When most people think of budget travel, their minds think of dirty hostels or questionable guesthouses, but there is another option: camping. I had actually never camped before in South-East Asia, and I’m really glad that my first experience was at LongSha Pulau Kapas.
For only 15 MYR per night ($4), you can rent a tent at this amazing campsite. If you have your own tent, you can stay there for 10 MYR. However, if you don’t have a decent tent, I would highly recommend just paying the extra 5 MYR, because they have really great quality tents, and provide a thin pad.
I went there with just a small backpack, and was okay with sleeping in the tent. It was a little bit uncomfortable, but I used my clothes as a blanket, and my backpack as a pillow. This is definitely the cheapest place to stay on Pulau Kapas, and will definitely make you fall in love with the island.
The staff at LongSha Camp Site are really great, and can help you sort out everything you need for the island like kayak rentals, boat rides, or transportation to the mainland.
There’s an awesome map of the island there which will give you a great idea of what to do on Pulau Kapas.
LongSha Campsite has a kitchen to use as well, which was really common for people to cook at. One night one the guys who works there went out fishing, and brought back a ton of squid to grill up. It was delicious, and they didn’t ask any money for it!
Obviously, I had an amazing time staying at LongSha camp site. The place is cheap and provides a great environment for people to meet each other.
The backpackers you meet on Pulau Kapas are much different than those you’d meet at Koh Tao or Gili Trawangan. The people you meet are all long-term travel backpackers. People that will inspire you to keep traveling, living the nomadic lifestyle, and see the world.
During my 4 days at LongSha Campsite, I met some awesome Spanish, Italian, Belgium, Argentinian, Dutch, French, and German people. We even organized a boat ride together over to Gemnia island to do some snorkeling.
Practical Information:
- There is no sitting toilet. If you can’t handle the bare minimum travel lifestyle, than you might want to spend the extra cash and stay at the hostel.
- There are a lot of mosquitos on Pulau Kapas. So make sure you bring some bug spray!
- If you can, bring a pillow to help you sleep. It’s not necessary, but it will help
- Pulau Kapas is a very “sticky island”. Meaning it has the power to keep you there longer than expected. Don’t rush your stay here.
Pulau Kapas is not a well known island in Malaysia, but it definitely is going to grow in the upcoming years. This island is truly the definition of paradise, and I think more and more people will be flocking to this amazing place.
If you do come to Pulau Kapas, and are looking for a great place to stay; I’d highly recommend staying at the LongSha campsite. You’ll meet amazing people, save some money, and really enjoy your stay. Just be careful, you might find yourself staying here longer than expected.
I’m all about that hammock life.
Have you been to Pulau Kapas before? Planning on going anytime soon? Don’t be afraid to contact me if you have any questions, or feel free to leave me a comment!
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Hello stranger!!, this is Pepi, the Argentinian at the camp (and i just saw myself in one of the pics!!, love it). Nice to meet you there, and hope to see u around. Safe travles!
Hola Pepi!! What’s going on? Hope you guys are doing well and enjoying the rest of your travels. Definitely hope to see you in Italy or Argentina, or wherever!
Hi, the camp site looks really nice.
Do you have their contact? Tried googling, couldn’t find anything
I can’t say that I do…I don’t even know if they have on because there is practically no wi-ifi on the island, so I don’t think they would be able to check it. They have plenty of space though!
I see…
Is it big enough to house about 80 people though? ?
Oh Wow…80 people!? No, I dont think so…Sorry!
if want booking at Long Sha Can contact me 016 9225454
Thanks for the comment man! I’ve had many people message me about contact info, so I’ll be sure to send them your way!
Hi Jones,
Great article this is exactly what I was looking for. I have one more question: Would you say this camp site is ‘kid-friendly’. Is there a lot of partying going on? If so do you still think it would be ok to camp there with a little one? I’m a relaxed, outgoing mum and my son does handle noise quite well during his sleeps.
Thanks so much in advance! Greetings from Germany xx
Yeah, absolutely! During my time there people only really drank once, and it definitely was NOT a party. It was just a friendly hang-out, and the noise was definitely under control. The place is definitely kid friendly! I think you’ll absolutely love it!
That sounds awesome!! Im already psyched about our stay at this place. It sounds so wonderful. you reckon it would be good to call the guys up in advance and see if there’s a tent left? I’m guessing it would be fine to just rock up as you wrote it is not a well known island yet. I’ll be there late august…
You also wrote that they have tents for rent but do they also come with sleeping bags/mats?
And one more thing I couldn’t find out yet: Is there any shops on the island or a cafe? I only know of the resorts/hotels/hostels but is there anywhere you can buy food and drinks or would you have to bring stuff with you from the mainland?
I think this is it.. travelling needs a bit more planning in advance now that I’m not just by myself. Still hoping my son got my backpacker gene and will be happy with what I have planned for us so far!!
Have a good one man, and thanks again. Peace!
haha I just got a bit deeper into your blog and found all the informations needed :-)
This kind of place is what i’ve been looking for. Thanks for putting it up jones.
https://longshacamp.wordpress.com/
Hi, me and my husband want to stay at this place but what do you mean by there is no ‘sit-in’ washroom? Is there a place to shower and wash your face at all?
Yeah, kinda. There was a sink, lol. WHat I mean is that there is no seating toilet. Only a squat toileT!
Hi, I would like to go to your place in March
Hi, just wondering, is there any public toilet where people are allowed to take a shower or to just pee?
Does the camping site have a shower station?
Hai jones. I want to ask. What about safety there.. I mean our property that we left in tent.. Is that safe to left our bagpack while we go snorkeling and else.
Sorry for answering this; was stayed there recently..the answer is yes..it is safe to leave your belonging inside the tent to explore the island.
Just reading your post on the kapas Island and it sounds really interesting. I think the campsite should be giving you a good commission as I’m sure a lot of people went there because of this post ?
I can also see that you got yourself into trouble as people are now treating you like a tourist information….
Thanks for sharing with the world about the island. Enjoy the rest of your travels!