Nestled in the lush, cool hills of Malaysia, Cameron Highlands beckon travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant tea plantations, and cool, refreshing climate.
If you’re starting your journey from the bustling city-state of Singapore and seeking a serene escape into nature, you might wonder how to reach this picturesque destination.
In this guide, we’ll explore the various travel options and routes to help you embark on a memorable adventure from Singapore to the captivating Cameron Highlands.
How do you go to Cameron Highlands from Singapore?
Traveling from Singapore to Cameron Highlands can be accomplished through a variety of transportation options, including a combination of car, bus, or by taking a flight to Ipoh.
By Car / Self-driving
The trip to Cameron Highlands might be somewhat time-consuming, but it offers a picturesque drive. With routes spanning from 7 to 9 hours in duration, there are ample opportunities for sightseeing throughout the journey. As long as you have some snacks to keep you energized during the ride, it’s bound to be a pleasurable road trip.
But for the quickest & smoothest driving experience, we would recommend taking the Simpang Pulai Road route by using the North-South Express Highway until you arrive at the Simpang Pulai Toll. The travel journey would take around 7.5 hours.
Singapore to Cameron Highland (Malaysia) – Simpang Pulai Route
Simpang Pulai Road is an interchange within the expressway network. This “new” route is, in fact, a segment of the East-West Expressway, linking Simpang Pulai in the west to Gua Musang in the east.
Upon passing the Simpang Pulai toll booth, make a right turn at the first traffic light. Continue for about 200 meters, then make another right turn at the following traffic light. This will place you on the new road, which is part of the East-West Expressway. After approximately one hour of driving, you’ll reach the Kampung Raja junction, where you should turn right (going straight will take you to Gua Musang or Kuantan).
Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia
At this point, you’ll have arrived in Cameron Highlands. Proceed through Kampung Raja, Kuala Terla, Tringkap, and Brinchang before reaching Tanah Rata. The distance from Kampung Raja to Brinchang and Tanah Rata is roughly 25-30 kilometers.
The new route starting from Simpang Pulai offers a less winding and wider road. Nevertheless, exercise caution, as there are sharp bends in some sections. Due to the improved road conditions, this route is faster compared to the old Tapah route, despite the greater distance.
By Plane & Bus Ride
If long road trips or driving long distances aren’t your preference, you can reduce your time on the road by taking a flight to KL or Ipoh and then catching a bus from there. Flights to both cities typically last around 1 hour, allowing you to significantly reduce your travel time. Furthermore, you have the option to incorporate stopovers in KL and Ipoh into your travel plans.
In your flight selection, you might want to explore well-known airlines such as Scoot and AirAsia. Despite the initial perception that flying could be a pricier choice, tickets are surprisingly budget-friendly, priced at around S$80 per passenger.
Direct flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (KL) & Ipoh
AirAsia provides flights at attractive starting prices of S$88 per passenger to Kuala Lumpur and S$115 per passenger to Ipoh. The majority of these flights offer a 7kg cabin baggage allowance, but if you require additional baggage, you have the option to purchase extra baggage starting from S$31.
Onboard dining is also exceptionally cost-effective, with a variety of choices priced between S$3 and S$5. The menu encompasses lighter snacks such as a chicken and cheese sandwich for S$3, as well as heartier options like vegetable biryani for S$5.
Scoot also offers flights to Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, with prices beginning at just S$103 per passenger for either destination. If you have a substantial amount of luggage to check in, you can opt to include a check-in baggage allowance starting from S$23. Additionally, for those who like to enjoy a meal during the flight, you can enhance your experience by purchasing an onboard meal for as low as S$6. This is an ideal option for passengers who may feel a bit hungry while flying.
Traveling by bus from Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh to Cameron Highlands.
Upon your arrival in either city, you have the option to board a bus to reach the highlands. Just to inform you, the journeys from Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh to Cameron Highlands typically take around 5 hours and 2 hours, respectively.
If your flight lands at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you’ll need to make your way to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in the Kuala Lumpur city center to catch a bus. The trip from KLIA to the bus terminal lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the most economical choice is to use JetBus, priced at RM12 (approximately S$3.48). Alternatively, you can opt for a direct taxi or GrabCar, but this will cost you around RM65 (about S$18.84).
On the other hand, for those arriving at Ipoh Airport, the journey to Terminal Meru Raya is a necessity. The most economical option will set you back RM6.20 (approximately S$1.80) and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, using a combination of MyBas and P.K. Sdn Bhd buses. Starting from the airport, it’s a short 3-minute walk to Lapangan Terbang Azlan Shah, where you can board MyBas T37 bound for Ipoh Town. From there, make a transfer to the P.K. bus that heads to Terminal Meru Raya.
For a slightly higher price of RM18.20 (about S$5.28), you can significantly reduce your travel time to approximately 30 minutes. Simply hop on MyBas T37 to Terminal Kidd, and then transfer to a private Starmart bus going to Terminal Meru Raya. Alternatively, if you prefer a more direct route, a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport to the terminal will cost you around RM35 (approximately S$10.15).
Go On A Cameron Highlands & Ipoh Tour
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of planning your travel trip then perhaps you should try to book one of our Cameron Highland & Ipoh tours.
Our Cameron Highlands and Ipoh tour promises an exciting adventure through some of Malaysia’s most captivating destinations. The tours offer a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the lush landscapes, cool climates, and cultural richness of Cameron Highlands and the historical charm of Ipoh.
In Cameron Highlands, you’ll be treated to picturesque tea plantations, vibrant flower gardens, and the chance to immerse yourself in the local agricultural scene. Sample fresh strawberries, and enjoy the serene surroundings that make this hill station a popular choice for nature enthusiasts.
Moving on to Ipoh, you’ll discover a treasure trove of heritage and culinary delights. With its well-preserved colonial architecture, Ipoh offers a glimpse into Malaysia’s past. Stroll along the city’s streets, lined with charming shops and cafes, or delve into its famed street food scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor Ipoh’s renowned white coffee.
Joining a Cameron Highlands and Ipoh tour ensures that you make the most of your visit, with knowledgeable guides to provide insights, transportation arrangements, and a well-structured itinerary. It’s a stress-free way to soak up the beauty and cultural richness of these two distinctive Malaysian destinations.
Uncover the Hidden Charms of Cameron Highlands & Ipoh! Join our 4D tour to explore these magical destinations and create unforgettable memories. Book your adventure now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cameron Highlands
Is there a direct bus from Singapore to Cameron Highland?
Although there are numerous bus services connecting Singapore to various destinations in Malaysia, regrettably, there is presently no direct service to Cameron Highlands.
How long does it take to travel from Singapore to Cameron Highlands?
The journey time from Singapore to Cameron Highlands is approximately 9 hours, subject to variations based on traffic conditions.
How many days is enough for Cameron Highlands?
Our suggestion is to allocate 2 or 3 nights in this region, allowing you ample time to venture out and discover the scenic hill country. This duration should be sufficient to fully appreciate the major attractions of Cameron Highlands.
What is the travel distance from Singapore to Cameron Highlands?
The distance you’ll cover from Singapore to Cameron Highlands is roughly 600 kilometers by bus, or about 450 kilometers by plane to Ipoh.
Which month is best for Cameron Highlands?
For those who have a passion for outdoor pursuits and wish to steer clear of rain, the best times are during the dry periods from February to April and July to August. Nevertheless, if your goal is to experience the verdant landscapes following rainfall, the wet season offers that opportunity.
What is the closest airport to Cameron Highlands?
The closest airport to Cameron Highlands is Ipoh Airport. Firefly Airlines, a budget subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, operates four weekly flights from Singapore to Ipoh, making it a swift and convenient choice for travelers arriving from Singapore.
Is it worth going to Cameron Highlands?
Yes, Cameron Highlands is worth visiting for its stunning landscapes, cool climate, and diverse attractions.
What is the cheapest way of transfer from Singapore to Cameron Highlands?
The cheapest way to get from Singapore to Cameron Highlands is by taking a bus.
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