The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in Cameron Highlands
Hiking in the Cameron Highlands is the highlight of any visit, with lush trails, tea plantations, and just enough adventure to make your trip unforgettable.
HOW MANY DAYS | 2 to 3
BEST TIME TO VISIT | December to March
WHERE TO STAY | Gerard’s Roomstay
TOP THINGS TO DO | Hiking, Tea Plantation, Strawberry farm
HOW TO GET AROUND | Hike, Grab or rental scooter/car
Hiking in Cameron Highlands isn’t just about the views. It’s the mix of cool jungle air, peaceful paths, and that feeling of discovering something hidden. This place is full of jungle paths, mossy forests, and little hidden viewpoints that make you feel like you’re in another world. If you love walking and a bit of adventure, this is the best way to explore. After each hike, sitting down with a hot cup of tea and strawberry cake felt like the perfect reward.
If you come here, don’t just stick to the farms and markets. Put on your walking shoes and try at least one of these trails. Trust us, it’s worth it.
The Best Hiking Trails in Cameron Highlands
Trail 4: Forest Path in Tanah Rata
If hiking isn’t really your thing but you still want to see a waterfall, this trail is a good option. It’s more of a short, paved walk than a real hike, and it follows a small river with a waterfall along the way. The path is easy and surprisingly pretty, which makes it popular with locals. The downside is that it often gets crowded and unfortunately quite trashed, so many travelers don’t enjoy it. When we went, though, it was almost empty, and we found it a nice little walk. It’s also a good warm-up if you plan to continue with longer hikes in the area.
Trail 5: Mossy Forest
Trail 5 starts at the rain shelter and connects with trail no. 6 and no. 3, before leading you out to the edge of Tanah Rata, about a 20-minute stroll from the town center. The path itself is gentle, with just a touch of climbing and plenty of flat stretches, making it an easy walk for most visitors.
What makes it special is the atmosphere. You’ll wander through a mossy jungle where ancient trees and fallen trunks are wrapped in layers of green. It feels a bit like stepping into a fairytale. The whole walk takes less than an hour and feels more like a relaxed forest stroll than a hike. Toward the end, the ground can get slippery, but ropes are there to help you keep steady.
Trail 6: Dreamy Forest
Trail 6 was our absolute favorite hike in Cameron Highlands. You can start either from the Forestry Office or from Trail No. 4 and walk until you reach the rain shelter cross junction. The trail takes you up and down small slopes, and the last stretch near the shelter is the most challenging. It gets steep here, but there are ropes in place that make the climb easier and a bit of fun too.
Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful jungle with soft ground under your feet, moss-covered tree trunks, and that magical damp forest feeling that makes the Cameron Highlands so special.
Trail 10: Jungle Walk with a View
After Trail 4, #10 is probably the second most famous trail. It starts near Tanah Rata, takes you up to Gunung Jasar and end in the Golden Hill neighborhood or vice versa. The hike takes you through a beautiful jungle trail with a nice mix of easy and slightly challenging parts. You’ll need to use a few ropes along the way, and the climb can get sweaty, but it’s not too tough. Reaching the top is rewarding with a great view over the village and hills waiting for you.
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Trail 6: Crazy #6
Don’t get confused – this is a second trail named No. 6, but locals like to call it Crazy No. 6. You’ll understand why once you’re on it.
The best way to tackle this route is to combine it with Trail No. 10. Start in Tanah Rata and hike up Gunung Jasar, but instead of heading all the way to the summit, turn left at the junction below. The trail begins through thick bushes where the path feels narrow and closed in. Soon after, you’ll hit a steep, slippery climb that earns the trail its reputation. Only attempt it in dry weather, because after rain it becomes very tough and even dangerous.
The good news? Things get easier toward the end. The trail opens onto a paved walkway with sweeping views across the jungle and valley. From here, you’ll pass through a small village before following a stream that leads to the back entrance of the Bharat Tea Plantation.
Inside the plantation, you can wander among the lush tea fields. For a small fee, you’re allowed to walk through the bushes and soak up the rolling green hills all around you. Exiting through the plantation brings you to the tea house overlooking Cameron Valley – the perfect reward after the hike. Sit back with a cup of tea or a light meal and enjoy the view over endless tea plantations stretching out in front of you.
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A FEW TIPS BEFORE YOU GO
Start early. The weather in Cameron Highlands changes fast, and afternoons often get rainy.
Bring a rain jacket or poncho. Showers can come out of nowhere, even if the morning looks clear.
Wear proper shoes. Some trails are muddy and steep.
Leech protection. Not common on every trail, but after rain it’s possible, so long socks or repellent can save you the hassle.
Bring water and a snack. There aren’t shops once you’re inside the forest.
Download Maps.Me. It makes finding and following the trails much easier.
Ask at your accommodation for maps. They usually know a lot about the trails in the region.
Check if you need a guide. Some trails are easy to follow, but others can get confusing.
Tell someone your route. Handy if you’re hiking alone, since some trails are quiet and phone signal can be weak.
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BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS
After exploring the beautiful trails, there’s much more to discover in the Cameron Highlands. From tea plantations to strawberry farms and local markets, the region is packed with unique experiences. Getting around can be a bit tricky since the sights are spread out and public transport is limited. You can rent a scooter or a taxi, but the easiest option is to join an organized tour. It saves time, covers the highlights efficiently, and gives you the chance to learn more from a local guide.
BOOK | Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour
Scones and Jam, the Sweetest Afternoon Treat
One of the must-try specialties in the Cameron Highlands are scones with homemade strawberry jam and butter. You will find them in almost every café. If you want to try something different, head to Opah Strawberries, where you’ll find unique scone flavors like Oreo, ondeh-ondeh, biscoff, or even matcha cheese. We have to admit these were not our favorite scones, but if you are curious, they are fun to try. Keep in mind though, they don’t serve homemade jam or butter, so see it more as a playful experience.
Our favorite scones were from Margaret’s Kitchen. We tried the classic and the lavender scone, and they were exactly what you imagine the perfect scone to be: slightly crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, warm and buttery, with just the right crumbly texture that melts in your mouth when paired with jam and clotted cream. The place itself is not a café but feels more like a bar with high chairs where you can enjoy your scone and move on.
If you want to relax after a hike, enjoy a proper scone, and have some tea or coffee, visit the Lord’s Cafe, close to the bus station of Tanah Rata.
Stroll around Kea Market
We weren’t really amazed by the Kea Market. It’s popular with Malaysians and you’ll find snacks like chocolate-covered strawberries. If you’re short on time or not heading to this area, it might not be worth the detour. On weekends it gets crowded, which can add a bit of fun to the atmosphere. You’ll see fresh produce like sweet potatoes, yams, and strawberries, though the strawberries were pricier than what we paid in Tanah Rata.
OPEN | 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Picking Fresh Strawberries
Even though this is a very popular attraction, we would say it can be a hit or miss depending on your background. We grew strawberries on our balcony and picked them every summer in Germany, so this is something we are quite familiar with. The strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands are much more touristy, but we still decided to take a look. We skipped the self-picking option as it’s very expensive. Instead, we bought 1 kg for 15 RM in Tanah Rata. If you have never done strawberry picking before, it can definitely be fun, and it is nice to see the large farms and all the strawberries. When we visited the Big Red Strawberry Farm, the place looked a bit outdated, but we enjoyed their cactus and flowers the most.
Have the best smoothie at Lucky Stars
Lucky Stars was a great recommendation from our host and turned out to be one of the best smoothie spots of our whole Malaysia trip, our favorite one was in Langkawi. You can choose any three fruits, and the smoothies come with no sugar or water added, just pure fruit. The owner was incredibly kind and welcoming. Whenever we mentioned a fruit we were craving, he came up with the perfect pairing suggestions. All that for only 10 RM. You can even bring your own bottle, and he’ll gladly refill it for you.
Visiting BOH vs. Cameron Valley Tea Plantation
No trip to the Cameron Highlands is complete without a stop at a tea plantation. The two biggest names are BOH and Bharat. Cameron Valley, run by Bharat, is the closest plantation to Tanah Rata, which makes it especially popular with local visitors. It’s very family-friendly, with easy access and buggy rides that take you right into the lush green fields. It is the kind of place where you can snap a few photos without too much effort. They also have a café where we tried their Durian Teh Tarik. Teh Tarik is Malaysia’s national milk tea, made by “pulling” the tea back and forth between two cups to create a frothy texture. The durian version is definitely an unusual twist and might not be for everyone, but it’s something unique to try.
If you prefer to stick to the classics, you can also order their popular black tea or one of the flavored teas on the menu. The café itself has a beautiful view over the rolling green plantation hills, which alone makes it worth a stop. Even though we personally weren’t too impressed with their tea, it felt like a nice reward after our hike from Trail 10 and the intense Trail 6.
After exploring Cameron Valley, we also wanted to see how it compares to the famous BOH plantations. There are actually two BOH estates in opposite directions from Tanah Rata. We decided to visit the southern one, which offers a much calmer experience. The road leading there already treats you to stunning views, and at the plantation itself you find a 360° viewpoint perfect for snapping photos. Their black tea is smooth yet full of flavor, and we really enjoyed tasting it on site. We also joined the factory tour, which runs every 30 minutes. However, the guide only explained the basics in about 5 minutes, so it felt quite brief. For comparison, we had a more detailed and engaging tour in Munnar, India.
Visit the misty paths in the Mossy Forest
The Mossy Forest is one of the most famous attractions in Cameron Highlands. There are three ways to experience it. The first, and most popular, is the official Mossy Forest attraction. It’s a short, privatized 200-meter wooden walkway that is usually crowded, which is why we decided to skip it. Keep in mind that this isn’t the only place in Cameron Highlands where you’ll find mossy forest.
If you enjoy hiking, you can explore trails #3 and #5 for a much more immersive experience. This way, you get to move at your own pace and spend quiet time surrounded by nature.
A third option to see the Mossy Forest is by joining a jeep tour. These tours take you around the highlights of Cameron Highlands and also include a stop at the Mossy Forest walkway, so it’s a great option if you want to see more of the area in a short time without worrying about transport.
PRICE | 35 RM | €7 | US$7
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
BOOK | Full Day Mossy Forest Tour with Viator
Step inside Sam Poh Temple
Sam Poh Temple is a small but beautiful Buddhist temple. We arrived just in time for the monk’s prayer. If you want to take photos and walk around, go before the prayer begins at 4:00 p.m. A temple helper kindly invited us to join, which was a thoughtful gesture. We had already done a temple stay in Golgulsa, South Korea, and several meditations in Thailand, so we knew what to expect.
If you choose to join, keep in mind this is not a tourist show but a spiritual practice that requires respect and presence. The prayer and meditation last a little over an hour, and once you begin, you should stay until the end. Visitors who only wanted to peek inside were gently encouraged to participate. The monks guide you through everything, including prostrations, so no need to worry if you are new.
It can be a truly meaningful experience, as long as you approach it with the right mindset.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS?
We preferred to stay in Tanah Rata, since it’s the main town with the bus station, plenty of restaurants, and easy access to the hiking trails. Brinchang is another option, closer to the night market and some strawberry farms. If you prefer peace and nature, there are also homestays and lodges outside the towns, often surrounded by tea plantations or jungle views.
BUDGET | We loved staying at Gerard's "Backpackers" Roomstay. The rooms are spacious, clean, and very comfortable. The host Jay is wonderful and shared great recommendations with us. You can choose between rooms with a private bathroom or a shared one, depending on your budget and preference.
COMFORT | Silvan Garden in Tanah Rata welcomes you with cozy rooms, a warm atmosphere, and breakfast included. A great spot to unwind after hikes and enjoy the cool mountain air.
ESCAPE | Ever camped in a tent and kicked off the morning with a Jacuzzi right next to you? At the Private Glamping Tent in Brinchang, that’s exactly what you get. It’s a luxury camping spot with a sun terrace and beautiful views over a lush garden.
HOW TO GET TO CAMERON HIGHLANDS?
The journey to Cameron Highlands is part of the experience itself. Buses connect Tanah Rata with Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, and even Taman Negara once a day, winding their way up through lush valleys and cool mountain air. On weekends and holidays the ride can take longer, as the narrow roads often get busy, but the changing scenery makes the trip worthwhile. Once you arrive at the Tanah Rata bus station, reaching your accommodation is easy with hotel shuttles or taxis with fixed prices. Grab does exist, though drivers are rare, so it’s best to plan ahead.
BUS | Book your bus tickets in advance through 12go.asia here
HOW TO GET AROUND CAMERON HIGHLANDS?
Public transport is very limited, so the easiest way is by taxi or Grab, but availability can be hit or miss. Some guesthouses offer shuttle services to trailheads or main sights. If you want full flexibility, you can rent a scooter, but the mountain roads can be steep and winding. Many trails also start directly in Tanah Rata, so if you stay there you can walk to several hikes without transport.
Getting around Cameron Highlands is much easier when we can access GoogleMaps with an eSIM from Saily. Staying connected has made getting around in any city in Malaysia so much easier.
SCOOTER | RM50 | €10 | US$11 for 10h
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
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We really enjoyed the hiking in the Cameron Highlands and would even say it was the highlight of our visit. If hiking isn’t your thing, then it depends on what you’ve already experienced before. You can check out the strawberry farms, but to be honest, we didn’t find them that special. What’s definitely worth it though is taking in the views of the tea plantations, which are beautiful and unique to the region.
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Some are, but many aren’t. Downloading an offline map app like Maps.me or AllTrails is highly recommended.
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Many travelers do, but it’s best to let someone know your route or go with a buddy, especially for longer trails.
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Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are important since trails can be muddy and slippery. A light jacket or raincoat is also useful.
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If you only want to do 2–3 hikes, then 1–2 days in the Cameron Highlands are enough. If you also want to visit tea plantations, strawberry farms, or other attractions, it’s worth adding an extra day so you have enough time for everything without rushing.
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The best time to visit Cameron Highlands is from February to April when the weather is cooler, drier, and perfect for hiking. That said, the highlands have a pleasant climate year-round, though rain is more common from September to December.
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