Lalang's Chalet & Campsite and Lata Keding, Kelantan — River Views and Cool Forest Air

The Vibe

This place sits along Sungai Keding in Ayer Lanas, Kelantan — deep green forest, river views, a fish pond, and the kind of cool air that you only get when you're properly surrounded by trees. First impression when you pull in? Cantik. Like, genuinely cantik. The landscaping is done well, the river is right there, and if you've ever been to Mutiara Taman Negara, some reviewers say it gives off that same vibe. Peaceful, lush, feels far from everything.

This is more of a chalet-and-resort setup than a traditional campsite. You're staying in rooms, not pitching tents. Think eco-resort with nature as the main attraction — Lata Keding waterfall nearby, a pool, riverside rooms. The crowd here is mostly families, couples, and groups looking for a nature getaway without roughing it too hard. If you want full camping with your own tent and campfire setup, this probably isn't it.

The riverside setting and forest canopy are genuinely worth the trip. Families and couples looking for a nature getaway without full camping gear will find what they're after here.

Getting There

The address is PT 6293, Sungai Keding, Kampung Gemang, 17700 Ayer Lanas, Kelantan. You're heading to Jeli area — if you're coming from Kota Bharu, take the route towards Gua Musang and branch off towards Jeli. From Jeli town itself it's not far. Plug the Google Maps CID link or just search "Lalang Eco Resort Jeli" and it should pull up correctly.

The road getting there is manageable — normal cars are fine. The resort grounds are hilly and steep in parts, so budget time to explore or use the responsive buggy service available at reception.

What to Expect

River views, a pool, forest canopy overhead, and the nearby Lata Keding waterfall — that's the package. The pool is properly sized, 1.2 to 1.5 metres deep, so it's actually good for swimming, not just wading around. The riverside setting is the main draw and it genuinely delivers on that front.

Rooms are decent-sized with nice layouts and river-facing options available. Check your room when you arrive and call ahead to request the riverside rooms, which tend to be the best picks.

This place suits families and couples who want a nature setting without camping gear. Not a hardcore camping spot. Not a glamping luxury play either. It sits somewhere in the middle — eco-resort with rough edges. If you go in with that framing, you'll appreciate what's genuinely good here.

Facilities

Rooms

Decent size, river-facing options available. But photos online are more flattering than reality — bedsheets look worn, pillows are flat and minimal, and some rooms have broken fixtures like towel railings, door latches, and faulty plug points. Check everything when you arrive.

Pool

Spacious and genuinely deep (1.2–1.5m). Good for real swimming. One of the better features here.

Bathrooms

Hot water and good water pressure available. A quick check on arrival helps confirm the room's condition.

Food & Cafe

Laila Majnu Cafe on-site serves breakfast and dinner. When ordering the shabu-shabu sets, confirm the menu contents beforehand — check whether seafood is fresh or frozen so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Buggy Service

The resort grounds are hilly and steep in parts. They offer a buggy service — just call the number given at reception. Apparently very responsive. Use it, especially if you have older folks or young kids with you.

Prayer Facilities

Solat-friendly — enough space and sejadah provided. Appreciated by multiple guests.

Parking

Available on-site. Not flagged as an issue by reviewers.

What Campers Are Saying

One reviewer called it unforgettable — great food, welcoming staff, all at a reasonable price. He loved the forest and river views and said the whole experience felt worth every ringgit. Short and sweet, no complaints from him.

Another family said the nature setting reminded them of Mutiara Taman Negara. The pool got special mention for actually being deep enough to swim in, and the buggy service staff were super responsive. They genuinely enjoyed the stay and appreciated the forest and river views.

Other guests appreciated the ambience and layout — cooling, green, immersed-in-nature feel. Trying a different room type on a return visit is a good way to explore what suits you best at the resort.

TAHAN Tip

If you're booking a room, call ahead and specifically ask for the riverside room — it's worth the extra ask. Also confirm the shabu-shabu menu contents before committing to the set. Don't assume "lots of meat and seafood" in the photo means what you think it means. Ask what exactly is included and whether it's fresh or frozen. Save yourself the frustration at the dinner table.

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 — another Kelantan gem with proper jungle river vibes, worth checking out if you want a more traditional camping experience in the same state.
• Pantai Cahaya Bulan Campsite — if you're already up in Kelantan, this coastal camp near KB gives you a completely different side of the state to explore.
• Teratak Rimba Abam Peah, Kuala Krai — also in Kelantan and worth comparing before you book.
• Juita Glamping Perhentian — also in Kelantan and worth comparing before you book.
• Putera Valley Resort & Training Centre, Kelantan — also in Kelantan and worth comparing before you book.
• The Backyard Glamping Cameron Highlands — also in Kelantan and worth comparing before you book.