Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are one of Malaysia's oldest resort areas, with rolling green hills and a relatively cool climate. You'll find Tudor-style English houses and afternoon tea being served here – remnants of a British colonial past. In fact, the region is now a major producer of tea, and you can visit plantations and fruit farms. Where it's not agricultural, the land is covered in thick tropical forest that's popular with hikers.

There are plenty of hostels in The Cameron Highlands, including a 100-year old colonial bungalow, a farm homestay and a cosy hostel with an orchid hanging garden. You can even choose a modern Cameron Highlands hostel in the middle of a flower farm! As well as dorms and private rooms, there's the option of staying in a capsule or a sleeping pod. If you're keen to go trekking, look out for Cameron Highlands hostels with licensed guides. 

If you take a bus to the Cameron Highlands, you'll arrive into Tanah Rata. This is the busiest town in the area, with lots of hiking trails, gardens and waterfalls. Another area to check out is Brinchang, a smaller town where you'll find attractions like strawberry farms, a lavender garden and a weekend night market. Kea Farm is the highest village in the Cameron Highlands, with vegetable farms and upscale resorts. 

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Cameron Highlands. There are several trails to take: challenge yourself with a climb to Mount Brinchang or choose the gentler trek to Robinson Falls. Along the way, look out for rare flora and fauna, including carnivorous pitcher plants and mountain peacock-pheasants. Visit a café to have tea and scones (with plenty of jam!) or you can head to Sam Poh Temple to admire its golden warrior statues. 

The closest airport is Kuala Lumpur; from there, you can take a shuttle bus to KL Sentral station and then either catch a bus to Tanah Rata town (7 hours) or take another bus across town to Bersepadu Selatan terminal and get on an express bus (3.5 hours). Trains don't run directly to the Cameron Highlands, but you can catch a train to Ipoh, and then it's a 1.5-hour bus journey to Tanah Rata town. To get around the Highlands, you can walk shorter distances, catch a shuttle bus or hail a taxi.