Are The Cameron Highlands Strawberry Farms Worth Visiting?

Anyone who has planned a trip to the highlands knows the main question is always this: are the Cameron Highlands strawberry farms genuinely worth visiting? It’s a fair question, especially when you’re trying to separate genuine attractions from tourist traps.

The consistent, cool climate here makes the region perfect for growing strawberries, a fact that local agriculture has embraced since the 1980s.

Farms like the famous Big Red Strawberry Farm and the charming Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm are central to the experience, offering hands-on berry picking and tasty, fresh treats. But there’s more to the area than just fruit.

So, we’re going to break down what you can actually expect. We’ll look at the most popular farms, the activities available, what they cost, and other key sights like the Boh Tea Estate to help you decide if it’s the right trip for you.

Popular Strawberry Farms in Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is home to several noteworthy strawberry farms, each offering a slightly different experience. While most share the core attractions of fruit picking and fresh produce, their atmosphere and secondary offerings vary.

We find that visitors often choose between the larger, more commercial spots and smaller, quieter farms. Popular choices include Big Red Strawberry Farm, Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm, and the uniquely themed Lavender Garden.

What can you find at Big Red Strawberry Farm?

Big Red Strawberry Farm is one of the largest and most popular agro-tourism spots in Brinchang, and for good reason. Entry is free, which makes it an easy stop for travellers exploring the area. Once inside, the main draw is the large hydroponic farm where you can see strawberries and other vegetables growing in neat, elevated rows.

The farm is particularly popular with families. You can try self-picking, where you’re given a basket and scissors to harvest your own berries. According to recent visitors, prices for picking are typically based on weight, often around RM8 to RM10 per 100 grams. It’s an engaging activity, though it’s wise to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds.

The on-site café is another major highlight, serving a wide variety of strawberry-themed desserts.

• Strawberry Milkshake: A popular choice, often topped with whipped cream, for around RM8.90.
• Waffles and Ice Cream: Fresh waffles served with strawberries and a scoop of ice cream, also priced around RM8.90.
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: A classic treat available for those who want a simple indulgence.

Beyond strawberries, the farm also features a gift shop, a cactus display, and colourful flower gardens, making it a well-rounded attraction.

The scent of fresh strawberries fills the cool mountain air at Big Red Strawberry Farm.

Why visit Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm?

Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm offers a more traditional and relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the larger farms. Situated in Kea Farm, it provides a hands-on strawberry picking experience that is especially popular with families. While entry to the farm itself is generally free, there may be a small fee for the picking container.

This farm is well-regarded for the quality of its fruit and its cosy on-site café. Many visitors specifically praise the strawberry desserts here, which include tarts, milkshakes, and fresh strawberries served with chocolate syrup. The farm’s homemade strawberry jam is another item that travellers often recommend taking home as a souvenir.

Although some visitors note the picking area is smaller than at other farms, the charm lies in its simplicity and focus on the produce. An insider tip from frequent visitors is to head to the small roof terrace, which offers a quiet spot with lovely views over the surrounding rainforest. It’s a great place to enjoy your treats away from the main bustle.

What makes Lavender Garden Strawberry Farm special?

As the name suggests, Lavender Garden offers a unique combination of vibrant lavender fields and a strawberry farm. This spot is arguably one of the most picturesque locations in Cameron Highlands, with its colourful flower displays making it an ideal place for photography.

Unlike many other farms, there is an entrance fee here. It is typically around RM20 for adults and RM10 for children. Inside, you can wander through fields of blooming lavender, which is a significant draw for many visitors. Strawberry picking is also available, though it’s more of a secondary attraction compared to the floral displays.

The farm is famous for its lavender-infused products. The on-site café sells unique treats that you won’t find elsewhere, creating a memorable experience.

Due to its popularity, especially on weekends, the area can get quite crowded, and parking can be challenging. However, for those looking for stunning scenery alongside their strawberry farm visit, the Lavender Garden is a standout choice.

Activities to Enjoy at the Farms

The strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands are much more than just agricultural sites. They have become interactive destinations offering a range of enjoyable activities.

We see that most visitors come for the hands-on experience of fruit picking. Beyond that, the farms provide a chance to taste exceptionally fresh strawberry desserts and learn about modern farming techniques firsthand.

How do you pick strawberries at the farms?

Strawberry picking in the Cameron Highlands is a straightforward and enjoyable activity suitable for all ages. The process is designed to be easy for visitors, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

1. Get Your Equipment: Upon deciding to pick, the farm staff will provide you with a basket or container and a pair of scissors.
2. Find the Right Berries: You’ll be directed to the hydroponic racks. The key is to look for strawberries that are fully red and firm. Avoid any that are still green or white at the top, as they aren’t ripe yet.
3. The Proper Technique: Use the scissors to snip the stem just above the berry. This prevents bruising the fruit and makes for a cleaner harvest.
4. Pay by Weight: After you’ve filled your container, you’ll take it to a counter where it will be weighed. The price is based on the weight of the strawberries you’ve picked. Costs can vary, but a common price is around RM15 to RM25 per box or container.

A helpful tip is to know the best time to go. The peak strawberry season generally runs from May to August, though hydroponics ensures year-round availability. However, during busy public holidays, some farms might temporarily suspend the self-picking activity if the ripe fruit has been depleted.

What fresh strawberry treats can you try?

After you’ve had the fun of picking fresh strawberries, the next logical step is to taste them. The cafés at the various Cameron Highlands strawberry farms serve a delightful array of treats made from their own produce.

You’ll find a mix of classic and creative desserts. Some of the most popular options we’ve seen include:

• Strawberry Strudel: A flaky pastry filled with fresh strawberries and cream, offered at places like Green View Garden.
• Chocolate Fondue: A shareable treat where you dip fresh, plump strawberries into warm, melted chocolate. This is sometimes called a “Strawberry Mini Steamboat” on menus.
• Fresh Strawberry Juice: A simple, refreshing drink that lets the pure flavour of the berries shine through.
• Strawberry Ice Kacang: A local twist on a classic Malaysian dessert, combining shaved ice with strawberry syrup and fresh fruit.
• Scones with Strawberry Jam: Many farms, such as KHM Strawberries & Jam, are famous for serving warm scones with clotted cream and their own homemade jam.

These cafes, like the one at Royal Berry Strawberry Park & Café, offer a perfect way to relax after exploring the farm. Trying these treats is an essential part of the Cameron Highlands experience.

What is there to see in the hydroponic gardens?

The hydroponic gardens at the Cameron Highlands strawberry farms are an attraction in themselves, offering a fascinating look into modern agriculture. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil.

For visitors, this system provides a clean and accessible way to see how food is grown. The plants are typically arranged in vertical stacks or long, elevated troughs, which means you don’t have to bend down to see the fruit. This makes the picking process easier and keeps the strawberries clean from soil.

Farm guides often explain the significant benefits of this technique, which are quite impressive.

Hydroponic farming uses up to 90% less water than traditional soil-based agriculture because the water is captured and recirculated within the system. This also allows for year-round cultivation, regardless of the season.

Observing these systems gives you a greater appreciation for the innovation involved in bringing fresh produce to the table. It’s an educational experience that shows how farmers adapt to produce high yields in a sustainable way.

Additional Attractions Nearby

While the strawberry farms are a major draw, the Cameron Highlands region offers a wealth of other attractions that can enrich your visit. The cool climate supports not just strawberries but also lush tea plantations and vibrant flower gardens.

Exploring these nearby spots allows for a more complete experience of what makes this highland area so special. From the sweeping green hills of the tea estates to the colourful displays of local markets, there is plenty more to see.

What can you experience at Boh Tea Estate?

A visit to the Boh Tea Estate is a quintessential Cameron Highlands experience, offering stunning views and a fascinating insight into Malaysia’s most famous tea brand. The most popular location for visitors is the Sungei Palas Tea Garden, which features a modern visitor centre and café.

Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of tea. The estate offers several packages, including a factory tour combined with a tea tasting session, which costs around RM50 per person. During the tour, you learn how the tea leaves are harvested and processed.

The highlight for many is relaxing at the café, which has a 20-foot overhanging balcony providing panoramic views of the plantation. A pro-tip for visitors is to arrive early, ideally by 8:30 AM, to secure a good seat before the crowds arrive. While enjoying the view, you can sample a wide variety of BOH teas and enjoy cakes and pastries. The drive to the estate can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads, but the breathtaking scenery makes it worthwhile.

Why visit the Rose Centre?

The Rose Centre at Kea Farm is a long-standing attraction, famous for its terraced gardens filled with a huge variety of roses and other flowers. Since opening in 1989, it has showcased over 100 different types of roses, creating a colourful and fragrant environment.

Visitors can walk along paths that wind up the hillside, surrounded by blooms and unique floral sculptures. The journey to the top is rewarded with a majestic viewpoint that offers panoramic views over the surrounding valleys of Kea Farm and Tanah Rata.

While some recent visitors have noted that the attraction could benefit from some updates, many still find the experience serene and beautiful, especially for the modest entrance fee of around RM6 per adult. It provides a peaceful escape and a chance to appreciate the diverse flora that thrives in the cool highland climate.

Conclusion

So, is a visit to a Cameron Highlands strawberry farm worth it? We believe it is, as it offers a genuinely refreshing and enjoyable experience.

From the hands-on fun of strawberry picking at places like Big Red Strawberry Farm to the unique floral beauty of the Lavender Garden, there is a simple joy in connecting with where food comes from.

When combined with nearby attractions like the stunning Boh Tea Estate and the colourful Rose Centre, a trip to the highlands becomes a well-rounded and memorable getaway filled with natural beauty.