Northern gateway: Kampung Raja is the northern gateway to Cameron Highlands, making it an ideal starting point for an adventure. This quaint town is located 6km from Tringkap and offers a unique blend of agricultural landscapes and local culture.
🏞️ Scenic drives: The journey to Kampung Raja via the Simpang Pulai route is a scenic delight. The wider roads and captivating attractions along the way set the tone for a memorable highland adventure.
🍓 Strawberry farms: One of the highlights of Kampung Raja is its numerous strawberry farms. Green View Garden is a must-visit spot where you can enjoy strawberry picking, wish making, and even a mini petting zoo.
🚜 Agricultural charm: The town is a den of agricultural workers, with vast stretches of farmland occupying the busy landscape. This gives Kampung Raja a rustic charm that’s perfect for those looking to experience local life.
🚶♂️ Local sights:
- Green View Garden: Beautiful gardens and a chocolate factory
- Boh Tea Plantation: Learn about the tea-making process
- Meiko Strawberry Souvenir Centre: Unique shopping experience with fresh strawberries
- Cameron Lavender Garden: Rows of lavender and quirky sights
🍲 Local eats: Don’t miss out on dining at ‘Ngow Kee’, a famous restaurant in town known for its local delicacies. The fresh produce and authentic flavors make it a culinary highlight of Kampung Raja.
Best Hotels in Kampung Raja 🏨
- NAZZA Homestay Besut This homestay offers a relaxing stay with a swimming pool, free parking, and family-friendly amenities. Located in Kampung Raja, it’s close to local attractions and dining options, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
- Embun Inap Desa Besut Situated near Pantai Bukit Keluang, this lively homestay features air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and free parking. It’s a strategic spot for tourists looking to explore nearby beaches and local attractions.
FAQs about Trips to Cameron Highlands ❔
Is it better to stay at Brinchang or Tanah Rata?
Tanah Rata is generally considered the better option for staying in Cameron Highlands. It offers more accommodation choices, better restaurants, money exchangers, and is the starting point for many hiking trails.
Is it worth staying in Cameron Highlands?
While opinions vary, Cameron Highlands can be worth visiting for its cool climate, tea plantations, and natural scenery. However, some visitors find it overly developed and crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
How many days are enough for Cameron Highlands?
Most sources suggest 2-3 days is sufficient to explore the main sights in Cameron Highlands. This allows time to visit tea plantations, go hiking, and enjoy the cool climate without feeling rushed.
Which month is best for Cameron Highlands?
The dry season from February to April is often considered the best time to visit Cameron Highlands. This period typically has less rainfall and clearer skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
What is so special about Cameron Highlands?
Cameron Highlands is known for its cool climate, lush tea plantations, strawberry farms, and hiking trails. Its unique temperate weather in tropical Malaysia, along with scenic landscapes and colonial history, make it a popular getaway destination.
