Boh Tea Plantation | Pahang

The Boh Tea Plantation is one of the most famous and largest tea plantations in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. It is an iconic landmark in the region, known for its vast, lush tea fields, breathtaking panoramic views, and rich history. Established in 1929, the plantation has played a significant role in shaping the tea industry in Malaysia and is an essential part of the country’s agricultural landscape.

Overview

• Location: The plantation is located in the Cameron Highlands, specifically in the town of Brinchang, about 1,450 meters (4,760 feet) above sea level.
• Size: The Boh Tea Plantation spans over 1,200 hectares (2,965 acres), making it the largest tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands region.
• Owner: The plantation is operated by Boh Plantations Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Boh Tea, which is a major player in the Malaysian tea industry.
• Climate: The cool and temperate climate of Cameron Highlands, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), is ideal for growing tea.

History and Significance

• The Boh Tea Plantation was founded by J.A. Russell, a British entrepreneur, in 1929. Russell, originally from Scotland, had been involved in tea farming in Sri Lanka before coming to Cameron Highlands. He was instrumental in the development of the plantation and the establishment of tea production in the region.
• The plantation started with a modest 30 acres of land and expanded over the years to become the largest tea plantation in the area.
• The name "Boh" comes from the Cantonese word for "precious", symbolizing the high-quality tea produced here. Boh Tea has been a significant player in the Malaysian tea market, known for producing premium black tea.
• Today, Boh Tea is one of the most popular tea brands in Malaysia, and the plantation remains a key part of the country’s tea industry, exporting tea worldwide.

What to Do at Boh Tea Plantation

1. Tea Estate Tour

• One of the main attractions at the Boh Tea Plantation is the guided tour of the tea estate. Visitors can explore the tea fields, learn about the cultivation and production of tea, and discover the history of the plantation.
• The tour takes you through the plantation’s rolling hills of neatly cultivated tea bushes, where visitors can see the workers hand-picking tea leaves (usually done in the early morning hours).
• Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the tea processing factory, where they can see how the tea leaves are turned into the finished product. The process includes withering, rolling, oxidizing, and drying the leaves to produce the various types of tea.
• The tour is both educational and scenic, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

2. Boh Tea Factory

• The Boh Tea Factory at the plantation is an interesting stop for tea enthusiasts. The factory, built in the 1940s, offers a close-up look at how the tea is processed and packaged.
• The factory produces several types of tea, including black tea and green tea, and visitors can observe the entire production process, from leaf plucking to the final packaging stage.
• The factory also has an observation deck, where visitors can watch the tea-making process through large windows, and there is often a chance to see the workers at various stages of production.

3. Tea Tasting

• After the tour, visitors can enjoy a tea-tasting experience at the Boh Tea Centre, which has a cozy café overlooking the plantation. Here, you can sample a variety of freshly brewed Boh teas, including their signature black tea, green tea, and other specialty blends.
• The café serves a range of refreshments, including tea-based drinks, scones, and local snacks, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the plantation.
• The view from the café is one of the most famous aspects of the Boh Tea Plantation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding tea fields and lush valleys. It’s a great place to unwind, take photographs, and appreciate the natural beauty of the highlands.

4. Photography and Scenic Views

• The Boh Tea Plantation offers incredible opportunities for photography, with the bright green tea fields stretching out over the hills, often shrouded in a light mist. The landscape, with its rolling hills and vibrant greenery, is perfect for landscape and nature photography.
• The Boh Tea Centre has a viewing deck and outdoor seating area, where visitors can relax and take in the magnificent views. It’s an ideal spot to capture the expansive beauty of the tea estate, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft.

5. Nature Walks

• The Boh Tea Plantation is situated in a mountainous area with several nature trails around the estate. These trails allow visitors to explore the area’s breathtaking natural beauty on foot. You can walk among the tea bushes, enjoy the fresh air, and spot various species of plants, birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the region.

Getting to Boh Tea Plantation

• The Boh Tea Plantation is located in Habu, near Brinchang, in the Cameron Highlands. The plantation is accessible by car, with clear signage leading visitors from the main road. The drive up to the plantation can be a bit winding and steep, but it offers stunning views of the hills and valleys along the way.
• If you are not driving, local taxis or guided tours are available to take visitors to the plantation.
• Visitors can also combine the trip to the plantation with visits to nearby attractions in Cameron Highlands, such as the Mossy Forest, Strawberry Farms, or the Cameron Lavender Garden.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit the Boh Tea Plantation is generally from March to October, when the weather is dry and cool. The plantation is open year-round, but the rainy season, from November to February, can make the roads slippery and the visibility unclear, especially in the early morning or late evening.
• It is advisable to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds, especially during weekends and public holidays.

Why Visit Boh Tea Plantation?

The Boh Tea Plantation is not just a tea producer but a symbol of the rich agricultural heritage of the Cameron Highlands. It offers visitors a chance to:

• Learn about the history of tea cultivation in Malaysia.
• Explore the lush tea fields and factory where the tea is produced.
• Sample high-quality freshly brewed tea while enjoying spectacular views.
• Experience the serenity and beauty of the Cameron Highlands landscape, surrounded by green hills and misty valleys.

Whether you're a tea enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat in the cool highlands, the Boh Tea Plantation is a must-visit destination in Cameron Highlands.