Here are 10 of the best locations for camping in Malaysia-
1. Endau-Rompin National Park
The protected Endau-Rompin National Park between Pahang and Johor, watered by the flows of Endau and Rompin Rivers, is one of the most idyllic scenes for adventure camping in Malaysia. It is also one of the oldest rainforests in Asia that offers a variety of activities like bird watching, fishing, and night safaris. There are multiple spots to put up tents, such as Batu Hampar, Upeh Guling, Kuala Jasin and Kuala Marong. One can either enter via Selai entrance or through the Peta entrance; either way, there is a RM 10 entrance fee and additional fee for camping. There are guides and 4WD vehicles available at the entrances for the commute to the depth of the jungles.
Location: Taman Negara, Johor
Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2. Tadom Hill Resorts
For those who prefer more of indoor camping with the basic amenities, but still engulfed by the refreshing touch of nature, Tadom Hill Resorts bring the best accommodations and is a popular camping site in Malaysia. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, such as the Hakka Village, Astana Ninik Chalets, Gendui Chalets, Bamboo Hut, Hammock Spheres, Eco Tents and more. Go bamboo rafting on the emerald green lake or take a swim, explore the limestone hills, zip across the springs on a flying fox and other fun activities. The rates and availability are subject to season.
Location: No.2, Jalan Bukit Tadom, (Kampung Orang Asli) Kampung Labohan Dagang, 42700 Banting, Selangor, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:45 PM
3. Kenong Rimba Park
Bordering on the northern and eastern ends of Taman Negara National Park, Kenong Rimba is full of limestone caves awaiting for the adventurous souls to explore. Pristine waterfalls and long stretches of dense rainforests set up the landscape at this camping site, along with occasional wooden suspension bridges over rivulets. Visitors to the Kenong Rimba Park should mandatorily be accompanied by a qualified and authorized guide at all times.
Location: Tourist Information Centre, 27200 Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia
4. Brinchang Mountain
From living right in the lap of nature to renting a chalet, Cameron Highlands offers all kinds of accommodation amidst its green, lofty peaks. Mount Brinchang is the highest peak here and it offers the most stunning camping site in Malaysia. The hike leading to it is filled with the beauty of the tea plantations, rose gardens and strawberry farms. Unlike the other popular camping spot at Cameron Highlands called Sungai Pauh, the mountain has no pre-installed tent with water and bathroom facilities. Hence, campers have to bring their own and keep the inconveniences in mind.
Location: Pahang, Malaysia
5. Rainforest Camping, Perhentian Island
The smaller of the two Perhentian Islands, called Perhentian Kecil, houses the Rainforest Camping. Tents are already set up with the basic amenities of beds and lavatories. Although the feeling of being one with the wild is missing here, owing to the preinstalled arrangements, it brings about a change in camping experiences with communal dinners, bonfires and collective games. The clear blue sea and the sands are obviously the highlights of the location, with the beach offering a perfect spot for everyone to sit, relax, sunbathe, swim, snorkel or read a book on a hammock.
Location: RainForest Camping RainForest Beach, Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu
6. Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Located at the mouth of Selangor River, this Kuala Selangor Nature Park is a popular site for camping in Malaysia. The lush, rainwashed wilderness with 200 hectares of forest area is also known as Taman Alam locally. Basic tent-like chalets are provided for lodging and overnight stay. The chief attraction of the park is the 150 different species of avian wildlife fluttering around, as well as the mangrove swamps, natural mudflats and an artificial lake housing abundant aquatic animals.
Location: Jalan Klinik, Taman Alam, Kuala Selangor
7. Chiling Waterfall
Chiling Waterfall, situated inside the fisheries reserve project of Sungai Chiling Fish Sanctuary, is not only one of the most picturesque camping sites of Malaysia, but also a great place for a short trek. From the entrance and the registration office, it is a 90 minutes walk to the main waterfall. The main fall has three sections - the lower cascade of water forms a pool of water big enough for a swim and the third and uppermost one is perfect for settling down and having a camp. A fee of RM 1 is required for entry and RM 4 for camping per person. For bigger groups, a refundable deposit fee of RM 50 - RM 150 is charged depending on the number of heads, which is returned if the site is left clean by the campers.
Location: Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Timings: Friday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
8. Mamutik Island
Beach camping in Malaysia takes a whole new turn at this quiet and peaceful island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Mamutik Island has a 5-star PADI diving centre with full gear supply. There is also an opportunity to explore the diverse marine life by snorkelling. The 200-metre long stretch of white sandy beach in itself is a beauty, especially with the spread of corals at select areas. Visitors can go for jungle trekking in the interiors of the island, and complete a short 400-metre trail in half an hour. Mamutik Island can be reached in a jetty from Kota Kinabalu in ten minutes.
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (3 km away from Kota Kinabalu)
9. Jerangkang Falls
At Jerangkang Falls, the cascading mass of the waterfalls crashing down over a massive 43 tiers, is by far the biggest highlight. The campsite is right at the base of the falls, surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. From there, it is around an hour’s hike up to the top of the falls. The best thing about Jerangkang is the tiny pools and mini-falls it creates along the route thanks to its multiple tiers. Some of the pools are big enough to have a splash. From the top of the falls, one can enjoy a lovely view of the surrounding rainforests.
Location: 30 km from maran along the KL-Kuantan Road (accessible by 4WD)
10. Janda Baik
Probably the most eclectic site for camping in Malaysia, the small village of Janda Baik is only 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. Yet it manages to be rustic and tranquil, with rivers and rivulets flowing over rocks, picturesque waterfalls and long trails through the jungle. River rafting, bird watching and jungle trekking are among the popular activities.
Location: Bentong, Pahang
Tips for Camping in Malaysia
- Some of the destinations, especially the ones inside National Parks, require prior permission. Remember to secure them all and carry the necessary documents on the time of entry.
- Certain camping sites in Malaysia require mandatory accompaniment of an authorized guide for the safety of the campers. It is better not to insist otherwise.
- Areas by waterfalls and riverside can often be dangerous during high tide or heavy rainfall.
- Wearing the right footwear is recommended. Plastic sandals or crocs are ideal for beaches or simpler terrains, while sites inside jungles and rougher landscapes call for hiking boots.
- Unless absolutely sure that tents, food and water will be made available at the campsite, always carry the necessary items with yourself.