2023 Cameron Highlands Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights) with Budget

Comprehensive Cameron Highlands itinerary blog with sample budget, places to visit, and list of accommodations.  

The distinctive blend of landscape and verdant tea plantations assured the fame of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Flanked by towering mountains draped by dense wilderness, this once sleepy district is now a popular hills station and sought after holiday destination for tourists seeking a laidback escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

I recently revisited Cameron Highlands to see the changes in the past decade. And though now it is peppered by high-rise apartments buildings, strawberry and flower farms, it has retained much of its charm.  Exploring Cameron Highlands is like unraveling a beehive of adventure. If you’re keen on visiting, here’s my latest Cameron Highlands itinerary blog for 3 days and 2 nights to help you plan your trip.

CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Since Cameron Highlands is in Malaysia, its travel requirements is the same as the rest of the country. As of 2023, there’s no more travel requirements for Malaysia. So, whether you are vaccinated or not, you can enter Malaysia. Just make sure your passport must still be valid for at least, 6 months prior to your entry to Malaysia.

However, if you are coming from the Philippines and you’re a Philippine Passport holder, I highly recommend you book your hotel and tours in advance, book a return flight to the Philippines, just in case the Philippine Immigration Official (IO) asks you for these documents before your departure from the Philippines. You can book your hotels and tours through the mentioned links below.

CAMERON HIGHLAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023

WHERE TO STAY IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Cameron Highlands is peppered with accommodations for all types of budget.   The main towns here are Ringlet, Tanah Rata , and Brinchang. Most budget and mid-range hotels are located in Tanah Rata, while most mid-range and luxury hotels are scattered in Brinchang. But whenever I am in Cameron Highlands, I stay in a hotel in Tanah Rata, because everything is accessible here. This is where Terminal Freesia, the main bus terminal in Cameron Highlands is located. Also, restaurants, ATM, travel agencies, and shops are concentrated here.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Cameron Highlands, here’s a list of some of the top accommodations in the area.

Where to Stay in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands

 Stayed at Brick’s Backpacker’s Hotel during my last trip to Cameron Highlands. Got my own private room. This hostel is really clean and the manager is so helpful.

• Brick’s Backpacker’s Hotel
• Location: Tanah Rata
• BOOK HERE

• Cameronian Inn
• Location: Tanah Rata
• RESERVE HERE

• Heritage Hotel Cameron
• Location: Tanah Rata
• RESERVE HERE

• Spot On 89751 Bed Station Guesthouse
• Location: Tanah Rata
• BOOK HERE

• Avillion Cameron Highlands
• Location: Tanah Rata
• BOOK HERE

Where to Stay in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

• Cameron KEA Farm Hotel
• Location: Brinchang
• BOOK HERE

• Copthorne Cameron Highlands
• Location:Brinchang
• RESERVE HERE

• Snooze Too Hotel
• Location:Brinchang
• BOOK HERE

How to get to Cameron Highlands 

From Manila (Philippines) fly to Kuala Lumpur. Cebu Pacific has daily flights between Manila (Philippines) and  Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Estimated departure from NAIA Terminal 3 (Manila) is at 8:30 PM  and estimated arrival in KLIA2 (Kuala Lumpur) is at 12:50 AM the next  day. Book your flights at CEBUPACIFICAIR.COM

Kuala Lumpur  to Cameron Highlands (by Bus)

1. GO TO BANDAR TASIK SELATAN (BTS) STATION.

If you are coming from KLIA2,you can take a train, a bus, a taxi, Grab, or charter a car to Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS) Station.  Here’s how to get to Bandar Tasik Selatan by train and by bus:

         By bus:

          If you want to commute from Kuala Lumpur  International Airport 2  KLIA2) to Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS), the cheapest way is to take a bus.

• After clearing Immigration , exit the Arrival Hall and look for the sign to the bus services at Gateway KLIA2 Mall.
• Take the elevatorto Level 1 and look for the ticket booth for buses. Buy a ticket to Bandar Tasik Selatan  (BTS)  Bus fare is RM 12 (₱151/$3). First trip is at 5:00 AM. 3.
• Wait for your bus at the designated gate. Show your ticket to the bus conductor. Put your luggage on the compartment and ride the bus.
• Get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan Station (BTS) Station. Travel time is roughly 1 hour. Take the escalator to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) bus station.

       By train:

• At KLIA2, head to Level 2 and look for the sign to the ERL (KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit) station. Buy a KLIA Transit ticket (not KLIA Ekspres) to Bandar Tasik Selatan. Standard fare is around RM 40 (₱485/$9). You can also buy ticket online, ahead of time, which is usually cheaper. If you’re going to KL Sentral, you can book the KLIA Ekspres below.  But for Bandar Tasik Selatan, you need a different ticket, you need to buy the KLIA Transit ticket at KLIA or KLIA2.

        KLIA Ekspres: DISCOUNTED HERE

• Now once you secured your  KLIA Transit train ticket. Go down to Level 1 of  Gateway KLIA2 mall to ride KLIA Transit train bound for KL Sentral at the ERL station.
• Get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan Station (BTS).
• Walk to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), about 2 mins

If you’re wondering what’s the difference between KLIA Ekspress and KLIA Transit, well, KLIA Ekspress runs from KLIA to KL Sentral and links KLIA to KLIA2. Meanwhile, KLIA Transit stops at all station along the line. So, if you’re headed to BTS Station where the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan bus station is located, you need to take the KLIA Transit not the KLIA Ekspres.

2. AT TERMINAL BERSEPADU SELATAN, BUY YOUR TICKET TO CAMERON HIGHLAND OR BOOK ONLINE.

Queue at the centralized ticket booth and buy your ticket.Bus fare to Cameron Highlands is RM 38 (₱480/$9) and travel time is roughly 4 hours. First trip is at 8:30 AM and last trip leaves at 5:00 PM.  Going back, the trip from Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumour is more expensive, bus fare is RM 40 (₱504/$9).

The first trip at 8:30 AM to Cameron Highlands and the trip going backt to Kuala Lumpur at 10:45 AM and 11:45 AM are usually full. So,if you want to secure a seat, best to book online ahead of time. You can book through the link below. Print your booking and then onceyour at TBS bus station, line up at the centralized ticket booth and show it at the counter. They will print a bus ticket for you.

• Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Bus: RESERVE HERE 

Here’s the Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Bus Schedule:

• Pick up: Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
• Drop-Off: Terminal Freesia (Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands)

Here’s the Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Bus Schedule

• Pick up: Terminal Freesia (Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands)
• Drop-Off:  Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

3. WAIT FOR YOUR BUS.

Go to the gate indicated on your ticket and wait for your bus. You can buy snacks and drinks at a convenience store inside the TBS station before proceeding to your gate. Be at your gate at least 30 minutes before your bus trip.

4. RIDE YOUR BUS.

Show your ticket to the staff. Then line up to put your luggage on the bus compartment before riding the bus.

5. GET OFF AT TANAH RATA IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS.

Travel time from Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS) to Cameron Highlands is roughly 4 hours. There’s 1 bus stop where you can use the toilet and buy snacks and drinks. The bus will terminate at Terminal Freesia in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands where most accommodations are located. Now if your hotel is in Brinchang, you can take a taxi to your hotel. There are cabs waiting for passengers at Terminal Freesia.

Before traveling to Cameron Highlands, you can take motion sickness pill because the road is winding.

• By Car Rental

If you are traveling in groups, you might want to consider hiring a car or van from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands for your convenience. You can book through the link below, price depends on the type of vehicle.

        Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Private Transfer: RESERVE HERE 

GETTING AROUND CAMERON HIGHLANDS

By Tour Package

A cheap way to get around Cameron Highlands is by joining a group tour. It’s a good option if you’re traveling alone or with a travel partner or you’re a small group (3-4 persons).  Cameron Highlands tour costs around RM 50 (₱632/$11) to RM 75 (₱948/$17) for half day tours, and approximately RM 90 (₱1,138/$20) for whole day tour.  You can find travel agencies in Tanah Rata, or book online in advance to secure a slot.

The RM 50 half day tour tour typically only includes Boh Plantation Tour and The Coral Hill (Mini Mossy Forest).  The Coral Hill replaced the Mossy Forest Tour, which has been closed last year.  It is a harder trek, but is manageable if you wear the proper outfit.

Meanwhile, the RM 75 half day tour usually includes the Boh Tea Plantation, The Coral Hill, the The Strawberry Farm and Insect Farm. You can book this in advance online to secure a slot. You will be joining other tourists in this group tour.  The driver will serve as guide during the tour.

Whereas, the RM 90 whole day tour typically includes the Boh Tea Plantation, the Coral Hill (Mini Mossy Forest), the Strawberry Forest, the Bee Farm, the Flower Farm, and the Buddhist Temple. See more details below about the top tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands.

• CAMERON HIGHLANDS HALF DAY TOUR: RESERVE SEATS HERE

• CAMERON HIGHLANDS SUNRISE TOUR: BOOK HERE

• CAMERON HIGHLANDS TOUR FROM KL: RESERVE HERE

• CAMERON HIGHLANDS PRIVATE NATURE DISCOVERY TOUR : BOOK HERE

If you want to customize your Cameron Highlands Tour and you want to do it on your pace, you can hire a taxi to get you around Cameron Highlands and visit the top tourist attractions in the area. This is more expensive than joining a group tour, but you can pick the places that you wanted to visit. Taxi rate is usually RM 30 (₱379/$7) per hour, they are usually parked at Terminal Freesia.

By Walking

If you have the energy and luxury of time, you can get around Cameron Highlands by foot. But be warned that this will take a lot of time since the tourist attractions are quite a distance from Tanah Rata and other tourist spots in Brinchang.

Places to See in Cameron Highlands

1.BOH Tea Plantation

The main attraction in Cameron Highlands is the tea plantation, and the most popular estate here is the BOH Tea Plantation.

BOH Tea was founded by an Englishman named John Archibald “Archie” Russel. Sometime in the 1930’s, during the Great Depression, he decided to plant tea at Cameron Highlands along with the veteran Sri Lankan tea planter A.B Milne. In the 1950’s, BOH acquired the Sungei Tea Palas, and the then BOH chairman Tristan Russel turned it into a massive tea plantation. In 2007, the visitor center and the cafe overlooking the lush green tea estate was built.  This place is arguably the most visited and most photographed place in Cameron Highlands because it is typically part of the Cameron Highlands package tour.

• BOH Tea Sungei Palas
• Address: Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
• Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM  (closed on Mondays)
• Entrance Fee: FREE

2. Cameron Highlands Valley Tea House 1, 2, & 3

Another tea plantation worthy to visit is the Cameron Valley Tea House. This isn’t part of the usual Cameron Highlands Tour, so you need to arrange your own visit here. There are 3 tea houses here owned by Bharat Group, and they’re located in Tanah Rata. You can dine in and sip tea at one of their cafes overlooking the tea plantation.  There are no guided tours but you can enter the tea plantation and tour it on your own for a minimal fee, RM 3 (₱38/$0.68).

• Address: 34 Mile Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands
• Open Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Fri, Sat, Sun – 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: FREE

3. Coral Hill

• Address: Kuartes Jkr Sungai Burung Brinchang, Pahang Malaysia
• Open hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: FREE

4. Strawberry Farm

There’s a plethora of strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands and I was able to visit one before as part of our tour. Here you can pick strawberries for a fee, or try their strawberry ice cream, tea, waffles, scones, etc.

Address: Tanah Rata and Brinchang

Open Hours:  Daily 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Entrance Fee: Free,  strawberry picking RM 40 (₱504/$9) for 500 g

 5. Buddhist Temple

I visited a Buddhist Temple during my first visit in Cameron Highlands. But during my recent visit, I saw a bigger Buddist temple called Sam Poh Temple. I’m not sure if this is the same temple I saw before, but Sam Poh Temple is the usual temple included in the tour package now. It is located in on top of the hill with a view of Brinchang Town. Like many Buddhist Temple, it houses a gigantic Buddha statue.

• Sam Poh Temple
• Address: 4I Miles Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
• Entrance Fee: Free

6. Bee Farm

There are bee farms in Cameron Highland. During my first visit to Cameron Highlands, I was able to visit the Eu Feng Gu Bee Farm in Brinchang, near the BOH Tea Plantation.  This place is home to tons of bees at their apiary that are pesticide-free. You can purchase honey here, like the pure premium honey for RM 100 (₱1,264/$23) for 1 kg.

• Address: Tringkap, Ringlet, Brinchang
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free

7. The Sheep Sanctuary

Located in the midst of the Kea Farm Market, the Sheep Santuary is home to several cuddly sheep. You can pay a visit after your Cameron Highlands Tour if you’re staying in Brinchang area.

The Sheep Sanctuary: BOOK HERE

• Address: Pasar Malam Kea Farm, Brinchang
• Open Hours: Monday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM -5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee:  Adult – RM 8 (₱101/$1.82), Child -RM 5 (₱63/$1.14)

 8. Lavender Farm

As the name suggests, this place is peppered with lavender flowers, mostly Taiwanese and Hokkaido Lavender. You can see other flowers here to such as hydrangea, Japanese rose, morning glory, Gerbera daises, etc. You can also buy lavender-made souvenirs here and dine at their cafe and try their lavender ice cream (RM 8(₱101/$2) and lavender cheesecake. The entrance fee is a tad expensive, but if you want lavender photos for your Instagram and try lavender products, then you can give this place a try.

Address: Taman Tringkap, Brinchang Pahang

Open Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Entrance Fee:  Adult – RM 20 (₱253/$5), Child –  RM 10 (₱126.40/$2.27)

Cameron Highlands Itinerary

Here’s a 3 Days 3 Nights Cameron Highlands itinerary with expenses to help you plan your trip.  You can do Cameron Highlands for 2 Days 3 nights itinerary if you will just do the half day tour, but it will be a jam-packed itinerary, and you have to check-out from your hotel the next day before you leave for your half day tour. I prefer a 3 days 2 night stay in Cameron Highlands because it doesn’t feel too rushed.

Anyway, the Cameron Highlands itinerary and expenses below doesn’t include the expenses for souvenirs, drinks, accommodations and flight to Kuala Lumpur.

I spent around RM 123.39 (₱1,559.66/$28) for my 3 days 2 nights hostel (private room, good for 2 persons) in Cameron Highlands. So, if I add that to the sample expenses above  RM 240.40 (₱3,039/$55.11), my total expenses for 3 days 2 nights in Cameron Highlands (including accommodation) is roughly RM 363.79 (₱4,598.66/$83.11)

CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• Bring jacket during your trip to Cameron Highlands as the temperature here is usually cold, just like in Baguio and Tagaytay. Bring umbrella too as it usually rains in the afternoon.
• Although most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi, while in Cameron Highlands or in Malaysia in general, it is best to stay online using a pocket wifi or data. You can buy Malaysian sim card in advance and top up at convenience stores.

         MALAYSIAN SIMCARD: BUY HERE

           SIMCARD FOR ASIA : BIUY HERE
           POCKET WIFI (ANYWHERE IN ASIA): RENT HERE

• If you plan on visiting the Coral Hill (Mossy Forest), wear the proper hiking outfit, Avoid white shoes and long pants as the trail can get muddy especially during the rainy season.
• Stack up Malaysian ringgit cash as most shops and restaurants accepts cash, but there are also a handful of ATM in town.