The Most Scenic Places to Go Camping in Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its tropical beauty, and both locals and travellers love to camp out in scenic places. Here are our picks for the most beautiful places to camp in Malaysia.
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Tadom Hill Resort
Be surrounded by the peaceful emerald spring waters and limestone hills. The majority of the structures here are built with bamboo, to make you feel at home with nature. Chill out by the lake, go swimming, drift across the water on a bamboo raft, or try some adventure activities like diving from a platform or zipping across the lake on a flying fox. You can also enjoy watching live performances at the Tadom Grove.
Endau-Rompin National Park
Endau-Rompin National Park is an old rainforest, and comes from the Endau and Rompin Rivers that run through it. There are breathtaking waterfalls and challenging jungle trails. Visit the Orang Asli village, travel down the rivers on rubber tubes, and go on a night safari.
Janda Baik
A short 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Janda Baik is home to tranquil waterfalls and rivers flowing through the jungles. Go jungle trekking, rafting, bird watching, or take a dip in the waterfalls. You can also visit an Aboriginal museum to learn about the history and culture of the Orang Asli people. Janda Baik is particularly photogenic, especially the sunsets from Cherengin Hill.
There are various campsites here. We recommend you stay at Sailor’s Rest Homestay to experience the local lifestyle with a touch of glamping.
Chiling Waterfall
Chiling Waterfall is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as it is owned by the Selangor Fisheries Department for research purposes. Make your booking in advance and call the campsite ranger to ensure that you will be able to camp there. Check the weather conditions to avoid flash floods. To get to the waterfalls, trek for about 90 minutes across the suspension bridges and rivers. The falls have three sections; the lower falls have a large pool perfect for swimming, and the third fall is good for a relaxing picnic.
Rainforest Camping, Perhentian Island
This campsite is located in the rainforest at Perhentian Kecil, right next to a sandy beach and clear turquoise sea. Enjoy swimming, relaxing in hammocks, snorkelling, jungle trekking and walking along Coral Bay and Long Beach, then relax at the bar with a refreshing drink while chatting with other travellers. Top it off with a sunset view.
Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest
The Congkak River flows through the luscious Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest. Enjoy a BBQ and picnic by the shallow rivers or go for a swim. Forest trails are good for a walk.
Mamutik Island
At Mamutik Island, camp where you like by the white sandy beach with beautiful turquoise waters. Walk around the island and discover the beautiful beaches, including Coral Beach, covered with coral fragments. Go snorkeling and find an array of fish and coral species. To get there, catch a boat from Kota Kinabalu jetty, which takes about ten minutes.
Cameron Highlands
Camping in the mountainous terrain and cool weather of the Cameron Highlands is a breathtaking experience. Hike through the jungle trails in Tanah Rata and Mossy Forest, where you’ll find tea plantations and strawberry farms along the way. Hiking on Brinchang Mountain is more challenging due to the rocky trails and muddy paths, but there are signs leading you to the right direction.
We recommend camping at Sungai Pauh Camp Site and Brinchang Mountain. Be sure to bring your camping equipment, food, and water with you.
Jerangkang Waterfall
Jerangkang Waterfall is known for its tiered waterfall and natural pools. You can camp at the base, right beside the waterfall. Trek through the jungles till you reach the waterfall, set up your tent, and have a cool swim. Walk further up to the top of the waterfall to view the scenic rainforest and landscape. Sleep to the refreshing sounds of flowing water and crickets chirping away.
Lubuk Mecu Waterfall & Lata Medang Waterfall
Lubuk Mecu Waterfall and Lata Medang Waterfall are suitable for hikers and campers, and are close to each other. Start your hike at Kampung Pertak, then cross the Luit River and two bridges. It’s about 6km to Lubuk Mecu Waterfall. There, have a swim by the waterfall and stay the night. The following day, hike to Lata Merdang Waterfall, a short 10 to 15 minute walk. The Lata Medang Waterfall has an impressive flow and rocky cliffs.