The Best Places to Stay in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
With its cool climate, verdant tea plantations, jungle trails and top-notch accommodation options, it’s no wonder the Cameron Highlands in central Malaysia is a popular holiday destination. Here’s our pick of the best places to stay, bookable with Culture Trip.
While the Cameron Highlands shot to international renown after serving as the setting for HBO’s 2019 film adaptation of Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng’s novel The Garden of Evening Mists, this area has long been a playground for locals seeking respite in nature. There are plenty of relaxing activities available, from rambling along undulating hills to picking fruit at the numerous farms dotting the highlands or simply unwinding in the comfort of a home-style resort.
Gerard’s Place
Resort
If you’re looking for a cosy getaway with your partner, you’ll love this adults-only resort that offers a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy each other’s company. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, and offer lovely views of lush greenery. While breakfast is not included in the room packages, there are on-site kitchen facilities should you feel like whipping up a meal. If not, there are plenty of dining establishments just a short drive away – from steamboat restaurants to eateries specialising in fresh seafood.
Century Pines Resort
Spa Hotel
With interiors that are best described as mid-century modern, this family-friendly resort features plenty of warm lighting, plush carpets and heavy drapes. All the rooms offer either tranquil mountain views or overlook the garden, so you can wake to the soothing sights and sounds of nature. For those in need of some pampering, there’s an on-site spa that offers a wide selection of therapeutic treatments, but those planning to work up a sweat can pop by the hotel gym or sign up for the many hiking or cycling tours available.
Moonriver Lodge
Hotel
Moonriver Lodge is a family homestay situated in the luscious mountains of Sigar Highlands. Lie back in one of the hammocks and soak in the calming views of the outdoor garden and highlands. Explore the wonders of nature at the food garden and say hello to beautiful hummingbirds and butterflies. You can take part in vegetable farming activities to learn how to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs in the lodge’s kitchen garden. Join a trekking group to explore its flora and fauna, including the Rafflesia flower. You will feel calm and rejuvenated after a stay at this home away from home.
Father's Guesthouse
Bed and Breakfast, Hostel
This cosy bed and breakfast is an ideal getaway for travellers seeking to relax in cooler weather. There is a small kitchen where you can make your own snacks, and complimentary tea and coffee to start your day before heading out. The guesthouse arranges nature and sightseeing tours to explore the Cameron Highlands so you can pick what you want to do. Other perks of this place include free parking, wifi and a charming garden to relax in.
The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands
Boutique Hotel, Resort
Step into a blissful fairy tale-like world with a stay at this Tudor-style country house. The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands is located at The Valley of Eternal Spring, overlooking the rolling hills and calm woodlands. It is a short drive to Tanah Rata and Ringlet where you can see many natural attractions. You can also book a guided jungle trek to explore the Cameron Highlands. On the accommodation side of things, each room flaunts a spread of Tudor-esque features, from beamed ceilings to four-poster beds. There is a spa if you’re in need of a post-trek pick-me-up and the main restaurant follows the old-world theme.
The Smokehouse Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Inn
Enjoy a relaxing stay at this Tudor-style boutique hotel, which was built in 1939 along with an adjoining golf course. The garden follows the English country theme, with classical flowerbeds and manicured lawns. The Tudor theme runs throughout, and the well-appointed bedrooms offer maximum comfort after a day exploring the rolling hills. Come the morning, tuck into a fine traditional English breakfast. The afternoon tea, complete with fluffy scones, cream and strawberry jam, is also not to be missed.
Arundina
Hotel
This 12-room boutique guesthouse is named after a bamboo orchid. The bungalow was originally built as a family home and today it serves as a welcoming spot for tourists to stay. All the rooms are cosy and tastefully furnished with comfort in mind, and come with free wifi and multiple power sockets. The staff are really friendly and happy to provide you with information about local tours and transportation. If you fancy something closer to home, the Parit Falls are less than a 15-minute walk from the guesthouse. The gardens at this hotel are equally as lovely, with some very photogenic views.
Hotel De'la Ferns
Resort, Suite Hotel
Hotel De’la Ferns is located between Tanah Rata and Brinchang. The boutique resort features 78 well-furnished rooms, with singles, doubles, twins and queen options. The junior and family suites come with Japanese-style sliding doors. Up your vacation game with a stay in the duplex-style penthouse suites, Cameron Ferns and Highland Ferns. Each suite boasts incredible views of the highlands. Another highlight here is the Fern Restaurant, which serves Western and local dishes. The scones, chocolate brownies and apple pie are real crowd-pleasers.
Cameron Highlands Resort
Resort
Set 1,500m (4,921ft) above sea level in a forested mountainscape, Cameron Highlands Resort is a charming 56-room resort that started life as a 1930s cottage. The interiors hark back to its grand colonial heritage with tall French doors, timber-beamed ceilings and plantation shutters. All rooms and suites enjoy splendid views of the golf course with a backdrop of rolling hills and lush green forest. The views from the refined restaurant are also a treat, along with the English-Asian fusion cuisine. Make time for the on-site spa during your stay, with natural ingredients and local healing practices used during treatments.
Strawberry Park Resort
Resort
Set on a sprawling seven-acre (2.8ha) plot, Strawberry Park Resort is beautiful property with breathtaking views of the highlands. Be sure to book a room with a balcony so you can soak up your surroundings from dawn to dusk. The exterior of the property is neo-Tudor in style, but the rooms have a modern feel, with polished wood floors and monochrome furnishings. Upgrade to an apartment for an ultra-luxurious experience, with a whirlpool tub and fireplace to indulge in. On the dining front, there are several restaurants offering everything from Wiener Schnitzel to home-made pizza. And if you fancy partying the night away, there’s even a nightclub.
Vanessa Tai contributed additional reporting to this article.