Strawberry Farms | Pahang

The Strawberry Farms in Cameron Highlands are one of the region's most popular attractions, offering visitors a chance to pick their own strawberries and experience farm life in the cool, temperate climate of the highlands. Cameron Highlands, known for its lush valleys and cool climate, provides the ideal environment for growing strawberries, and many farms in the area produce this popular fruit throughout the year.

Overview

• Location: The majority of the strawberry farms are located around the towns of Kea Farm and Tringkap, which are located on the slopes of the Cameron Highlands at an altitude of about 1,500 to 1,800 meters (4,900 to 5,900 feet) above sea level.
• Climate: The cool, temperate climate of Cameron Highlands, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), creates the perfect conditions for growing strawberries. The region’s moderate rainfall, cool temperatures, and rich soil contribute to the high quality of the strawberries grown here.

What to Expect at the Strawberry Farms

1. Strawberry Picking

• The most popular activity at these farms is strawberry picking, where visitors can wander through rows of strawberry plants and pick their own ripe strawberries directly from the plants.
• Many farms offer visitors the opportunity to pick fresh, plump, red strawberries, providing an interactive and enjoyable experience for all ages. The strawberries in Cameron Highlands are known for being sweet and juicy, with a distinct flavor.
• Visitors are typically provided with baskets to hold the strawberries as they pick. You pay based on the weight of the strawberries you collect, so the more you pick, the more you pay.

2. Strawberry-Themed Products

• Besides fresh strawberries, many farms offer a variety of strawberry-based products, including:
  • Strawberry jam: Homemade strawberry jam made with fresh strawberries grown on-site.
  • Strawberry juice: Freshly pressed or blended strawberry juice, often served chilled.
  • Strawberry ice cream: Creamy strawberry-flavored ice cream made from locally sourced strawberries.
  • Strawberry desserts: Cakes, tarts, and pastries made with fresh strawberries, often sold in the farm’s cafés or gift shops.
  • Strawberry chocolate: Locally made chocolates infused with fresh strawberry flavor.
  • Dried strawberries: Dried strawberries are available as snacks or for use in cooking.

3. Farm Tours and Educational Experiences

• Many strawberry farms offer guided tours where visitors can learn about the farming process and the techniques used to grow strawberries in the highlands. These tours may cover:
  • Hydroponic farming: Some farms use hydroponic systems to grow strawberries, which involves growing plants in a water-based solution rather than soil. Visitors can learn about this modern farming method.
  • Traditional farming methods: Some farms still use traditional soil-based methods to grow strawberries, offering insight into local farming techniques.
  • Plant care and harvesting: Visitors can learn how the strawberries are cared for, from planting to harvest, and the different varieties of strawberries grown.

4. Farm Stalls and Souvenir Shops

• The farms often feature gift shops or stalls where visitors can purchase local products and souvenirs. These include:
  • Strawberry jams, sauces, and pickles
  • Handmade strawberry crafts such as souvenirs, decorations, and artwork
  • Strawberry-themed items, like plush toys, keychains, and shirts
• The shops also sell fresh strawberries that are ready for purchase, so if you’re unable to pick your own, you can still buy freshly picked strawberries directly from the farm.

5. Cafés and Restaurants

• Many strawberry farms have cafés or restaurants on-site, where visitors can enjoy strawberry-flavored dishes or beverages. Common offerings include:
  • Strawberry milkshakes: A refreshing and popular drink made from fresh strawberries and milk.
  • Strawberry pancakes: Pancakes topped with fresh strawberries, syrup, and whipped cream.
  • Strawberry crepes: Thin, delicate crepes filled with fresh strawberries and cream or other fillings.
  • Strawberry waffles: Waffles served with fresh strawberries, chocolate, and cream.

Popular Strawberry Farms in Cameron Highlands

1. Kea Farm Strawberry Garden

• Located in the Kea Farm area, this is one of the largest and most popular strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands. It offers visitors the chance to pick their own strawberries, explore the farm, and enjoy a variety of strawberry-based products and dishes at its café.

2. Tringkap Strawberry Farm

• Situated in Tringkap, this farm offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and is known for its high-quality strawberries. Visitors can enjoy the farm’s café, which serves a variety of strawberry-inspired treats.

3. Big Red Strawberry Farm

• Located in the Brinchang area, Big Red Strawberry Farm is one of the largest and most established strawberry farms in the region. It is well-known for its hydroponic farming systems and offers a wide variety of strawberry-based products, from jams to ice cream.

4. Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm

• One of the oldest farms in the area, Raju’s Hill is located in the Tringkap area. The farm offers a great experience for visitors who want to pick their own strawberries while enjoying views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Activities and Experiences at the Strawberry Farms

1. Strawberry Picking

• As mentioned earlier, strawberry picking is the main attraction at the farms. Visitors can take their time to choose the ripest strawberries, fill their baskets, and enjoy the farm environment. The picking process is a fun and relaxing activity, especially for families with children.

2. Photography

• The farms provide ample opportunities for photography, from close-ups of fresh, ripe strawberries to panoramic shots of the farmlands with rolling hills and valleys in the background. The bright red strawberries contrast beautifully against the green leaves, making it a popular location for capturing memorable photos.

3. Enjoying the Views

• Strawberry farms are often located in scenic areas, offering breathtaking views of the valleys and surrounding hills. It’s a peaceful experience to sit back and take in the cool, fresh air of the highlands while enjoying a cup of strawberry tea or a strawberry dessert.

Visitor Information

1. Best Time to Visit

• Year-Round: The strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands are open year-round, and strawberries can be harvested throughout the year. However, the best time to visit for strawberry picking is during the harvest season, which is generally from March to August.
• The farms may be busier during public holidays and weekends, especially in the cooler months, so visiting early in the morning on weekdays is often recommended to avoid crowds.

2. How to Get There

• By Car: Strawberry farms are easily accessible by car, and many visitors use private cars or taxis to reach the farms. From Tanah Rata or Brinchang, you can follow the signs to Kea Farm or Tringkap to find the farms.
• By Guided Tour: If you're unfamiliar with the area or prefer a more structured visit, many travel agencies offer guided tours to the strawberry farms as part of larger Cameron Highlands tours, which may include other attractions such as tea plantations, mossy forests, and cactus gardens.

3. Entrance Fees

• Most strawberry farms do not charge an entrance fee but require visitors to pay for the strawberries they pick. The price is usually based on weight, and you can expect to pay a fair price for the fresh produce. The farms also sell pre-picked strawberries, which can be purchased directly from the farm's stalls.

Why Visit the Strawberry Farms?

• Fresh Strawberries: Picking and tasting fresh, sweet strawberries directly from the farm is a unique and enjoyable experience that you can’t get in most other places.
• Family-Friendly Activity: Strawberry picking is a great activity for families, especially with children. The farms are usually very welcoming and have facilities to make it an easy and enjoyable experience for people of all ages.
• Local Products: Strawberry farms offer a wide variety of local strawberry-based products, such as jams, juices, and desserts, which are perfect for taking home as souvenirs or gifts.
• Scenic Views: Many strawberry farms are located in scenic areas, providing visitors with stunning views of the highland landscape, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.

The strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands offer a memorable and enjoyable experience, blending the pleasures of fresh fruit, beautiful landscapes, and local culture, making them a must-visit destination for travelers to the region.