Cameron Highlands located in the state of Pahang is 1,500 metres above sea level, and is the largest hill station to be found on Peninsular Malaysia.
Founded in 1885 by British colonial government surveyor, William Cameron, the highlands today still have a strong British colonial aesthetic.
There are three main townships here: Tanah Rata, Brinchang and Ringlet.
How to get to Cameron Highlands
It’s a four hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway coming from KL. There are two exits: The Tapah exit is somewhat winding but a shorter option while the Simpang Pulai exit is not so winding but slightly longer.
It is a comfortable drive with plenty of rest stops along the way which is just the thing for traveling with the little ones.
For accommodation ideas read here for the happygokl.com review on staying at the Strawberry Park Resort.
Things to do in Cameron Highlands with kids
Cameron Highlands has a lot to offer families from hiking and visits to tea plantations to farms, and plenty of food to try.
The Mossy Forest, strawberry farms and butterflies
The Mossy Forest is a beautiful place to hike. Guided hikes are available with shorter two-hour hikes suitable for families even with children as young as three years old.
Make sure the kids have good walking shoes and long-sleeved tops and pants. Don’t forget to pack water and a snack.
Cameron Highlands is a veritable strawberry feast for the kids. EQ Strawberry Farm is great to visit and let the kids pick their own strawberries.
The kids are equipped with a pair of scissors and a bucket which is weighed once they’ve had their fill of picking, you are charged according to the weight.
Some farms have their own cafe with homemade goodies like jam, ice cream and milkshakes. Other easily accessible farms are Big Red Strawberry Farm, Raju Hill Strawberry Farm and S’ Corner Central Market.
The Butterfly Garden with butterflies in a farm enclosure doubles as a small zoo with a mix of farmyard animals and some interesting insects and reptiles.
Other options for the kids are Cactus Valley, the Lavender Garden and the Rose Centre.
Bees and tea plantations
The Ee Feng Gu Apiary or Cameron Highlands Bee Farm are other great places to take the kids. Entrance is free, and from there you are left to wander through unguided.
It is a sprawling hilly garden filled with beehives dotting the entire area. There is a shop in the main building where you are able to purchase souvenirs and honey sticks.
If it is your first time to the highlands make sure to plan a visit to one of the tea plantations. From café viewing decks you will look out over beautiful tiered gardens made up of an abundance of tea plants.
Some of the plantations here include BOH Sungai Palas Garden, BOH Tea Garden and Bharat Tea Plantations.
If it’s a chilly night, and there are many to be had in the cooler climes of Cameron Highlands, then try a steamboat dinner – even with the little ones, just be sure they sit away from the hot pot.
There are quite a few restaurants in Brinchang and Tanah Rata town which offer many halal options.
Tips before you plan your trip
• Try to avoid the road trip on busy weekends and public holidays. The roads can become quite congested which leaves traffic crawling up the winding roads.
• Book tours via your hotel. Most hotels will have a tour desk, which will recommend great places for your family to visit. With older kids, try a full day tour, but stick to the half-day tours with younger kids.
• Get to the strawberry farms early in the morning before the tour bus crowds.
• Find out from your hotel when the night markets are. You will find a variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers and other highland produce at a minimal price.
• Bring something warm for chilly evenings.
• Try to avoid Cameron Highlands during the rainy season – landslides are a common occurrence.
Happy Go KL is the go-to site for families in the Klang Valley. Their content is written by parents for parents, so you know where to get out and about with your kids in KL and the surrounding region.