Cameron Highlands – Malaysia’s lungs
There is a place in Malaysia which at first glance does not resemble what we typically picture as this exotic, hot Asian country’s typical landscape: Cameron Highlands ❤️ The majority of this vast plateau in the Malay Peninsula is located over 1000 m ASL, and its lavishly green forests offer a wonderful shelter from hot weather.
A bit of of chill from Malaysian heat - tea fields in rain
Endless fields of tea
Spectacular views of green fields covered in lush tea shrubs look a lot like Sri Lanka. If you consider renting a jeep, I recommend you hire a guide who will not only show you the area, but also what work on a tea plantation looks like, as well as the whole process behind tea production. On top of that, guides know plenty of fun facts about tea and anecdotes about everyday life of plantation workers. Fields of tea are a paradise for photographers, especially given that the area is quite rainy, which creates an opportunity for beautiful, atmospheric, misty shots – not to mention the pleasant air for sightseeing. Tea tasting in a restaurant overlooking the plantations is but a cherry on top of this unique trip. Pure magic! Speaking of magic: the bill for our tea tasting was issued at 13:27, for… 13.27 😀 Coincidence? I THINK NOT.
Mossy forest
Apart from waterfalls and orchards, the tea plantations hide a beautiful mossy forest at their heart. This place is truly out of this world, somewhat dark, mysterious to the point of being mystical. Hiking there – even with a two-year-old – feels like a fairy tale and is truly refreshing, with plenty of little steps (which, as we know, are a major attraction for kids 😊 ). The forest offers plenty of places to take a break for a snack, appreciating the beautiful, green, misty nature with its many untold, secret stories. Such mossy forests are a unique oasis in tropical and sub-tropical areas – extreme humidity and relatively low temperatures at higher altitudes combined with a cloudbank create an impression of a lush blanket of moss and characteristic, exotic flora. True, some of these views do look as if they were transferred from a horror story, but it is a feast for the eyes nonetheless ❤️
Base camp - Tanah Rata
To reach Cameron Highlands you can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur (200 km). The road was a bit too winding for my taste (not to mention the view of surrounding abysses…), but please bear in mind that I have always had severe car sickness. The views are obviously spectacular – no wonder, since the road goes mostly through a tropical rainforest ❤️ I recommend you make Tanah Rata your base camp if you want to visit the area; the town is conveniently (and beautifully…) located, it has a good hotel base and nice restaurants which offer both delicious, local food, and some more western-style menus. Moreover, it has excellent infrastructure for children of all ages.
Tea fields, forests and fog - Cameron Highlands in a brief
Cameron Highlands is a wonderful, must-see place in Malaysia. Its status as the country’s green lungs, plus its spectacular landscapes, deem it a wonderful destination. Give it a go for 2-3 days – somewhere between the crazy capital and Penang – and I promise you will fall in love with it ❤️