Pahang’s Highland Paradise of Tea, Tourism, and Tranquility
Cameron Highlands, situated in the northwestern corner of Pahang, is Malaysia’s most iconic highland retreat. Known for its cool climate (14°C–23°C year-round), lush tea plantations, colorful flower farms, and vibrant weekend tourism, this district blends British colonial charm with modern eco-agriculture and cultural diversity.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: Officially gazetted as a district in 1952
- Discovered in 1885 by British surveyor William Cameron, the area was later developed as a hill station during the British colonial period.
- Designed as a sanatorium and agricultural zone by the British, its high elevation and climate made it ideal for growing tea, strawberries, vegetables, and European flowers.
- Named after its discoverer, Cameron Highlands became a full district under Pahang after Malaysia’s independence and is today a major tourist and agro-economic hub.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Cameron Highlands District |
| State | Pahang |
| District Capital | Tanah Rata |
| Area | Approx. 712 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 45,000 (seasonally fluctuating) |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Cameron Highlands) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Cameron Highlands (MDCH) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Cameron Highlands consists of 3 mukims:
- Tanah Rata – District capital, government center
- Brinchang – Main tourist town, night market, strawberry farms
- Ringlet – Agricultural production hub (vegetables, flowers)
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| District Officer (DO) | Tuan Mohd Fadzli Mohd Kenali | Oversees administrative governance |
| Member of Parliament (MP) | YB Ramli Mohd Nor (first Orang Asli MP) | Represents Cameron Highlands |
| State Assemblyman (ADUN – Tanah Rata) | YB Chiong Yoke Kong | Represents DAP in Pahang Assembly |
| District Police Chief (OCPD) | Supt. Mohd Shamsuddin Hashim | In charge of safety & tourism security |
| Local Agro-Tourism Promoter | Mr. Lim Bee Kuan | Pioneer in flower and bee farm tourism |
Key Towns and Areas
- Tanah Rata – Administrative town, clinics, schools, parks
- Brinchang – Tourism center, hotels, pasar malam (night market)
- Kea Farm & Tringkap – Vegetable & flower farms, local markets
- Ringlet – Major hub for agricultural processing and logistics
- Blue Valley & Kampung Raja – Rural, cooler zones near Perak border
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture:
- Tea, strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, roses, orchids
- Agro-tourism:
- Tea estate visits, strawberry picking, honey & bee farms
- Tourism:
- Resorts, hiking, colonial inns, weekend markets
- Retail & F&B:
- Cafes, steamboat restaurants, souvenir shops
Education & Institutions
- Primary and secondary schools in Tanah Rata and Ringlet
- Religious schools and surau-based education in Orang Asli villages
- Technical support from MARDI Agrotechnology Park
- Multilingual and multicultural education options (BM, English, Tamil, Mandarin)
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom (Tanah Rata) – Main public hospital
- Klinik Kesihatan in Brinchang and Ringlet
- Private clinics and pharmacies for locals and tourists
Transport & Connectivity
- Access via Tapah (Route 59) or Simpang Pulai (Route 185)
- Local taxis, buses, and tourist van services available
- Road access can be narrow and winding – caution advised
- No train station; nearest is Tapah Road (Perak)
Tourism & Attractions
- Boh Tea Plantation (Sungai Palas):
- Panoramic views, factory tour, tea café
- Strawberry Farms (Brinchang, Kea Farm):
- Pick-your-own, souvenirs, strawberry desserts
- Mossy Forest & Gunung Brinchang:
- Guided jungle walks and viewing towers
- Cactus Valley, Butterfly Garden, Lavender Garden
- Cameron Highlands Night Market (Brinchang)
- Time Tunnel Museum – colonial history & old Malaysia
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Diverse ethnic blend: Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli
- Food highlights:
- Steamboat Hotpot, Strawberry Ice Cream, Tea-Infused Dishes, Sweet Corn & Jagung Susu
- Cultural festivals:
- Hari Raya, Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Orang Asli Traditional Celebrations
- Local crafts: bamboo items, honey products, dried flowers
Summary
Cameron Highlands is Pahang’s crown jewel of climate, culture, and cultivation—a district where nature blooms, mist whispers through the hills, and every corner offers a blend of flavor, freshness, and peacefulness. Ideal for eco-travelers, families, foodies, and anyone craving Malaysia’s greenest getaway.