Our way of spending THE best day at Bharat Tea Plantations [2024 Guide]
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a tea-over-coffee kind of person. Now before you sharpen your pitchforks, just know that this drink has been instilled in my brain for as long as I can remember just because it’s a traditional Malay staple.
Over the years, I’ve grown curious about the process behind this drink, leading me to love two places in particular: Gaharu Tea Valley and Bharat Tea Plantations. In this guide, however, I’m going to focus on the latter.
I’ve been to Bharat Tea Plantations a handful of times to learn how to plan a perfect day at this attraction. From the best time to visit to activities to try, restaurants to check out and more, I’ve got you covered!
So without further ado, let’s get this par-tea started!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Bharat Tea Plantations is during the dry season (November to February) simply because it features a great balance between being sunny and cool. Plus, there will be lower chances of rainfall spoiling your trip!
This weather is perfect for outdoor explorations and activities in the plantation and around Cameron Highlands like hiking and cycling. Furthermore, it’s during this season that the tea valley will be at its lushest state, so consider visiting during these months for breathtaking views!
If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, however, we’d recommend visiting during the shoulder season (March to May, September to October). During these months, you’ll encounter fewer crowds and the weather will still be relatively pleasant compared to the wet season.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Address: Unit No, 15 & 16, Main Road, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 5-491 1133
Website: https://www.bharattea.com.my
Entrance fee: Free
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to Get There
Bus: The closest way you can get to Bharat Tea Plantations by bus is by dropping off at Tanah Rata Bus Terminal. From there, you can either take a taxi or book a ride-sharing car with other passengers.
Train: If you want to take a train, the closest station you can drop off to is Kampar. From there, you can take a taxi going to Tanah Rata.
Car: If you can, we recommend renting a car when visiting Bharat Tea Plantations or Cameron Highlands, in general. It’s the most scenic way to get to the highlands, and you won’t be bound to one specific route!
Renting a car will also provide you and your group with the best comfort and privacy during your trip. Plus, you can make all the stopovers you want at different points of interest in Cameron Highlands, so win-win!
Motorcycle rental: Once you get to Tanah Rata, you can rent a motorcycle to go to Bharat Tea Plantations. This is a fast and convenient way of climbing the highlands, and it’s perfect for single travellers.
Where to Stay near Bharat Tea Plantations
Traveller Bunker Hostel
Address: No 82, Jalan, Persiaran Camelia 4, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 14-249 2355
Pricing: $
Book Now
If you’re travelling on a budget, one of the best places you can stay is the Traveller Bunker Hostel in Cameron Highlands. This is one of those no-frills lodging options that accommodate those who don’t mind simple rooms and fewer facilities as opposed to hotels.
It also features a prime location, being near essential establishments like stores, restaurants and cafes.
The rooms themselves aren’t too shabby too and are more than capable of being your temporary crash pad during your travel to Cameron Highlands. If you’re planning on spending most of your time outside, then this place should be more than enough!
Century Pines Resort Cameron Highlands
Address: Jalan Masjid, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 5-491 5115
Pricing: $$$
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Century Pines Resort is one of the premier places to stay in Cameron Highlands. It’s a 4-star hotel that features world-class rooms that are spacious, comfortable and well-maintained—the trifecta of a good hotel room.
The hotel also comes with a handful of facilities including a spa, where you can pamper yourselves with various kinds of treatments and massages.
Lastly, the hotel also comes with a cafe that’s perfect for slow afternoons. It’s here where you can sip on your favourite coffee drink while taking in the beautiful surrounding views of Cameron Highlands.
Heritage Hotel
Address: Jalan Gereja, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 5-491 3888
Pricing: $$
Book Now
Heritage Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Cameron Highlands, so if you’re looking to stay in a piece of history, this is a great place to consider! This being said, the hotel doesn’t show its age at all, as it still feels updated with its modern rooms and amenities.
The hotel also comes with a solid selection of facilities including a fitness centre, a children’s playground and a mini library.
It also features a coffee house where you can wind down and admire the surrounding views while enjoying your favourite beverage!
Fathers’ Guesthouse
Address: C/o, Barre I.J. Centre, Lot 110, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-566 1111
Pricing: $
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Fathers’ Guesthouse is a great affordable option we highly recommend for budget travellers. It features cosy rooms that come with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, from nice thick comforters to hot water, air conditioning and more.
The location of the hotel isn’t bad as well, as it’s located near essential establishments. This means that you can visit nearby attractions, stores and restaurants as soon as you head outside the doors—perfect for late-night munchies!
Avillion Cameron Highlands
Address: C-3 Jalan Camelia, Tanah Rata, 39000 Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2262 0288
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
If you want your stay to feel like a lavish vacation, then one of the best things you can do is book a room in Avilion. This well-known hotel chain garnered its 5 stars for several reasons, and they’re perfectly showcased here!
For starters, the rooms featured here are topnotch, featuring thick beddings, air-conditioning, spacious areas and a complete set of amenities! They also come with huge windows so you can go sightseeing any time you want during your stay.
The place also offers amazing facilities including an in-house restaurant that offers an amazing buffet spread and an outdoor pool.
Where to Eat near Bharat Tea Plantations
The Barracks Cafe
Address: 1, Jalan Gereja, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 11-1464 8883
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re looking for a more laid-back dining experience, you shouldn’t miss The Barracks Cafe Cameron Highlands. This place offers an assortment of homebrewed coffee drinks that are sure to warm your soul during one of those chilly days in the highlands.
They also serve a myriad of delicious meals, ranging from fried chicken to grilled lamb chops, vegetarian tikka masala and more.
Lastly, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth by ordering one of their desserts like their orange scones! They also serve a tasty and refreshing glass of strawberry mocktail if you’re not a big fan of coffee.
Singh Chapati
Address: No 1, Brij Court, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 17-578 6454
Pricing: $$
Website
Singh Chapati is the place to be if you’re craving authentic Indian food while you’re in Cameron Highlands. It’s here where you’ll find all the staples of Indian cuisine, from shahi paneer to butter chapati, mushroom masala, brinjal masala and more.
Aside from its authenticity, the best part about eating here is that you won’t have to burn a hole in your pocket just to satisfy your hunger! The dishes are reasonably priced and they’re made with the freshest ingredients.
Scott’s Cafe
Address: No 24, Jalan Besar, Tanah Rata, 39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-427 4775
Pricing: $
Website
Scott’s Cafe is another great value-for-money restaurant in Cameron Highlands that serves amazing authentic Malay dishes. It’s an artsy cafe that combines a cosy ambience and hip interior design with delicious meals and beverages.
You can’t go wrong with any of their offerings, but if you want to get a taste of one of Malaysia’s best offerings, we recommend ordering their nasi lemak. Their version of the country’s national dish is spectacular, featuring a perfectly spiced sambal, tender chicken meat and fragrant rice.
If you’re looking for something more familiar, you can also check out one of their Western offerings like waffles, burgers and pizza.
What to Do in Bharat Tea Plantations
Take a scenic walk
The best thing to do in the Bharat Tea Plantations is to simply walk. Just be sure to stop from time to time to smell the flowers because you may miss out on some of the most beautiful sights you can see in Cameron Highlands.
One of the main attractions you’ll see during your walk here is the rolling hills, where you’ll get to see rows upon rows of lush green shrubs where your favourite tea comes from.
Our favourite thing about taking scenic walks here, however, is the fresh air. Thanks to the abundance of natural greenery on the plantation, you’ll be able to walk for a couple of hours without feeling too fatigued.
Visit the tea factory
If you’ve always been curious about how your favourite tea packets are created before they’re displayed in stores, you should stop by the plantation’s tea factory! This factory will demonstrate the entire process, from the plucking of the leaves to the oxidation and everything in between.
After learning about the tedious process behind this beverage, you can then proceed to sample Bharat Plantation’s finest teas. Whether you’re looking to try black, green or white tea, you’ll find something that will go perfectly with your palate.
Wind down at the tea house
After you’ve spent a couple of hours walking and exploring the beauty of the plantation, we recommend stopping by the Cameron Valley Tea House. Here, you can catch your breath and order a nice cup of tea—a real full-circle moment!
They offer a wide array of tea drinks, but the one we recommend the most is teh tarik, as it’s the most classic, proven and tested version that’s virtually beloved by anyone. If you’re looking for something more cold, however, we recommend their homemade vanilla ice cream!
These drinks, paired with the beautiful surrounding views of the plantation make for a great relaxing combination.
Go souvenir shopping
To cap off your visit to Bharat Tea Plantation perfectly, stop by its gift shop to bring home some cool knick-knacks! Aside from the usual keychains and magnets, you can also score amazing homemade tea packets to try them out at home.
They also offer some teacups and teapots to complete the set! If you’ve always wanted to throw a tea party as a kid, this is your sign to turn that dream into reality!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Bharat Tea Plantations
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
iOs | Android
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
iOs | Android
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
iOs | Android
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
iOs | Android
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
iOs | Android
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app
iOs