Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's premier hill resort. Located in the state of Pahang, on the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia, at 1524m above sea level, it is the largest of the Malaysian hill resorts. Much of its appeal lies in the neat sprawling tea plantations which date back to 1929, as well as terraced flower gardens, strawberry farms, orchads and vegetable gardens.
Being a popular hill resort, Cameron Highlands is well-developed with visitor amenities, tourist attractions, activities and a range of accommodation for a comfortable, leisurely holiday in cool invigorating climate.

History
Centuries ago, the dense jungle-clad mountainous terrain of the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia was home to the indigenous aboriginal people called the orang asli, living on nature's sustenance found within the rich jungle preserve. In 1885, William Cameron, a British surveyor in the government service, went on an exploratory expedition of the mountain range for map-making of the Perak/Pahang Border. He reported a 'fine plateau shut in by lofty mountains'. However, it was only inearly 1920s, when the bridle path up the mountain was improved that led to the development of a hill station.
The cool climate which never ranged more than 20?c, along with its fertile soil also attracted a young British resident, John Archibald Russell, who saw the potential of tea as an important cash crop in Malaya. Large tracts of the highlands were acquired, and the virgin jungle cleared for cultivation of tea bushes. Thus began Boh Estate, the first highland tea plantation in the country. Subsequently, other tea estates were opened, among them, the Blue Valley and Bharat plantations.
The highland was also found to be conducive for the commercial cultivation of vegetables, flowers and fruits such as oranges and strawberries.
The increasing popularity of the Cameron Highlands in recent years has attracted the development of more tourism facilities and spots to cater to the growing number of visitors.

What To See and Do
Visitors are attracted to the Cameron Highlands largely for a change of climate and pace. As such, activities are nature-based and relaxing with a variety of activities and attractions to suit one's mood and level of fitness.
The Cameron Highlands consists of a series of little townships which include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Trinkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. The total population is approximately 25,000, the majority of whom are employed in agriculture and the leisure industry. The best tourist amenities are sited in or around Tanah Rata but Brinchang is fast catching up with a number of new apartments and restaurants.

Ringlet
Ringlet is the first township that one approaches on the route up the highlands. It has often been bypassed by visitors in their hurry to get to the summit.
Just after the township, about a kilometer away and perched atop the hill on the left is The Lakehouse Hotel. Overlooking the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake, the Tudor-style country house is an ideal place to savour English tea and scones, or strawberry and cream. Built in 1972, the 25-room hotel is exquisitely furnished with antique décor, poster-beds in the suites and has a cosy fireplace for relaxation. The hotel is also well-known for its Continental fare.
Habu, just after Ringlet, is more a locality for the Habu Power Station and the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake. Of interest to visitors passing through this locality is the flower nursery, some fruit and vegetable stalls, and the permission orchads that are an attraction during the fruiting season from August to September. Shortly after Habu, on the right is a narrow but scenic road that takes you to the Boh Tea Plantation, one of the major tea plantations in Cameron Highlands. Northwards, a narrow steep uphill path leads to the Robinson Power Station and the Robinson Waterfalls.

Tanah Rata
Approximately 13km away from Ringlet is Tanah Rata, the main town of Cameron Highlands. It has a population of about 7,000, mostly those involved in the hospitality, food and service sectors.
The heart of the beguiling little town centers on Jalan Besar, the main street. Flanked by a row of quaint shop houses on one side, the town has a sense of warm communal atmosphere normally found in mountain hamlets. The residents here exude friendly charm and courtesy and are generally helpful to tourists. English is widely spoken, given the area's early colonial history. It is very easy to feel comfortable and at peace with oneself in this tranquil environment.
As the main town in the highlands, Tanah Rata is well-served by a range of hotel accommodation, restaurants, shops, a post office, a hospital, clinics, travel agencies, a tourist information center, a scenic public garden, golf course, a bus station and a taxi stand.
All of these are within walking distance but taxis are available for hire at RM18 per hour, for venturing beyond the town. For sighseeing, you can book a half-day tour for approximately RM15 to RM30, depending on your itinerary