Paong Campsite, Long Apu — One of Sarawak's Best-Kept Secrets

The Vibe

Paong Campsite sits deep in Long Apu, Sarawak — and that alone tells you this isn't your weekend warrior getaway. You're in Borneo's interior here. Proper hutan. The kind of place where the forest is so dense it has its own sound, and where the concept of "signal" simply doesn't exist. No internet, no problem — that's genuinely the energy here.

What makes Paong special isn't just the nature. It's the people. This is a community-based campsite where the locals run everything — the cooking, the hosting, the logistics. The aunties will entertain you, the drivers know the terrain, and the food? Campers say it's genuinely sedap, not the sad nasi lemak bungkus you'd pack yourself. You come here as a guest, and they treat you like one. That's rare.

This is the kind of spot that attracts people who've already done the touristy bits of Sarawak and want something rawer, more authentic. If you're looking for glamping with fairy lights and WiFi passwords, Paong is not for you. But if you're up for switching off completely and experiencing rural Borneo life — this one sticks with you long after you're back in the city.

Getting There

Long Apu is not a place you drive to casually. It's in the Belaga district of Sarawak, deep in the Baram interior — and getting there typically involves a combination of road travel and longboat. Depending on your starting point, most visitors fly into Miri or Bintulu, then make their way inland from there.

The road conditions towards the interior of Sarawak vary a lot — some stretches are sealed, others are logging roads that become properly rough after rain. A 4WD is strongly recommended if you're driving any part of the route yourself. But honestly, the smarter move is to arrange transport through the campsite or a local operator from the start. The drivers that come with the Paong experience are described by campers as professional and genuinely helpful — they know these roads like the back of their hand.

Don't try to wing this one solo on Google Maps. Reach out to whoever is managing the campsite, get proper directions, and sort out your transportation early. This is a trip that needs planning, not improvisation.

What to Expect

Pure Borneo forest. The surroundings are lush, untouched and genuinely peaceful. Think towering trees, natural sounds, cool forest air — none of the manicured campsite vibes you get closer to KL. This is forestland in the truest sense.

Because the site is community-run and so remote, the crowd levels are naturally low. You're not going to show up here and find 40 tents shoulder to shoulder. The experience is more intimate — small groups, local guides, communal meals. That's the draw.

This campsite suits adventurous campers, solo travellers, and small groups who are comfortable being off-grid. Not ideal for families with young kids unless they're already seasoned campers. The remoteness is the point, but it does mean you need to be self-sufficient and mentally prepared for the full disconnection experience.

Since you're sleeping in a proper remote Borneo forest with zero electricity on site, you'll want good sleeping gear. The TAHAN Panthera Inflatable Sleeping Pad is worth packing — it's 10cm thick with a built-in foot pump and integrated pillow, so you're not sleeping on roots and wondering why your back hurts the next morning.

Facilities

Food

Meals are provided and campers specifically call this out as a highlight. Described as delicious and satisfying. This isn't packed food — it's cooked by the locals on site. Eat whatever they put in front of you, you won't regret it.

Electricity

None. You're in the deep interior of Borneo. Bring a powerbank — and a full one. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern is handy here too since it doubles as a powerbank and gives you proper light for nighttime at camp.

Internet / Phone Signal

Zero. Don't plan your trip around needing connectivity. One camper literally said living without internet turned out to be fun — take that as your sign to embrace it.

Transport

Local drivers are available and come highly recommended. Professional, experienced with the terrain, and an integral part of the Paong experience.

What Campers Are Saying

Firdaus, who gave this place a full 5 stars, described it as one of the most genuinely hospitable camping experiences he's had. The aunty who hosted them apparently kept the whole group entertained — and his take on going without internet was surprisingly positive. "Turned out live without internet can be so fun," he said, and honestly that quote does more marketing for Paong than any brochure could.

He also gave high praise to the food — not just passable camp food, but actually delicious and satisfying. And the drivers got a shoutout too for being professional and helpful throughout the trip. When campers specifically mention the drivers, you know the journey to get there is part of the experience, not just the destination.

Amir Nazrin kept it short and honest: "Excellent and very forestland area." Three words — forestland area — and you know exactly what kind of place this is. He followed it up with a "try and experience for yourself" which, from someone who's been there, is the best kind of endorsement.

TAHAN Tip

Sort out your arrangements through the campsite managers or a trusted local operator before you go — not after you arrive in Long Apu. The logistics of getting to Paong are more complex than your average campsite, and the locals who run this place are your best resource. Ask about meal arrangements, transport pickup points, and what to pack ahead of time. The campsite experience itself is mellow and welcoming, but the journey there rewards those who plan properly. Go in dry season if you can — roads in the interior of Sarawak get significantly rougher during heavy rain months.

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.

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