Mossy Forest & Gunung Brinchang
Hutan Lumut / Gunung Brinchang
A primeval mossy forest in the cloud belt at 2,000 m, with tree trunks draped in moss, lichen and pitcher plants. Nearby Gunung Brinchang is the highest point on the peninsula that can be reached by road.
The Mossy Forest lies near the summit of Gunung Brinchang (about 2,031 m), a highland cloud forest shrouded in mist all year round. Humidity stays close to 100%, and tree trunks and branches are thickly covered in moss, ferns, lichen and orchids. Pitcher plants and other rare plants grow on the forest floor, and the stunted, twisted trees make you feel as if you have stepped into a fairy-tale forest. It is the most representative natural landscape of the Cameron Highlands.
Gunung Brinchang is the highest point on the Malay Peninsula that can be reached by car. Its summit has telecom towers and an observation tower, and on clear days you can see the mountains of Perak and Pahang in the distance.
How to visit: A wooden boardwalk once ran through the forest. In recent years it has been closed several times for damage and ecological protection work. Visitors now mostly go in with licensed guide-led eco tours. Some sections charge a fee and limit the number of people. Opening arrangements follow the notices from the local forestry department and tourism board.
Getting there: From Brinchang, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to drive up past the BOH tea estate junction. The mountain road is narrow and steep, so most visitors join a 4WD tour. These are often combined with the BOH Tea Estate in a half-day package for about RM 60 to 100 per person.
Tips: Temperatures at the summit can drop to around 10°C, so bring a jacket. Do not pick plants or stray off the path.
Opening hours
Open during the day (follow guided tour and management arrangements)
Nearby sights
- Gunung Irau
- Strawberry Farms
- Cactus Valley
- Time Tunnel Museum
- Cameron Highlands Butterfly Garden
- Kea Farm Market
- Brinchang
- Sam Poh Temple