Jungle Adventures & Igloo Dreams: Our Family Stay at Himalaya Campsite, Gopeng, Malaysia

Hey everyone — it’s Smiths On Tour! 👋
We’re now nine months into our full-time family travels, having explored eight countries since leaving the UK back in January 2025. From tropical beaches to mountain towns, the adventure hasn’t stopped — and neither have we.

After a wild white-water rafting trip in Gopeng, Malaysia recently, we spotted something that instantly caught our eye as we were flying down the rapids — a bright, colourful campsite right on the riverbank, surrounded by palm trees, pools, and jungle vibes.

It was called Himalaya Campsite, and from that moment, we knew we had to come back.

Love at First Splash 🌈

You know that feeling when something just jumps out at you? That was us, mid-rapid, hair soaked, adrenaline pumping — and there it was:
🏠 Bright-coloured houses,
💦 Sparkling pools,
🌈 A rainbow water slide,
❄️ And… igloo-shaped accommodations!

As a kid, I’d always wanted to stay in an igloo, and this seemed like the perfect chance — minus the freezing temperatures! Each igloo came in a different colour, had air conditioning, and (thankfully!) a proper comfy bed.

It felt like the perfect mix of camping and comfort.

Jungle Vibes and Chill Spots 🌴

The whole campsite sits beside a peaceful river, surrounded by tropical greenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying.

There’s a fire pit in the centre — perfect for evening chats and marshmallow roasting — and plenty of green space to hang out, play games, or just soak in the view.

We loved how family-friendly it felt; there were work retreats, celebrations, and events happening while we were there. It gave the place such a fun community buzz — perfect for social families who like meeting new people on the road.

A Campsite with a Twist

The campsite isn’t just a pretty face — there’s a lot going on here!
At the on-site café, you can grab dinner or enjoy a smoothie on humid jungle days (and trust me, it gets humid).

Breakfast was included, which was a nice perk, even if the choices were a bit limited — but hey, coffee and toast by the river hits differently when you’re surrounded by nature.

And if you’re travelling with kids or teens, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained — from swimming in the refreshing pools to racing down the rainbow slide (a small extra charge, but totally worth it for the laughs!).

ATV Adventures in the Jungle 🏍️💦

Now here’s where things got exciting!
When we checked in, we found out the campsite also offers ATV tours, hiking, abseiling, and white-water rafting (yep, that’s where we first saw it!).

Now, I’ve been waiting to get on a quad bike since the start of our full-time travels — and Tilly had never been on one before. So, when I heard we could book ATV tours directly through FJ ATV (located at the campsite), I may have done a little happy dance.

And the best part? It had rained heavily the night before. So, instead of dusty trails, we had puddles — big, splashy, jungle-sized streams.

We loved tearing around, laughing, sliding through mud, and dodging mini streams that had formed overnight. It was one of those pure, messy, unforgettable family moments.

If you want to give it a go, you can also book directly through the campsite here — it’s definitely one for the bucket list if you’re travelling with kids or teens who love adventure!

Family Travel Reality: The Good, the Muddy, and the Heavy

We absolutely loved our stay at Himalaya Campsite. It was the perfect mix of fun, comfort, and adventure, all wrapped up in lush green scenery.

That said — nine months of full-time travel also means real life on the road. We’ve learned a lot about what works for us… and what doesn’t.

One niggle? Lugging our suitcases around the world!
Honestly, it’s starting to drive us a bit mad — especially when we have to pay extra to cart them onto flights. We’re starting to think about new ways to travel lighter: maybe longer stays, base setups, or even swapping to backpacks.

But hey, it’s all part of the journey, right?

Why We’d Recommend Himalaya Campsite

If you’re a family looking for:
✅ A fun, unique camping experience
✅ Jungle scenery with rivers and pools
✅ Activities for kids, teens, or adults
✅ Comfort without breaking the budget

Then Himalaya Campsite in Gopeng, Malaysia is a brilliant pick. It’s affordable, friendly, and packed with adventure opportunities.

It’s also a great stop if you’re exploring nearby Ipoh — check out our post on Exploring Ipoh as a Family for tips on what to do, where to eat, and how to get around.

The Search for Freedom Continues..

Nine months in, eight countries down, and still no sign of slowing.
We’re still on the hunt for that lifestyle that feels right — something freer, more balanced, and far away from the 9–5 grind we left behind in the UK.

This journey has taught us that life isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about being brave enough to try.

Would you stay in a colourful igloo in the jungle? Or go splashing through the mud on an ATV? Tell us in the comments below — we’d love to hear your thoughts and travel dreams!

Until the next adventure,
💛 Emma, Joe & Tilly
Smiths On Tour