Let’s face it – camping isn’t always as much fun as it’s cracked up to be.
First, there’s the tiny tent you have to struggle to pitch. Then, there’s the elusive hunt for a relatively soft spot on which to roll out your sleeping bag. No promises though that you won’t wake up during the night with a stabbing pain from a sharp pebble poking into your back.
And because the tent you’ve just pitched is usually too small for comfort, you probably have to fight for any little space you can wiggle into. Let’s not even get started about the bugs that buzz in your ears or crawl up your legs before settling down for that stinging bite that jerks you wide awake.
But at the Lost World Of Tambun in Ipoh, camping has been transformed into something of a luxurious encounter. It’s a mix of modern day conveniences cleverly blended into the rustic experience of living in the heart of the jungle.
The huge tent that accommodates four campers comfortably, is a sight to behold – it contains actual beds with actual soft mattresses as well as electricity to run fans, lights, and charge electronic devices.
Welcome to the world of Glamping – where your everyday camping experience has been given a 21st Century glamour boost.
After checking in and checking out your accommodations, you can either take it slow and go for a nature walk or explore the rest of the park. After all, there are over 100 animal species that await you, and endless shows to watch.
On your way to the petting zoo and water park, stop by the Lost World Tin Valley for an educational and interesting peek into history. Besides showcasing the importance of tin in its heyday, you can also catch a dance performance titled Tin Story that portrays the life and work of tin miners back in the olden days.
Also, make sure you grab a bite at the Dulang Tea House along the way, a fascinating throwback to the Ipoh kopitiams of yesteryears. Beckoning the hungry traveller is a menu featuring old time favourites like charcoal-toasted bread and soft boiled eggs washed down with thick, sweet coffee.
Or, if it takes your fancy, opt for the ice-cold roasted rice tea, a sweet relief on a searing hot day. If you’re hankering for something with a bit more bite, get a bowl of chicken curry and some bread to mop up the gravy. There really is nothing better.
After taking in the sights at the zoo, enjoying the water park, or experiencing a refreshing dip at the hot springs, hop on a buggy back to the Glamping site for a hearty dinner.
Make sure you order the BBQ dinner pack – a whole fish coupled with meat, prawn and vegetable kebabs that you cook yourself over hot coals. There’s even marshmallows to toast over a fire for dessert after.
As you retire for the night, you will soon become aware of the dead quiet, interspersed only by the comforting sounds of crickets, cicadas and their numerous other jungle insect friends, who together create quite a symphony of soothing sounds to lull you to sleep.
A challenging hike up the beautiful limestone cave of Gua Datok awaits you the next morning. Although you will have to bravely climb 630 steps in order to reach your destination, the breathtaking limestone stalactites and stalagmites adorning the cave are worth the effort.
So too, the coral structures, remnants of a time past when the cave was submerged in water about 400 million years ago, according to scientists.
Accompanying you on this exploration are the park’s knowledgeable and friendly guides, who will fascinate you no end with stories about the cave.
On the other side of the cave, you will get to enjoy a birds-eye view of the sprawling mountains below. Although a somewhat challenging hike, Gua Datok is well worth every sore muscle.
The Lost World Of Tambun is clearly the perfect getaway for the avid traveller who wants to get in touch with nature yet still enjoy some of the trappings of modern-day life.
Whether it’s glamping, hiking or simply walking among the flora and fauna there, this holiday experience is one that will stay in your heart forever.
10 TICKETS TO BE WON! Answer six questions about the attractions at the Lost World Of Tambun to win tickets for a fascinating holiday there. Questions to be featured in the next article, so look out for it.