Cameron Highlands Weekend Trip from Kuala Lumpur: Itinerary & Budget Travel Guide

Cameron Highlands Weekend Trip from Kuala Lumpur (Budget Travel Guide)

Looking to escape Kuala Lumpur city for the weekend? Cameron Highlands is one of the best short getaways in Malaysia—perfect for solo travelers, friends, families, or even work colleagues. Known for its cool climate, lush greenery, and tea plantations, Cameron Highlands is a refreshing break from the city hustle of Kuala Lumpur.

You can visit Cameron Highlands all year round, but the best time to go is from January to March, when the weather is cooler and ideal for sightseeing. However, just to give you heads up, you will experience zigzag roads driving there. So if you have motion sickness or if you might get easily get it, please make sure you prepare over-the-counter medicine or avoid eating heavy meals before the trip. This guide is ideal for budget travelers seeking a nature escape without breaking the bank. Please also consider that weekends can be busy, so early planning is recommended.

How to Go to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur

🚍 By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)

• Departure Point: TBS Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (Kuala Lumpur)
• Travel Time: 4.5 to 5 hours Approximate
• Bus Fare:
  • Kuala Lumpur (TBS) → Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands: RM 43
  • Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands → Kuala Lumpur (TBS): RM 45
  • Total Roundtrip Fare: RM 88 per person

The earliest bus from Kuala Lumpur (TBS) to Tanah Rata (Cameron Highlands) departs at 8:15 AM. You can easily reach TBS Bus Terminal which is the main bus terminal in KL for long-distance travel via the KTM / LRT (SPL Line) and alight at Bandar Tasik Selatan station. I highly suggest that you arrive early (at least 30 minutes-1 hour before the bus departure) to secure your seat and buy snacks for the journey. In TBS there are a lot of convenience store and food options there. It’s a modern bus terminal that has the Boarding process like you are in the airport. You need to print the Boarding Pass from the bus counters. Please note that they collect a small fee for this. From what I remember it was RM 1 per Boarding Pass printing.

📱 Tip: I recommend using the Easybook app to check schedules and book tickets online—it’s convenient and reliable. You can also show your Boarding Pass at the Boarding Gates as well so you can avoid the queues.

🚗 By Car or Private Transfer

• Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
• Ideal for groups or travelers who want extra comfort
• Roads are zigzag and hilly, so prepare if you experience motion sickness
• Estimated Cost for Car Rental: RM 500 per way depends on your negotiation
• You can search on Facebook Pages for Car Rental options, Grab, Bolt, InDrive could be checked.

You can also travel to Cameron Highlands from Penang or Georgetown, as buses and private transfers are available from there as well.

Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata)

If you’re wondering where to stay in Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata is the best area—especially for first-time visitors and budget travelers. As the town center, Tanah Rata offers easy access to restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, tour operators, and public transportation, making it a very convenient base for exploring the highlands.

During our trip, I booked our accommodation through Booking.com and stayed at Gerard’s Backpackers, a great budget-friendly stay in Cameron Highlands. The room cost only RM 146 per night for two people, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want comfort without overspending. It was located in a condominium unit where the bathroom is shared but it was really clean and comfortable stay. It was a good deal compare to others. You can check out their reviews.

What I loved most about Gerard’s Backpackers is its location. It’s close enough to Tanah Rata town that you can easily walk to nearby eateries and shops, yet it’s tucked away from the main road—so the surroundings are quiet and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing stay.

Another highlight is the breathtaking mountain view. You can enjoy the cool weather and lush greenery right from the balcony, which adds to the overall Cameron Highlands experience.

Why stay at Gerard’s Backpackers?

• ✔ Budget-friendly accommodation in Tanah Rata
• ✔ Walking distance to town center
• ✔ Quiet and peaceful location
• ✔ Scenic balcony views
• ✔ Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and backpackers

You can actually find accommodation options in Cameron Highlands below RM 100 per night or around RM 200 for a fancy hotel.

Cameron Highlands 2D1N Travel Itinerary (Overnight Stay)

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur → Cameron Highlands

8:00 AM – Depart from Kuala Lumpur
12:00 PM – Arrive in Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata)

12:30 PM – Lunch (Banana Leaf Meal)
Head to Restoran Sri Brinchang in Tanah Rata. Their Indian dishes are flavorful and filling—perfect after a long trip.

2:00 PM – Hotel Check-In & Rest
Choose accommodation near town for easy access to restaurants and shops.

3:00 PM – English Scones & Tea Time
Visit Scott’s Café, a highly rated café on TripAdvisor. Their English scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam are a must-try. Relax, enjoy the cool weather, and stroll around Tanah Rata afterward.

6:00 PM – Steamboat (Hot Pot) Dinner
End your day with a steamboat dinner, a Cameron Highlands specialty. Enjoy fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood cooked in a hot broth—perfect for the cold evening. Many restaurants are located in the town center with balcony views.

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Day 2: Cameron Highlands → Kuala Lumpur

7:30 AM – Local Breakfast
Start your morning with Roti Canai and Teh Tarik at Man Cameron Roti Canai, while enjoying the crisp mountain air.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Visit the Tea Plantation
Morning is the best time to explore the tea plantations, as it’s cooler and less crowded.

• Taxi fare: RM 90 round trip to visit the Tea Plantation
• Split cost (2 people): RM 45 per person

Enjoy the scenic views, take photos, and relax until noon.

12:00 PM – Souvenir Shopping & Pastries
Before heading back to the accomodation and preparing the return to KL, stop by Naux Pastry, known for having some of the best cakes and pastries in Cameron Highlands. A perfect treat or souvenir to take home.

Why Visit Cameron Highlands?

✔ Cool weather getaway from Kuala Lumpur
✔ Budget-friendly weekend trip
✔ Scenic tea plantations and nature views
✔ Great food and café culture
✔ Easy access by bus or car

Here’s the total cost per person for the weekend getaway in Cameron Highlands:

A weekend in Cameron Highlands is the perfect way to take a break from city life and enjoy cooler weather, beautiful landscapes, and comforting food. From tea plantations to cozy cafés and peaceful accommodations in Tanah Rata, this trip offers great value for both time and money. If you’re planning your next escape from Kuala Lumpur, bookmark this guide and start planning your Cameron Highlands weekend adventure today.