Johor campers called for greater regulation of camping prices at beachside locations, where many claimed fees have become prohibitively high. Campers state that beach camping in Johor has been increasingly criticized for its steep costs, particularly during weekends and public holidays.
Mohd Fais Adan and his wife, Nurzaila Ahmad Suffian, were among those expressing concern. The couple, who regularly camped at beach sites in Johor, noted a significant price increase over the years.
“What was in the past a low-cost recreation for those on a budget has now become more of an expensive leisure activity,” said Mohd Fais, a 34-year-old legal executive.
He recalled that before 2011, many beach areas in Johor were free for camping. Today, however, campers pay over RM300 (USD 67) per night for a small family, a price that Mohd Fais finds excessive.
According to a report by Malay Mail, Mohd said that the high prices have become a common feature at most campsites in the state’s popular coastal areas, such as Desaru, Tanjung Balau, Pengerang, and parts of Mersing.
These areas, once public beaches, now see a significant presence of private campsite operators, with some charging as much as RM300 to RM400 (USD 89) per night, particularly during peak times.
For seasoned campers like Mohd Fais, this price hike is particularly concerning. “Another issue is that most beach campsite operators tend to maximize their profits by overfilling the sites where tents are placed closely without care for privacy,” he added.
Despite these complaints, beach camping has grown in popularity, attracting a mix of locals and international visitors, especially from Singapore.
Outdoor enthusiast Ghazali Che Mat also voiced concerns about the unchecked rise in campsite prices, warning that it could have a negative impact on other outdoor activity locations in Johor. He stressed the need for regulation to ensure that pricing remains fair for both operators and visitors.
Zafrul Isham Othman, a Johor-based camping group leader with over 30 years of experience, shared similar concerns.
While he acknowledged that camping, particularly beach camping, has become more popular in recent years, he criticized the rising costs, which he believes are partly due to the influx of newcomers following the end of COVID-19 restrictions.
He pointed out that many of these newcomers, unfamiliar with typical camping costs, have accepted the higher prices, inadvertently fueling the trend.
Zafrul also noted that the increased demand for camping has led some operators to take advantage of the situation.
“The pricing is similar to what one would pay for a three-star or four-star hotel room,” he said. For seasoned campers like himself, paying more than RM50 (USD 11) per person per night is considered excessive.
However, with a lack of enforcement and no set pricing guidelines, many newcomers are paying higher fees without realizing they may be overcharged.
With the camping scene in Johor continuing to grow, both experienced campers and enthusiasts are calling for more oversight to ensure the activity remains accessible and affordable for all.
