CityDen Roomstay & Campsite — A Kampung Escape Near Gunung Datuk

The Vibe

CityDen is a small, low-key campsite and roomstay tucked in Kampung Api-api, not far from the base of Gunung Datuk in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. This is not the kind of place you'd stumble upon — you come here with a purpose, usually because you're planning to hike Gunung Datuk the next morning and want somewhere nearby to crash. Or you're just looking to unplug somewhere quiet and kampung-ish for a night or two.

The setting is genuinely peaceful. Bird sounds in the morning, fresh air, mountain views when you wake up. Think less resort, more "a local family opened up their land for guests." That's the energy here. Don't expect polished facilities or manicured grounds. But if you're the kind of camper who's okay with basic and values the atmosphere over the amenities, this place has a quiet charm to it.

They offer both tent camping and room stays, so you've got options depending on your group. Food can be arranged in advance if you're coming with a big group — worth calling ahead for that. The owner is responsive and friendly, which honestly counts for a lot when you're planning a trip to somewhere off the usual trail.

Getting There

The address is Jalan Kaki Gunung Datok, Kampung Batang Nyamor, Kampung Api-api, 71350 Kota, Negeri Sembilan. Key the name "CityDen Roomstay & Campsite" into Google Maps and it should pull up fine — they have a listing with a CID link so navigation shouldn't be a headache.

You're heading towards Rembau, roughly an hour from Seremban and about 1.5 hours from KL depending on which route you take. The road into Kampung Api-api is your typical kampung road — paved but narrow in stretches. Normal cars handle it fine. No 4WD needed. Just slow down for the tight turns nearer to the kampung. If you're arriving at night, have your phone torch ready because lighting along that last stretch can be minimal.

You can contact the owner at 019-248 1964 to confirm directions or check in details — that's probably the easiest move if it's your first time going.

What to Expect

This is a small setup. The tent area is on the compact side — one reviewer flagged this specifically, so go in with that expectation. It works fine for small groups or families, but if you're coming with a big squad and everyone's bringing a 6-person dome tent, you'll want to call ahead and confirm how many pitches are available.

There's no river for a swim here — don't come expecting that. What you do get is a mountain view in the morning, fresh kampung air, and the sound of birds waking you up instead of an alarm. One regular visitor said the place is especially nice during fruit season — the owner apparently shares rambutan with guests, which is very Malaysian and very wholesome.

This place suits hikers using it as a base for Gunung Datuk, small families wanting a low-key nature escape, or groups doing a family day event. It's not for the hardcore jungle camper looking for extreme terrain — it's more for the "I just want to slow down" crowd. Beginners would be comfortable here.

Since there's no electricity on site, bring a lantern. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern is one I keep in my bag for exactly these kinds of places — rechargeable, has multiple brightness modes, and doubles as a powerbank when your phone's dying at night. Super practical for a kampung campsite like this.

Facilities

Toilets

Maintained and acceptable according to reviewers. One camper specifically called out that the toilet is kept clean — not glamorous, but decent enough for a kampung site.

Pantry / Washing Area

There's a pantry and sink area for washing up. Reviewers said it's comfortable to use. Good sign for a small site like this.

Rooms

The rooms are clean and tidy with a proper shower area. Reviewers noted acceptable room size. At RM120 per night one reviewer felt it was on the pricier side given no view, but cleanliness isn't an issue.

Tent Area

Small pitching area. Enough for a few tents — confirm with the owner before assuming you can bring a large group and set up freely.

Food

No on-site café or stall — but food can be pre-arranged if you're booking as a group. Call ahead and sort it out with the owner. In the morning, some reviewers mentioned walking around the kampung to look for breakfast, which sounds like half the fun honestly.

Pool

One reviewer noted the pool shown in older photos may no longer be there — either permanently removed or under repair. Don't count on it. Verify directly with the owner if that matters to your group.

What Campers Are Saying

The folks who love this place love it for one main reason — it's peaceful. One camper who brought his family for a full family day said CityDen was perfect for it, especially because the owner was so easy to work with. When the owner is understanding and flexible, it makes the whole trip so much smoother, especially for group bookings.

A hiker who came to do Gunung Datuk recommended CityDen as the natural choice for anyone tackling that trail — proximity to the trailhead is the main draw. You wake up, hike up, come back, rest. Simple.

One regular visitor who's been back a few times raved about the kampung charm — particularly during fruit season when the owner hands out rambutan. He also praised how clean the surroundings felt and how the pantry area was comfortable to use. Says he's definitely coming back.

On the flip side, one honest reviewer who was scoping the place on a weekday before checking in had some reservations — cat droppings under a table in the common area, dirty tables, and wasn't sure if regular cleaning happened outside of big bookings. He also found RM120 for a room with no view a bit steep. The pool from earlier photos wasn't there anymore. His redeeming note though: the owner replied quickly and was easy to communicate with.

So the picture is clear — CityDen shines when there's a group or an event happening. Solo drop-ins or weekday visits might catch it on an off day. Worth calling ahead either way.

TAHAN Tip

If you're using CityDen as a base camp before hiking Gunung Datuk, set up camp the evening before and get an early start the next morning — ideally before 7am. The trail can get busy on weekends and the morning views from the summit are worth beating the crowd for. Since the tent area is small, stake out your pitch early if you're arriving with others. And since you'll be sleeping on the ground without facilities like power, bring a decent sleeping pad — the TAHAN Panthera Inflatable Sleeping Pad packs down small but gives you 10cm of cushion so you're actually rested before the climb. Trust me, your knees will thank you on the way down Gunung Datuk.

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

• Gunung Datuk Campsite — if you want to camp closer to the actual trailhead and fully commit to the Gunung Datuk experience.
• Gunung Angsi Campsite — another classic Negeri Sembilan hike with a campsite nearby, great if you want to explore more of what NS has to offer.