An aerial view of Mega CampMeet 2.0.
To provide a tangible measure of Malaysian passion for camping, consider the following: established in December 2022, the Payung.Camp Village Tent Community Malaysia swiftly amassed over 25,000 online members.
Amidst this thriving community of enthusiastic campers, the decision was made to organise gatherings.
Following several smaller assemblies, their second major event gained significant momentum.“When we opened the online application for Mega CampMeet 2.0, we received 189 submissions within the first two minutes.
“However, with space for only 50 campsites, allocation was strictly first-come, first-served,” revealed Andrew Lau, a founding member of the community.
Ultimately, approximately 200 individual campers were accommodated across the 50 camps.
Lau, 51, a seasoned tourist guide and King’s Scout since 1990, remarked, “I formed the online group to foster a platform for sharing camping insights. Yet, the robust growth of our community exceeded my expectations.”
But the story doesn’t end there.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, the theme “Perkampungan”, or “Village Vibes”, was incorporated into Mega CampMeet 2.0.
Camps were judged on aesthetics, with the most charming ones receiving sponsored prizes. The outcome was a delightful fusion of modern camping equipment juxtaposed with traditional village aesthetics.
Lau chuckled, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think all our campers were professional decorators.”
From straw mats to bamboo fencing, batik fabrics and vintage serving ware, the camps exuded old-world charm.
At a glance, you can’t see the modern tent furnished with kampung decor from yesteryear.
On the first day (March 1) between 10am and 3pm, participants began arriving at the camping grounds in Janda Baik, Pahang. An early arrival meant they had more time to set up camp.
Following the opening ceremony, a communal potluck dinner ensued, showcasing the diverse culinary talents of each camp.
Decor and snacks on the camp table in front of the tent’s airbed lend a nostalgic feel.
As dawn broke on the second day, campers donned traditional attire and added a cultural flair to the event.
Judges traversed through each camp, evaluating them based on the theme, structural integrity and layout.
The modern-day tent is decorated to look like an olden-day kampung house.
The remainder of the second day was filled with outdoor cooking demonstrations, team sports and collaborative cooking endeavours.
Lau reminisced, “Almost all of us took turns stirring the bubur lambuk (meat porridge) cauldron, even though Ramadan hadn’t commenced yet. This nutritious porridge served as a staple and replenished our energy levels.”
The tent is modern, as is the queen-size airbed, but take note of the nostalgic ambience created by the straw mats and old fan.
With gastronomic delights being a focal point of the camping experience, campers were keen on showcasing their culinary prowess.
No online games in this camp but traditional favourites like congkak.
Lau highlighted regional specialties such as “gulai daging rebung kawah” (beef and bamboo shoots curry) from the north, “celup tepung” from the east coast and “mee bandung” from the south.
Many implements in this camp’s kitchen bring out the warmth of the golden years.
Given the sizeable turnout, regional leaders were appointed to facilitate activities.
These children are all set to go back in time.
Some campers even travelled from Sabah with their full gear to take part in Mega CampMeet 2.0.
A family of campers decked in traditional kampung attire at the entrance to the camp.
“As for Mega CampMeet 3.0, we’re already planning it, envisioning a fresh theme and a larger venue to accommodate even more camps,” Lau concluded.
