BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands – Complete Visitor Guide

Planning a trip to BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands? This complete guide covers what to see, which estate to visit, how to get there, and insider tips for tea lovers, nature seekers, and day-trippers from Kuala Lumpur.

Early morning sunrise over BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands
Sunlight breaks over the lush green hills of BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands in the early morning – a signature highland view.

Set in the cool hills of Pahang, the BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most iconic tourist attractions. Whether you’re drawn by rolling tea valley views, colonial heritage, or the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea, BOH offers something for every traveler.

This guide covers everything you need to know – from what to expect at BOH Tea Garden Sungai Palas and BOH Tea Garden Habu, to how to get there, what to do, and whether you should visit on your own or join a guided day tour.

Read our full Cameron Highlands Travel Guide for the best places to visit, eat, and stay in the highlands.

The Story Behind BOH – Malaysia’s Most Famous Tea Brand

Founded in 1929 by British entrepreneur J.A. Russell, BOH started as a single estate in Habu, making it Malaysia’s first highland tea plantation. During the colonial era, Cameron Highlands’ cool climate and fertile slopes were ideal for growing tea — a tradition BOH still upholds today.

Today, BOH operates three tea plantations in Malaysia:

  1. BOH Garden Tea Plantation in Habu, Cameron Highlands – the original estate with historical charm.
  2. Sungei Palas Tea Garden Estate in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands – a modern visitor-friendly site with a café, factory tour, and scenic views.
  3. Bukit Cheeding BOH Garden Tea in Selangor – a production-focused facility that is not open to the public.

Over the years, BOH expanded to multiple estates and modernized its facilities, but it still retains a deep connection to its origins. The company now produces more than 4 million kilograms of tea annually, making it the top Malaysian tea brand both locally and internationally.

Visiting a BOH Tea Plantation is not just about tea — it’s about experiencing a slice of Malaysia’s colonial past, agricultural legacy, and modern hospitality.

Read our full guide here: BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands for complete details about the plantation.


BOH Tea Garden Sungei Palas – Modern, Scenic, Popular

Entrance to Sungei Palas BOH Tea Centre at BOH Tea Plantation in Cameron Highlands
The modern Sungei Palas BOH Tea Centre, a highlight of BOH Tea Plantation in Cameron Highlands, welcomes visitors with scenic views and fresh highland tea.

Just a short drive from Brinchang town, the BOH Tea Garden Sungai Palas is the most visited of BOH’s estates. It combines dramatic scenery with excellent visitor facilities, making it perfect for first-time tourists.

Highlight Include:

  • A modern visitor center and exhibition gallery
  • The iconic cantilevered viewing deck (J.A.’s Balcony) perched over the tea valley
  • A spacious BOH Tea Café with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Tea factory tours (when available)
  • Tristan’s Terrace – a new café wing with added seating

This estate is a favorite for photographers and nature lovers, with mist-covered tea slopes and sweeping highland views.

Inside the BOH Tea Factory Tour – What You’ll See

Entrance to the Sungei Palas factory for the BOH Tea Factory Tour in Cameron Highlands
Tourists can join the BOH Tea Factory Tour at the Sungei Palas Garden in Cameron Highlands to see how tea is processed from leaf to cup

When operating, the BOH Tea Factory Tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at traditional tea production. Guided or self-guided, the tour walks you through each stage of the process. Our Cameron Highlands day tour from Kuala Lumpur includes this experience, giving you exclusive access that many shared group tours skip.

  • Withering: Fresh tea leaves are dried to reduce moisture
  • Rolling and Crushing: Using vintage Rotorvane machines, leaves are broken to release flavor
  • Oxidation and Drying: The leaves darken and develop their signature aroma
  • Sorting: Leaves are graded by size and pack.

You’ll also see historical photographs and displays that explain how BOH evolved from a single estate into a household name.

Tea Tasting at BOH – What to Try

The BOH Tea Café at Sungei Palas offers more than just a cup of tea. It’s an experience. Visitors can enjoy:

  • Signature teas like Palas Supreme, Seri Songket, and the fruity Passion Fruit Green Tea
  • Tea flights for sampling different blends
  • Pastries and cakes – perfect for pairing with highland-grown black teas
  • A peaceful environment to enjoy the view over tea valley

Want a souvenir? The BOH Tea tasting and souvenir shop carries blends not found in regular stores.

For more tips on planning a Cameron Highlands day trip, read our guide: Day Trip from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands – A Complete Guide.

BOH Tea Garden Habu – Heritage, Quiet, Underrated

Habu factory building at BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands
The original BOH Tea factory at Habu, Cameron Highlands – open to tourists who want a glimpse into the traditional tea-making process during a plantation visit

What Makes Habu Estate Different?

Located near Ringlet, the BOH Tea Garden Habu is BOH’s original estate and retains a charming, rustic feel. Fewer tourists make the trip here, but those who do often describe it as more peaceful and authentic.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Historic Nissen huts used by British officers
  • A working tea factory and warehouse
  • A small café with a countryside vibe
  • Beautiful but less commercialized views
  • Fewer crowds and shorter queues

It’s ideal for visitors looking for a more intimate experience or a break from the more popular Sungei Palas crowd.

Did you know you can visit BOH Tea Garden Habu during your transfer?
If you’re heading to Cameron Highlands, we can arrange a stop at the heritage BOH Tea Garden Habu for a small additional fee. Choose one of our private transfers for a flexible, comfortable journey:

BOH TEa Plantation vs Bharat Tea Plantation – Which Is Better?

Feature

Sungei Palas & Habu

Bharat Tea Plantation

Age and Heritage

Established in 1929, colonial roots

Established in 1933

Educational Experience

Factory tour, exhibits & video

Less educational

Café and Viewing Decks

Large café, J.A.’s Balcony, terrace

Smaller café with valley view

Souvenirs and Blends

Exclusive shop items, gift sets

Standard retail offerings

Crowd Levels

  • Sungei Palas: Busy
  • Habu Plantation: Peaceful

Busy, especially with buses

BOH Tea Garden vs Bharat Tea Plantation? BOH wins for heritage, depth of experience, and scenery — especially if you visit both Sungei Palas and Habu.

For more ideas and local advice, check out our Cameron Highlands Travel Tips & Guides section.

Things to Do at BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands

Tourists enjoying tea at BOH Tea Café with scenic views of BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands
Tourists relaxing at BOH Tea Café in Cameron Highlands, enjoying freshly brewed BOH tea with sweeping views of the surrounding tea plantation landscape.

Here’s what you can enjoy whether you visit Sungei Palas or Habu:

  • Enjoy a free self-guided experience – no entrance fee required!
  • Learn about tea production in Malaysia
  • Walk among the scenic tea valley trails
  • Visit the BOH souvenir shop for blends only sold on-site
  • Try local snacks or cakes at the café

BOH Tea Plantation Opening Hours & Entry Info

Both estates have free entry, but hours vary slightly. Check before going.

Estate

Opening Hours

Closed

Sungei Palas

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Monday except school & public holiday

Habu Estate

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Monday except school & public holiday

Is BOH Tea Plantation free to visit? Yes – both Sungei Palas and Habu estates are free. You only pay for café items and any souvenirs.

How to Get to BOH Tea Plantation

Narrow road to BOH Tea Cameron Highlands during BOH Tea Plantation visit
A narrow scenic road leading to BOH Tea Cameron Highlands. Taking a private tour to Cameron Highlands is the best way to enjoy the BOH Tea Plantation visit, offering access and views that shared tours often miss.

Important Note for Day Tours from Kuala Lumpur: Both the BOH Tea Plantations in Cameron Highlands — Sungei Palas and Habu — are located off the main road and can only be accessed by car or mini van. Large tour buses cannot enter due to narrow, steep roads. As a result, shared tours will not be able to visit BOH Tea Plantation.

Self-Drive Tips

  • Sungei Palas: 15 minutes from Brinchang, narrow and winding road, steep at some points
  • Habu: Near Ringlet, ideal for those entering via Tapah

BOH Tea Plantation self-drive tips: Arrive before 10 AM to avoid traffic and parking hassle. Drive carefully on narrow roads.

From Kuala Lumpur

  • No public buses to either estate
  • book a private driver
  • Best option: join a private day tour to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur

Ready to experience BOH Tea Plantation in just one day?

Skip the planning stress and let us take you there! Our private day tour to Cameron Highlands includes a visit to Sungei Palas BOH Tea Garden, scenic stops along the way, and a flexible itinerary tailored to you.

  • Includes BOH Tea Plantation & Bharat Tea Plantation
  • Transparent pricing — no hidden fees, pay less for more
  • Enjoy a delicious à la carte lunch at a local highland restaurant
  • Transparent pricing — no hidden fees, pay less for more
  • Designed for photographers, couples, and first-time visitors

and enjoy a full-day private experience that’s 30% cheaper than international platforms like KLOOK and GetYourGuide.

Best Time to Visit BOH Tea Plantation

Boardwalk through tea plantation leading to BOH Tea Centre Cameron Highlands at Sungei Palas
The scenic boardwalk leading to BOH Tea Centre at Sungei Palas, nestled in the lush Cameron Highlands tea valley.

Note on Malaysian Weekends: Malaysia follows two weekend systems. States like Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah observe Friday and Saturday as their weekend. If you’re visiting Cameron Highlands on a Friday, expect larger local crowds — treat it like a weekend. Try to arrive at Sungei Palas BOH Tea Garden before 8:00 AM for a more peaceful experience.

  • Weekdays: Avoid local weekend crowds unless you do not have others option.
  • Morning (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM): Best lighting, cooler weather
  • Dry Season (Feb – Sept): Clear skies and vibrant green fields

Fog is common in early mornings — bring a light jacket, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with BOH Visit

Make the most of your trip by pairing BOH with nearby Cameron Highlands attractions:

  • Mossy Forest: 10 minutes from Sungei Palas, known for cloud forest and eerie beauty
  • Butterfly Garden: Great for kids and macro photographers
  • Strawberry Farms: Pick-your-own farms like Raju’s or Big Red
  • Lavender Garden: Colorful and picturesque stop for flower lovers

Getting to BOH Tea Plantation is part of the journey — learn more in our guide on how to get to Cameron Highlands from KL.

Should You Visit Sungei Palas or Habu?

If you’re staying in Cameron Highlands for a few days, try to visit both BOH Tea Plantations. But if you’re on a day trip, focus on Sungei Palas BOH Tea Plantation for a quicker yet fulfilling experience.

Factor

Sungei Palas Plantation

Habu Tea Plantation

Visitor Facilities

Moden, spacious

Modern, historic

Café Experience

Tristan’s Terrace, tea flights

Small café, relaxed vibe

Education

Factory tour, exhibits

Heritage-based experience

Views

Iconic balcony & tea valley

Serene hillside scenery

Best For

First-timers, families, photo lovers

History fans, quiet seekers

What to expect at BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands: Two very different but equally rewarding tea experiences — one offering modern elegance, the other steeped in colonial charm.

FAQs – BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands

Yes. Both Sungei Palas and Habu estates are free to enter. You only pay for food or souvenirs.

Sungei Palas is more modern and scenic. Habu is quieter and more historical. Visit both if you have time.

There are no direct public buses to either Sungei Palas BOH Tea Garden or Habu BOH Tea Plantation.

  • If you’re staying in Cameron Highlands for a few days, the easiest option is to hire a local taxi by the hour or book a short tour with a local operator to include BOH Tea in your itinerary.
  • If you’re visiting on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, it’s best to book a private tour to Cameron Highlands. Shared tours often skip both BOH plantations due to the narrow and winding roads that aren’t suitable for larger tour buses.
  • Sungei Palas: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed Mondays expect during school & public holiday ),
  • Habu: 9 AM–4 PM (closed on Monday except during school & public holiday).

There’s no single “best time” — it depends on what you want to experience during your visit.

  • If you want to enjoy breakfast with a view, come in the morning. The café serves Nasi Lemak, cakes, and tea while the weather is cool and misty.
  • For a relaxing afternoon tea with scones, come after 2:00 PM, when the crowd begins to thin and the sunlight enhances the view.
  • If you’re only interested in visiting the factory, doing some souvenir shopping, or a quick photo shoot, you can come anytime within factory hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Important: BOH Tea Plantation Sungei Palas can get very busy on weekends. For a calmer experience with stunning views, come early on a weekday morning.

Summary – Why BOH Tea Plantation Should Be on Your List

Whether you’re a tea lover, a nature fan, or just looking for peaceful views, the BOH Tea Plantation Cameron Highlands delivers a memorable experience.

Visit Sungei Palas for its stunning views, modern café, and educational gallery, or head to Habu if you want a quieter walk through tea history. Either way, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for tea and a camera full of beautiful photos.

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