Anjung Sireh Riverside Sedim — A Kampung Camping Spot Worth Knowing About

The Vibe

Anjung Sireh Riverside Sedim is one of those places that feels like your kampung uncle's backyard — except the backyard has a river running through it. It's got that classic rural Malaysia charm: wooden chalets, the sound of water nearby, and air that smells like actual jungle. This is a mixed-use site with both campsite pitches and chalet accommodation, so you've got options depending on your comfort level.

The crowd here is mostly families and couples looking for a chill weekend getaway. Not a hardcore hiking crowd, not glampers either. Just people who want to sit by the river, do a bit of BBQ, and breathe. The Sedim area in Kedah is genuinely underrated — people flock to Sungai Sedim Recreational Park nearby but sleep on spots like this one. It's quieter, more personal, and the owner's friendliness makes a real difference.

Fair warning though: weekends can get crowded. If you're coming for the peace and quiet, plan for a weekday trip or early weekend arrival. The river is the main draw — and reviewers consistently say it's deep enough to actually swim in, which is a big plus.

Getting There

The full address is Lubuk Buluh Sedim, 09700 Simpang Empat, Karangan, Kedah. If you're coming from Kuala Lumpur, head north on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and exit at Sungai Petani. From there, follow signs toward Karangan. Sedim is well-signposted once you're in the Karangan area — look out for the Sedim river recreation zone.

The road into the Sedim area is manageable in a normal car. No 4WD needed. Just take it easy on the smaller roads closer to the campsite — they can be a bit narrow. If you're unsure once you're nearby, call ahead: 010-277 5202. The owner picks up and is helpful. You can also drop the Google Maps CID directly: open in Google Maps.

What to Expect

Flat riverside terrain. Straightforward setup. This is not a technical or challenging campsite at all. You pitch your tent, hear the river, and that's the whole agenda. The camping sites are positioned close enough to the river that you'll fall asleep to the sound of water — one reviewer described it bringing back childhood memories, and honestly, I get it. That sound hits different at night.

The water level in the river looks great when it hasn't been raining. When it rains — and it does rain heavily up here — the river gets murkier and swimming becomes less appealing. But even then, being there while it pours is an experience on its own. There's a BBQ pit at each campsite, which is a nice touch. No need to lug a portable stove just for BBQ night, though if you're cooking proper meals you'll still want to bring your own setup. Families with young kids have camped here without issues — multiple reviewers describe it as kids-friendly, and the managed grounds back that up.

This site suits beginners and families well. Not for people looking for a wilderness challenge. Think of it as a relaxed, organised riverside camp with a kampung feel. If you're doing your first-ever overnight camping trip with the family, this is a good entry point. Bring the kids, pack the TAHAN Panthera Inflatable Sleeping Pad for everyone — the ground is flat but you'll still feel it by morning without proper padding under you.

Facilities

Toilets

Clean and managed — reviewers consistently mention this. But they're not right next to the campsite. You'll need to climb a flight of stairs to reach them. Doable, just annoying at 3am. Plan accordingly.

BBQ Pits

One at every campsite. That's a solid setup. No need to fight over the communal grill.

Sink/Washing Area

Available, but it's up the stairs near the toilet level. Same issue as the toilets — if you're washing dishes after dinner, you're going up and down. A bit inconvenient but manageable.

River Swimming

Deep enough to actually swim. Not just ankle-deep wading — proper swimming. Main attraction of the place.

Chalets

Available at RM150/night. Classic kampung-style — outdoor toilet and shower, ceiling fan, power point, kettle. That's about it. One reviewer felt it was on the expensive side for what you get (no indoor toilet, no aircon). Not wrong. Camping is the better value here.

Electricity

Available in chalets via power point. For tent campers, no mention of electrical access at the pitches — assume none. Bring a powerbank or a rechargeable lantern. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern doubles as a powerbank, which is genuinely useful here.

What Campers Are Saying

One group did a chalet stay and said despite heavy overnight rain, the sound of the river was the highlight — reminded them of growing up kampung-side. They're already planning a return trip specifically for camping and BBQ. That kind of repeat intention says something real about a place.

A family camper said the river is deep and swimmable — and the site is clean and well-maintained. Only gripe: weekends are too crowded for their liking. If you want space to breathe, skip Saturday night.

Another camper loved the peacefulness, the cold river water, and the BBQ pits at every pitch. Called it kids-friendly. For families looking to introduce their kids to camping in a managed setting, this checks the right boxes.

Someone also flagged the toilet-and-sink situation honestly — having to climb stairs every time you need the bathroom or want to wash dishes is a genuine inconvenience. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing so you're not caught off guard at midnight.

On the chalet side, a reviewer felt RM150/night was steep given the facilities on offer. If you're comparing it to a budget hotel room, you're probably right to question it. But for the nature experience? Some people would still pay it.

TAHAN Tip

Come during a dry stretch. The river is the whole reason you're making this drive — and it's spectacular when the water is clear. If it's been raining for days before your trip, check conditions before heading out. The swimming spot is deep but rain muddies everything fast. Also, pitch as close to the river as you can — those spots fill up first on weekends, so get there early if you're coming on a Saturday.

You Might Also Like

• Sungai Sedim Recreational Park — Just up the road, this is the bigger sibling with the famous treetop walkway and more river action.
• Lata Bayu Campsite — Another Kedah riverside gem with a proper waterfall, great if you want more of that cool jungle-river atmosphere.