Boh Tea Garden, Pahang

BOH is today Malaysia's biggest tea producer. Its story begins when its founder, the then 7 year old J.A.Russell arrived in Malaya with his father. 

Beginning his career in the Straits Trading Company, he eventually became a businessman in his own right, with interests in mining, rubber and construction.

But it was his business venture in 1929 that has left an indelible mark on the country. J.A. saw the potential of tea as an important crop for Malaya which until that time had been substantially dependent upon rubber and tin.

Equipped with a single steamroller, some labourers and several mules, J.A. proceeded to transform steep virgin jungle slopes into the tea garden we now know as the Boh Tea Garden, in the Cameron Highlands.

From these small beginnings, BOH Plantations was born. Today, besides Bukit Cheeding in Selangor, BOH has three tea estates in the Cameron Highlands, Boh Tea Garden, Fairlie and Sungai Palas.

Most visitors to Cameron's would visit the more popular Sungai Palas tea estate which has a modern Visitor's Centre; but the Boh Tea Garden which is the original tea estate can also be visited.

Located in Habu, which is a small township between Ringlet and Tanah Rata, getting there is straight-forward, especially if you are coming up to the Highlands from Tapah. After passing by the Lakehouse and crossing the bridge over the lake, you will come to an intersection to the right. Take this turn to the right (which is sign-posted with the BOH sign) and follow the road to the end. Initially you will pass by some vegetable farms before you come to the sentry post to enter the BOH Tea Garden.

First view of the BOH Tea Garden plantation

The road up is narrow and winding, which is part of the overall experience! At parts, only one car may pass, so be sure to sound your horn at blind corners.

Eventually you will come to the top of the hill where you may park your car and have a cup of tea at the ummph! Tea Shop.

The Tea Shop

If you are up to it, you may also trek up to viewpoint at the top of the hill behind the tea factory.

The sign says it all.

This sign says even more.

The trek up won't take long, but may be a bit strenuous if you are seriously unfit. But if I could do it, most people should be able to trek up the steep slope.

A telecommunications tower stands at the top of the hill.

From the top of the hill, the view to the surrounding valleys on both sides is spectacular, with tea plantations on both sides.

At the top of the hill is this lone solitary tree growing on the rocks.

View of the tea factory down below.

Tea plantations all around the viewpoint.

View towards the Fairlie estate.

View towards Habu.

The spectacular views are a reward well worth trekking up the hill for!