Camp Site & Recreation Telaga Bijih — A Family Day Out in Tanah Merah, Kelantan

The Vibe

Let's be straight with you first — this is a recreation park, not an overnight campsite. No tent pitching here. If you drove all the way from KL thinking you'd be sleeping under the stars by the river, sorry lah, that's not this place. Telaga Bijih is a day-use spot, and a pretty good one at that. Think of it as a proper family fun spot with managed pools, wakaf huts, and natural surroundings — more like a recreational park than a wilderness experience.

That said, if you're in the Tanah Merah area and you've got kids in tow, this place will win them over fast. There's a proper pool with a slide for the kids, a deeper pool for adults, and the natural water is crystal clear and cold — the kind of cold that slaps you awake on a warm Kelantan afternoon. The surroundings are lush and green, it smells like fresh air, and the vibe is very kampung-style recreational park. Simple, clean, and honest.

Crowd-wise, this place fills up by noon on weekends. Families come in groups — grandparents, toddlers, the whole gang. If you want the best spots and the cleanest water experience, you genuinely need to arrive early. Like, before 9am kind of early. By midday it's packed and the good wakaf huts are all taken.

Getting There

The address is Tanah Merah, Kelantan — about 17700 postcode area. Tanah Merah itself is a straightforward town to reach, roughly 60–70km from Kota Bharu via the East-West Highway or through Pasir Mas. From Tanah Merah town, you'll want to use Google Maps (search Camp Site & Recreation Telaga Bijih or use the direct link: https://maps.google.com/?cid=6144403095753418770). The road in should be manageable for regular cars — nothing in the reviews suggests you need a 4WD, so a Myvi should do fine. If you're unsure, call ahead: 019-951 7989. The owner seems approachable based on what people are saying.

What to Expect

This is a managed recreational facility. Fees are collected at the gate, huts are rentable, and the pools are maintained. It's not a wild river spot where you scramble down rocks — it's more structured than that. The natural surroundings are still there though — trees, fresh air, the sound of water. Just... with a bit more organisation around it.

It's perfect for families with young kids, first-timers who aren't ready for proper jungle trips, or anyone who just wants a nice, easy outing without gear and logistics. Hardcore campers looking for a raw jungle experience will probably find it too tame. But that's not what this place is trying to be, and that's totally fine.

The team-building angle is real too — one reviewer mentioned you can customise activities with the owner for corporate or group events. So if you're organising something, it's worth a call beforehand to discuss what's possible.

Facilities

Entrance Fee

RM3 per car according to one reviewer, though another mentions RM5 for parking. Might have changed — call to confirm before you go.

Pools

Two pools — a shallow one with a slide for kids, and a deeper one for adults. Crystal clear water, naturally cold. The highlight of the whole place.

Wakaf Huts

Rentable at RM5 each. Book or arrive early — they go fast on weekends. Good for families who want a shaded spot to eat and rest between swims.

Pool Fee

Adults RM5, kids RM3. Separate from parking. Budget accordingly if you're coming in a big group.

Float Rental

Kids' floats available on-site for RM5 each. Convenient if you forgot to pack one.

What Campers Are Saying

Most people who've been here are pretty happy with it. One reviewer, Masita, said the water was "crystal clear" when she visited and recommended arriving early to get a good bathing spot before the crowds hit. By noon it was jammed — her words, basically.

Fetty Syazwani gave it a full 5 stars and appreciated that it's genuinely kids-friendly — the slide pool for kids is a proper win for families with little ones. She also laid out the full fee breakdown which is helpful since some places aren't upfront about the costs.

John Davis (NORSYAHIZAN) highlighted something not many people mention — the owner is open to customising activities for team-building and group events. That's actually useful if you're looking for an outdoor venue for your department or kelas PLKN reunion or whatever.

Two other reviewers, mfaisal and Nur Syuhada, both said the same thing in different ways: natural, fun for kids, peaceful. The word that keeps coming up is "fresh" — the air, the water, the whole atmosphere. Not a word people use about crowded, mediocre spots.

TAHAN Tip

This is a day trip spot, so pack like one. You're not camping overnight — you're spending a few hours by the water with your family. Bring your own food and drinks because there's no mention of food stalls on site, and you don't want to be hungry and far from town by midday. Arrive before 9am if you want a wakaf hut without having to fight for one. And since this is Kelantan, the sun is no joke — shade up and sunscreen the kids properly. For group fun, bring a TAHAN FlexLite Chair or two — lightweight, easy to carry in, and perfect for the adults who want to sit lakeside while the kids splash around. Much better than fighting over wakaf hut space.

Mike has been camping across Malaysia for over 10 years — from jungle treks in Taman Negara to beach camps in Perhentian. He writes about it so you don't have to find out the hard way. Follow along on TAHAN Outdoor's blog for honest campsite reviews, every week.

You Might Also Like

• Sungai Lepoh Campsite — Also in Kelantan and this one actually lets you camp overnight by the river, great for those who want the full experience.
• Lata Rek Campsite — Another Kelantan gem with waterfall vibes, worth checking out if you want something wilder than a managed park.