Cameron Highlands

Malaysia
Highlands ~ Cameron Highlands (Read More)
Cameron Highlands is a lush rainforest valley
There are few places in Southeast Asia that can wonder the beauty of nature in the Cameron Highlands. Composed of lush hills, verdant valleys and vast rainforests, the Cameron Highlands is a rich repository for countless wildlife. At its highest point of 2,000 meters, it touches the sky. There are three main townships; Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang. Smaller townships have sprouted over the years.
 
Cameron Highlands was discovered when in 1885, a British colonial surveyor uncovered a beautiful valley among some mountains while exploring Peninsular Malaysia's rich rainforest on horse. That man, William Cameron, as the valley came to be named after him, saw the potential for growing tea in this lush land. Over time, Cameron Highlands rewarded his efforts by producing tea leaves of the highest quality, a precious commodity for export then. Today, Cameron Highlands is a major tea producer in the Southeast Asian region along with continental greens and strawberries. Boh and Bharat Tea are the two largest tea-growers in Malaysia.
 
Brinchang is the tourist hub of Cameron Highlands
Lush tea fields of Cameron Highlands
Tiger tracks in Cameron Highlands
To get there, travellers from the south of Peninsular Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur, often use the established trunk road from Tapah town. Visitors from the north, such as Penang Island, will use the Simpang Pulai road, which connects to Kampung Raja in Cameron Highlands. Those from the northeast region have the Gua Musang highway, which also connects to the same road in Kampung Raja. Finally, a fourth road is in the works which will connect Kuala Lipis in Pahang.


When it comes to nature, Cameron Highlands is a rich ecological valley with astounding wildlife and mesmerising floral species. Wild orchids, ferns, vines and pitcher plants drape the mossy trees and shrubs, an ideal habitat for highland reptiles, amphibians and insect species. There are many endemic species to be found here, such as Trimeresurus nebularis, a beautiful greenish blue pit-viper that only thrives in montane forests. Many orchid species have been described from here as well.

While the trees get less dense as you go higher in elevation, the atmosphere also becomes quieter. This can make the environment appear devoid of wildlife. The montane forest may seem a lonely and deserted place, with only the frosty air and pale trees to keep you company as the thick mist casts a pale shroud over your countenance. Hidden behind every nook and corner in the montane forest, however, is something fascinating to be discovered.

Milipedes crawl beneath the thick and soft forest litter; bettles quietly munch through the moss on the tree barks and branches; small and tiny mossy frogs make soft calls, hidden behind the foliage high up on trees; colourful snakes slither rather quietly across the trail, looking for prey to hunt. Even tigers (or their tracks), are still spotted in the Cameron Highlands from time to time.
 
The highland forest is indeed teeming with creatures, but only if you know where to look. This is the wondrous ecology of Cameron Highlands, truly a beauty of nature that is found no where else in Malaysia. Today, Cameron Highlands remains the most popular Malaysian highland destination for tourists and visitors. If you're passionate about discovering the Cameron Highlands, see the tours we have to offer. Intrepid travellers and nature enthusiasts should not miss out on this experience of a lifetime!