Cottages in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
June is just around the corner, and with it, the long-awaited school break. If you’ve been dreaming of escaping Singapore’s heat for a taste of cooler temperatures, paradise is closer than you think. Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is a faux England that’s the perfect respite from Singapore’s heat.
Just a 3-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur, the mountainous holiday destination offers visitors a slice of Europe in Malaysia, with its charming English-inspired cottages and picturesque hills. Best of all, the highland weather will be a great excuse to break out that unused winter jacket hiding in the back of your closet. If you’re thinking of heading to Cameron Highlands, here are some cottages you should bookmark for your trip.
Prices indicated in this article are correct as of 21st May 2025, and are subject to fluctuations.
Table of Contents
- Cottages in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
- What kind of cottages can you find at Cameron Highlands?
- Which areas are near Cameron Highlands attractions?
- Is Cameron Highlands cold?
- Cameron Highlands cottages at a glance
- 1. The Smokehouse Hotel
- 2. The Lakehouse
- 3. The Bala’s Holiday Chalet
- 4. Strawberry Park Resort
- 5. Bintang Cottage
- 6. Cameron Highlands Resort
- 7. Rose Cottage
- 8. Bonus: Cameron Highland Retreat
- 9. Bonus: Zen by Stellar
What kind of cottages can you find at Cameron Highlands?
Image credit: Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands via Facebook
Finding English-style cottages in Malaysia may come as a surprise to some, but a little history lesson reveals that British settlers developed the land as a hill station during the colonial era in what was once known as Malaya.
Today, you’ll find many Tudor-style cottages that once served as holiday retreats for the British who lived in Malaya back in the day. To complete the quintessential English experience, many of these accommodations even feature tearooms, where you can enjoy afternoon tea while soaking in the cool highland air.
Which areas are near Cameron Highlands attractions?
Areas that are popular with visitors are Tanah Rata, Brinchang, and Ringlet, which are located near prominent tourist sites in the Cameron Highlands.
Image credit: Maysaw via Tripadvisor
Tanah Rata serves as the main town in the Cameron Highlands, and is a popular destination since visitors will be close to amenities like shops and restaurants within walking distance. Major attractions like the tea plantations and night markets are also a short drive away.
Image credit: Gerard R via Tripadvisor
Brinchang is especially known for its lively atmosphere, with its bustling night markets and proximity to attractions like the Mossy Forest and strawberry farms.
Image credit: Ong-Photographer via Google Maps
If you’re looking for somewhere far away from the crowds, Ringlet is a little quieter. This is where you’ll find the iconic Lakehouse Hotel and natural landmarks like the Robinson Waterfall, which makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing retreat.
Is Cameron Highlands cold?
If you’re using Singapore as a base for comparison, then yes – Cameron Highlands is definitely cooler, with nighttime lows of 17°C, and daytime highs that only go up to 28°C, or 30°C during hotter seasons. However, June falls in the wetter season, so be prepared for some light rainfall during your trip.
Cameron Highlands cottages at a glance
| Property | Room Type | Price (per night) | Room Occupancy |
| The Smokehouse Hotel | Deluxe Double Room | S$140.58 | 2 adults |
| Suite | S$191.24 | 2 adults | |
| Family Suite | S$313.95 | 4 adults | |
| The Lakehouse | Deluxe Room | S$288.11 | 2 adults & 1 child |
| Junior Suite | S$302.15 | 3 adults/2 adults & 2 children | |
| Family Suite | S$434.64 | 4 adults/3 adults & 2 children | |
| The Bala’s Holiday Chalet | Deluxe Room | S$99.18 | 2 adults |
| The Raffles Suite | S$123.73 | 2 adults | |
| The Family Suite | S$162.43 | 4 adults | |
| Strawberry Park Resort | Studio Room | S$94.96 | 2 adults |
| Tioga Deluxe Suite | S$103.74 | 2 adults | |
| Fresno Family Suite | S$124.73 | 4 adults | |
| Shasta Family Suite | S$124.73 | 6 adults | |
| Bintang Cottage | Nil | S$183.57 | 9 adults |
| Cameron Highlands Resort | Deluxe Room | RM617.50 (~S$186.68) | 2 adults & 1 child |
| Junior Suite | RM807.50 (~S$243.45) | 2 adults & 1 child | |
| Rose Cottage | Balsam House | RM600 (~S$180.89) | 4 adults & 2 kids |
| Morning Glory House | RM600 (~S$180.89) | 4 adults & 2 kids | |
| Rafflesia House | RM1,500 (~S$452.23) |
8 adults & 2 kids | |
| Cameron Highland Retreat | Standard Room | From RM250 (~S$75.82) | 2 adults & 1 child |
| Suite | From RM1,180 (~S$357.88) | Varies by type | |
| Rooftree | From RM980 (~S$297.22) | Varies by type | |
| Zen by Stellar | Kaku Cottage | RM488 (~S$147.61) | 2 adults |
| Nami Cottage | RM588 (~S$177.86) | 3 adults | |
| Sora Villa | RM1,188 (~S$356.34) | 2 adults & 1 kid | |
| Yama Villa | RM1,288 (~S$389.59) | 3 adults & 1 kid |
1. The Smokehouse Hotel
Traditional country house with award-winning garden
Image credit: @smokehousehotel via Instagram
The Smokehouse Hotel is basically the poster child for Cameron Highlands cottages – it’s hard not to see why when you run a quick search on Google Images. As the oldest hotel in Cameron Highlands, the Tudor-style country house first served as a retreat for British expatriates based in Malaya when it was constructed in 1937.
Step inside and it’ll feel like you’ve left Asia behind. Think cosy brick-walled fireplaces, vintage chandeliers, and wood-beamed ceilings straight out of an English fairytale.
Suite at The Smokehouse Hotel
Image credit: Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands via Facebook
The hotel features a range of rooms, from Suites (from S$191.24/night) with antique English furnishings to more contemporary Deluxe Double Rooms (from S$140.58/night) fitted with comfy queen beds.
Image credit: Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands via Facebook
But don’t just visit for the cosy rooms. Make sure to stop by The Dining Room, the hotel’s restaurant, for classic afternoon tea, or take a leisurely stroll through their award-winning garden.
The garden is something out of a picture book, complete with wrought iron gates, a vintage telephone booth, and a variety of colourful flowers. It’s the perfect spot to soak up those English countryside vibes right in the heart of Asia.
Book a stay at The Smokehouse Hotel.
Sign Up with TSL Connect
2. The Lakehouse
Tudor-style country house
Image credit: The Lakehouse
Similar to the Smokehouse Hotel, The Lakehouse has a rich history woven into its walls. Originally built and opened by a retired colonel in 1970, this picturesque country house sits atop a hill overlooking the tranquil Sultan Abu Bakar Lake.
A stay in this hotel is a journey back in time, with the hotel’s collection of preserved historical artefacts and its meticulously maintained original structure.
Image credit: The Lakehouse
The Lakehouse’s accommodations blend in seamlessly with the country house’s vintage aesthetic. Deluxe rooms (from ~S$288.11/night) come with a luxurious 4-poster bed and vintage touches like lattice windows, while the roomier Junior Suite (from ~S$302.15/night) includes antique fans and even an old-school writing desk.
Image credit: thelakehousecameronhighlands via Instagram
To wrap up your English holiday, don’t miss the gorgeous Lakeview Terrace, which offers an afternoon tea package from RM175/pax (~S$53.08) that comes with freshly baked scones.
You’ll get to have tea out in the sun on the terrace, against a magnificent view of the lake. It’s a picture-perfect Instagram spot and the best way to end your highland holiday.
Book your next holiday at The Lakehouse.
3. The Bala’s Holiday Chalet
Charming English-style inn with a breakfast house
Image credit: Alex Teo via Google Maps
The Bala’s Holiday Chalet is a standout choice for anyone seeking an English cottage experience straight out of a storybook in Malaysia’s cool highlands. This charming English-style inn is nestled amidst the lush greenery of Tanah Rata.
Image credit: Cyrus Wong via Google Maps
The magic doesn’t stop at the inn’s welcoming gardens – step inside and it’s like you’ve wandered into a movie set. With picture walls and Tudor-style beams throughout, you’ll find it hard not to stop and marvel at the charming details of the interior.
Image credit: Peng Hong ONG via Google Maps
The suites (from ~S$123.73/night) add to the storybook vibe, featuring dainty floral prints and ornate gold frames on the walls, making every corner feel like a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Image credit: The Bala’s Holiday Chalet via Klook
Alternatively, Deluxe rooms (from ~S$99.18/night) are a more wallet-friendly option and include a queen bed with more contemporary furnishings while still retaining a cosy aesthetic.
Image credit: travelhoneybee via Tripadvisor
You can look forward to teatime at Bala’s Tea Haven, where classic English fare like scones and jam, and savoury delights like finger sandwiches are served in true British fashion. Of course, your tea is served on elegant Victorian-style china, adding an extra touch of charm to your afternoon.
Make a booking with The Bala’s Holiday Chalet.
4. Strawberry Park Resort
Luxurious hilltop hotel located 1,500m above sea level
Image credit: Strawberry Park Resort via Google Maps
Known among locals and tourists alike, Strawberry Park Resort is a landmark hilltop retreat between Brinchang and Tanah Rata. Spanning a whopping 7 acres and perched 1,500m above sea level, this spectacular resort is a great spot for a breathtaking view of the highlands.
Although a little more “standard hotel” than the accommodations on this list, the resort’s rooms still give plenty of cottagecore vibes, especially with their flower-filled balconies overlooking the nearby mountains, so you can enjoy typical hotel amenities while still living out your “English holiday”.
Image credit: Strawberry Park Resort
Studio Rooms (from ~S$94.96/night) and Tioga Deluxe Suites (from ~S$103.74/night) are ideal for couples or friends travelling together. Rooms aren’t too big but are still well furnished with a king bed and teak furniture, the perfect setup for winding down after a long day of hiking through the highlands.
Image credit: Strawberry Park Resort
If you’re feeling hungry, there’s no need to leave the hotel. The Tudor Grill is a fine dining establishment on the grounds that serves classic Western dishes such as Beef Wellington for RM75 (~S$22.75) and Charbroiled Tenderloin Steak for RM68 (~S$20.62).
Book a stay at Strawberry Park Resort.
5. Bintang Cottage
3-bedroom cottage for 9 pax
Image credit: Christy Tey via Agoda
Bintang Cottage is perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat away from the crowds. You’ll get the whole 3-bedroom cottage to yourself when you stay here, so it’s definitely a spot to check out if you’re bringing the whole fam.
Don’t worry if the cottage’s private grounds make it feel a little tucked away. There are still nearby attractions like the Golden Hill Night Market and Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club when you’re ready to emerge from your hideout.
Image credit: Bintang Cottage Cameron Highlands via Klook
The cottage, where stays start from S$183.57/night, features a king bed and 4 single beds, as well as 3 floor mattresses, and 3 bathrooms to accommodate your huge party.
You’ll have a large kitchen for easy meal prep and a huge private garden with a seating area at the back of the cottage. Other amenities include your usual TVs, free WiFi, private parking, and coffee and tea facilities – everything you need for a comfortable getaway.
Check out Bintang Cottage on Airbnb.
6. Cameron Highlands Resort
1970s colonial architecture & English tearoom
Image credit: @cameronhighlandsresort via Instagram
A mainstay among tourists, the Cameron Highlands Resort is a luxurious colonial-style hotel renowned for its timeless elegance and impeccable service.
This grand resort has its own little history as an original 1930s cottage, later expanded to accommodate more guests. Today, it features classy French doors and timber-beamed ceilings, which provide just the right touch of elegance for your holiday.
Image credit: Cameron Highlands Resort
The most wallet-friendly option here is the Deluxe Room, going for RM617.50 (~S$186.68) a night. The room includes a king-sized bed and a dreamy balcony with French doors for an extra touch of chic.
Image credit: Alvin Y via Tripadvisor
There’s also the Junior Suite that goes for RM807.50 (~S$243.45) a night. The spacious room includes a king and an adjacent lounge area fitted with a work desk – ideal if you’re a workaholic even while on vacation.
The resort also has no lack of dining options, including Gonbei, an Asian hotpot restaurant, and the Dining Room for delicious breakfast meals.
A must-visit for anyone craving English afternoon tea is the Jim Thompson Tea Room, named after the legendary Thai silk entrepreneur whose disappearance in 1967 remains a part of local lore.
Image credit: Cameron Highlands Resort
Known as one of the fanciest spots in Cameron Highlands, the lounge is decked out in luxurious Jim Thompson fabrics and exudes colonial elegance. It’ll feel like the real deal when you sip tea while taking in their colonial-inspired decor. The grand space is filled with plush sofas, antique finishings, and views of the lush gardens outside.
Image credit: @cameronhighlandsresort via Instagram
Check out their Afternoon Tea package, priced at RM75/pax (~S$23.73), which includes Smoked Salmon Sandwiches, Fresh Scones with House-Made Strawberry Jam, and a choice of coffee or Cameronian Gold Blend Tea.
For more information, check out the Cameron Highlands Resort website.
7. Rose Cottage
Renovated country house with spacious accommodations
Image credit: Rose Cottage via Airbnb
Rose Cottage is a historic gem dating back to the 1930s. With its classic English-style interiors and scenic mountain backdrop, it’s no wonder that this cottage frequently doubles up as a wedding destination as well.
The expansive grounds will give your little ones plenty of space to run around in, and for you to stretch your legs as you enjoy the cool highland weather.
For those seeking spacious yet budget-friendly accommodations, Rose Cottage is a standout choice. Each room type comes with a separate living space and generously sized bedrooms, giving you the comfort of a real home rather than just a typical apartment.
Image credit: The Rose Cottage
To make the best out of the spacious accommodation, check out The Rafflesia House, priced at RM1,500/night (~S$452.23). It’ll feel like a home away from home, featuring a cosy living room with eclectic decor, and 3 bedrooms housing a total of 4 queen beds. It comes with 2 bathrooms, so there’s no need for fights over the shower at the end of a long day.
To find out more about the accommodation, check out the Rose Cottage website.
8. Bonus: Cameron Highland Retreat
Repurposed container treehouse
Image credit: Cameron Highland Retreat
This one takes you a little further than the UK and offers a more European vibe. Check out the Cameron Highlands Retreat, one of the more unique accommodations on this list. This huge cottage is actually made up of repurposed containers, and is built around the surrounding greenery, reminiscent of the Treehotel in Sweden.
Image credit: @cameronhighlandretreat via Instagram
We aren’t exaggerating when we say you’ll be sleeping with nature. Walk through the house, and you’ll see actual tree trunks growing through its floors and ceilings. Even if you’re spending your stay entirely indoors, the large windows and airy, open-concept design will make you feel like you’re right in the heart of the highlands.
Rooftree Type I at Cameron Highland Retreat
Image credit: Cameron Highland Retreat
Rooftrees are the most novel option here. They’re priced from RM980/night (~S$297.22) and take up the top level of the house. Depending on your room type, it can hold a party of anywhere from 6 to 14, and is lined with single-sized mattresses.
Image credit: Cameron Highlands Retreat
Here’s the fun part: staying here is essentially having one giant sleepover – there aren’t any walls separating you and your roomies when it’s time to hit the hay. The open-concept layout means dining and sleeping areas are blended into one another, maximising the amount of space in the room.
Don’t worry about the bathroom sich: each Rooftree has 2 fully walled bathrooms, so there won’t be any awkward shower situations.
Standard Room at Cameron Highland Retreat.
Image credit: Cameron Highland Retreat
The standard rooms are the more wallet-friendly option at Cameron Highland Retreat, but don’t worry – you won’t be missing out on comfort or charm.
The most affordable pick is the Standard Room, where nightly rates start from RM250 (~S$75.82). The room is equipped with a king bed and a small balcony. If the large windows aren’t enough to make you feel like you’re outdoors, there’s a little tree growing through your room, giving you your own piece of nature inside your temporary home.
Image credit: @cameronhighlandretreat via Instagram
If you and your family are fans of being close to nature but still want the comforts of a hotel, Cameron Highlands Retreat strikes the perfect balance between the two. You’ll get that one-with-nature vibe without giving up a cosy bed and modern amenities.
Get a fuller look at this unique accommodation on their official website.
9. Bonus: Zen by Stellar
Japanese-style glamping with omakase
Image credit: Zen by Stellar
As its name suggests, Zen by Stellar truly brings the “zen” to your holiday. This one’s a little less English in style, but don’t count it out just yet, because its sleek, contemporary design and calming ambience will surely win you over.
Guests get to choose between spacious villas or homey cottages for their stay at the hotel. The resort’s tranquil setting makes it ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful hideout, while still staying close to hotspots like Tanah Rata and Brinchang.
Image credit: Zen by Stellar via Facebook
The hotel takes glamping to the next level – literally. Its tents are pitched on stilts, giving you some of the best views of the highlands. Each villa also comes with its own private balcony and a wooden tatami, so you’ll feel like you’re truly in Japan as you soak in the views of Cameron Highlands.
Image credit: Zen by Stellar
The Sora Villa starts from RM1188/night (~S$356.34) and comes with a king bed and sofa bed, while the Yama Villa starts from RM1288/night (~S$389.59) and is fitted with a queen and super single bed. If you’re after the best views, go for the Sora Villa – it’s perched on the highest vantage point of the hotel grounds for sweeping panoramas of the highlands.
Image credit: Zen by Stellar
For something a little simpler, check out their cottages as a wallet-friendly alternative. Nami Cottage, from RM588/night (~S$177.86), gives you a direct view of the Zen Garden, while Kaku Cottage, from RM488/night (~S$147.61), is conveniently located in front of the Zen Cafe. Each cottage comes with its own queen bed, while Nami Cottage has an additional single foldable bed.
If roughing it out in nature makes you a little nervous, don’t worry. Even though cottages do not come with an ensuite bathroom like the villas, there are shared bathroom facilities a short walk away, so you won’t have to collect banana leaves for toilet trips.
Image credit: Zen by Stellar
The Japanese Hot Pot & Grill Dinner, featuring assorted Cameron Highlands produce, is a highlight at Zen by Stellar. Priced at RM148 (~S$44.89) for 2 to 3 diners, and RM188 (~S$57.02) for 3 to 4 diners.
Image credit: Zen by Stellar
For a more upscale experience, there’s Zen Omakase, where you’ll dig into a multi-course meal including dishes like Unagi Chawamushi, Gyuniku Teriyaki, and Salmon Misoyaki Pasta. The lunch course is priced at RM388/pax (~S$117.56), while the dinner course goes for RM488/pax (~S$147.86).
Check out the Zen by Stellar website for more information.
Book a cottage at Cameron Highlands for your next trip
Image credit: The Lakehouse
The weatherman may not forecast snow for your highland holiday, but Cameron Highlands is still a worthwhile destination to get away from Singapore’s year-round heat.
Even if working up a sweat while hiking through misty trails isn’t your idea of relaxation, staying in an English-style cottage should do the trick to fulfil your cottagecore holiday dreams this June.
Check out our guide on how to get to Cameron Highlands from Singapore for a fuss-free travel experience.
Other things to do at Cameron Highlands:
Cover image adapted from: The Lakehouse