Cameron Highlands Private Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur: Tea, Strawberries & Waterfalls

Summary

Explore Cameron Highlands: Tea Gardens, Strawberry Farms & Local Sights

If you’re craving cool mountain air and a break from city life, this Cameron Highlands day trip is for you. You’ll visit waterfalls, pick strawberries right off the vine, sip fresh tea overlooking rolling hills, wander through cactus gardens and find peace at a hilltop temple—all with an easy hotel pickup and comfy ride.

What’s the experience like?

The air changed the moment we left Kuala Lumpur—cooler, almost crisp, with a faint scent of wet earth drifting in through the car window. Our driver, Mr. Lim, chatted about local legends as we wound up the old Tapah road. About two hours in, we pulled over at Lata Iskandar Waterfall. The sound was louder than I expected—rushing water tumbling down granite rocks, kids laughing as they splashed in the shallow pool below. On weekends it gets crowded with families and snack vendors selling fried bananas and sweet corn by the roadside. I grabbed a quick photo before we moved on; the mist clung to my glasses for a second.

Next stop: BOH Tea Plantation. The hills rolled out in every direction, neat rows of tea bushes like green corduroy under the morning sun. We learned from our guide that this place has been here since 1929—founded by a British guy named J.A. Russell who saw potential even during tough times. Walking through the fields, you catch whiffs of fresh leaves and sometimes hear workers chatting in Tamil or Malay as they pick the tender shoots. The tea house up top serves hot cups with scones; honestly, nothing beats sipping local tea while looking out over those endless green slopes.

After that caffeine kick, we headed to Big Red Strawberry Farm above Brinchang town. It’s tucked away behind Star Regency Hotel (watch for the signboards). Rows of strawberries grow on steep terraces—you can pick your own if you want or just sample their homemade strawberry ice cream (I did both). The place also grows salad greens hydroponically; I noticed a few locals buying bags of lettuce to take home.

Cactus Valley was next—never thought I’d see so many types of cacti outside a desert! Some are older than my parents (60 years or more), and there’s way more than just prickly plants here: roses, hibiscus, even peach trees line the paths. You’ll spot gardeners tending to pots or chatting about which flowers are blooming best this month. If you’re into plants at all, it’s easy to lose track of time wandering around.

Our last stop was Sam Poh Temple—a peaceful spot surrounded by bright yellow walls and quiet gardens. Before stepping inside, we slipped off our shoes as a sign asked us to do. Incense hung in the air; monks moved quietly between statues of Buddha and other deities. It felt calm after all the sightseeing—a good place to pause before heading back down to KL.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cameron Highlands Day Tour

• Visit Lata Iskandar Waterfall
• Explore Boh Tea Plantations
• Tour Big Red Strawberry Farm
• See Cactus Valley
• Visit Sam Poh Temple

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can enjoy picking strawberries and exploring gardens. Infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

How long does it take to reach Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur?

It usually takes about 3–4 hours each way by car depending on traffic and stops along the route.

Can I customize which attractions we visit?

Absolutely—the tour is private so you can discuss your preferences with your driver-guide on the day.

Do I need to bring anything special?

A light jacket is handy since it can get chilly up there; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around farms and gardens.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in KL, an English-speaking driver-guide who knows all the local spots, plus travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort throughout your journey.