evie: Look around on the net and look in guide books. Honestly, we could have spent less money, but it was our 1st time, on our own with no guidance. Also, we spent RM90 each on a tour to see the Rafflesia flower.
For a start, we took the bus from Larkin to Ipoh, and then from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands. The bus trip from Larkin to Ipoh can cost around RM40 per person. Then from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands is only RM7.90.
And we stayed in very cheap lodging. We stayed at this backpackers inn called Twinpines. We only paid RM25 per night for 4 nights. It's quite an OK place to live in. It even provides laundry service. Just that it can be quite noisy as the walls are quite thin.
And we didn't spend much on things like tours. We only went for the Rafflesia guided tour cos it's the only way we can get to see the Rafflesia. Other times, we just explore on our own, going to the farms and marketplaces, and the jungle trails: Track 4 and Track 9, which are the popular tracks as they are easy. And when travelling between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, you can just take the bus. Cabs are much more ex. If you wanna take cab, try to catch one that already has pple in it. Then it'll be cheaper.
Get the RM4 guidebook at Cameron Highlands. It is quite detailed. We got a more expensive one in JB, and regretted when we saw the RM4 one in Cameron Highlands.
On our last day, we act spent the day in Ipoh. Didn't do much there though. Just went to the Sam Poh Tong area to see the temples in the caves and ate good food at the food centre.
If you want more details, don't hesitate to ask me. You can also PM me or my FI (kristen86). She actually did most of the planning on the part of transport and lodging because I was really busy and it was also her grad trip.
