5 Secret Hideouts You Didn't Know Existed In Cameron Highlands, MALAYSIA
If you think Cameron Highlands is getting too commercialised and hotels are just too mainstream for you, here are 5 secret hideouts I discovered last month and I think I should share it with everyone. Haha! Enjoy!
1. TOP SECRET - TERRA TREE HOUSE
A secret place that offers you the possibility to peek into the private life of Tarzan, if not then wildlife! It is designed for nature lovers and also travelers whom love to make their travel experience slightly more adventurous.
You basically need to take a 4WD off-road journey for about 4 km from the main town – Brinchang. It takes up about half an hour drive on narrow and bumpy roads, passing through local farms and orchards.
Upon reaching the entrance where you can see the arch of Terra’s Tree House, this is not it YET! You need to hike up for about 400 meters through a log piled trail! This might be a little bit challenging, but fresh air and scenic view simply make the hike to the tree house totally worth it. BREATHTAKING.
And yes, I know, I bet you are wondering if there’s WI-FI available? In fact, there’s no cell reception. This means no Internet access. Terra’s Tree House is really the ultimate hideout for you to ‘disconnect’ from the digital world.
Are you feeling like having a hibernation from work now?
Rate: RM280 per night for the first 2 guests
Location: Jalan Sungai Mansion, Brinchang, Pahang, 39010, Malaysia
Source: http://www.terrafarm.com.my
Photo credit: Mr. Ngiam Chee Jieh & Suanie.net
You can read more about Suanie's adventure to Terra Tree House here: Suanie.net
2. LOCALS CALL IT BREAD HOUSE -
THE BARRACKS a.k.a Father's Guesthouse
Feeling hungry? Nah, they don’t sell bread but bed. This is definitely a hideout place for those who are traveling on a shoestring budget. The Barracks are located within a few hundred meters away from Cameron Highlands CBD – Tanah Rata. These military barracks were passed down from the British are now converted as rooms and dormitories.
It does look like a loaf of bread. Trust the British for its creativity, the outer layer maybe made of zinc but there’s a layer of insulation material that keeping you warm and making the space cozy. Oh yes, they have a nice garden too.
Are you feeling like living in a piece of history of good old Cameron Highlands?
Rate: Starts as low as RM10!
Location: Lot 25, P.O Box. 90, 39007, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Source: Fathers Guesthouse & Cameron Highlands Destinations
Photo credit: Phil (Weasel Lasagna) & Travel Vice Snapshots
3. THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY HOMESTAY - WOGOXETTE UPSTAIRS // MADE IN KT
This “kampong house” is located in the most understated village in Cameron Highlands – Kuala Terla. Nestled in between the homes of locals, this secret hideout provides a retreat for those looking to hide away from the city bustle and also for those who would love to experience living in a quaint kampong setting.
Every detail of this locally built home communicates a passion for art and design. It is simply a fitting vacation base for Instagrammers! Yes I admit that I am an Instagram freak.
Ah! There is a reading area you would not want to miss. You can pretty much hide here all-day long reading all your books, complemented with a cup of Cameronian Tea, overlooking kampong houses, farms & mountains. Who wouldn’t want that?
Best of all, this place comes with a friendly host! Not sure where to eat? Where to play? The host is here to give you guidance.
Are you thinking of a getaway now?
Rate: RM250 per night for 2 guests, RM46 for each additional guest, up to a maximum of 5 guests at one time.
Location: 116, Kampung Kuala Terla, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Photo credit: @wogoxetteupstairs Instagram
Contact the host: airbnbhost
4. A TASTE OF COUNTRY LIVING - MOONRIVER LODGE
This is a family owned farmstay nestled in a valley of the lush mountains of Sigar Highlands, located just a few kilometres away from Kampung Raja, the first town you arrive if you are coming from Ipoh-Cameron Highlands Expressway Route 185.
Here, you can lie in a hammock overlooking the beautiful garden. If you have kids, this would be an ideal space for them. Confiscate their iPads for a moment and let them roam & explore the nature freely along the food garden paths, run through the fruit tunnel and play with Webby the duck or Zorro the cat.
This is a space where nature lovers can watch hummingbirds and butterflies drinking nectar from the flowers and listen out for the distant call of the monkeys too.
What’s great here is that the owner is not only committed to provide a relaxing stay but also the opportunity for his guests to learn about nature, growing food & experience day-to-day vegetable farming activities. They have fun gardening programme for you to learn how food is grown. You harvest fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs from their garden and you can prepare a healthy organic meal on your own.
Isn’t this a real-life Farmville? Don’t you want to stay here FOREVER?
Rate: RM650 per night for a maximum of 10 guests for Main Lodge (Other rates & types of lodge available)
Location: Jalan Gua Musang - Cameron Highlands, 18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan
Photo credit: Moonriver Lodge Management
5. LIVE THE LIKE AN ORANG ASLI - RAINFOREST INN RINGLET
Located 15-min drive from Ringlet (first town you arrive at if you are coming from Tapah) near an Orang Asli community surrounded by pure nature, a small creek with crystal clear water coming down right next to your room built with bamboos.
This secret hideout is totally an awesome escape from the crazy tourist crowds in neighboring towns. It allows you to spend your own sweet time and experience the lifestyle & culture of Orang Asli.
To illustrate, imagine you shower in the creek (of course, the outdoor bathroom is covered with tubes of bamboos) or dip straight into the river beside the inn after some jungle trekking activities with the Orang Asli.
This could be one of the best times of your life!
Stop imagining, plan one now?
Rate: RM300 per night, fits 4 guests
Location: 7, Jln ODP 2, Orchid Deluxe Park | Bertam Valley, Ringlet, 39200, Malaysia
Source: TripAdvisor
Photo credit: Rainforest Inn Ringlet Management
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Cameron Highlands? Email the guest author at bryan.chianglipwai@gmail.com
Written by Bryan Chiang. Please excuse my poor English.
Kindly note that this article is written based on the author’s personal point of view & experience. Please contact the respective owners for more details.
