Singapore, where I live now, is a vibrant, multicultural Southeast Asian city-state renowned for its development, modern infrastructure, and strategic economic importance. Despite its small size, it is a global finance, trade, and technology hub. The country is known for its strict but effective governance, cleanliness, and commitment to innovation. Its diverse population comprises a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other cultures, reflected in its festivals, cuisine, and traditions. Iconic attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island draw millions of tourists annually. At the same time, its efficient public transport and green initiatives highlight its commitment to sustainability and urban planning.
The Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is a picturesque hill station renowned for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and vibrant biodiversity. Situated in Pahang at 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level, it offers a refreshing escape from Malaysia’s tropical heat. This region is famed for its sprawling tea plantations, such as the iconic BOH Tea Estate, where visitors can enjoy scenic views and learn about tea production. The Highlands are also known for their strawberry farms, flower gardens, and mossy forests filled with exotic flora and fauna. Attractions like the Butterfly Garden, Lavender Gardens, and the invigorating jungle trails make it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The area’s colonial heritage adds a touch of nostalgia with charming English-style cottages and resorts, making the Cameron Highlands an ideal retreat for relaxation and exploration.
We started around 5:30 AM Singapore time to cross the Johor Causeway, the first link between Singapore and Malaysia. This is not my first trip to Malaysia by car, but this is our first drive across the border as a couple, and it takes only 20 minutes (fastest) to get through the immigration checkpoints (Singapore and Malaysia). The funniest part is that, after driving through Malaysia for almost 30 minutes, we realised that we hadn’t taken the camera and crossed the border a second time around 8:30 AM. Unfortunately, that caused us a severe delay in Immigration. Causeway is famous for its long queue for crossing the border (one of the busiest borders in Asia daily).
We reached Tapah around 12:30 PM, where the real excitement begins as you approach the winding, forest-clad roads leading up to the cool, misty heights of Cameron Highlands. Temperatures drop, and the air becomes crisp. We stopped in between for breakfast in Machap, my usual first stop for breakfast while driving, where there are a few Indian shops. We stayed at Strawberry Park Resorts there. Some of the itineraries we visited are listed below, and don’t forget to view the Gallery for some of the things that greeted us and made the journey well worth the drive.
Lastly, I want to mention the vehicle used in the road trip: a Subaru Forrester 2.0 (my wife calls it Mandrake). It effortlessly conquered winding mountain roads and long stretches, making the journey smooth and enjoyable.
Our itineraries
- Strawberry Farms (there are a number of straberry farms around, you are allowed to pick it your own by giving 5-10MYR)
- Hiking (there are a number of trails available if you are interested in any of that)
- BOH tea estate (road was bit narrow, but its worth going between the tea estate). Dont forget to taste the tea
- Tanah Rat night market
- Number of Nurseries (flower, cactus)
- Mossy forest
