Escape the city: camping trip to Bentong, Malaysia

A day before Malaysia’s Merdeka holiday on August 30th, my mom decided to go camping with her colleagues and their families. My brother and I happily agreed, as it had been a long time since we’d been out in nature. Along with our daily necessities and clothes, we even packed a steamboat pot and ingredients, planning to enjoy a steamboat dinner under the stars.

When we arrived in Bentong, the weather was scorching. Sweat kept rolling down my face, and for a moment, I doubted whether this camping trip would be enjoyable at all. We sat under the shade of the tent, fanning ourselves with our hands. It didn’t help much—but it was better than nothing. There were a few teenagers from other families, but since we didn’t know one another yet, the first day felt a bit dull. The most exciting moment came when we all gathered to learn a card game called “Rummy.” As we played, laughter filled the air, and I felt us growing closer. That simple connection made me genuinely happy.

While chatting with one of my new friends, Yew, we noticed a beautiful evening glow spreading across the sky. Its soft pink hue was mesmerizing. When night fell, we began preparing the steamboat. Dinner was filled with laughter and stories—everyone chatting, joking, and learning more about one another. The night air turned chilly without solid walls around us, so I wrapped myself tightly in a blanket to stay warm. Despite the cold, the first night ended perfectly: I had made new friends, and the camp already felt a little like home.

The next morning, we woke up at 7:30 a.m. to prepare breakfast. After eating, we headed straight to the hot spring pool to warm up. The water was pleasantly warm, and we had a wonderful time relaxing there. About an hour later, we took a shower and decided to visit Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed village. Nestled in the hills, it offered a perfect escape from the heat. For lunch, we treated ourselves to some rather pricey pizza—but thankfully, it was delicious. After enjoying the cool mountain breeze and the charming scenery, we decided to head back before nightfall.

We returned to the campsite around 6 p.m. and had instant cup noodles for dinner—quick, convenient, and surprisingly satisfying. After eating, we started another round of Rummy at 8 p.m. and played straight through the night. The game was addictive, and I had so much fun with my new friends. We laughed endlessly and playfully teased one another as the hours slipped by. It was one of my favourite moments of the entire trip. When the sun finally rose, we paused to admire the sunrise. It wasn’t the most spectacular one I’ve ever seen, but sharing it with new friends made it feel truly special.

The trip came to an end when the sun was high in the sky. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, and a hint of sadness lingered as we packed up. This short escape from the city left me feeling recharged and refreshed. I hadn’t expected to have so much fun on this camping trip, but it was the people who made it truly unforgettable.