1. 1. Simpang Pulai - CH Route A181
The first route (Simpang Pulai-CH Route A181) is the
easiest and most comfortable route. Highly recommended
for families with young children.
Simpang Pulai is a small town next to the North South
Expressway. If you are coming from the North South
Expressway, take Exit 137 (Simpang Pulai), this should be
close to the Ipoh exit and turn right at the traffic light after
you have paid your highway tolls. Turn right again at the
next traffic light about 200 meters away into route A181 to
Cameron Highlands. This might not look like a main road to
you, there are many small villages and marble/cement
factories on the way up, and there are many road signs.
After about 1 hour going uphill, you will reach a T-junctio. If
you go straight, you will end up in Gua Musang (see route
3). Turn right at this junction into Kampung Raja, follow
the signs saying Brinchang and Tanah Rata (another 30km).
Driving tips:
- there are no petrol stations from Simpang Pulai all the way
up to Kampung Raja (50 km uphill). So, try to tank before
going up, there are many petrol stations along the main road
after you leave the highway.
- most stretches going up hill has got double overtaking lanes.
Be patient and wait until you see the overtaking lanes before
attempting to do so around a blind corner.

2. 2. Tapah - Cameron Highlands Federal Route 59
This is also known as the OLD road. Most visitors coming
from the south will take this route, but many locals prefer to
drive further north to Simpang Pulai to take the more
comfortable route. If you are coming from the North South
Expressway, take Exit 132 (Tapah). Once you have paid the
highway toll, turn left at the traffic lights and this long and
winding road leads you up to Ringlet - Tanah Rata-
Brinchang.You will need about 1.5 hours on this old road
from Tapah to Tanah Rata, especially if you are stuck behind
a very slow heavy vehicle. There are almost no overtaking
chances on this road. Be prepared for falling debris or minor
landslides along this narrow road.
The Lata Iskandar waterfall is a nice place for a short stop
although there are loads of rubbish around the waterfall and
hawker stalls. Try not to swim there because of the rubbish.
Driving tips:
- there are no petrol stations from Tapah to Ringlet, about
60km stretch. So, try to tank before going up, again, there are
many petrol stations along the main road after you leave the
highway.
-bring some plastic bags for children, as they get very easily
car-sick from all the bends. The roads are very narrow and
does not offer any space for short pull-overs for throwing-up.
You will need to do this in your own car.
- watch out for falling debris and landslides.
- AVOID this road at night. It is not lighted up and it gets pitch
black. Driving at night with the fog is very dangerous.
- Be patient. There are lots of heavy vehicles on this route. DO
not overtake if you cannot see.