Tapak Perkhemahan Masjid Long Tan, Lojing Highlands — Hidden Highland Gem or Abandoned Project?
The Vibe
Lojing Highlands is one of those places that not enough people talk about. Tucked away in Gua Musang, Kelantan, this campsite sits right next to — or more accurately, one level above — Masjid Long Tan. The elevation hits you the moment you arrive. Cold air, sweeping highland views, the kind of quiet that actually makes you stop and breathe. It's genuinely beautiful up here.
That said, this place has an identity crisis. There's a counter, apparently. But nobody's manning it. No clear booking system, no obvious operator. One reviewer called it a "Projek Gajah Putih" — and honestly, that stings because the potential is real. The bones are good. The management (or lack of it) is the problem. Go in with low expectations for facilities and high expectations for the scenery, and you'll probably have a great time.
It's a mix of campers up here — families looking for a cool highland escape, hikers heading to Yong Belar, and the occasional group just chilling by the masjid compound. Not crowded, not commercial. Very kampung-feel, very real.
Getting There
The address is in Kampung Lojing, 18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan. Search for "Masjid Long Tan Lojing" on Google Maps — the campsite is right there on the right side of the masjid.
The road up to Lojing Highlands is steep. Seriously steep in sections. If you're not used to highland driving, take it slow and use low gear on the way up — and especially on the way down. A regular car can make it, but novice drivers should be careful. The road isn't exactly forgiving.
Once you arrive at the masjid, offload your gear at the campsite (which is one level up from the mosque) and then bring your car back down to park at the masjid car park. Space at the campsite itself is limited.
What to Expect
The campsite ground is covered in small 3/4" gravel stones. Not grass, not soil — gravel. This means two things: pegging your tent is going to be a battle, and you will hear every footstep during silent hours. Pack heavy-duty pegs and a hammer. Don't rely on your standard tent stakes here.
Wind is a real factor up in Lojing. Strong gusts are common, especially at night. Rain too — this is highland Kelantan, it rains often. One camper said to bring 30-40 pegs, a raincoat, and coffee. That's honestly the best three-word packing list for this place.
The views? Five stars, no argument. Waking up in the cold highland air with that kind of scenery around you — that's exactly why people come here. Mosquitoes were notably absent during at least one visit, which is a bonus.
This is not a good spot for people with mobility issues or senior citizens. The terrain is steep, the toilet is on the lower side, and the overall layout demands some climbing around. Best suited for families with older kids and adults who don't mind a bit of rough-and-ready camping.
Because there's no electricity on site and you'll be spending proper cold highland nights here, a good sleeping setup matters. The TAHAN HexLink Sleeping Bag is rated down to 18°C — right in the sweet spot for Lojing temperatures — and it won't take up much space in your pack.
Facilities
Toilets
Present, but not well maintained. They're on the lower side of the site — so you're walking downhill in the dark if you need them at 3am. Manage expectations accordingly.
Bathroom / Shower
No hot water. This is a cold highland spot. That post-rain shower is going to be brutal. Either bring a camp shower setup or just embrace the suffering.
Water
Two centralised fresh water taps with sinks near the campground. That's it. No piped supply to your tent. Plan your water usage around that.
Electricity
None. Bring a powerbank — multiple if you can. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern doubles as a powerbank, so it's pulling double duty when there's no power on site.
Parking
Limited at the campsite itself. Park at the masjid car park after offloading your gear.
Counter / Management
There's a counter structure, but don't count on anyone being there. It's unclear if this is actively managed. Call ahead on 010-244 9996 before making the trip.
What Campers Are Saying
One camper gave it 5 stars for view, location, and cleanliness — but knocked it down to 3 stars for the toilet and amenities. That pretty much sums up the consensus. The place is genuinely clean and the surroundings are stunning, but the infrastructure is bare minimum.
A group who camped here while waiting for a Yong Belar hike said they slept on the left side of the masjid and found it decent enough — though the toilet maintenance left a lot to be desired.
Another camper was very direct: bring at least 30-40 pegs because the wind is no joke up here. Strong gusts are the norm, not the exception. He also said frequent rain — bring a raincoat, not just a poncho. And definitely bring coffee. The morning views are the kind that make a hot cup taste twice as good.
One honest 1-star review called it a classic abandoned state government project. Nobody at the counter, no clear operating status. Fair point. It has potential, but right now it runs on the honour system (or just, nobody's really running it).
Families who came for the highland escape loved it — the cool weather, the quiet, the clean surroundings. One guy simply said "great place for family camping" and gave it 5 stars. Sometimes that's all you need to hear.
TAHAN Tip
Call ahead before you drive up — 010-244 9996. Lojing is not a short drive for most people, and you don't want to arrive and find the gate locked or nobody around to sort you out. Also, set up your tent before it gets dark. The gravel ground takes longer to peg into than normal soil, and fighting with tent stakes in the dark on a cold highland night is not the vibe.
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
- Sungai Lepoh Campsite — another Kelantan gem that rewards campers willing to go off the beaten path.
- Lalang Chalet and Campsite — also in Jeli, Kelantan, and worth checking out if you're already making the drive up north.
