Located in the state of Pahang, Cameron Highlands is among the oldest tourist destinations in Malaysia. Originally called “Cameron’s Land,” it was first mapped around 1885 by the British explorer and geologist William Cameron. However, the first development efforts during that time weren’t all that successful.
Today, however, is a different story. The Cameron Highlands is now one of the most popular destinations in the country, thanks to modernisation and the year-long cool weather. This same pleasant climate is also one of the reasons why the area is so conducive to growing and cultivating plants and flowers. In fact, the Cameron Highlands’ flower and strawberry farms continuously draw thousands of visitors each year.
For those of you who are planning to book a Cameron Highland tour package, make sure to include these beautiful, colourful destinations in your itinerary. These wondrous sights are more than worth the 3- to 4-hour trip from Kuala Lumpur.
Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm
If you love butterflies, then the most obvious destination for you is the Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm. It began as a private collection of an enthusiast, until the number of the fluttering beauties grew big enough and the farm was opened for visitors in 1990. Aside from colourful tropical butterflies, the Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm is also home to a variety of insects like beetles and mantids. There’s also a section dedicated to tortoises.
What’s great about this butterfly farm is that the butterflies are free-flying. There are no cages or screens, so you can interact with the colourful insects. There’s also a tour guide who will explain more about the butterflies on the farm, as well as more details about butterflies in general.
Mrs. Robertson’s Rose Garden
As mentioned earlier, the cool weather of the Cameron Highlands allows plants and flowers to really thrive. That’s why it’s not surprising to find flower farms in the area, including the famous Mrs. Robertson’s Rose Garden. It’s located on a picturesque hill, so you’ll get to see views of the valley along with the gorgeous (and huge!) rose blooms of almost every hue. There’s also a dainty cafe inside the garden, as well as a gift shop where you can get some souvenirs.
Lavender Garden
Aside from roses, another variety of flowers that bloom abundantly in the Cameron Highlands are lavenders. You can find them aplenty at the Lavender Garden. You can stroll along the walkways between the landscaped Hokkaido lavenders and Mona lavenders, so you can take photos and fully appreciate the fragrance and beauty of these delicate blooms.
There are also other varieties of flowers in the Lavender Garden, and you can pick some of them for a minimal fee. There’s also a bee history gallery, as well as a cafe for snacks and light meals. Also, make sure to try the lavender and strawberry soft-serve ice cream while you’re there!
Boh Tea Plantation
If you’re an avid tea drinker, then you know that Boh Tea Company is one of the most popular tea brands in the country. Make sure to visit the Boh Tea Plantation in the Cameron Highlands to know more about how your favourite tea is grown and harvested. The views are also quite gorgeous, which include perfectly manicured rows of verdant tea plants. For a pleasant break from all the walking, go ahead and visit the tea room to sip some freshly made tea. Of course, remember to bring home some tea packets for your souvenirs.
Agro Technology Park
At Agro Technology Park, you can learn more about agricultural technology and techniques, which are applied in growing and caring for the different plants and flowers on the property. The 42-acre park and research centre is home to a herb garden, an English garden, a rose garden, and an orchid garden. All in all, there are 40 kinds of roses, 10 kinds of strawberries, and 100 species of citrus fruits at the Agro Technology Park.
Cactus Valley
Most of us think of prickly green plants when we imagine cacti, but they’re actually quite beautiful when they bloom. At Cactus Valley, you can get to see various species of fascinating cacti and succulents. From short and stumpy to incredibly tall, you’ll be amazed at the great variety of these spiky plants. There’s also an apple orchard here, as well as different species of wildflowers, which bring yet another splash of colour to the area. For those who can’t leave a place without a souvenir, you can purchase potted cacti and other plants at Cactus Valley. And don’t worry since you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your new “pet.”
Big Red Strawberry Farm
Near the Cactus Valley is the Big Red Strawberry Farm where you can pick fresh strawberries to take home. (Note that there is no entrance fee, but the strawberries you pick will be priced at RM25 per half a kilo and RM40 per kilo.) Aside from strawberry picking, one of the biggest draws of Big Red Strawberry Farm is the cafe, where they serve all kinds of delicious treats made from fresh strawberries.
If you’re not much of a beach bum or if you’re simply looking for a different kind of holiday, you can treat yourself instead to a burst of colour in the Cameron Highlands. It will definitely be an experience to remember.
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