5 Day Cameron Highlands Budget Guide
Looking for a break from the oppressive Malaysian heat? The Cameron Highlands is your spot! Up in the heart of peninsular Malaysia, you’ll find this nature paradise. Follow our 5 day Cameron Highlands budget guide from our time in July to maximize your time in the Highlands and minimize your spending!
With rolling green hills of the Cameron Highlands tea plantations, small tourist towns, high attitude, and lots of kitschy tourist photo opportunities, you’ll definitely want to add Tanah Rata and the surrounding Cameron Highlands as part of your budget Malaysia itinerary.
The Cameron Highlands is a favorite spot for both international and local tourists which allow for some more authentic travel experiences. Known for it’s tea plantations, strawberry farms and cooler weather, follow our 5 day Cameron Highlands budget guide to make the most of your time in the Highlands.
Cameron Highlands of Malaysia History
“Discovered” by the British officials in 1885, British explorers found this corner of Malaysia and quickly noted it for it’s fertile soil and cooler temperatures. The British government recognized the area’s potential for agricultural growth and continued to invest in the development of the Highlands.
Cameron Highland Location
Where are the Cameron Highlands? The Highlands are a part of peninsular Malaysia and are located almost 5,000 feet above sea level. Due to its high altitude, the Cameron Highlands are sought after as a cool weather escape from the hot Malaysian humidity. To be honest, we really needed that escape! After 4 weeks in SE Asia during the summer, we really craved a break from constantly sweating and we are so glad we strategically placed in the Highlands in our itinerary as we did. I’m not sure we were ever so excited to see rain either…
What are the main towns in the Cameron Highlands?
The three main towns to choose from to base yourself in during your visit to the Cameron Highlands are Ringlet, Brinchang, and Tanah Rata. Known for it’s accessibility with public transportation ( from both Kuala Lumpur and Penang), we ended up staying in Tanah Rata. Though Tanah Rata is often considered the most budget friendly option, you can certainly find budget accommodations in all 3 towns along with the regions main activities and dining options.
How do I get to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia?
The Cameron Highlands are sandwiched between peninsular Malaysia’s two main towns: Penang and Kuala Lumpur. It’s possible to get to Tanah Rata from either option with bus, car, or taxi.
Bus From Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
On a map, the distance between KL and the Cameron Highlands may look deceptively small. It’s only 125 miles ( about 200 kilometers) between the Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur. But thanks to mountainous ( very) windy roads, cars and buses are severely limited to how quickly they could travel. Expect the drive to hover between 4-5 hours depending on traffic.
You’ll take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. The bus is the most affordable option ( and the option we chose). We left from the main bus stop in KL called Terminal Bersepadu Selatan or TBS. From KL center, we took a cheap 20 minute Uber ride to the bust stop. Considering you have several hours of a long, slow, windy bus ride ahead, we suggest splurging a bit on that Uber. There’s also public transportation that you can take to TBS if you’re feeling really adventurous!
The bus costs between $7-$10USD for a one way ticket. Two main companies to chose from ( though there are more options) are Unititi and CS Travel. From our Googling, it seems like both companies offer comparable services.
Honest Travel Moment- The bus ride from KL to Tanah Rata was ROUGH for us. We have been on MANY windy mountainous roads, and for whatever reason ( maybe we are getting old?), our stomachs really felt the turns of this one. While the first 1-2 hours is on the highway, the last 2 hours are combing through the hills on a snaking one way road.
Luckily, neither of us actually got sick, but BOTH the people in front of us and behind us did. Nothing like surround sound of projectile vomit on a long travel day. Noting this just to check your expectations. Right after we got off the bus, I immediately started looking for other options ( besides the bus) to leave Tanah Rata.
I was dreading taking the bus again that much. But after 5 days in the Highlands and a bit of research, I realized 1) there really isn’t a better option ( you can take a train after the bus but it will be much longer and much more expensive) and 2) the bus ride out of Tanah Rata could potentially be better ( spoiler- it was!).
If you’re traveling in a larger group, it may be a better option to opt for a taxi. A reasonable taxi charge is around $100 USD but bear in mind you’ll still be traveling the same windy road, but just for more money.
Cameron Highlands to Penang
To get to/from the Cameron Highlands to Penang it’s about 130 miles to the Cameron Highlands and the trip will also be about 4-5 hours. Just like from KL, you can easily take a bus from the Penang bus terminal ( Sungai Nibong) to Tanah Rata for around $8-$10 USD. The main companies offering routes between Penang and Tanah Rata are CS Travel and Unititi.
Where should you stay in the Cameron Highlands?
For budget accommodation, the two main choices to stay are Tanah Rata and Brinchang. Both towns offer their own conveniences and vibes so figure out what attractions you want to prioritize and go from there!
Tanah Rata: The Public Transportation Hub
As mentioned, Tanah Rata is where we stayed in the Cameron Highlands as it’s the most accessible by public transport. It also is known for lots of budget-friendly accommodation’s with a wide-range of options from hostels on the main street to more peaceful guesthouses up a few blocks away.
Budget Accommodation in Tanah Rata
- Bricks Hostel: A central location ( rated 9.6/10 for location on booking.com) and guests are provided with a towel and linens for their bunks. This is a great super-budget option with beds for around $10 USD.
- Tekoma Resort Cameron Highlands– 1 KM from the center street, this resort offers a more peaceful location at a reasonable price. With over 950 reviews, it mantains a 8.5/10 ranking and also includes breakfast!
- Rainforest Guest House – This guesthouse offers both dorms and private room options. Dorm rooms start at a mere $8USD and private rooms start from around $20USD. Rainforest Guesthouse is also known for it’s breakfast, good WIFI and friendly atmosphere.
- Rovers Inn Guest House : ( Where we stayed!) This is a simple, budget friendly guest house set back about a 5 minute walk uphill from the main town center. The rooms are clean and simple and the hosts are very friendly. The real star of this stay is the large garden/patio area which offers a really nice quiet escape. Private rooms from $25 USD.
Brinchang- More activities nearby?
Brinchang offers a few more tourist amenities ( though I didn’t think Tanah Rata was lacking in any amenities’ personally). Brinchang is also more popular for night life as the night market is more bustling then the much smaller one in Tanah Rata. Brinchang is also closer to the Mossy Forest so if you’re interested in going there, that could be a perk ( though it’s not accessible with public transportation so you’d need to organize a taxi for that outing). Overall Brinchang has more options for shopping and dining, but it can feel more touristy- so pick what is best for you!
If you do decide to rent a car, then staying in Ringlet could be a better option for you. Ringlet is definitely the most peaceful option and because it’s not as accessible with the bus lines, it’s considered more ” off the beaten path.” You’ll get a more authentic rural experience here, but you are trading out public transport connectivity and fewer dining options.
Things to do at Cameron Highlands
Whether you want to succumb to the over touristy photo spots or find more of the hidden gems ( or just enjoy the cooler weather), there’s plenty of budget friendly things to do at Cameron Highlands.
- Visit the Tea Plantations: If you’re making your way to the Cameron Highlands then you probably already know that is known for its iconic rolling green hills of tea leaves. Some plantations charge an entrance fee, some plantations allow you to roam for free, and some plantations allow you to explore if you make a purchase from the attached cafe. Both Boh Tea Centre and Cameron Valley Tea House don’t charge an entrance fee!
- A visit to the Mossy Forest is one of the best free activities in the Cameron Highlands. Unfortunately, it was temporarily closed during our visit! A lot of tours include a stop here so if you do decide on an organized tour, double check to see that it’s included ( or not) first. Most of the friends we met at our guesthouse had visited the week before on their own. The Mossy Forrest is known for its unique thick moss that climbs through and around the tree trunks and hangs dreamily from misty branches.
- Hikes in Cameron Highlands: There are tons of easily accessible hikes in the Cameron Highlands around Tanah Rata that are accessible and identifiable to varying degrees. If you’re looking for an easier route, follow signs for ” Trail 10″ which leads you up to the top of Brinchang. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, try ” Trail 9″ which includes some waterfall views!
- Walk around Tanah Rata Town: Tanah Rata features a small town center with a few shops and lots of restaurants and cafes. At the end of the main street ( close to the bus station) is a nice park with a walking path around it ( which also makes for a nice flat place to run if you’re looking for an option around the hills!)
What to do in Cameron Highlands in one day?
If you can only manage one day in the Tanah Rata, it’s easy to squeeze in several iconic experiences. If you want to start your day with a bang, then tackle the relatively easy hike marked through ” Trail 10.”
After your hike, treat yourself to some tea at the Boh Tea Centre which has a panoramic platform overlooking the rolling green hills. Even at a ” tourist” location, most of the tea will set you back only $1-2 USD and there are a lot of sweet options you can chose to accompany it ( personally, I’d recommend the scones).
If your phone is still charged up, make your way to the Mossy Forest for a photographers playground. You can take a taxi here or join an organized tour.
End your day back in Tanah Rata town for another cup of tea ( or coffee) in town before choosing one of the many budget friendly restaurant options nearby.
Cameron Highlands Tour Packages
As this is a popular tourist spot ( especially for Malaysians) there are plenty of Cameron Highlands tours to chose from depending on what you’re interested in seeing.
- This full day tour will set you back about $100 USD, BUT you’ll be able t seamlessly move between all the major tourist attractions ( a great option especially if you are short on time).
- Try out this half day tour that takes you to the trickiest spot to navigate to on your own- the Mossy Forrest
Cameron Highlands Budget Restaurants
- Hidden Lab Coffee: If your missing some Western Café amenities, then this is your spot. You’ll find really good cappuccinos, lattes, etc. plus some pastries and sandwiches. More popular with international tourists then locals, and the prices reflect that.
- Lucky Stars– This is a really delicious fresh fruit stand that also makes custom smoothies
- Singh Chapati– This is a really popular Indian food restaurant and the crowds warrant the visit. We read reviews online about the cues/waits being pretty notable so we went right at opening and snagged one fo the 10ish tables right away. Most dishes are $2-$3 USD and there’s a lot of vegetarian friendly options on the menu.
- Highlands Spice – This is hands down our favorite restaurant in the area. We went here 3 or 4 times. On Google it averages 4.8/5 ” stars” with almost 1,000 ratings so we are not alone in loving this spot. The food is cheap ( some meals were only $2-3 USD for TWO people to eat, the portions are large, there’s a lot of variety, and it’s tasty.
Do you need a car in the Cameron Highlands?
No, you don’t need a car to navigate the Cameron Highlands, but I would say that a car would make the trip a lot more enjoyable. If you’re staying in Tanah Rata, you’ll be able to easily arrive/leave to Kuala Lumpur/ Penang with the busses. Within the towns, there is no public transportation.
We ended up walking to one tea house from the town center ( Cameron Valley Tea House 2) to save money on a taxi and I wouldn’t recommend doing that. The roads through Tanah Rata are VERY WINDY which leads to a lot of blind spots from the cars whipping by ( there’s no road ” shoulder” or side walk). It was an adventure to say the least, but I wouldn’t try repeating it- just get the taxi.
The town of Tanah Rata itself is very small and therefore easy to walk around on foot so getting to shops, restaurants, the park, bus station, etc. from your accommodation won’t be a problem at all.
Taxi’s are available but there are posted fixed rates that are pretty expensive. You can try to negotiate if you’re combining a few stops ( i.e. a tea plantation with the Mossy Forest) to try to get a better value. We had good luck one day negotiating, but when we tried the next day the driver was very adamant about sticking to the posted ( expensive) price so we ended up not taking a ride that day.
How easy is it to get around Tanah Rata town without a car?
Without public transportation, if you’re looking to get to the Mossy Forest, Strawberry farms, the Lavender Garden, etc. you’ll either by left with booking a tour or taking a taxi. Since we went car-free, we were definitely more limited to the activities that we chose. For us, the main draw for the area was to experience the Cameron Highlands tea plantations which we walked to one of and took a taxi to another.
If you are thinking of renting a car, picture the narrow steep roads that make up the Cameron Highlands to make sure you’re comfortable driving in this type of environment. There’s also limited parking at the main attractions.
How many days should you spend in Cameron Highlands?
We recommend 3-4 days in Tanah Rata if you have the time. This will allow you to really take your time at the plantations, enjoy the cooler weather, and take advantage of some of the very accessible hiking paths.
When to visit the Cameron Highlands?
The Cameron Highlands is really a year-round destination. Because of it’s high- altitude, it’s a popular spot to escape from Malaysia’s humidity ( which is pretty much present year round).
What is the weather like in the Cameron Highlands?
Year- round, temperatures in the Cameron Highlands range from about 60-75F (15°C to 25°C). Rain is also pretty common year round ( it rained at least a little bit every day when we visited in July), but that is part of what gives the area its iconic bright green landscape so its expected. From March- October is the dry season where you can expect less rain and cooler temperatures. The peak season is from June to August so while the weather will still be pleasant this time of year in the low 20s°C (68–75°F), expect more crowds.
Where should I go after the Cameron Highlands?
From the Cameron Highlands, it’s easy to travel onwards or back to either Penang or Kuala Lumpur. As we arrived from KL. we continued North to Penang to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Georgetown, Penang known for it’s food scene and iconic street art. Looking for a beach getaway in Malaysia? Check out our budget guide for Langkawi!
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Cameron Highlands
Thoughts on adding the Cameron Highlands to your Malaysia budget itinerary?
The Cameron Highlands offer a really nice opportunity for cooler temperatures and beautiful nature. Sandwiched between Penang and KL, it’s easy to access the main tourist town on Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands by bus for less then $10 USD and 4 hours of your time. There’s a lot of delicious budget-friendly food options and plenty of accommodations to chose from depending if you want something right on the main street or more remote in the mountains.
Though Tanah Rata is accessible by public transportation, there isn’t public transportation available between the towns ( which feels like a huge missed opportunity and I hope that changes one day!). There are taxis to take you to the attractions further out from the town center, but the rates can be shocking. Though we don’t typically love tours, I do think investing in a tour would’ve been a better way to see more attractions for a mid-range budget.
Looking to explore more in Malaysia?
- 5 Night Kuala Lumpur Budget Itinerary
- 3 Week Malaysia Budget Guide
- 9 Cheap Vegetarian Eats in KL
- Georgetown Budget Guide
- Langkawi Island Budget Guide
Check out some of our best budget itineraries here:
- Guatemala
- Belize
- Mexico
- Singapore
- Indonesia
- Bulgaria
- Macedonia
- UK
- Chile
