The Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations. It covers an area of 712 square kilometres (275 sq mi).
To the north, its boundary touches that of Kelantan; to the west, it shares part of its border with Perak.
Situated at the northwestern tip of Pahang, the “Camerons” is approximately 85 kilometres (53 mi) from Ipoh or about 200 kilometres (120 mi) from Kuala Lumpur.
During the day, the temperature seldom rises above 25 °C (77 °F); at night, the temperature can sometimes drop to as low as −0.9 °C (30.4 °F).
The resort has a diverse population of more than 34,000 people. It comprises Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups. The literacy rate here is above 88 percent.
The plateau was first developed by the British in the 1920s. It is made up of three sub-districts, namely Ringlet (5,165 hectares (12,760 acres)), Tanah Rata (2,081 hectares (5,140 acres)) and Ulu Telom (63,981 hectares (158,100 acres)). Of the three, Tanah Rata serves as the administrative centre of the region.
In all, the retreat consists of eight neighbourhoods. The three townships are Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang. The area's five settlements are the Bertam Valley, Kea Farm, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. All are nestled at an altitude of more than 1,200 metres (3,900 ft).
The gateways to the highlands are via Kuala Lipis or Raub through Pos Betau to Ringlet. From Perak, it can be accessed either from Tapah or Simpang Pulai. While from Kelantan, route available from Gua Musang to Pulai in Gua Musang to Kampung Raja.
Miscellany
The green quietude of the Cameron Highlands.
The “Camerons" is unlike any other constituency in Malaysia, with a substantially different ecosystem.
In 1958, the outpost was declared a reserve for deer. Four years later, it became a ward affording protection to animals and birds.
There are six mountains at the retreat. The highest peak is Mount Batu Brinchang (Malay: Gunung Batu Brinchang). At the top of the 2,031-metre (6,663 ft) mountain is a radio and television station. Close to it is a 15-metre (49 ft)-high “Observation Tower” with a good view of the neighbourhood.
Much of the Cameron Highlands is under cultivation. There are some 3,642 hectares (9,000 acres) of forest.Jungle trails lead visitors to scenic spots, waterfalls and aboriginal villages.
Most of the tracks here begin at Tanah Rata. There are more than 14 paths to pick and choose from. Depending on its distance, some routes can take as long as five hours to cover.
Apart from its walks, the sanctuary is also known for its tea plantations, vegetable farms, orchards, nurseries, insect life, soaring peaks, nature spots, temperate plants, deep ravines, mossy forest, wild animals, serene lakes, golf links, meandering streams, jungle-clad hills, rest houses, places of worship, waterfalls, rolling greens, reptiles, colonial mansions, Land Rovers, migratory birds, animal traps and last but not least, its native population. The natives or aborigines are basically jungle dwellers. On the surface, their lifestyle has always been made out to be backward. But this has changed over the years. While many have left to take up residence in the nearby towns, there are still some who prefer to treat the jungle as their home.
