Amongst the lingering mist and lush green hills of the Cameron Highlands, thousands of acres of tea gardens appear from the nearby BOH Tea Plantation.
BOH Tea is known for having the largest tea plantation and the biggest black tea manufacturer in Malaysia. When you see the sloped farms and flourishing plants you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular tea producers in all of Southeast Asia. Its main site is over 8000 acres and has been perfecting its blends for almost a century.
BOH Tea’s story starts with the prominent businessman and founder of the company John Archibald “Archie” Russell. In 1929, Archie and a man named A.B. Milne started planting tea in the fertile jungles of the Cameron Highlands. From there, it transformed into the thriving business it is today.
The business’s name derives from the ancient “Bohea Hills” in China. Now known as the Wuyi Mountains, the tea-growing region has gorgeous flat-topped sandstone peaks riddled throughout its rugged terrain. Some say the Bohea Hills were the very spot where the fabled emperor Shennong originally discovered tea. Legend states that the emperor first drank tea after a leaf from a wild tea tree fell into his cup of boiled water. It’s a fascinating story, one I’d like to believe!
RELAX AND EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY OF THE BOH TEA PLANTATION
You can feel history in every step while wandering around the massive complex. Part of the BOH Tea Plantation, the Sungei Palas Tea Garden is where you’ll most likely end up. It’s where visitors can take an informative factory tour, peer out at the tea farms, and taste a variety of BOH’s classic tea.
Hours | The Sungei Palas Tea Garden is open from 8:30 to 16:30 Tuesday through Sunday.
On the tour, you’ll learn how the tea is crafted and manufactured by viewing several different procedures. You’ll also learn the plantation’s history, seeing firsthand how it gained popularity. The short exhibition takes you through different stages and years of the company’s productions.
MALAYSIA AND TEA
In the grand scheme of teamaking, Malaysia is considered a niche producer. The country manufactures around 10,000 tonnes per year, with the Cameron Highlands being the most well-known spot.
When you’re done with the learning experience, go grab a cup of tea and hang out at the connecting cafe. It overlooks a never-ending sea of fields and offers a tranquil atmosphere. The cafe also serves different cakes and light bites, which go perfectly with the refreshing tea. I suggest trying the Palas Afternoon Tea if you want something less bitter and on the lighter side!
Down the hallway in the same building, you’ll discover the gift shop with its assortment of tea-related products. If you’re looking for a small gift or souvenir, this is the spot to come.
Fun Fact | Boh in Mandarin means precious happiness.
The BOH Tea plantation is an extraordinary place, with beautiful terraces, a calming ambiance, and you guessed it…tea! It truly embraces the restorative and relaxing feel of the cooler Cameron Highlands.
GETTING TO THE BOH TEA PLANTATION
Most people head to BOH Tea Plantation from Tanah Rata, a busy little town with a ton of accommodations. From here you can hop on a tour from one of the local agencies, take a taxi, Grab, or go by public transport.
UPDATE | On my most recent visit to BOH Tea, I found out the local buses are no longer running. I’m not sure if it’s temporary or permanent, but it’s unfortunate for sure. Most tours only spend a couple of hours here, so if you want to spend longer exploring the tea fields, use Grab (which I did) or take a taxi.
The journey from Tanah Rata cost me around 20 MYR with Grab. On the way back, I walked, which, if I hadn’t stopped at various points along the way, would have taken between two and three hours.
When I was there, a bus left from the main bus station every 2 hours from 6:30 to 18:30. But, it’s always best to check with your guesthouse about the exact hours. It takes about an hour and drops you off a short hike away from the Sungei Palace Tea Garden. The walk is really nice, taking you through rolling hills covered by tea trees.
From Kuala Lumpur | If you’re looking to go to the Cameron Highlands as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, I suggest taking a tour. It’s a long journey with a changeover by public transport.
