A view of a rocky hilltop campsite in Kedah, where eymma and rahim pitched their tent beside an a-shape hut on the left.
Seeking a memorable conclusion to the school holidays, a family from Kemaman, Terengganu, embarked on an ambitious “marathon camping” journey. Over a span of 10 days last month, they traversed 1,500km and set up camp at four distinct sites in Kedah, Cameron Highlands and Perak.
The meticulous organisation of logistics, provisions and the overall management of their expedition presents an intriguing case study for fellow adventurers.
The family selfie.
Eymma Amin, 35, a financial consultant, and her husband Rahim Awang, 44, a technician with PETRONAS, along with their four children – sons aged 14 and three, and daughters aged 12 and nine – embarked on their adventure in a compact MPV, the Toyota Wish.
With the rear passenger seats occupied by the younger members, the family maximised space by utilising the boot and the carrier box atop the vehicle to accommodate their camping gear.
The camp’s kitchen arrayed in an A-shaped hut in the hilltop campsite.
“A cooler box seemed too cumbersome, so I opted for a polystyrene one instead,” Eymma explained.
Several days prior to departure, she meticulously planned their meals, vacuum-sealing chicken, shrimp, fish and other essentials for preservation.“I packed supplies for the initial five days, organising them with precision – placing items for later days at the bottom of the box to maintain their frozen state,” she added.
A misty Cameron Highlands night scene with the family tent in the foreground.
Their menu boasted a variety of dishes, including sambal prawn, fried chicken or fish, stir-fried oyster mushrooms with siew pak choy and pan-seared asparagus. There were also ample desserts – a necessity to cater to the increased caloric needs of camping children, according to Eymma.As their provisions dwindled, they replenished their supplies at mini-markets in small towns en route.
The focal point of their accommodation was a spacious family-size cabin air-tent, which held four queen-sized airbeds. Weighing 36kg, the tent required careful handling to prevent strain.
Note the inflatable framework of this air tent, which is large enough for eymma and rahim to fit four queen-size air beds inside.
“Setting up the tent and beds with a battery-powered air pump was efficient, taking just an hour. However, dismantling the campsite required over two hours to deflate and pack everything back into the car,” Eymma noted.
Cooking was managed with a single camping stove, supported by a supply of standard gas canisters and a replenishment midway through their journey.
Their first-aid kit was stocked with essentials including paracetamol, cough syrup, anti-histamines and medication for common ailments, along with ample plasters and antiseptic cream.
Decor pieces lend a homely touch to the tent.
Reflecting on their adventure, Eymma remarked, “It was a remarkable experience that pushed us out of our comfort zone yet provided endless fun. I must admit, though, our tent required significant cleaning upon our return!”
Their journey commenced at a rocky hilltop campsite in Kedah, followed by a luxurious stay at a campsite in Cameron Highlands which featured modern amenities and delectable local cuisine. A rustic retreat in Chenderiang, Perak and a picturesque riverside campsite marked their subsequent stops, each offering unique experiences and lasting memories.
“I believe that every camping enthusiast should endeavour to extend their trips over multiple nights. It truly transforms your tent into a home away from home,” said Eymma.
