KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — As Malaysia’s domestic tourism increased, many people have opted for glamping, a luxury type of camping.
Glamping, a fusion of the words glamorous and camping, includes facilities and accommodation considered far more comfortable than traditional camping.
Holidaymakers are choosing this opulent form of camping as their weekend getaway as they retreat in the heart of nature, rife with the sounds of rushing water from the nearby river.
Typically, glamping involves staying in some type of tent that includes some of the luxuries without the discomforts usually associated with traditional camping.
This new genre of tourism includes resort-style comforts such as a huge tent, beds, electricity, fairy lights, pillow mats, blankets, cushions, picnic tables, to name a few.
LOVE FOR THE OUTDOORS
Anis Hartini Haron, 41, who runs The Baruh Glamping said the idea to provide the recreational facility for holidaymakers especially families, stemmed from her love for the outdoors such as mountain climbing and jungle trekking.
The Baruh Glamping, which nestles near the cool breeze of Pantai Puteri, Tanjung Kling, Melaka, is sited on a 0.4 hectare land owned by her family and has been operational since 2021.
Anis Hartini said that initially her family wanted to open a homestay on the existing land, but she was more attracted to glamping to generate income.
“The concept came about after considering that some people are interested in camping, but they do not want to go through the hassle of setting up tents and so forth. Hence, glamping is just perfect for those who wish to spend their vacation with their family, without having to bring along their camping gear and accessories,” she told Bernama recently.
Anis Hartini did not plunge headfirst into the world of glamping without experiencing glamping life at five sites in Malaysia namely Janda Baik, Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, Cameron Highlands and Hulu Langat.
“What’s special at The Baruh Glamping is you get the awe-inspiring experience of waking up under a jungle canopy to a perfect seaview. Visitors can also go for fishing or ATV (all-terrain vehicle) riding, play the traditional congkak and batu seremban, barbeque as well bathing in the sea,” said Anis Hartini, who has seven staff in her team.
“Response has been overwhelming not only from families and their children, but also senior citizens who said they love the concept as it is not what they expected.
“Some customers had restless nights before coming here and thought they would end up sleeping in the wilderness. But they rest their case after their glamping experience and look forward to another visit,” said Anis Hartini, who also received visitors from Perlis and Johor.
Among the facilities provided are family tents including fans, air conditioning and two beds for four or two adults and two children. Rates start from RM342 a night and above. For barbeque, the rates are RM55 for adults and RM45 for children while for barbeque by the sea, the rates are RM75 for adults and RM55 for children inclusive of food and drinks.
OVERNIGHT AT GLAMPING SITES
Another glamping location, Bamboocamp which is located in Hulu Langat, also provides glampsites for visitors to enjoy their recreational activities by the river as well as spending the night there.
Its manager Nuratiqah Abdul Karim, 31, said the business concept has been chosen due to its uniqueness, giving the opportunity for customers to learn and appreciate the natural environment.
“At hotels, activities are limited to the room but with camping, we can learn lessons on responsibility for the natural world and indirectly educate the next generation on nature conservation,” said Nuratiqah, who started her business since 2009 together with her family with RM30,000 capital from her father’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings.
On the 0.2 hectare site, eight tents are available for rent at a time with a rental fee of RM50 a night. For tents on huts, 15 units are available for a rental fee of between RM80 to RM200 with facilities for barbeque, toilet, surau, car park as well as children’s swimming pool.
“This type of vacation is suitable for strengthening family bonds. Money can’t buy memories. Every moment spent together with the family is priceless and worth remembering,” she said.
FUN AND EXHILIRATING
For Siti Fatimah Mohamed Anwar, 41, both glamping and camping are fun and exhilarating activities but the former is more exclusive and is not exhausting.
“Glamping is all the rage now in outdoor holiday adventure and is suitable for individuals and families especially those who enjoy a camping environment yet prefer comfort and privacy. For this group, glamping is the best option. There’s no need to worry about food unlike traditional camping where everything must be prepared from beginning till the end,” she shared.
As camping enthusiasts, Siti Fatimah together with her husband and their son prefer glamping for their short vacation as they get to enjoy moments in a relaxed atmosphere, without having to bring along various equipment to the site.
“On its costs, glamping is definitely more expensive as everything is provided for including food. If you are ready for a different kind of getaway, one that envelops you in the natural beauty and wonders of the world, you’re in the right place,” she noted.
ACCLIMATISING WITH NATURE
Meanwhile, Wong Che Wey and his wife Cheng Yee Leng, both 38, are regular campers who usually spend their holidays at campsites with their daughter Wong Kyla and son Wong Kyren, aged four and two years old respectively.
“I started giving my children exposure into the camping world as early as 11 months old for my daughter and my son when he was only four months old. Camping is now our fortnightly activity, otherwise my kids will not stop asking me when they can go out camping again,” he said.
For Wong, the wholesome camping experience invigorates the mind and body. It also helps the children become acclimatised to the natural surroundings in addition to reducing their screen time, especially with their gadgets.
“What’s important, camping takes them off their gadgets, television and the digital world. At home, a lot of time is already spent with their gadgets.
“While here (camping), they would give themselves a break from their gadgets and are fully focused on the natural landscape. My kids really enjoy this sort of recreation,” said Wong, who has experienced camping in Gopeng (Perak), Janda Baik and Pos Lemoi (Pahang) as well as Batang Kali and Hulu Langat in Selangor.
Meanwhile Grab employee, Jason Chan, 45, who has been on more than 60 camping trips in the Klang Valley said such activities are usually spent with the family and friends amidst a relaxing and eco-friendly ambience.
“Through camping, we can spend more time with the family, putting up the tent, cooking and starting a campfire in the woods,” he said.
For Jason, the conditional movement control order (CMCO) period, which prohibited outdoor activities, did not stop him from reliving the memories at campsites.
“During the CMCO, we had to stay at home, but for camping enthusiasts like me, it was really stressful as I could not go for my regular camping trips. As such, I put up a tent at the balcony, making it look like I was out there camping,” said Jason, who shared the photo in his Facebook posting, which drew public interest.
— Bernama
