Shopping in Cameron Highlands | Fun Farms, Crafts & Sweet Souvenirs

Cameron Highlands is no Kuala Lumpur when it comes to shopping, but this darling tourist area is rife with flight-friendly souvenirs and pocket-size gifts. Brinchang and Tanah Rata are the main areas for shopping in Cameron Highlands, but many farmers markets, fresh produce stands and souvenir shops are dotted throughout the rolling hills and winding roads of the region. As the country’s leader in tea production and (some say) most scenic region, Cameron Highlands features some of the most unique souvenirs and shopping experiences in Malaysia!

1. Golden Hills Weekend Night Market (Brinchang Night Market) – Brinchang

One of the best shopping experiences in Cameron Highlands is a spree through Brinchang Night Market. The open-air market is sometimes called Golden Hills Weekend Night Market, and most locals refer to it as pasar malam. Whatever you call it, however, Brinchang Night Market guarantees a colorful adventure. The weekend bazaar features everything from locals teas, coffees and snacks to knick-knacks, plants and souvenirs. Brinchang Night Market also is the perfect place to sample Malaysian street food.

This market is a foodies’ paradise, and anyone who’s hoping to get a robust sampling of Malaysian street food would do well to stop by. There are so many local treats that visitors will love, starting with plenty of satay meats. Whether chicken or lamb, these seasoned meats are pressed onto long skewers and grilled over high heat, which leads to a delicious flavor and texture. Because the satay is served on a stick, it’s also easy to carry around, so travelers can munch while they explore the rest of the night market.

Another must-have dish is apam balik, which is a sweet pancake that’s filled with things like creamed corn, shredded coconut, peanuts, and sugar. This delicious treat is crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, and is served warm. Travelers who enjoy sweets will want to sample this local dish while enjoying the market.

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2. Yung Seng Gift Shop – Tanah Rata

One of the most unique souvenirs visitors can take home from Cameron Highlands is a woodcarving from Yung Seng Gift Shop. This boutique store doubles as an art gallery and museum and features Orang Asli (indigenous people) handicrafts as well as a fun selection of trinkets, knick-knacks and souvenirs from Cameron Highlands.

When it comes to handicraft shops, Yung Seng Gift Shop is the spot to go for any travelers who want to bring home unique mementos or gifts. This fantastic shop features stunning, handcrafted works of art. These artisan products are meant to be appreciated, and any recipient would be glad to have a piece of this Indigenous art in their home.

This shop is also a great space to learn more about the Indigenous peoples and cultures of Malaysia. The Mah Meri, in particular, are famous for their “spirit carvings”. These carvings represent ancestral spirits, some of which are good, others bad, and some neutral. These figures are said to help people communicate with ancestral spirits, and act as a carved “home” for the spirits, which can then be used for worship, rituals, and storytelling purposes. Whether by engaging with the display pieces or bringing home something of their own, any visitor will find that a stop at Yung Seng Gift Shop is well worth their time.

3. Multicrops Central Market (Arked Peladang) – Brinchang

For a true taste of Cameron Highlands, tourists should make a stop at Farmers Arcade, better known as Multicrops Central Market or Arked Peladang. The covered marketplace is a treasure trove for native produce, plants and flowers, and visitors will find everything from blooming cactus plants to fresh strawberries. After browsing through Multicrops, visitors can kickback and enjoy a local tea while sitting in a peaceful garden area.

When it comes to souvenir stores, this one-stop market is the perfect location for travelers, as not only is there plenty to do, but visitors will also be able to find lots of local goods that are sold throughout Cameron Highlands. Fresh fruits and vegetables take center stage at this market, and visitors are encouraged to indulge in local offerings.

But this market has more than just fresh produce. Plant lovers will rejoice over the exquisite potted plants that are available for sale. Nearby the flowers is a small tea center, and any visitor who’s hoping to sample options from tea plantations in the area should sit down and indulge in a cup or two. Also offered at the tea shop are tasty, local delicacies, like kaya balls (coconut jam balls), which are the perfect addition to any cup of tea. For local markets, Multicrops Central Market is a must-see in the area.

4. Kea Farm Market (Pasar Pagi Kea Farm) – Tanah Rata

Shopping at Kea Farm Market (Pasar Pagi Kea Farm) is only part of the experience of visiting Kea Farm. This sprawling agricultural zone features a multitude of local crops and traditional homes, and tourists will want to take time to stroll through nearby strawberry farms, Rose Centre and Cactus Point. Kea Farm is not only a fantastic shopping spot in Cameron Highlands, but it also is a great place to stay. Several homestays and guest houses near Kea Farm offer traditional living quarters in the thick of Cameron Highlands’ most majestic scenery.

Visitors to Kea Farm Market will enjoy the great bargains that are offered on local produce, like fresh veggies and corn, and are certain to appreciate the other goods offered for sale, including clothing, plants, packaged food items, and even fresh flowers. This vibrant market is frequented by locals and will give travelers a good introduction to life in the area.

It’s highly recommended that foodie travelers sample some of the local fruits that are offered at this market, namely strawberries, which are a specialty of the area. Along with fruits, the market offers plenty of baked breakfast items and treats, so visitors are encouraged to arrive hungry and stock up on some local sweets. At the market, visitors can find delicious curries and sizzling satay meats to sample. No matter what a person’s food preferences happen to be, there should be food items to satisfy all taste buds at Kea Farm Market.

Natural attractions near Kea Farm

• Cameron Highland Butterfly Garden
• Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm
• Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm
• Orchid And Rose Garden

5. Cameron Square – Brinchang

Shoppers craving a bit of modernity and air conditioning can get a fix at Cameron Square. This three-story shopping mall contains several international shops and restaurants as well as a small gaming center, pharmacy, 3D trick-art gallery, gym and hotel. In fact, a stay at Nova Highlands Hotel is a smart choice, as Cameron Square is a short distance from big attractions like Kea Farm, Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm and Cameron Highland Butterfly Garden.

Travelers who have children will especially enjoy a visit to Cameron Square, as this facility has plenty of attractions that kids will love, like a movie theater and gaming options. Visitors who are hoping to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for loved ones should consider stopping at Cameron Square as, not only are there plenty of international shops to choose from, but the shopping center also has stores that feature local handicrafts.

For local crafts, the shopping center offers items like woven baskets, hand-carved wooden sculptures, and gorgeous textiles. Picking up artisanal products is a great way to support the local economy and helps travelers develop an appreciation for the culture of the area. Any visitors who are searching for clothes should also stop by, as Cameron Square has a variety of offerings, from casual to formal, and everything in between. The shopping square also offers lots of accessories, like purses, shoes, hats, and bags to go with clothing purchases.

6. Tea Plantations in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is famous for its tea plantations, and no visit to the area is complete without stopping by one of these establishments. Tea plantations figure heavily across the Malaysian landscape, and the look of green, growing tea leaves is a sight to behold. Farm tours are popular throughout the area, and visitors are encouraged to indulge. Here are just some of the top tea plantations in Cameron Highlands to enjoy:

• Lush rolling hills and gorgeous sightlines are a feature at Boh Tea Plantation. This stunning tea plantation spans over 465 hectares, got its start in the 1930s, and is the largest black tea manufacturer in Malaysia. Today, this modern establishment offers farm tours, where visitors can take in the “rotorvane” tea processing system, which is where rolled leaves are fed into a rotorvane machine, which then squishes and extracts the juice from the tea leaves. Visitors will also want to stop by the tea plantation’s cafe, which offers a tasty variety of baked goods and other treats, along with the gift shop.
• Cameron Valley Tea House offers multiple tea plantation experiences that are all located within driving distance of each other, though Tea House 1 is likely to be the location that visitors to the area opt for. This plantation offers more than just tea, as travelers can also enjoy food and pick up gifts as well. The unpretentious, open-air cafe boasts spectacular views of the tea plantation, and it’s recommended that visitors sit, sip, and enjoy the view. If anyone is hungry, the tea house also offers snacks for purchase, including plenty of finger foods and sweets, like pies and cakes. For a fee, visitors can also walk down to the tea plantation or take a buggy and enjoy the view of the tea leaves up close.
• Sungai Palas BOH Tea Plantation is another plantation that’s owned by the BOH group. This plantation was acquired in the 1950s and has been transformed over the years, going from a rundown space to a lush, thriving tea garden. Today, visitors can take in the exquisite view from the terrace, which seats up to 200. While enjoying the terrace, travelers can enjoy BOH’s tea-drinking experience. Farm tours are also available at this plantation, so any visitor who’s hoping to get a better sense of the tea manufacturing process should indulge in a tour of the facilities.

7. Cultural Experiences

Cameron Highland is a culturally rich and deeply important part of Malaysia, and visitors should endeavor to make the most of this fact by indulging in some informative tourist destinations. Cameron Highlands offers so many attractions for visitors to enjoy, from visits to villages that highlight the important contributions of the area’s Indigenous people to memorabilia from Malaysia’s past to an exquisite Buddhist temple. This stunning area is a gateway to Malaysia’s society, and here are some of the cultural excursions that visitors can experience:

• Orang Asli Villages – The Orang Asli are an Indigenous people who live in Malaysia. Though these Indigenous people are recognized under the umbrella term, “Orang Asli,” there are many distinct cultures that exist as a part of this grouping. Today, visitors can engage with these indigenous communities via tours, which are often arranged by local tour operators or leaders in the community. During these village tours, visitors can expect to learn about how traditional crafts are made, including weaving and wood carving. In some instances, visitors to these communities will be able to witness performances by these indigenous people that feature traditional dances and music, and food and drink may also be shared as part of the cultural experience.
• Marvel at the remnants of days gone by in the Time Tunnel Museum. This unique museum was opened in 2007 and was curated by Mr. See Kok Shan, a local with a love for all things old and rare. Today, visitors can step inside this museum, and see an array of unique items, like information about the local indigenous tribes, the Orang Asli, information about the history of Cameron Highlands, old photography, unique advertising materials, and so much more. Enjoyers of the old, unique, and hard-to-find are sure to enjoy a visit to the Time Tunnel Museum.
• Sam Poh Temple is the largest religious building in Cameron Highlands and can be found sequestered away from the rest of the town, on top of a hill. The temple’s red and yellow facade impresses, as do the traditional Chinese motifs and carvings. Within the temple’s walls, many golden statues can be found, which portray important Buddhist deities, including Buddha. Visitors may see religious devotees coming to this location to pray and pay their respects. Whenever visiting religious sites, travelers should dress and act respectfully. Modest clothes are recommended, and visitors may want to keep their voices down while visiting this religious building, so they don’t disturb any faithful visitors as they go about their worship.

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