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Cameron Highlands: Is it really that beautiful?

Cameron Highlands: Is it really that beautiful?

May 2018 · 3 min read · Cameron Highlands District

When you search for 'Cameron Highlands' on a search engine, you'll see countless photos of bright green tea plantations and beautiful hills. It seems like they are from a picture book. For a long time, the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia were on my bucket list and several times I went to the country without visiting them. I finally caught up on it.

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Getting to the Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata)

The expectations before the trip were big - no wonder when you see these photos. From Kuala Lumpur, Tanah Rata was planned to be a one-day stopover before going to Ipoh and Penang. The bus connections are very good in Malaysia and you can easily reach the Highlands. Prices are reasonable and also tickets can be booked online. The journey starts at the Bus Terminal TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in Kuala Lumpur.

Is a trip worth it? Some impressions

The bus ride was enjoyable, except for the last stretch before the Cameron Highlands. Then it was really curvy and bumpy in the mountains, so that some bus passengers needed bags for throwing up.

When I arrived in Tanah Rata, the surprise was great. I did not expect huge, multi-level hotel complexes, heaps of buses full of Chinese tourists and big shops. I rather imagined a small village in the middle of the mountains. Tanah Rata and the surrounding areas/towns were far away from this. But what disappointed me most were the many construction sites. I can't believe they even build more of these massive hotels.

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The downsides of the beautiful Cameron Highlands

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The next day the half-day tour called Countryside Tour started, which I booked online. The first stop was for me the only highlight in the Cameron Highlands: the Boh Tea tea plantations. These are really gorgeous and nice to look at. Drinking a cup of tea with this view is something special.

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This is in my opinion the only reason to visit the Highlands

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Then the boring part began. We visited the Rose Valley, a bee and strawberry farm. While the Asian tourists traveling with me seemed to enjoy this part, I was rather bored. These farms were cheesy, too colorful and just boring. Well, roses, strawberries and bees are nothing special for us Europeans.

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Conclusion

In my opinion the Cameron Highlands are a CAN but not a MUST. The green landscapes are really beautiful and it's absolutely worth it. Everything else you can save yourself. Perhaps one of the more adventurous tours is a bit more exciting, where you can climb the Gunung Brinchang, the highest mountain in the area. Everything else reminded more of a promotional trip. The nature in this area is definitely worth seeing, the cities are rather ugly.

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Have you ever been to the Cameron Highlands? Did you like it or would you rather not go there again?

Travel Resources for your trip to Malaysia

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Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to Malaysia.

Accomodation: Explore the best places to stay in Malaysia on Booking.com, Agoda and Hostelworld.

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Transportation: Use 12go and Omio to find detailed bus and train schedules, making travel planning easier.

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Internet: Got an eSIM compatible phone? Airalo is perfect for reliable internet access during your trip. Just install it before you go, and you're set!

Day Trips & Tours: We recommend GetYourGuide for a variety of well-organized and enjoyable activities.

Tickets: Save on entrance fees in Malaysia with Klook and Tiquets.

Travel Planner: Need a hand planning? Our free travel planner chatbot is your personal guide to Malaysia. Chat now.

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