The upland plateaus and hilltops of Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands are covered in rolling tea plantations, cottages in the style of 19th-century English homes, and rose gardens whose aroma permeates the crisp mountain air. Located on the western edge of Pahang State, this district, with its cool temperatures, has long served as a refuge from the lowlands’ heat and humidity. Here, cloud forests are dotted with small, mountainous communities such as Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

Wander the undulating streets and enjoy traditional English tea and pastries against a backdrop of dramatic mountains and terraced fields. You spot the region’s abundant produce at weekly events like the Brinchang Night Market, where local vendors serve street foods like apam balik, a sweet peanut pancake. You’ll also find hiking opportunities amid the mountains and ancient forests, some of which are over 200 million years old.

The climate in the Cameron Highlands is notably cooler and more temperate than most of Malaysia’s hot, humid, and tropical weather. The temperature here is relatively stable throughout the year, with pleasantly warm conditions that occasionally get brisk at night, particularly in the winter months. Rain is also a constant in the region, with the highest levels of precipitation falling during the monsoon seasons in the spring and autumn.

Be sure to bring a light, waterproof jacket with you to your Cameron Highlands vacation rental. You should also take extra consideration if you plan to hike during the monsoons, which can make the trails muddy and inaccessible. The region hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Flower Festival throughout August and September and the colorful Diwali Festival of Lights, running from late October into November.

Agricultural Visits

The highlands are an agricultural hub known throughout the country for its fertile terrain. If you’d like a firsthand look at what’s growing, several farms in the area offer guided visits of their rolling tea plantations, sweet strawberry fields, and flower gardens. Many of these farms have restaurants and cafes on site that serve dishes incorporating ingredients they’ve harvested.

Mossy Forest

The section of cloud forest known in English as Mossy Forest is located amid the misty peaks just to the north of Brinchang. These dense mountain jungles are home to wizened trees, long vines, massive ferns, and rare flora such as giant orchids and pitcher plants. You can spend hours hiking the miles of trails that snake through the ancient forests.

English Tea Rooms

England's historical influence is still felt in the region today in its architecture and its tea farms. Several of the 19th-century cottages you’ll spot in the countryside house traditional English tea rooms. They serve crumpets, sandwiches, and fresh tea, often sourced from the fields below, which provide an excellent afternoon break after exploring the surrounding hills.