Take The Path Less Ordinary

If you are new to hiking around Malaysian countryside and highland, and we don’t mean national parks where trails are proper and well marked, do it with some “what if” preparation before you start. You should know that Jim Thompson’s disappearance in March 1967 slingshot Cameron Highlands into limelight for the wrong reason. The American entrepreneur and World War II military officer went for a stroll and never came back.

Some trails shown in the map below are beaten and some aren’t. With the exception of Mount Brinchang jungle trekking trail that runs from Cactus Valley, other trails are well scrubbed by local hikers. But because you may come from non-tropical country that spot a different landscape, do whatever you are comfortable with. If the path ahead looks nasty to you, backtrack. Remember, once you press on and hike with the fear of getting lost, it isn’t holiday anymore. It’s good to start your hike in the morning. It’s cooler and you can take your sweet time.

Trails for those who get pumped from just using the PC mouse

One can use hourly local buses by Regal Bus Co. Ltd. Sdn Bhd plies Cameron Highland from tip to toe during day time to get to the trail heads. There are 2 routes that originate from Tanah Rata and this is the cheapest form of transport.

1. Tanah Rata - Tapah, with pitstops in Habu, Lakehouse and Ringlet
2. Tanah Rata - Kampung Raja, with pitstops in Brinchang, Kea Farm, Butterfly Farm, Tringkap (gateway to Sg Palas BOH tea plantation), Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja.

Trails for those who are born with rocket fuel running through the veins

We know some of you are experienced trekkers and need a tough trail or two to call it a holiday. The thing to remember before hitting these trails is - always register yourself at Tanah Rata or Brinchang police station. Mind you, lost trekkers fuel the headlines every once a while. It’s a good thing the police is well prepared and will come looking for you if you don’t make it back within stipulated time.

Bring minimum 3 litres of water, lots of energy bars, compass and raincoat.

Never start trekking in the afternoon. The sun dims out early and it gets dark in the forest by 5-6pm. Compounded by mist and cloud shrouding the mountain side, loosing your way can easily be a hazard if you trek during late afternoon.

Uphill trails are steep and muddy at times. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt if you must. A good pair of trekking shoes is indispensable. However, you do not need ropes or mountaineering skills to reach the peaks. Take heart, avid trekkers from KL, Ipoh and Penang scale them for exercise on weekends.

Estimated trek time, one way

Mardi - Mount Beremban, 1.5-2hrs.
Sam Poh Tong - Mount Beremban, 2hrs.
Oly Apartment - Mount Jasar, 1-1.5hrs.
Oly Apartment - Mount Perdah, 1.5-2hrs.
Bharat Tea Estate - Mount Jasar, 2-3hrs.
Sg Palas BOH Teahouse - Mount Brinchang, 1.5-2hrs.

Mount Brinchang - Mount Irau, 3-4hrs. On the map, it looks like a short trail but believe us, it’s an excruciating steep and muddy climb through dense mossy forest. This is the most challenging trail.

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Despite the chilly air, Cameronians are the warmest people.


Local farmers are quick to give holiday hikers a ride if the going gets tough. For beginners, perhaps this Sungai Palas trail is your cup of tea.