Planning for an affordable Cameron Highlands trip?
Why not scan through my sharing below? You can better prepare for your trip. And save you money too.
To start with, among my 2019 financial goals is to visit a new place.
So, when AirAsia held promo seats in June’19, I quickly booked the Kuching to KL back to Kuching flight tickets for my small family – me, my husband and our 3-year-old toddler.
And my long wish to visit Cameron Highlands came true in early July 2019.
Thus, In this post, I will be sharing:
- The actual expenses for our 4D3N trip to Cameron Highlands and KL
- Our self-prepared travel itinerary for Cameron Highlands and KL trip
- How and why we change our travel plan from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands (that saved us about RM600)
- How we travel around Cameron Highlands comfortably
- The attractions we visited at Cameron Highlands and its cost
- Things we can do differently for a cheaper or more comfortable trip
Aside from the above, as a bonus for first-timer to Cameron Highlands, I also share:
- Seven alternatives from Kuala Lumpur International Airports (KLIA / KLIA2) or KL city to Cameron Highlands
- The cheapest alternative from KLIA/KLIA2 or KL city to Cameron Highlands, that saves you hundreds of Ringgit
- Other useful tips for a comfortable, enjoyable and memorable trip
This is a long post. So, here is the table of contents for my affordable Cameron Highlands trip. If you wish, just jump to whichever part you are interested in.
Table of Contents
- The spending plan for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
- Travel itinerary for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
- How did we travel from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
- How much is the taxi fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
- How much is the e-hailing fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
- How much is the bus fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
- Our actual bus trip from TBS to Cameron Highlands
- Our accommodations for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
- How we travelled around Cameron Highlands?
- Places we visited at Cameron Highlands
- Our meals at Cameron Highlands
- How we travelled from Cameron Highlands to KL City?
- Bonus sharing for first-timer to Cameron Highlands
- Things we can do differently for a more affordable Cameron Highlands trip
- Final thoughts for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
The spending plan for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
After booking our flight tickets, I immediately prepared a spending plan for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip.
This includes:
- Our accommodation at Cameron Highlands and KL City (stay overnight before travelling back home)
- The transportation from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands and around Cameron Highlands
Among the above, the headache part was on transportation from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands. I will share more on that later.
As for the accommodation at Cameron Highlands and KL City, we got a 30% discount from booking through Agoda.
Budgeted versus actual cost for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
Here is my budgeted and actual cost spent on our affordable Cameron Highlands trip:
| No | Item | Budget (RM) | Actual (RM) |
| 1 | Flight ticket for 3 pax | 1,050 | 996.02 |
| 2 | Accommodation for 3 nights | 600 | 627.37 |
| 3 | Transportation | 1,065 | 599.30 |
| 4 | Food | 400 | 328.45 |
| 5 | Entrance fee | 50 | 43.00 |
| 6 | Misc | 200 | 187.90 |
| Total (RM) | 3,362.00 | 2,782.04 |
And here are the details of our expenses for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip:
Flight tickets
| No | Item | Amount (RM) |
| 1 | AirAsia flight tickets for 3 pax (KCH to KL return tickets) | 996.02 |
Travel money-saving tips:
1. Book flight tickets during promotion or sales
2. Plan your travel during the off-peak season
3. Register for AirAsia BIG member for additional discount and zero processing fees by paying through BigPay
Accommodation
| No | Item | Amount (RM) |
| 1 | Rosa Passadena Hotel, Brinchang (2 nights) | 373.77 |
| 2 | MOV Hotel, Bukit Bintang (1 night) | 253.60 |
| Subtotal (RM) | 627.37 |
Travel money-saving tips:
1. Plan your stay during off-peak season and weekdays
2. Enjoy a deep discount by making your booking through an online travel agency such as Agoda, Traveloka, Booking and many more
Transportation
| No | Item | Amount (RM) |
| 1 | GrabCar (Home to Kuching International Airport) | 14.00 |
| 2 | KLIA Transit fare (KLIA2 to TBS, RM38.40 x 2, RM17.30) | 94.10 |
| 3 | Bus fare (TBS to Cameron Highlands, RM35.40 x 3) | 106.20 |
| 4 | Taxi fare (Tanah Rata bus station to Rosa Passadena Hotel) | 15.00 |
| 5 | Taxi fare within Cameron Highlands package | 120.00 |
| 6 | Taxi fare (hotel to Cameron highlands night market) | 15.00 |
| 7 | Taxi fare (night market to the hotel) | 15.00 |
| 8 | Taxi fare (hotel to Tanah Rata Bus Station) | 15.00 |
| 9 | Bus fare from Tanah Rata bus station to KL Central (RM35.00 x 3) | 105.00 |
| 10 | GrabCar (KL Central to MOV Hotel Bukit Bintang) | 17.00 |
| 11 | GrabCar (MOV Hotel to KLIA2) | 73.00 |
| 12 | GrabCar (Kuching International Airport to home) | 10.00 |
| Subtotal (RM) | 599.30 |
Travel money-saving tips:
1. Compare e-hailing and taxi fares before placing your booking
Food
| No | Item | Amount (RM) |
| 1 | Lunch at TBS | 42.00 |
| 2 | Titbits at TBS | 13.30 |
| 3 | Dinner at Brinchang | 14.00 |
| 4 | Refreshment at Sungai Palas Tea Centre | 17.05 |
| 5 | Refreshment at Big Red Strawberry Farm | 7.80 |
| 6 | Lunch at Brinchang | 42.00 |
| 7 | Organic steamboat dinner set (RM50 for 2 pax) | 50.00 |
| 8 | Titbits at Cameron Highlands night market | 3.00 |
| 9 | Titbits at Tanah Rata Bus Station | 4.00 |
| 10 | Titbits during bus stopover at R&R | 10.00 |
| 11 | Lunch at Burger King KL Central | 35.30 |
| 12 | Refreshment at Bukit Bintang | 6.00 |
| 13 | Dinner Chicken Rice Set at Nasi Ayam Chee Meng | 28.00 |
| 14 | Breakfast at a Mamak restaurant | 14.00 |
| 15 | Lunch at KLIA2 | 42.00 |
| Subtotal (RM) | 328.45 |
Travel money-saving tips:
1. Have meals at local eateries instead of a restaurant
Entrance Fees
| No | Item | Amount (RM) |
| 1 | Entrance fee for Butterfly farm | 18.00 |
| 2 | Self-pick fresh strawberry | 25.00 |
| Subtotal (RM) | 43.00 |
Misc expenses
| No | Item | Amount (RM) |
| 1 | Boh garden teas gift set | 30.00 |
| 2 | Toy car | 29.90 |
| 3 | Toy ball | 3.00 |
| 4 | Beanie hat | 10.00 |
| 5 | Dried strawberry pack | 20.00 |
| 6 | Dried cherry tomato pack | 10.00 |
| 7 | Toy car set | 25.00 |
| 8 | Mobile phone holder | 60.00 |
| Subtotal (RM) | 187.90 |
From the above, we are glad that we spent less than our budgeted amount.
As can be seen, the big savings of about RM600 come from using the bus instead of the taxi from KL to Cameron Highlands.
Travel itinerary for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
In fact, I prepared the travel itinerary for our affordable Cameron Highlands to KL trip too.
As such, this is our travel itinerary:
Day 01
- 7 am – Heading off to Kuching International Aiport (KIA)
- 9:30 am – Depart from KIA to KLIA2
- 11:20 am – Arrived at KLIA2
- 12:20 pm – Depart from KLIA2 to TBS via KLIA Transit
- 12:50 pm – Arrive at Bandar Tasik Selatan station/TBS
- 1:15 pm – Lunch
- 2:45 pm – Depart to Cameron Highlands via bus
- 7 pm – Arrive at Tanah Rata Bus Station
- 7:30 pm – Arrive at Brinchang, and Check-in into the hotel. Freshen up
- 8 pm – Dinner at Brinchang
- 10 pm – Sleep
Day 02
- 7 am – Wake up
- 8 am – Breakfast at the hotel
- 8:50 am – Meet our pre-booked taxi driver for a 4-hour tour at Cameron Highlands (Brinchang Town, Sungai Palas Boh Centre, Cameron Highlands Bee Farm, Cameron Highland Butterfly Farm, Big Red Strawberry Farm, Tanah Rata Bus Terminal)
- 1:30 pm – lunch at Brinchang
- 2:30 pm – rest at the hotel
- 3:30 pm – take a walk around Brinchang town
- 5 pm – dinner at Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat
- 6 pm – To Brinchang weekend night market via pre-booked taxi
- 7:30 pm – Back to the hotel
- 10 pm – sleep
Day 03
- 7 am – Wake up
- 8 am – Breakfast at the hotel
- 10 am – Depart to Tanah Rata Bus Terminal
- 11 am – Depart to KL Central via bus
- 3 pm – Arrive at KL Central
- 3:30 pm – Lunch at KL Central
- 4:30 pm – Depart to MOV Hotel, Bukit Bintang
- 5 pm – Arrive at MOV Hotel, check in and freshen up
- 5:30 pm – Stroll around Bukit Bintang area
- 7:30 pm – Dinner at Bukit Bintang area
- 8:30 pm – Back to the hotel and rest
- 10 pm – Sleep
Day 04
- 7 am – Wake up
- 8 am – Breakfast at a Mamak restaurant, Bukit Bintang
- 9 am – Ready to check-out
- 9:45 am – Depart to KLIA2 via Grab
- 10:45 am – Arrive at KLIA2
- 11:30 am – Lunch at KLIA2
- 2:30 pm – Depart to KIA (flight delayed for 1 hour)
- 4 pm – Arrive at KIA
- 4:30 pm – Depart from KIA to home via Grab
- 5 pm – Arrive at home
Since our trip has ended, I had updated the itinerary accordingly.
How did we travel from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
From the moment I bought the AirAsia flight tickets for my Cameron Highlands trip, I had been thinking about how are we going to travel from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands.
Friends and relatives who had been to Cameron Highlands mostly use their own transport or use tour buses.
Initially, I was planning to use a KLIA Airport taxi to Cameron Highlands. Obviously, this seems to be the right option. Because we are travelling with 2 pieces of luggage, about 9 kg each and a 3-year-old toddler.
Besides, it is easy. Buy the taxi coupon upon arrival at KLIA2. Then hop in the taxi.
How much is the taxi fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
But the problem is, travelling by taxi or cab from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands is quite expensive.
From my checking, these are the estimated taxi fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands:
- About RM324.80 (from KLIA2.info website as shown above)
- About RM322.54 (from taxifarefinder.com)
- Between RM420 to RM450 (information from my Cameron Highlands taxi service)
Thus, I was looking for a more budget-friendly alternative from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands.
How much is the e-hailing fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
Aside from a taxi or cab from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands, I also check the e-hailing fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands.
It turned out, the GrabCar fare is quite similar to the taxi fare, about RM322.60. Furthermore, it is not easy to get a GrabCar driver to accept the job request to drive to Cameron Highlands.
Mainly because:
- The long 4-hour journey
- Adventurous road condition
- Most probably they will return to KL without a passenger. This means a waste of their time, fuel and opportunity to accept other GrabCar job requests
How much is the bus fare from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
As of July 2019, the bus fare from KL City to Cameron Highlands cost RM35.00 per pax. So, for 3 pax, the total cost would be RM105.00. This is much cheaper than the taxi cost which is estimated between RM322 to RM450.
Then, the next problem is we need to catch the bus at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). For your information, TBS is a modern transportation terminal located about 50 km from KLIA2.
And, there are 2 options to get to TBS from KLIA2:
- By bus (Jetbus). The cost is RM10 per pax. The travel duration is between 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- By train (KLIA Transit). The cost is RM38.40 for an adult and RM17.30 for a child (2 to 12 years old). The travel duration is about 30 minutes.
Finally, we decided to venture to travel to Cameron Highlands by bus. And we took KLIA Transit because we wanted to catch the bus to Cameron Highlands at 1:30 pm.
Unfortunately, when we arrived at TBS, the bus scheduled at 1:30 pm is already fully booked. So, we ended up taking the next scheduled bus, which is 2:45 pm.
We spent the free hours enjoying our lunch and shopping around at TBS.
In terms of cost, even though we travelled through KLIA Transit, we were still able to save about 40% of the fare compared to taking a taxi.
Why did we decide to take a bus instead of a taxi from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
Basically, the decision to take a bus instead of a taxi from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands is because:
- Cost-efficient – since this is our affordable Cameron Highlands trip, it is obvious that cost is one of the most important factors
- Safety – the bus travelling from TBS to Cameron Highlands is operated by the renowned bus operator. The drivers are experienced and familiar with the road too
- Comfort – the reclining bus seat and sufficient leg space between the seats are comfortable for a 4-hour journey
- A new adventure for my toddler – my toddler has never been in a bus ride. So, the bus trip is a new adventure for him
How easy is it to travel from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands by bus?
All in all, we find it easy for us to travel from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands by bus. It is far from my fear of the difficult situation of having to wheel our two 9kg-luggage while holding our toddler.
The only long walking distance is from KLIA Transit station at Bandar Tasik Selatan to TBS. That is about 6 minutes convenient and safe walking distance under a connecting bridge with the roof.
We don’t have any problem wheeling our two 9kg luggage while holding our son.
How to buy bus tickets from TBS to Cameron Highlands?
In short, the simple steps to buy bus tickets from TBS to Cameron Highlands are as below:
- Go to any blue counter at TBS Level 3. If you are unsure, just get help from the information counter
- Tell them you wish to buy bus tickets to Cameron Highlands
- The officer will check the system and tell you the available trips and the ticket price
- Tell them your prefered trip
- The officer will ask you to select the seats from the screen
- Next, the officer will ask for your identification documents (NRIC or passport). The identification documents details are to be printed on the bus ticket
- Pay the amount (inclusive of TBS passenger insurance protection)
- The officer will give you the bus tickets
If you have time to kill, the food court and shops are located on Level 4. The departure hall is on Level 2. And the waiting area at the departure hall is a comfortable place.
Is the bus ticket available online?
Yes, you can conveniently book the bus ticket online through the links below:
- CatchThatBus (desktop)
Aside from the desktop version, you can access the apps through Google Play as well.
All you need to do is to follow the simple step-by-step below:
- Enter the departure city as ‘Kuala Lumpur‘ and arrival city as ‘Cameron Highlands‘ (as shown above), the number of passengers and the travel date
- Click the search button for a list of available trips from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
- Select the preferred trip, select seat, fare type and enter passenger details
- Make the payment via debit card, credit card, online banking and PayPal
- CatchThatBus will email you the e-ticket
- Print the e-ticket or bring it to the counter to redeem the physical ticket to board the bus
In fact, I tried to book the 1:30 pm bus through online booking (the last 3 seats) when I was travelling in KLIA Transit. But, I have a problem with my phone data connection and the seats were sold out.
If you decided to buy your bus ticket online, do make sure you are able to make it at least 30 minutes before the departure time.
Else, you might miss your bus.
Our actual bus trip from TBS to Cameron Highlands
Our bus arrived for pick-up at 2:45 pm. Once all passengers and luggage boarded, the journey started.
For our bus seats, we got numbers 1, 2 and 3. The bus seat is arranged in a way of a single seat on the left side and 2 seats on the right side. My hubby took the single seat and my son sat with me.
And my seat is exactly behind the driver’s seat. Thus, I can see the front view clearly.
In my opinion, the bus is comfortable with air-cond. And we enjoyed sufficient legroom too.
We spent the first 2 hours of the journey on the main road and highway. Then, we stopped for a 10-minute bathroom break at a rest area.
Arrived at Tapah around 5 pm
Next, we arrived at Tapah, a small town just before the journey to the highlands started.
From Tapah, the road condition changed.
Personally, I would say the road is quite dangerous for an inexperienced driver. There are several dangerous and sharp turnings, with quite a narrow road.
As for the bus driver, I can tell he is a very skilful and experienced driver. He will honk before each sharp turning, to warn the vehicle coming down.
He is a kind and considerate driver too. Because at one point, he stopped the bus at a wider road, to give way to other vehicles behind him.
Arrived at Ringlet around 6 pm
About an hour later, we arrived at Ringlet, the southernmost town of Cameron Highlands.
The road condition immediately improved. No more tough and narrow roads. Instead, the roads are wide and properly tarred.
As the journey continues, I can feel the temperature getting cooler and the air getting fresher. And the view outside is breathtaking too.
Arrived at Tanah Rata around 7 pm
Then, about one hour later, we reached Tanah Rata, the biggest and main town in Cameron Highlands. This is where our bus journey ended, Tanah Rata Bus Terminal.
The whole journey from TBS to Cameron Highlands took 4 hours.
Next, we took a local taxi to reach our hotel, Rosa Passadena Hotel at Brinchang. The trip took us about 10 minutes at RM15.
Finally, we checked into our hotel and can have some rest. Our journey started at about 7 am and ended at about 7:30 pm. We had been travelling non-stop for more than 12 hours!
Our accommodations for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
As shared above, we stayed at Hotel Rosa Passadena at Brinchang.
We chose Rosa Passadena Hotel because:
- Good reviews from its guest
- Great discount from Agoda at RM373.77 for 2 nights (RM187 per night)
- The discounted room rate comes with breakfast
- Convenient walking distance to the local eatery and the famous Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat (just opposite the hotel)
- The hotel room comes with a room slipper and mosquito net
Even though it looks like an old building, the rooms are clean and pleasant. In addition, the hotel staff are always courteous, friendly and helpful.
Overall, we had a nice and comfortable stay at Rosa Passadena Hotel.
How we travelled around Cameron Highlands?
Before our trip, I pre-booked Cameron Highlands Taxi Service for a 4-hour tour around Cameron Highlands.
At first, we plan to only book the taxi service once we arrive at the hotel. But, I still prefer things to be arranged earlier.
When I came across many good reviews for Cameron Highlands Taxi Service, I immediately contacted them. After a flow of communication to and fro, 2 days before our trip, I booked their service for a 4-hour tour at RM120.
As shared by others, they did provide a good, reliable and affordable taxi service for our tour around Cameron Highlands.
After we ended the 4-hour tour, we also booked their service for:
- To and fro Brinchang Night Market (same day evening)
- To Tanah Rata Bus Station (the next day morning)
The taxi service not only acts as our driver but also as our tour guide. In other words, they are local and thus, very familiar with attractions at Cameron Highlands.
Places we visited at Cameron Highlands
Since we only have one full day to spend at Cameron Highlands, we only visited a few places as below.
And the main motive to visit these places is for my toddler to see and experience new things.
1. Sungai Palas Boh Centre
First, our taxi driver brought us to the Sungai Palas Boh Centre.
There is no entrance fee.
In fact, this is a must-visit for visitors to Cameron Highlands. There are a few huge tea plantations at Cameron Highlands. But, we choose the Sungai Palas Boh Centre because it is nearest to us.
Basically, I love this place because:
- Its spectacular view of green tea leaves
- The serene surrounding with cool fresh air
- Its various choice of special tea leaves are only sold at the tea centre
- Very nice view of the tea plantation from the tea centre while we enjoy the tea and refreshments
Luckily our taxi driver suggested we visit the tea centre as our first stop. Because by the time we left the place at around 10:30 am, there is a huge string of visitors.
And the number of vehicles coming to the tea centre also increasing.
2. Cameron Highlands Bee Farm (Ee Feng Gu Bee Farm)
Next, we visited the Cameron Highlands Bee Farm. This bee farm is a nice place to show my toddler about bees and their products.
There is no entrance fee.
And these are the things we did at the bee farm:
- See how the bee brings the nectar to its hive
- Take a walk along the path with bees flying around
- See many different kinds of flowers and other flowering plants
- Shop at the souvenir shop for bee products and local products
3. Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm
Our third attraction is the Cameron Highlands Butterfly Farm. The entrance fee is as below:
- Adult – RM7
- Child – RM4
Initially, the reason for us to visit the butterfly farm is to show my toddler the many butterflies and other insects here.
Instead, my toddler was scared of butterflies and insects. In the end, we only spent about 20 minutes there.
4. Big Red Strawberry Farm
Our last stop for the 4-hour tour was the Big Red Strawberry Farm. And it is my toddler’s favourite place.
There is no entrance fee.
But visitors who wish to self-pick the strawberry need to pay charges as below:
- Pay a deposit of RM50 at RM50 per kg picked
- The minimum self-pick strawberry to bring home is 500g (RM25)
- If the self-pick is less than 1kg, they will return the balance from the deposit
My toddler really enjoys the self-pick strawberry session. He picked less than 500g. So, they make it to 500 g and return us the balance of RM25.
We also had a great time enjoying many varieties of beautiful flowers and cacti there.
We ended our 4-hour tour with strawberry ice-creams.
5. Brinchang Night Market at Golden Hill
Brinchang night market is another must-visit attraction for new visitors to Cameron Highlands.
These are the things I love about Brinchang night market:
- The fresh and cheap products such as the famous sweet pearl corn, dried strawberries, pickled guava
- Can feel the local life at the busy and packed night market
- Reasonable price for children’s toys, clothes and local delicacies
Overall, the night market offers many interesting things to see, taste and experience at a reasonable price.
Our meals at Cameron Highlands
Since our hotel room comes with breakfast, we only need to look for eateries for lunch and dinner.
Generally, a big portion of the eateries at Brinchang offers steamboats. Probably it was because steamboats can provide comfort in cool weather.
How we travelled from Cameron Highlands to KL City?
Of course, the most budget-friendly and reliable way for us to travel down to KL city is by bus.
Therefore, we quickly booked the bus tickets for the next day morning. And for the trip downhill, our seats are at the second last row.
We took the 11 am bus and arrived at KL Central at 3 pm. In between, the bus stopped for a 10 minutes bathroom break at a rest area.
Compared to the trip uphill, the trip downhill is much better with a fantastic view of Cameron Highlands tea plantations and waterfalls too.
Bonus sharing for first-timer to Cameron Highlands
This bonus sharing is a compilation of additional information for first-timers to Cameron Highlands.
What are the options available from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
I have compiled 7 available options to travel from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands:
- Take Jetbus to TBS, then catch a bus to Cameron Highlands.
- Take KLIA Transit to TBS, then catch a bus to Cameron Highlands.
- Book a taxi or e-hailing to TBS, then catch a bus to Cameron Highlands.
- Buy an airport taxi coupon to Cameron Highlands from the KLIA2 taxi coupon counter.
- Rent a car and self-drive to Cameron Highlands.
- Book your Cameron Highlands trip through a local tour agency where they arrange bus pick-up from the airport.
- Lastly, try your luck via e-hailing such as GrabCar (fare excluding toll charges).
What is the cheapest option from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands?
Obviously, the cheapest option to travel from KLIA2 to Cameron Highlands is by taking Jetbus followed by bus.
More details are as follow:
- Take Jetbus from KLIA2 to TBS (RM10 per pax, estimated travel time 1 hour 15 min).
- Followed by taking the bus from TBS to Cameron Highlands (RM35.40 per pax, estimated travel time 4 hours).
The total cost is RM45.40 only.
The downside would be a long waiting time and travelling journey.
Is GrabCar available at Cameron Highlands?
During our Cameron Highlands trip in July 2019, GrabCar service was not available at Cameron Highlands.
You may refer to the screenshot above taken from my GrabCar service.
But, I read in the news that Grab service is available in Cameron Highlands from September 2020. To confirm, I suggest you ask someone based in Cameron Highlands such as a hotel receptionist.
How is the weather at Cameron Highlands?
During my visit in the month of July, the weather was average cool with a temperature range between 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. It also rains for about one hour in the late afternoon.
Thus, it will be a good idea to bring along an umbrella.
Do we need warm clothing?
During day time, you can wear it like you are in sunny Malaysia. But, you will need warm clothes at night and early morning.
So, do consider packing the following for your Cameron Highlands trip:
- Jacket
- Jumper
- Jeans
- Long pants
- Long sleeve blouse/shirt
- Stocking
- Scarf
You will feel more comfortable in this warm clothing.
Can we immediately travel to the airport from Cameron Highlands?
Yes, it is possible to travel to the airport by taking the morning bus from Cameron Highlands to KL Central.
But, we prefer to stay overnight in KL city before we travel back to Kuching the next day. It is also safer and highly recommended to stay overnight at KL city before catching the next flight.
These are the reasons:
- travelling nonstop is tiring especially for a toddler.
- the long bus journey requires connecting transport to the airport, breaking the journey into 2 separate journeys is a smart and safe move.
Those intending to travel directly to the airport should allow sufficient travelling time between the transits.
Things we can do differently for a more affordable Cameron Highlands trip
These are the things we can do differently for a better trip:
- Take the earliest flight from Kuching to KLIA2 to save travel time.
- Move faster at KLIA2 to catch an earlier KLIA Transit to TBS.
- Stay at home-stay instead of the hotel to save more on accommodation costs.
- Stay for 2 full-day instead of 1 full day so that we have more time to explore Cameron Highlands.
- Visit during the off-peak period so that we can enjoy even more savings on flight tickets and accommodation.
- Take a full meal before boarding the bus. Because my husband had a bad travel sickness while going uphill.
Final thoughts for our affordable Cameron Highlands trip
As a first-timer to Cameron Highlands, I hope my sharing above can provide guidelines for other first-timer to Cameron Highlands.
Especially for those travelling with young toddlers.
Even though we planned for an affordable Cameron Highlands trip, the most important part is to enjoy the trip. Thus, we are willing to spend more on food and new experience for our son. Glad that our trip is within our budget.
Overall, we really had a wonderful trip. We come back refreshed and recharged!
Image Credits
All images and screenshots were taken by the author
