This SUV has a large enough interior space to provide comfortable bedding for two adults.
PETALING JAYA: Car camping is becoming popular in the Klang Valley, especially among vehicle owners bitten by wanderlust.This mode of travel offers the convenience of not needing hotel reservations.
You’re set for the night if you have a vehicle with a roof and enough space to snuggle in.
The ideal vehicle for such adventures is typically a seven-seater SUV or MPV, but even compact cars like the Perodua MyVi have been known to serve as cosy, albeit snug, camping spots.
The appeal lies in their ability to transport adventurers to their desired destination, ensuring a guaranteed place to stay for the night.
Larger vehicles, on the other hand, offer ample space to set up a bedding area for a comfortable overnight.
However, the ideal number of people for an SUV camping experience is two at most. This ensures enough room to lie down for a peaceful night’s sleep.
The Raub Municipal Council provides a paddock area for the convenience of campers and picnickers at Fraser’s Hill.
To start the car camping journey, simply place an inflatable mattress in your car cabin. These mattresses are readily available at camping stores like Decathlon and various online outlets.
A large two-person inflatable mattress will snugly fit into the back row of a vehicle with collapsible seats.
Some SUV models boast a “flat-down” reclining seat feature in their cabin, perfect for accommodating mattresses and other sleeping gear.
Fill the gaps between seats with your baggage or an inflatable bolster to ensure all-night comfort.
Most car campers ventilate their vehicles by slightly opening their windows or using window netting to keep insects at bay.
Battery-operated fans are common for cooling, and in more extreme cases, special cabin air-conditioners are used, though these can be pricey, costing up to RM4,500 each.
Cooking your own meals using portable stoves and other simple yet easy-to-operate camping utilities is popular among car campers.
Given that car camping at sea level might not always be comfortable due to the hot and humid weather, locations at higher elevations with cooler atmospheres are ideal.
Destinations like Fraser’s Hill, Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi, Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands have become prime spots for car campers.
Fraser’s Hill, about an hour’s drive from the Klang Valley, is a trendy choice for adventure seekers.
You can find spots to park and sleep in these locations, with public amenities such as toilets and showers available for a small fee.
Sleeping in your car is permitted if you don’t set up a tent in public areas. Some campsites also encourage respecting the privacy and convenience of fellow campers, meaning no karaoke sessions or loud music.
For safety reasons, open flames like campfires are prohibited.
One of the campsites in Fraser’s Hill, where tents are not allowed but car camping is permitted.
Most car campers bring their own food, opting for self-prepared barbecues, hot pots or simple self-heating meals over takeaways.
Remember to pack camp furniture like chairs and tables, as these are not typically provided at public campsites.
Battery-powered lanterns are a great choice for lighting up your surroundings, adding a layer of security by illuminating your campsite at night.
Car camping is perfect for short trips and it’s common for vehicle owners to hop from one campsite to another.
With many campsites across the country accommodating car campers and listed online, complete with reviews from camping enthusiasts, you can easily choose your next destination.
For beginners, starting with a campsite in a cooler location is advisable. — SAM CHEONG
A slow ride up to Fraser’s Hill in Pahang.
