Guide to Cameron Highlands, Town of Bentong & Raub in Malaysia

Looking for something unique, away from the crowd while enjoying the chilly climate over the weekend? Located just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Here is a 3 Days 2 Nights guide on exploring the very best of what Cameron Highlands, Town of Bentong and Raub can offer.

Cameron Highlands being located 200 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur mean one could easily drive up in less than 3 hours. Here is a quick tip: Take exit 137 from North-South Expressway, <Simpang Pulai> for the new road to Cameron Highlands. This is an easier route , with less bends along the way up , compare to the other old route to Cameron Highlands.

Cameron Highlands located at the state of Pahang, is a hilltop resort destination that is often overshadow by her cousin, Genting Highlands that attract tonnes of tourist. On the other hand, Cameron Highlands which is filled with colonial like buildings attract lesser crowd, making it an ideal place to relax. The average temperature hovers around 22 degree in the day. In the night, it could go as low as 14 Degree Celsius.

The area is made up by a collection of peaceful townships perched 1500 meters high above sea level. There are 2 main towns in the area, namely:  Tanah Rata (the administrative centre) and Brinchang town.

With only 2 Days in Cameron Highlands, here is a summary of things to do:

*Explore strawberry farms 

When in season and depending on the farms that one visit, you may able to experience plucking strawberry for your own consumption. Otherwise, it is an eye opening experience to see how strawberries are grown.  Needless to say, buying strawberries is a must. Travel tip: Strawberry Farms prices are usually more expensive. Try buying some at the local night market instead!

*BOH tea centre and Factory

If you did not pay a visit to BOH Tea centre and factory, it simply imply that you did not step into Cameron Highlands. Known to have one of the best tea factories in Asia, BOH Tea centre allows one to explore how tea is processed in the factory. Travel tip: There is tour timing allocated. Report early on time to ensure one does not miss it!

*Brinchang night market

Every Friday and Saturday, there will be local night market held at Brinchang town. Should you miss it, there are other night market in the town of Tanah Rata. I went to the other ones at Tanah Rata and one can find clothes, fruits, corns (apparently, they are quite well known for the corns), food and many more.

*Stop by Tea Houses 

There are few tea houses in the area and they are simply labelled as “Tea House 1″,Tea House 2 & 3”. Travel tip: Head to Tea House 2 for one of the better view in my opinion. Tea House 2 offers unblocked area of the tea planation below and more car parking space. It is also less crowded as compare to “Tea House 1” when people first encounter the tea house on the way up to Cameron Highlands coming from Kuala Lumpur direction.

*Food & Vegetables 

Not to be missed food in this chilly climate include having a steamboat meal. One can easily find many restaurants in the town of Tanah Rata offering the choice of having steamboat. Strongly recommend one to try and to include fresh vegetables that Cameron Highlands is well known for.

After exploring Cameron Highlands, the next day highlight would be the town of Bentong. Bentong is more famously known as the “Ginger Town”. ‘Bentong’ ginger is the most popular ginger variety in Malaysia where it is able to retain its freshness for up to a month, whereas regular ginger begins to dry and shrink after one to two weeks.

Bentong Town 

Many people from Kuala Lumpur would flock to this town for food. Coupled with the laid back vibe, a stark contrast to city life is what attracts people to this town.  These are some of the must visit places in the town:

*Bentong street art murals 

*Yuen Kee Kopitam

Be warned if you are heading to here over the weekend, there will be a lot people during breakfast hours. It is known for the stall named ” Hooi Ji Wantan Noodles”.  Travel tip: There is another coffeshop behind that also offers equally delicious food.

*Kow Po Ice Cream House

Not far from Bentong, there is another smaller town named “Raub” is not to be missed! This town is made famous by the King of Fruits, Durian. Most of the world’s Musang King durians come from Raub, an old mining township. Also known as the Durian capital of Malaysia, every corner of it show traces of people depending on durian as their livelihood. There are even monuments of durian found in most part of the town.

There are not many accommodations in the town of Raub. If you are a durian lover and would like to see how durian is actually grown, consider an overnight stay at <Rock Mountain>.

Address : Lot PT6900 (A), Kg Sungai Ruan Raub Malaysia 27600

This allow one to do a morning sunrise hike up the hill at the back of the resort. Witness how durian is harvested while admiring the misty view with sea of clouds below you when one look across the vast land.  The best part is you can do a free durian plantation tour on your own while witnessing durians hanging over the countless trees in the area. Travel tip: Start the 30 minutes hike up around 615am in time for sunrise and remember to wear a cap during durian picking season. Reason being durian can literally fall and I had witness it myself! It was such a thrilling experience for city dwellers. I could even request to join the local on a durian hunt as we go about looking for freshly fallen durians on the ground.  Ultimately, this is the source where Musang King aka Mao Shan Wang species comes from.

rpt

Here is the itinerary of how one can plan for 3 Days/2Nights touring 3 towns namely : Cameron Highlands, Town of Bentong & Raub in Malaysia.

DAY 1: 

DAY 2: 

Categories: Asia Region