Boh Tea Centre Sungei Palas Garden

Nestled in the lush green hills of Cameron Highlands, the BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas is a destination that should be on every first-time tourist’s itinerary when visiting Malaysia. Offering stunning panoramic views, immersive tea experiences, and a rich history, this tea plantation is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of Malaysia’s highlands. After exploring the tranquil tea fields and learning about the tea-making process, you can extend your journey by discovering other incredible places to visit in Pahang, such as the famous Taman Negara, the idyllic beaches of Cherating, or the cool mountain retreats within Cameron Highlands itself.

Cameron Highlands itself is renowned for its cool climate and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for travelers. A visit to BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas is just one of the many highlights you can explore in Pahang. Along with the tea plantation, visitors can enjoy other must-see attractions such as Mossy Forest, strawberry farms, and vibrant local markets. So, if you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, the beautiful highlands of Pahang, including the BOH Tea Centre, should definitely be part of your itinerary.

Location and How to Get There

Reaching the BOH Sungai Palas tea plantation is relatively easy, no matter where you are coming from. Here’s how you can get there from some major locations:

From Kuala Lumpur: The journey takes around 3-4 hours by car via the North-South Expressway (E1). Follow the signs towards Cameron Highlands, and you’ll soon find yourself winding through scenic mountain roads. Alternatively, there are regular bus services from Kuala Lumpur to Tanah Rata, where you can take a local taxi to the tea centre. For those not planning an overnight stay, Cameron Highlands day trip from Kuala Lumpur is an option. Before booking an online tour, please ensure that the itinerary includes a visit to the Sungei Palas BOH Tea Plantation.
From Ipoh: The drive from Ipoh is approximately 2 hours. You can take the Simpang Pulai route, which offers a more straightforward and less winding journey. Buses from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands are also available, with easy connections to local transport options.
From Taman Negara: If you’re coming from the breathtaking Taman Negara, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the journey to Cameron Highlands is a bit longer but absolutely worth the adventure. By car, it takes approximately 5 hours, passing through scenic rural landscapes and winding up into the cool highlands. For those using public transport, there are options to take a bus or private transfer to Cameron Highlands. Taman Negara offers a contrasting yet complementary experience to the BOH Tea Centre—after immersing yourself in the dense tropical rainforests and wildlife of Taman Negara, the fresh, cool air and rolling tea plantations of Cameron Highlands provide a refreshing change of pace.
Local Transportation in Cameron Highlands: Once in Cameron Highlands, you can opt for local taxis or guided tours that include a stop at the BOH Tea Centre. For those who prefer to drive, ample parking is available near the centre.

For the best experience, consider visiting early in the morning to enjoy the cool mountain air and avoid the crowds.

Overview of BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas

The Sungei Palas Tea Plantation, established in 1935, holds a special place in Malaysia’s tea heritage as the second plantation set up by the BOH Tea Company in Cameron Highlands, following the Habu Tea Plantation. Perched at an impressive altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, it proudly stands as the highest tea plantation in Malaysia, offering not only breathtaking views but also a cool, refreshing climate perfect for tea cultivation. Spanning across 234 hectares, this sprawling estate is primarily dedicated to the production of black tea, a variety that was originally brought to Malaysia from India. Over the years, Sungei Palas has grown into a symbol of Malaysia’s rich tea-growing legacy, blending both tradition and modernity to create some of the finest teas in the region.

What to Expect

When you arrive at the BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully designed visitor centre that seamlessly blends modern architecture with the surrounding natural landscape. Officially opened in 2007, the BOH Tea Café offers seating for around 300 guests, making it the perfect spot for groups and individuals alike to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views. The visitor centre also features a spacious tea shop, where you can purchase your favorite blends, a visitor information centre for learning more about the tea plantation’s history, and a factory where you can witness the fascinating tea-making process in action.

Things To Do at BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas Garden

Tea Tasting

One of the most exciting highlights of visiting the BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas is the unforgettable tea-tasting experience. Visitors have the opportunity to sample a variety of delightful tea blends, from the classic and beloved Cameronian Gold Blend to a range of unique specialty teas that showcase the best of the plantation’s production. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the tea centre offers exclusive tea-tasting packages paired with private factory tours. These packages range from RM40 to RM80 per person, depending on the number and type of tea blends tourists wish to try.

During the tea tasting, plantation staff guide you through the process, teaching you how the size of the tea leaves impacts the flavor, the proper way to prepare a good cup of tea, and the correct method to taste and appreciate the subtle nuances of each blend. Each tea presents its own distinctive flavor profile, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or just curious, there’s something for every palate to enjoy.

Factory Tour

For those who want to dive deeper into the fascinating world of tea, the centre offers guided factory tours. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the entire tea-making process—from the careful harvesting of tea leaves to the precise methods of processing. One of the unique aspects of the tour is the opportunity to see the original machinery that has been in use since the factory opened in 1935.

Visitors can observe the vintage tea roller and the traditional furnace, which still uses rubber trees as fuel to generate heat for drying the tea leaves. This is an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand about the intricate steps involved in producing high-quality tea, while also appreciating the blend of history, craftsmanship, and expertise that goes into every cup.

Scenic Views and Photography Spots

The BOH Tea Centre is renowned for offering some of the most breathtaking vistas in all of Cameron Highlands. One of the standout features of this location is the viewing deck, which provides a panoramic view of the lush, rolling tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect spot for capturing those unforgettable moments, with the sweeping green fields set against the dramatic backdrop of the highlands.

In the early morning, the landscape takes on an almost magical quality as the mist gently blankets the hills, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere. This makes it an absolute paradise for photographers, as the soft light and mist add a layer of enchantment to every shot. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, the views from the BOH Tea Centre are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Café and Local Delicacies

After your tour, relax at the BOH Tea Café, which offers a wide range of tea-based beverages, pastries, and light meals. Be sure to try their signature scones with strawberry jam and cream – a perfect complement to a pot of freshly brewed BOH tea. Enjoy your tea while soaking in the breathtaking scenery from the café’s open-air terrace.

Tea Shop and Souvenirs

Before you leave, stop by the tea shop to pick up some of BOH’s unique tea blends, tea accessories, and other souvenirs. The shop offers an array of teas that are not widely available elsewhere, making them a perfect gift for friends and family or a treat for yourself.

Private Room for Rental

The tea plantation also offers a private rental room for small groups, making it an ideal space for hosting intimate events such as birthday parties, lunches, photoshoots, or gatherings. This private room provides a cozy and exclusive setting amidst the scenic tea fields, perfect for creating special memories. However, the usage of the room is limited to a maximum of 2 hours to accommodate other visitors. The rental fees for the private room range from RM150 to RM500, depending on the nature of the event and specific requirements. It’s an excellent option for those looking to celebrate special moments in a unique and picturesque location.

Sunrise Watching

Boh Tea Centre Sungei Palas offers an unmatched experience for watching the sunrise in Cameron Highlands. From this vantage point, you’ll witness the sun gradually rising over the mountains, casting a warm glow across the sweeping tea plantations. The blend of rolling mountains and lush, green fields creates an absolutely breathtaking view, making it the perfect spot to start your day immersed in nature’s beauty.

Best time to comes here for sunrise watching 6.30 am.

Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors

Best Time to Visit: There is no specific time required to visit the BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas, as the plantation is open throughout the year. Unlike many other parts of Malaysia, Cameron Highlands is not significantly impacted by the country’s monsoon season, which typically occurs between November and January. This makes it an ideal destination year-round. However, during the transition seasons in March and October, visitors may experience occasional heavy rains, especially in the late afternoon. These brief showers are a normal part of the weather pattern in the highlands but shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the serene beauty and activities the area has to offer.
What to Wear and Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as some paths may be uneven. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket, as it can get chilly in the highlands.
Accessibility and Facilities: The centre is relatively accessible for elderly visitors and those with mobility challenges, but some areas, like the tea fields, may be harder to navigate. Restrooms and baby-changing facilities are available on-site.
Navigating the Crowds: As one of the most popular places to visit in Malaysia, the BOH Tea Plantation can become quite crowded during weekends and school holidays. To make the most of your visit, it’s a good idea to plan your trip on weekdays, when the area is generally quieter and more relaxed. If you do visit during busy times, try to arrive early in the day to secure the best spot in the Tea Café, where you can enjoy the scenic views in peace before the crowds arrive. This way, you’ll have more time to explore and fully appreciate the beauty of Cameron Highlands without the rush.

Nearby Attractions to Explore

Make the most of your trip to Cameron Highlands by visiting other nearby attractions:

Mossy Forest: Just a short drive away, this mystical forest is home to unique flora and fauna and offers several hiking trails for adventure seekers.
Cameron Lavender Garden: A vibrant garden filled with lavender, flowers, and photo spots – great for families and flower enthusiasts.
Strawberry Farms: Pick your own strawberries and enjoy fresh strawberry treats at one of the many farms in the area.

FAQs

Is there an entrance fee to BOH Tea Centre Sungai Palas?

No, entry to the BOH Tea Centre and the factory tour is free, but some activities like tea tasting may have a small fee.

What are the opening hours of BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas?

The BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas is open to visitors daily, except for Mondays. Here are the opening hours:

Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on Mondays expect during school and public holiday. Ask travel agents based in Malaysia for more accurate information.

It’s recommended to arrive early, especially during weekends or peak tourist seasons, to avoid the crowds and ensure you have enough time to enjoy the tea-tasting experiences, factory tours, and scenic views from the café. Also, note that the last entry for the tea factory tour may be earlier in the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.

How do I get to BOH Tea Centre from Kuala Lumpur?

If you’re planning to visit Cameron Highlands for just one day, it’s highly recommended to book a Cameron Highlands day trip tour package through a local tour agency. With these packages, all the logistics—from transportation to a well-organized itinerary—are handled for you, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the experience without having to worry about any details.

However, it’s important to confirm that the tour package includes a visit to the Sungei Palas BOH Tea Centre, especially if you’re keen on seeing the tea factory. Typically, access to the BOH Tea Centre is only included in private tour packages, as large group tours often exclude this stop. The reason is that the road leading to the BOH Centre is quite narrow, and big buses used for group tours are unable to navigate it safely.

For the best experience, ensure your package includes a private tour with transportation in smaller vehicles that can access the tea factory. This way, you won’t miss out on one of Cameron Highlands’ most iconic attractions, where you can enjoy tea-tasting sessions, factory tours, and the beautiful panoramic views from the BOH Tea Café.

Are there guided tours available at the BOH Tea Centre?

Yes, guided tours are available at the BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas, but they are primarily focused on the tea factory tours, where visitors can observe the tea-making process firsthand. During these factory tours, you’ll get a detailed look at how tea is processed However, it’s important to note that while the factory tour provides an excellent insight into the tea production process, if you’re looking to learn more about the history of BOH Tea, tea cultivation, and the broader context of Cameron Highlands, this information will generally depend on the tour guide or driver you’ve hired separately.

Tour guides hired through local travel agencies or independent operators can provide a more comprehensive overview of the history of the tea plantations, the significance of the Cameron Highlands as a tea-growing region, and other interesting facts about the area’s culture and environment. These guides often enhance the experience by sharing in-depth knowledge and stories beyond what’s covered in the factory tour itself.

To ensure a fully informative visit, it’s a great idea to hire a knowledgeable guide who can provide this broader context during your trip.

Can I visit the BOH Tea factory?

Yes, you can visit the BOH Tea Factory at the Sungei Palas Tea Centre. The factory is open to the public, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the tea-making process. During the factory tour, you’ll be able to observe how tea leaves are harvested, processed, and packaged, learning about the intricate steps that go into producing high-quality tea.

It’s important to note that the factory tours at the BOH Tea Centre Sungei Palas are guided by plantation staff, and visitors are not allowed to enter the factory on their own. These tours are scheduled to run every 20 minutes and last for approximately 10 minutes, offering a concise but informative look at the tea production process. The guided tours operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but the factory is closed for visits between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, so it’s essential to plan your visit accordingly.

Joining one of these tours is a great way to understand the intricacies of tea-making while gaining exclusive access to the factory’s inner workings.

Conclusion

Visiting BOH Tea Centre Sungai Palas is a truly unique experience that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and, of course, delicious tea. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this destination promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, plan your trip, and get ready to explore one of Malaysia’s most captivating attractions!

Anuar

Anuar has been in the service industry since 1989 and joined the tourism world in 2008. Now, as Operations Manager and full-time author at Tropical Sojourn Travel & Tours, he combines his expertise and passion for crafting unforgettable travel experiences for adventurers worldwide.