Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Mossy Forest at Cameron Highlands in Malaysia
Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia


Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands is one of the interesting places to visit when you are on holiday there. I have personally been to Cameron Highlands more than 20 times in the last 4 years but I only visited the Mossy Forest once which is located in the Batu Gangan Forest Reserve of Cameron Highlands, 2031 meters (6,700 feet) above sea level. Sometimes this 200,000 year old Mossy Forest is called Lord Of the Rings Forest or Fantasy Forest by the local tour guides there.

Getting to the Mossy Forest was pretty simple but you needed to get a guided service there. Well, for the backpackers, you could take a long hike there which would not cost a cent. Just your time involved. So, I had engaged a personal guide named Bala in Tanah Rata town. Bala was a pure bred Cameron Highlands guy so he knew everything there is to know and that was my bonus - plus he had the baddest 4WD truck too. The entrance to the Mossy Forest is just outside the Equatorial Hotel on the highest point of Cameron Highlands.

We started our journey from Tanah Rata town in his custom Land Rover and we drove through the Sungai Palas Boh Tea Plantations through some very narrow and curvy roads. The drive to the entrance of the Mossy Forest would take about 10 to 15 minutes only. But if you plan to self drive there, please be warned that these roads are brutal so a 4WD is suitable for the journey there. I have heard some people driving their cars up but if you have a small engine capacity car, it is not advised.

On arrival at the Mossy Forest entrance, I was already surprised that the moss grew out on to the side of the road. This was really something not what you see normally so it was going to be great. Camera armed and ready, we started to make our way in.

Walking into the Mossy Forest was like going into another world as the moss covered almost everything in sight. All the trees and branches were literally mossed up. It really looked like a set from Lord of the Rings in there and I was absolutely amazed with the entire experience.

I was also told by Bala, my personal guide, that we should follow the path inside the Mossy Forest and not to venture off as it can be dangerous at certain points. The ground was damp, soft and spongy while there were no leeches or mosquitoes there due to the weather. This was most excellent for my partner Lilian. So ladies, no worries here.

Trees which have fallen over are covered in moss and plant life is abundant here. Apparently some orchids are found in the Mossy Forest but the star plant which is the Pitcher Plant is easily spotted here.

On my exploration here, I must have seen at least ten wild pitcher plants. They are found hanging from trees and please do not touch them. some of the pitcher plants are about 10 inches long. Besides pitcher plants, there are many ferns and other flora found here.

Bird watching is apparently popular too as there are about 70 species of montane rainforest birds that dwell in this forest. There have also been sightings of small wild creatures by some of the guides. None of them man-eating though. Snakes and lizards are common so be a look out for them. Usually if you have a guide, they will point it out to you.

Certain parts of the trek may take you vertical so you are advised to hold on to the tree barks, roots or branches along the way for support. Note that these branches may be covered in moss too. Apart from this, the trek will be a muddy one so do not expect a clean trek here.

Apparently, a series of wooden platform and walkways have been built last year to make it easier to move around the Mossy Forest. However, my last trip to the forest was back in 2007. So I probably need to go explore it again to update my posting. Any takers?

On completing out Mossy Forest exploration we headed to the Brinchang Look Out Tower. The telecommunication tower is located a couple of minutes from the Mossy Forest and is the tallest point of Cameron highlands. This three story 50 feet tower has the best views of the mountain range and on a good day, you can see all the way to the neighboring state of Perak. But usually the tower is covered by mist so check when you are there. The only way up the look out tower is via the tower staircase and you can see 360 degrees around.

To get to the Mossy Forest

* If you engage a guide, they will drive you there
* If you self explore, the entrance is just outside the entrance of the Equatorial Hotel
* There is a huge sign in brown that says 'Mossy Forest' on the left side of the road
* Average time spent there is about 2-4 hours

Tips on the Mossy Forest

* Best to engage a local guide as they know the forest well
* You can self explore this place but go in a group
* The forest is huge so stay close
* There are no toilets or shops near by
* Bring your own snacks and drinks
* Bring a tripod for excellent photography
* Wear proper trekking shoes and clothing

For more detailed information, visit this site - Mossy Forest

Tour Guide Services for Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands

* Contact: Mr.Bala
* Tel: +6 019 6415 748
* Office: Tanah Rata Town