Rolling Hills of Tea
Tea and Cameron Highlands has a long history, going way back to the 1920s, even before its development as a hill station. Today, it is the largest tea growing region in Malaysia, with tea plantations draped around its hills and valleys.
Visiting a tea plantation should be on everyone’s to-do-list!
During our recent trip in August, the experience was so AWESOME, we did not stop after one, but just kept going …. 😍
- Bharat Tea, Tanah Rata
- Boh Tea, Sungei Palas
- Boh Tea, Habu Ringlet
NB. Factory Tours are closed until further notice in view of Covid-19
1. Bharat Tea, Tanah Rata
Located on the main road between Tanah Rata and Ringlet, Bharat Tea is a convenient stop for afternoon tea for those taking the old road (from Tapah) to the hill station.
Arriving late afternoon at 4.30pm, we ignored the aromas wafting from the cafe and instead asked for directions to the tea plantation walk. The descent to the valley starts at a long flight of moderately steep stairs before merging onto a road that meanders gently downhill.
The unfolding scene of verdant hills covered in winding rows of tea hedges had us stopping for pictures every few seconds, stretching the 5-minute walk to an engrossing 15 minutes of stunning vistas.
A bridge over a trickling stream leads to a park and a picnic area (now closed in accordance with Covid-19 SOPs. This lovely spot against a backdrop of neatly trimmed tea hedges is perfect for photo-sharing on social media.
And I definitely did not expect to find the ‘Kampung House’ from the movie “The Garden of Evening Mists” here. I have yet to catch the movie as lockdown happened soon after its cinema release date in February.
From the bridge, a path leads down to the stream for a closer appreciation of the waterfall. Fed by fresh water from the hills, the stream twists along the valley bed. Looking closely into the clear cool water, we spotted tiny fishes and even managed to catch a few before releasing them back into the water.
We ventured among the tea bushes for a bit, to experience the intoxicating fragrance that assaults tea-pickers daily.
After 1.5 hours of traipsing the valley of tea, inundated by immense beauty whichever way we looked, we slowly made our way back to the café for cake and freshly brewed tea.
Sipping a soothing cup of tea as the sun sets amidst hills carpeted by lush green tea fields was the perfect ending to the totally enjoyable plantation walk.
Cameron Valley Tea House 1 Batu 34, Jalan Besar, Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening Hours : Monday - Friday : 8.30am - 6.00pm Saturday/Sunday : 8.00am - 7.00pm Plantation Walk Entry Fee Adult : RM3.00 Buggy service (optional): RM15.00
2. Boh Tea, Sungei Palas
Described as a must-visit destination in the highlands, the Sungei Palas Tea Garden boasts an iconic 20-foot overhanging balcony-cum-viewing deck for captivating panoramic views.
The access road from Brinchang however, is hilly and winding, so be prepared for choc-a-block traffic going in and out, as there are many blind corners with sections just wide enough for a single vehicle to pass.
But once you arrive, it will all be forgotten. Perched at 5,000 feet above sea level surrounded by 8,000 acres of tea bushes in all directions as far as the eye can see, the harrowing journey is part of the adventure.
From the carpark, a path connects to a plank walk flanked by tea bushes to the hilltop Visitor Centre.
At the base of the hill, a wooden staircase heads up the slope of tea bushes towards the iconic glass building with its distinctive protruding balcony. With numerous photo opportunities along the way, you will hardly feel the climb.
At 12.30pm, the place was bustling. The café was packed with a long line of people waiting to get in. Deciding to give the café a miss, we proceeded to the main attraction – JA’s balcony for commanding views of manicured tea fields.
In compliance with the Recovery MCO guidelines, we dutifully followed the one way flow single entry / exit points, and waited for our turn at the balcony (maximum of 15 persons at any one time).
It was well worth the wait as we soaked in the enchanting sight of undulating hills blanketed in various shades of green.
There is also a Souvenir Shop, Exhibition Gallery and tea tasting for an all immersive tea experience.
Tea Factory (closed)
Sungei Palas Tea Garden 39000 Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays: 8.30am – 4.30pm *Closed on Mondays, except for selected public and school holidays
3. Boh Tea, Habu Ringlet
The BOH Tea legacy started here in 1929. Located between Tanah Rata and Ringlet, the 456-hectare Habu estate is the largest and oldest of BOH’s tea gardens.
After the turn off from the main road, you will first pass through vegetable farms along the narrow and winding road. I was amazed by the wide range of vegetables planted right beside the road.
From the entrance of the tea garden, the 2km journey to the Tea Centre is incredibly scenic with breathtaking landscapes lurking behind each corner.
At the top of the hill, the Tea Centre consists of a Café & Souvenir shop housed in two semi concave buildings, and an open air terrace. From its vantage point in the middle of a forest, this breezy open air terrace overlooking the picturesque plantation offers a unique visitor experience.
Built in 1949 during the Malaysian Emergency (1948-1956), the Nissen Huts were used to store supplies for troops stationed here. Good example of upcycling while preserving history with a touch of authenticity.
With a slow afternoon ahead of us, we lingered over a leisurely cuppa paired with chocolate brownie and cheese cake. Based on our preferences, the knowledgeable staff recommended a pot each of Palas Afternoon tea (taken black) and Gunung Chantik (with milk) to differentiate the distinct flavour of various tea types.
BOH’s very first tea factory, built in the 1930’s.
We could not resist checking out the building though it was closed.
As always, no visit is complete without shopping. The Souvenir Shop offers a wide selection of tea, special blends and gift sets.
Boh Tea Garden 39000 Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, Pahang Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays : 8.30am – 4.30pm *Closed on Mondays, except for selected public and school holidays
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