Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Pauh — Cameron Highlands Camping With Cool Air and Highland Forest

The Vibe

Cameron Highlands and camping don't always go in the same sentence — most people think strawberry farms and corn on the cob when they think Cameron. But Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Pauh is the real deal. It's a proper forest campsite run under Jabatan Perhutanan, sitting right in Tanah Rata at around 1,500m above sea level. The air is cold, the trees are thick, and at night you'll actually need that sleeping bag. Don't underestimate the temperature up here — people do, and they regret it.

The crowd here is a mixed bag — families with kids, friend groups, regulars who come back every year. It's got that community campsite feel where you'll see the same faces if you visit enough times. Not a party spot. Not a hardcore jungle trek. It's that comfortable middle ground — nature without suffering. Surrounded by highland forest, within walking distance to food, and with a hiking trail nearby if you want to move your legs.

The staff have become part of the experience for many regulars. Abang Jais and his team are genuinely helpful — they'll point you toward the trails, answer your questions, and actually care about the place.

Getting There

The campsite is in Tanah Rata, 39000 Pahang. If you're driving up from KL, take the Karak Highway heading toward Genting and then follow the signs to Cameron Highlands via Simpang Pulai or Karak — both work, just depends on where you're coming from. Once you hit Tanah Rata town, the campsite is accessible from there. Drop the coordinates into Google Maps (link here) and it'll get you there without drama.

Road up to Cameron is fine for normal cars — no 4WD needed. But do drive carefully especially if it's raining. The highland roads get slippery and misty fast. Call ahead before you go: 05-491 1384. Better yet, sort out your booking early because you need advance approval from Jabatan Perhutanan. Don't just show up and expect a spot.

What to Expect

Cool weather, forest canopy, wooden deck platforms for your tent — that's the setup. The campsite has proper tent platforms which is a nice touch, though some have been patched up with plywood instead of quality timber, so check yours when you arrive. The environment itself is genuinely pleasant. Mossy highland forest, quiet (on weekdays at least), and the kind of air that makes you want to just sit and do nothing.

Weekends fill fast, especially public holidays. Book well ahead and call 05-491 1384 a few days before your trip to confirm — it takes two minutes and saves a wasted drive up the highlands.

There's a hiking trail nearby — an east-facing route that you can access by paying for a permit at the campsite counter. Good option if you want to fill half a day with something more than lounging. The campsite is also walking distance to food stalls and restaurants in Tanah Rata, which is a huge plus — you don't have to be fully self-sufficient here.

Best suited for: families, beginners, friend groups who want a proper highland camping experience without roughing it too much. Not for people who want solitude — this place gets social on weekends.

Facilities

Toilets

Toilets are available on site. Bring your own toilet paper as a backup — it's always smart when you're camping.

Water Heater

Two water heaters available per toilet block — cold showers at 1,500m above sea level would be brutal, so this matters. You'll need to take turns. Shower during off-peak hours if you can.

Water Supply

Tap water is available on site. It's good practice to bring some drinking water of your own for any campsite, just in case.

Electricity

Available on site. One of the better facilities here — charge your devices and light up your campsite.

Surau

There's a surau on site. Muslim campers, you're covered.

BBQ Area

BBQ facilities are provided. Good for evening cookouts — the cool air makes this even better up here.

Tent Rental

Tents are available to rent from the campsite. If you have your own gear, bring it along — your own tent gives you full control in wet weather.

Parking

Parking is available at the campsite. Weekends fill up fast — arrive early.

What Campers Are Saying

NayKhir has been coming back every year and says the place has held up well — the deck platforms get repaired when needed, and the staff especially Abang Jais and team are friendly and actually helpful. For regulars, this campsite has earned its reputation as a reliable annual trip.

Choy Yin Kong is a yearly visitor who appreciates the regular upkeep — deck platforms get repaired as needed to keep things safe and comfortable.

Wahidah raised something important — the waterfall area nearby was seeing rubbish pile up from irresponsible visitors. Not the campsite management's fault directly, but worth keeping in mind. Carry your trash out. This place is too nice to trash.

Jalee Baitee kept it simple: good camping ground, chill surroundings, bring a sleeping bag, book in advance through Jabatan Perhutanan. Walking distance to food. That's the TL;DR version.

TAHAN Tip

Booking pro tip: call ahead to confirm your reservation a couple of days before you arrive — especially on public holiday weekends when the campsite gets busy. A quick call to 05-491 1384 takes two minutes and guarantees your spot.

About Mike

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

• Janda Baik Campsite — another Pahang highland campsite with a cool vibe, great for families and weekend escapes from KL.
• CampRED @ Berjaya Hills — also up in the Pahang highlands with cooler temperatures and forest surroundings, worth comparing before you decide.
• Treegrow Camp, Cameron Highlands — a solid Pahang alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Aur Glampcamp and Campsite, Janda Baik — another Pahang spot I've reviewed if you're planning a trip out this way.
• Stellar GoldenHill Cameron — a solid Pahang alternative if this one's full on your dates.
• Suka Camping Karak — another Pahang spot I've reviewed if you're planning a trip out this way.
• Woodstock Camp Janda Baik — another Pahang spot I've reviewed if you're planning a trip out this way.
• Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort Janda Baik — another Pahang spot I've reviewed if you're planning a trip out this way.
• Our cooler box buyer's guide — keep the drinks cold all weekend.