Outdoor lovers, this is the ultimate read for you! The great pleasures camping offers are being able to unzip your tent in the morning, breathing in that fresh air, cooking in the wild, and falling asleep to the sound of the wind in the willows. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?
Malaysia is teeming with wildlife, beautiful national parks, and protected landscapes that give us great opportunities for the best kind of camping experience! Planning your trip to the outdoors might seem overwhelming, but don’t fear, this guide will help you. You can start by deciding what you want to experience and choose your site accordingly!
1. Drago Nature Camp, Perak
Drago Nature is a campsite in Perak, specifically in the Southeast of Hutan Rizab Kampar and east of Gunung Relau. Nature lovers can expect to be greeted by lush rainforests, highland mountains, and a cascading river, allowing them to embrace the true spirit of camping fully.
It is a privately-run camp that aims to increase the awareness and importance of flora and fauna. The name ‘Drago Nature’ was chosen as various species of lizards can be found in this particular campsite. This will appeal to animal lovers as they can discover and learn about different types of insects during their trip too. The site is conveniently located at the base of the waterfalls, where campers can enjoy a dip in the falls and relax.
In addition to learning how to pitch a tent, campers can participate in various outdoor activities such as educational night walks, river trekking, bird watching, and camping in the native village. During these activities, campers are highly encouraged to practice the ‘leave no trace’ principle and are required to bring back the trash they accumulate.
Tents are provided and can be rented for a fee, which is included in the packages. Drago Nature Camp only provides nature-themed accommodation where the use of electricity is limited from 7pm to 1am daily (no personal gensets allowed!). This unique approach will enable campers to truly disconnect from the outside world while developing an understanding and appreciation for the natural world around them.
- Rental of campsite per night: RM15 per adult; RM10 per kid (2 to 11 years old, FOC for one year and below)
- Rental of tent (six-man tent): RM35 per night
Address: Batu 7, Kampung Asli Sungai Cincin, 35300, Chenderiang, Perak
Contact: +6014 669 6207
2. Kenong Rimba Park, Pahang
The Kenong Rimba Park is truly a rare find — it has a mark in history as being one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated at more than 130 million years old! Known for being one of the best wildlife reserves in Malaysia, campers can look forward to de-stressing by absorbing the serenity of it all. The beauty of this park lies in its exquisite limestone caves located within the fringe of Taman Negara.
Despite several excursions that have been undertaken into the area, many of Kenong’s caverns remain undiscovered and unexplored. If campers are interested, trained guides are available to navigate them through the network of caves. The guides make the experience more enjoyable with their rich store of information and local folklore. Over here, campers will also discover that the Sungai Kenong (Kenong River) runs below the cave and emanates out slowly.
The camping site is surrounded by lowland forests and riverine vegetation while offering spacious camping grounds and hiking trails. Visitors can camp in tents at the Kenong Eco Camp. The site provides common toilets and showers built with concrete and set on one side of the camp. Kenong Rimba also has its own waterfall, Air Terjun Tujuh (Seven Step Waterfalls), which is ideal for campers that want to take a dip and roll out a picnic by the riverbank.
The waterfalls are a fantastic place to cast your line and reel in your catch! Nature enthusiasts will be happy to know there are plenty of unique and exotic creatures that call this place home. Insect-eating plants, mouse deers, dung beetles, bats, and a variety of birds and primates, are just some of the few you can keep an eye out for!
Bear in mind, visitors must always be accompanied by a qualified guide at all times to avoid any unfortunate accidents. This place no doubt gives visitors an idyllic choice for a green getaway!
- Camping fee: 3-day, 2-night package at RM460 per person (a minimum of seven people required)
Address: Pejabat Hutan Daerah Lipis Young Reserve Forest, 27200, Kuala Lipis, Pahang,
Contact: +6013 9515218
3. The Nest at MAEPS Serdang, Selangor
This gorgeous campsite is located at MAEPS, one of Malaysia’s largest agrotourism parks and adventure learning schools. The Nest specialises in environmental and adventure education; beyond the confines of a traditional classroom, campers will be equipped with basic jungle survival skills from experienced guides.
The Nest’s camping ground is spacious and features many amenities like toilets, bathrooms, and cooking spaces. Campers will be delighted to know a lake is nearby, which gives the campsite an added scenic touch.
Those relishing a quick dip or in the mood for kayaking will also experience some peace and tranquillity. Other activities like fishing, archery, and wilderness cooking are a few of the available things to do that will make this camping experience more enjoyable!
- Rental of tent per night: RM100 (four-person tent)
- Rental of camp bed per night: RM50
Address: The Nest @ MAEPS, 43400, Seri Kembangan, Selangor,
Contact: +6012 325 3198
4. Polumpung Melangkap View, Sabah
Next stop, the East of Malaysia! Jom, cuti-cuti Malaysia in Sabah! The Polumpung Melangkap View campsite is only a 90-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud, a beautiful hillside in Sabah; the route to this campsite will take visitors to Kampung Melangkap Baru. The beauty of this trip is that it offers campers the perfect combination of nature’s tranquillity and a local village atmosphere. Besides giving visitors a view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the campsite literally sits on the banks of the Panataran River.
So, be prepared to be swept away by the sight of clear and fresh cold water flowing directly from Mount Kinabalu — an ideal spot for campers and children to swim and go river tubing. If you’re wondering if this trip will burn a hole in your wallet, wonder no more! The entrance fee for a day visit is only RM3, while the overnight fee will cost you RM6.
However, this fee does not include the equipment and facilities cost (kitchen or multipurpose hut). Visitors are required to book on their website prior to making their trip. So what are you waiting for? Get on your device and start booking those dates!
- Rental of tent: RM13 (2 pax); RM23 (4 pax); RM33 (6 pax); RM43 (8 pax)
Address: Sabah Kg. Melangkap Baru, 89158 Kota Belud, Sabah
Contact: +6011 3624 4723
5. Endau Rompin National Park (Taman Negara Endau Rompin), Johor
Taman Negara Endau Rompin has become a biodiversity treasure! It is widely recognised as one of the world’s oldest rainforests and critical habitat for the survival of endangered Malaysian animals such as Malayan tigers, tapirs, and elephants. Therefore, to preserve the flora and fauna of the park, only certain areas are open to the public.
The journey to the site begins in Kampung Peta, where campers can take a 40-minute boat ride to the Kuala Jasin camping area. Upon reaching the site, visitors will be in awe of its beautiful waterfall, which is open for them to swim and relax. Within the park, campers can visit the Orang Asli village, where they are also taught survival skills like building a fire and hunting for food.
The park’s spacious camping grounds give visitors several location options, like Batu Hampar, Upeh Guling, Kuala Jasin, and Kuala Marong. It’s advised for campers to bring their own gear and to be aware of the trek they’ll have to go through to get to the campsite.
Another highly recommended choice for you and your loved ones to discover and enjoy! While electricity may not be provided here, generators are available for rent. You know, if you need to charge your phone or something!
- Camping fee: RM5 (per Malaysian adult); RM3 (per student), RM10 (per non-Malaysian)
Address: 11 Jalan Bawal 1, Taman Kahang Baru, 86700 Kahang, Kluang, Johor
Contact: +607 788 2812
6. Commonwealth Forest Park, Selangor
The Commonwealth Forest Park is located at Bukit Lagong Forest on the road to Rawang, 23km north of Kuala Lumpur. It was established in 1993 to commemorate the 14th Commonwealth Forest Conference held in the city. The Commonwealth Forest Park is part of the famous trio of forest parks, which are situated next to each other, the other two being Templer Park and the Kanching Waterfalls (Kancing Eco Forest Park).
This attractive park is surrounded by verdant rainforests, lakes, and exquisite gardens, and holds four designated camping zones that offer a total of 51 campsites. The sites feature several amenities — including a cafe, public toilets, and barbecue pits. But ultimately, the man-made lake remains the park’s main attraction, where you can go boating or kayaking at your own leisure. The Commonwealth Forest Park offers a variety of accommodations, too — cottages, resorts, rivers, and lake campsites.
Their car campsite is a 6m x 6m lot where visitors park their vehicle (either a motorhome or campervan) and camp overnight. However, those who want to rough it out have the choice to pitch their tent with their vehicle, which costs RM120 per night.
For visitors who wish to experience a more glamorous camping experience (glamping), the River Cottage package, priced at RM299 per person, includes a hi-tea and a barbecue dinner. There will even be a private butler to whip up your meals! As for breakfast, you can have it at the nearby warung. Did we mention it’s all-inclusive?
All of this and only 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur! What’s not to love?
- Campsite rental: Prices vary on location, click here for more info.
Address: Commonwealth Forest Park Falls, Jalan Kuala Lumpur – Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
Contact: +603 5544 7507
7. Yunkai Campsite at Genting Highlands, Pahang
Located 850m above sea level, Yunkai Campsite is known for its panoramic view of the majestic mountains and misty clouds, and best witnessed at the crack of dawn! Yunkai derives from the Chinese name 雲海 (pronounced: Yun Hai), which means ‘Sea of Clouds’.
Campers who prefer the cooler weather should opt to pitch their tents here as temperatures can drop to between 16ºC and 20ºC at night. So, pack for cold weather! A journey to this campsite requires a 4×4 vehicle, a mode of transportation that is provided from the car park to the campsite.
In terms of basic amenities, this campsite is fully furnished with clean toilets and a kitchen. Campers can gather around a nice fireplace at nightfall and have the ultimate outdoor experience under a blanket of stars!
- Camping fee: RM65 (adult); RM25 (12 years and below); FOC (3 years and below)
Address: Genting Sempah, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Contact: +6011 2835 5078
8. Jerangkang Waterfalls, Pahang
According to locals, the Jerangkang Waterfalls is known for its 43 tiers of cascading waters and natural pools, and can be found in the Jerangkang Recreational Forest along Sungai Jerangkang. Campers should know that a permit is required to hike from the trail to the waterfalls.
The first tier of the campsite is free to enter. However, a permit is required starting with the second tier. Visitors must obtain these permits through the Kuantan Forestry District Office (Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kuantan). Each permit will cost RM10 and grants you permission to hike and camp overnight. Chartering a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to reach Jerangkang as the terrains are unpaved and muddy.
If you feel like throwing a blanket on the ground and having a picnic, you can do just that and not worry about food, as they provide catering here at an additional cost. There are also barbecue services for campers to enjoy! The natural infinity pool is one of the most iconic spots to immortalise your visit to the Jerangkang Falls. Be sure to grab your camera and pose on the pool’s edge!
This spot is also ideal for adventurous hikers. The streams in this forest have eroded a broad gully making it possible for hikers to find their way back. The best time to hike to the top of the waterfall is in the evening, as the sunset view is truly spectacular!
If marvelling at the beautiful falls and enjoying a swim aren’t enough to get you hiking out there, then know that you can also experience cliff jumping here. So, what else are you waiting for? Gather a few friends, and book your dates. Sleep through the relaxing sounds of a flowing stream and crickets chirping away!
- Rental of tent: RM100
- Camping permit fee: RM10 per person
- Rental of 4WD: RM35 per person (roundtrip)
Address: Jalan Paya Rambutan, 26300 Kuantan, Pahang
Contact: +6019 659 3626
