Tanah Rata is the largest township of Cameron Highlands, located at the northwestern tip of Pahang, approximately 90km from Ipoh and about 200km from Kuala Lumpur. The name “Tanah Rata” means flat ground in Bahasa Melayu and it refers to the relatively flat area on which the town is located between the valley within this highland region. Tanah Rata contains the many facilities and amenities, including the district council, banks and ATMs and the main hospital in Cameron Highlands. It has a diverse population of locals and languages spoken include Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, Tamil, Semai, Temiar, Mendriq, Punjabi and English.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are flights to Ipoh provided by Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Firefly and Air Asia. From the Ipoh airport, guests may then hail a taxi to reach Tanah Rata.

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive through the North-South Expressway (PLUS) exiting at Tapah or Simpang Pulai exit before continuing the journey towards Tanah Rata. From Tapah exit, the journey leads through older, winding roads while from Simpang Pulai exit, the roads are newer, easier to drive.

By Bus

The local bus terminal is located at Tanah Rata. Among the available express bus services are Konsortium Express, Unititi Express, GT Express, CS Travel and Pahang Lin Siong Motor Company.

Tourist Attractions

Tanah Rata Post Office

The post office is officially being in operation since 1956 and still provides its customers with a “poste restante” service whereby the post office holds the mail until the recipient calls for it.

Ye Olde Smokehouse Inn

This famous landmark was built in 1939 by William J. Warin modelling the Smokehouse in Beck Row, Mildenhall, England, the United Kingdom to celebrate everything British. The interior of the mock Tudor-styled hotel comes with open fireplaces and wood-panelled walls. The English garden outside overlooks the Sultan Ahmad Shah golf course on the Tanah Rata-Brinchang road junction.

Bharat Tea plantation

A carefully tendered tea plantation suitable for walk about and enjoying the breathtaking view. There is a café serving freshly brewed Cameron Highlands tea with English scones and muffins.

Rafflesia Tour

A guided jungle trekking tour and travel by 4 wheel drive Land Rover to see the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. However, it is advisable to check on the availability with the tour operators as the flower is seasonal.

Yung Seng Souvenir Shop

A convenient souvenir shop selling the usual Cameron Highlands keepsake items as well as interesting selection of the aborigines or Orang Asli crafts and wood carvings, including various blowpipes with its darts.

Hotels

TM Resort Cameron Highlands

This apartment unit hotel is located in a quiet spot perched on a hill slope. A very suitable budget wise accommodation, but not within immediate reach of modern living conveniences.

Cameron Golden Hills Resort

This terraced like hotel is situated nearby the aborigines’ settlement area and also within minutes walking to the Cameron Highlands Golf Club and Parit Falls. Guests are also have an easy access to stroll along Night Market held close by.

The Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands

This English Tudor-styled hotel provides the charm of traditional, colonial English ambience. Guests may experience the finest dining starting with English breakfast and enjoying the relaxation of resting beside open fireplaces or spending time in great scenery of the English garden.

Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands

This hotel provides panoramic views of the Tanah Rata town and it is set surrounded by tropical rainforest. Sculptured garden also bring in an old, English countryside experience for its guests.

Cameron Highlands Resort

This boutique hotel provides well-appointed rooms overlooking the Cameron Highlands 18-hole golf course. It also houses the award-winning ‘Spa Village’ specialising in exotic treatments using the healing properties of Cameron Highlands tea leaves.