BOH Tea Factory – The Emerald Heart of Cameron Highlands
Spanning over 465 hectares, BOH Plantations is the largest tea producer in Malaysia, accounting for nearly 70% of the nation's tea production. A visit to the Cameron Highlands is incomplete without witnessing the rolling "emerald carpets" of tea leaves. Visitors can choose between two distinct locations: the modern, architectural marvel of the Sungei Palas Tea Centre and the original, rustic heritage of the BOH Tea Garden (Habu).
The iconic panoramic view from the Sungei Palas Tea Centre overlooking the plantation [00:00:00].
At a Glance
Locations: Sungei Palas (Brinchang) & BOH Tea Garden (Habu/Ringlet)
Established: 1929 by J.A. Russell
Key Highlights: Factory tours, panoramic cafe, tea tasting, and exclusive gift shops.
Located near Brinchang, this is the most popular site for tourists. It is famous for its ultra-modern visitor centre and "Tristan's Terrace," a 20-foot overhanging balcony that offers a 200-degree view of the tea valleys. This site is perfect for photography, modern dining, and interactive exhibits [00:00:33].
2. BOH Tea Garden (Habu/Ringlet)
The original plantation established in 1929. This site offers a more authentic and historic feel. It is generally quieter than Sungei Palas and features a charming colonial-style tea room. It is the best place to see the original factory machinery and the first tea bushes planted by the Russell family.
The Art of Tea Making: Factory Tours
At both locations, visitors can walk through the factory to witness the five-step process that turns green leaves into Malaysia's favorite brew:
1
Withering: Reducing moisture in the leaves using large fans.
2
Rolling: Breaking the leaf cells to release juices and enzymes.
3
Fermentation (Oxidation): The critical stage where leaves turn from green to brown and develop their aroma.
4
Drying: Using hot air to stop fermentation and lock in flavor.
5
Sorting: Grading the tea based on leaf size (e.g., Garden Teas vs. dust).
The Heritage: Gallery & History Room
For those interested in the 95-year history of the company, the Sungei Palas centre features a history gallery built with polished "anti-termite" wood logs [00:03:12]. Here, you can learn that "BOH" actually stands for "Best of Highlands" [00:03:28]. There is also a dedicated room where visitors can relax and watch a historical documentary about the Russell family and the plantation's growth.
Dining with a View: BOH Tea Cafe
The BOH Tea Cafe at Sungei Palas offers a wide range of exclusive teas and light bites. The food is surprisingly affordable and ranges from savory snacks to gourmet desserts [00:02:58].
How to Order:
1
Get the menu form at the entrance.
2
Select your preferred drinks (like the Peppermint tea or Palas Supreme) and food.
3
Hand the form to the staff and pay. Drinks and quick bites are served fast, while hot meals may take longer [00:02:18].
A must-try is the Palas Supreme, also known as a "baby tea" because it uses the youngest, most tender leaves. It is exceptionally light, fragrant, and floral [00:04:23].
Exclusive Souvenirs & Gift Shop
Before leaving, visit the gift shop for products that are often exclusive to the plantation and hard to find in regular supermarkets across Malaysia [00:03:45].
Signature BOH Satchets: Large 48-count packs are popular for gifting (~RM 48.00) [00:04:47].
Palas Supreme Garden Tea: Available in 100g loose-leaf tins [00:05:24].
BOH Peppermint: A refreshing specialty blend [00:05:38].
Mini Packs: Budget-friendly versions available starting from RM 13.90 [00:05:02].
Essential Visitor Information
Detail
Information
Opening Hours
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee
Free entry to both centres, factories, and gallery
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8:30 AM) to avoid the afternoon fog and peak crowds
Climate
High altitude brings low temperatures and frequent rainfall—perfect for tea [00:01:17].
Accessibility
The road to Sungei Palas is narrow; drivers must be cautious.
Location: BOH Tea Centre (Sungei Palas)
Frequently Asked Questions
BOH stands for "Best of Highlands," a name chosen by founder J.A. Russell [00:03:28].
It is open on most public holidays, but it is strictly closed every Monday.
Drones are generally prohibited at the tea centres for the privacy and safety of visitors.
Allocating 1.5 to 2 hours allows enough time for the factory visit, the gallery history room, and a cup of tea.
Yes, but the road to Sungei Palas is very narrow. Drivers must use caution at passing points.
The Palas Supreme is highly recommended for its light, delicate "baby tea" flavor profile [00:04:23].
Yes, if you arrive early in the morning, you can often see workers in the fields harvesting the leaves.
No, the factory walkthrough is free for all visitors [00:06:06].
BOH tea is halal certified; the cafe serves pork-free food, including a variety of cakes and light bites.
The Sungei Palas Visitor Centre has ramps and is accessible, though the parking area is a short uphill walk.
Seedlings are generally not sold, but exclusive blends like Peppermint and Palas Supreme are available at the gift shop.
Yes, there are often booths within the gallery that offer free tea tasting for visitors [00:03:33].
The BOH Tea Garden in Habu (Ringlet) is typically much quieter than the modern Sungei Palas branch.
It ranges from 15°C to 24°C. A light sweater is often needed due to the mountain breeze.
Yes, several Garden Teas and specialty canisters are only available at the plantation gift shops [00:03:45].
Experience the History of BOH
Plan your journey to the highlands and taste the freshness of tea straight from the source.
