BOH Tea Plantation
BOH Tea Garden: A Must-Visit Gem in Cameron Highlands
Embark on a journey through the picturesque Cameron Highlands, a region that has evolved into one of Malaysia’s premier tourist destinations and a key supplier of the nation’s fresh produce. While the spotlight often shines on the vibrant cultivation of vegetables and flowers, a visit to the renowned BOH Tea Garden is an absolute must, offering not only breathtaking views but also a delightful cup of tea in the crisp mountain air – a perfect pairing with scones.
The Meaning of BOH: The origin of the name “BOH” is shrouded in mystery, with intriguing possibilities. It may stand for “Best of Highlands,” pay homage to tea origins like Bohlia in the Szechuan province or Bohea Hills in China’s Fujian province, or connect to the historical practice in China where high-quality tea leaves were referred to as “bohea.” Alternatively, it might allude to the Mandarin word “boh,” symbolizing precious happiness.
The BOH Tea Story: Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2019, BOH Tea has journeyed through time, upholding core values such as crafting beloved teas by mastering the art of tea-making from bush to cup. The brand’s commitment to giving back to local communities reflects a mindset geared toward success and community welfare.
Inception of BOH Tea Plantation: The vision of cultivating tea in the Cameron Highlands originated with John Archibald Russell following the global market crash in the 1920s. Despite facing challenges, Russell, with diverse business experiences in the British colonial era, turned his tea plantation dream into reality in 1929. Starting from scratch in an area with no roads or community support, the journey was arduous but rewarding.
Second BOH Generation: Kathleen Russell, John Archibald Russell’s widow, persevered through financial hardships and the Japanese occupation during World War II. The business found stability when Tristan Russell, their son, joined after the war. Post-Malaysian independence, the Russell family expanded to four plantations, modernizing tea manufacturing and making BOH tea the most popular in Malaysia.
Third BOH Generation: In 2003, Tristan’s daughter, Caroline, assumed the role of CEO, continuing her father’s environmental initiatives. The BOH tea assortment expanded under her leadership, with a focus on sustainable packaging and delivering exceptional taste to discerning consumers.
BOH Tea Plantation Tour: Immerse yourself in the unique experience of sipping tea right where it was grown. Take a guided tour of the tea factory, explore the original Habu plantation, Fairlie Tea Garden, and Bukit Cheeding. With approximately 4 million kg of tea produced annually on 1200 hectares of land across all plantations, the BOH Tea Plantation tour is a must-have Cameron Highlands experience.
Afternoon Tea at The BOH Tea Plantation/BOH Tea Garden: While the plantation doesn’t offer a formal afternoon tea, you can purchase desserts and create your own delightful experience amidst the stunning Cameron Highlands weather. For those seeking the best afternoon tea in Cameron Highlands, additional recommendations can be found in our detailed article.
Final Reflection: Marvel at the spectacular sight of the tea plantation set against the jungle backdrop, although concerns arise about the encroaching demand for produce leading to increased farming and environmental challenges. It is our sincere hope that BOH Tea remains committed to a sustainable future, building on their efforts in packaging as a promising starting point.
BOH Tea Garden
Address: 39000 Ringlet, Cameron Highlands
Opening hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Contact: +605 493 1324 / info@boh.com.my
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7iD4Werx6airKCDU9