Tanah Rata, one of the biggest Cameronian towns, visitors will find government offices, English cafés, souvenir stalls, banks, bus terminal as well as a wide range of budget accommodations around town. Basically, the town is only made up of two streets. Hence, adventurous travelers should travel on foot to explore the various English-inspired architectures in Tanah Rata. The one and only Starbucks is located along the main road of Tanah Rata town next to a couple of South Indian cuisine restaurants. So if you ever crave for premium coffees, you know the right place for you!
Major banks located in this town
There are a handful of banks around Tanah Rata such as Hong Leong, HSBC and Maybank. Post office, government offices and police station are just around the corner. So regardless of where you stay in Tanah Rata, you can reach these offices in no time. Motorists who are driving via Simpang Pulai route from Brinchang, as you reach Tanah Rata, you’ll see a huge and spacious park on your left. This well-maintained park is a social spot for locals to hang out and relax with friends. If you take a look around, you’ll notice senior citizens strolling and reading while families with kids are spending time playing happily. With such cold weather in the highlands, you wouldn’t mind sitting here a little longer.
Main bus terminal
Right ahead of the park is the new English-inspired bus terminal. Other than buses to get out of Cameron Highlands, vacationers can also hire a cab at the terminal. Marrybrown fast food is opposite the bus terminal. Just a few doors down are South Indian eateries serving juicy and tender tandoori chicken, roti canai, nasi kandar and maggi goreng.
If South Indian cuisines are not for you, then perhaps, you can try local Malay delicacies, steamboat or Western delights. There are plenty of Malay stalls offering delicious nasi lemak with anchovies, fried chicken and some other Malay dishes in Tanah Rata food court. Besides Malay delicacies, you’ll also find a couple of steamboat restaurants serving Chinese cuisines.
Rare shops and cafes
For those who plan to explore the town on foot, chances are you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping rare and quirky souvenirs. But surely you wouldn’t miss Yung Seng Souvenir Shop because it has quite a selection of wind chimes made of wood and crafts made by Orang Asli. And instead of those huge strawberry magnets found everywhere, Yung Seng has a great selection of cute little fridge magnets that come in various shapes and designs.
In terms of budget accommodations, travelers need not worry because there are more than ten backpacking hostels, guesthouses, apartment and inns such as Hill View Inn, Sheah Ming Hotel, Cameronian Inn, Twin Pines and KRS Pines Guesthouses, KR Highlanders Budget, Casa Della Jarzmin and Preyaa Holiday Apartment.