Two caravans parked at one corner near the centre stage. A dozen of heavily modified overlander jeeps lined the Lanai at Matic, with a dozen of tents pitched on the other side. Two glamping tents from Janda Baik and one contenna villa equipped with shower and television were part of the living exhibits. Food trucks and outdoor gears bundle stalls occupied the right side of the venue. At the billboard near the entrance, layer of hammocks hung and secured. As novel as they were, everything was part of the event known as Caravan and Camping in the City. The venue was Lanai @ Matic which is 5-10 minutes’ walk from KLCC Twin Towers.
Behind scene from Caravan and Camping in the City of Kuala Lumpur
The first few of the overland vehicles parked at the square in Lanai.
Some of the overland adventurers camped out and set up their base since the night before the event. According to the owners, they modified their overland vehicles heavily to cater for the adventurous journey usually spanning for a long time.
Some of the Thai delegates pitched their tents.
The day filled with dance activities where Papa J, the choreographer from Sehati Berdansa taught participants how to dance poco-poco, joget and chacha. When I signed up, the organizers asked if I were interested in joining the traditional games. I had no idea whether the traditional games took place or not since it was raining heavily late afternoon. We took shelter at Matic office exchanging travel stories. I never knew before that the travel information centre is open until 12am every day.
Never too old to play with bubbles! Pic Credit: Fyra Sharif
Tuju Tin, a traditional Malay game! I used to play this game as a child!
Ting-ting
Hammocking in the city
After the Night Fall, the Camping and Caravan in the City Continues…
As there were few food trucks remaining at the venue until late night, we did not have to walk far to buy food. We spent the night talking about things we were interested in. Meanwhile, at the center stage, artists from the like of Maisarah Ukelele, Meer Nash Votez, Along the Street Band, Syech Razie and many other entertained us. What I loved most about the night time was when everything was so laid back.
The event looked dull and empty. The truth was, everyone was spread out around their campervans or outlander vehicles or in their hammocks or in the tent pitched on the roof of the campervans enjoying the music. Few families spread out the mats in between the stage and the bonfire to enjoy the performances. A VIP seat, no doubt.
I hereby present my shelter for the night, which was a Plutus Caravan from Sendok Group. Sendok Group is a go to if you intend to take caravan and camping seriously. A campervan like this may cost around RM250K.
It is good for 4 people and super comfy with 3 people in it. My photo certainly did not justify how big the interior was. I need to get a wide lense camera pretty soon! Soon after we had the key to the caravan, we joined Yob from Malaysian Caravan for some sharing on caravan adventure. He introduced me to his “Kembara Orang Pencen” who travels with heavily modified outlander vehicles in search for the history of their roots. I agree with him when he said, travelling with one’s own vehicles affords one person more personal time to enjoy the surroundings.
The sharing session was enriching as he detailed out his journey with historical information I never knew exist! I’m admitting that I am keen in travellers with knowledge than just an empty shell who shows off on social media. Malaysian Caravan is no joke and you should follow their journey at Malaysian Caravan.
Moving forward…
Despite having a whale of good time during the Caravan and Camping in the City event, I personally think the event could benefit from more promotion by relevant authorities. It should be targeted to specific market and the registration price should be cut down because outdoor goers camp out in the nature at almost no costs. By fixing a price a tad bit too high, this would shy people away from attending such a great event. I encourage for this event to be done once in three months.
Thank you to Malaysian Caravan and Camping Association for extending this invitation.