[BEFORE TRIP]
When planning a camping trip. You can do like we seem to sometimes do and show up early in the morning of the first day, in hopes that we might get lucky. Someone may have cancelled a reservation, left early or never even bothered to show up. Then it becomes first come first serv. OR you can make a few calls and make reservations.
You really do not want to arrive and find out there is no sites left.
In Malaysia, we do not need any reservation, we might need authorization.

  • Check your Camp inventory list for the things you need to take. 
  • Shop for supplies. A trip to the Bank would not hurt. 
  • Your vehicle should be maintenance fully. 
  • Prepare the house: Water plants, Check locks on all doors, window and gates. Check alarm system and notify alarm company you will be gone. Stop paper delivery or arrange family to come by and get it and your mail. Turn off all unneeded appliances. You may even want to set lights up on timers. Take out any garbage, if you do not you may be sorry you did not when you get back! 
  • Let friends and/or family (only trusted ones) know where you will be. Give them phone numbers to the nearest Forest Service Office, campground Office, Cell phone, Pager etc, etc.... 
  • Check to see that your bills are up to date. 
  • Take any animals to a shelter, friends or with you. 
  • Check what route you will take. Make sure you have your maps and a route plan. 

[HOW TO LOAD YOUR SACK]
Matress/foam mat [top]
Food
Cooking Utensils, Plate, Cup, Hard stuffs, etc.
Cloths
Sleeping bag, blanket, etc.
Tent [bottom]

[WHEN SETTING UP TENT]
Do not set up tent below an old tree
Set tent in a flat or quite flat surface,
high lands, clean and hygiene
Alert of insect nest or others
Away from bushes (might have snake)
Built at least 2 metres away from other tent
Use sulfur around your tent to avoid dangerous creatures

[EQUIPMENT]
Half of the fun of camping is shopping for equipment. 
When you shop, remember that there is a broad range of
different styles, features, benefits and prices with almost all equipment. 
From tents, to tent spikes, from lanterns to mantles there are important differences 
that affect price and depending upon your needs, it may be worth it to pay more.
It may also make sense to pay less.

[SLEEPING]
A good night's sleep can make or break your trip. 
Nothing is more crucial to waking up and embracing the dawn than 
the right combination of sleeping bag, bedding and pillow. 
  • There is no good reason to suffer through the night and wake up exhausted.  
     
     

    • Some things to consider when buying a sleeping bag: 

    • Ease of maintenance (shoot for machine washable) 
    • Warranty (some companies offer lifetime warranties) 
    • Lining material (flannel or TheraStat are most comfortable) 
    • Shape, color, weight, and fill should be in alignment with your needs 
    • Use an air mattress or foam pad. Not just because it's comfortable, but also because if you don't use one, the ground will leech the heat out of your body. 
    The foam pad is best because of its reliable insulation. 

    Safety tips :
    If you dry clean a blanket or sleeping bag, AIR IT OUT before using it in a tent.
    People have died from breathing the concentrated chemicals. 

    Use ear plugs. Two reasons: 

    • Peaceful silence. 
    • They keep parasites and insects from crawling into your ears.

    [DRIVING]
    • Before you go, be sure your vehicle is running well. 
    • Check your spare tire. 
    • Check your tire pressure, oil, washer fluid, coolant level, etc. before you go and every time you get gas. 
    • If a red light comes on, stop immediately. 
    • In hot weather, do not use your AC. The car will over heat. 
    • Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle. Some important items are: 
    Road flares 
    Fix-a-Flat (I carry two) 
    Tow rope 
    Jumper cables 
    Spare fan belts 
    Motor oil 
    Tools (even if you can't use them) 
    First aid kit 
    Water 
    CB Radio 
    Chains 
    Gas 
    Spot light. 
    • Pack your vehicle evenly to maintain stable handling 
    • If you are carrying a heavy load, remember that your stopping distance is greatly reduced. 
    • If you drive a pickup, be prepared if it happens to rain. Tarp the load well. 
    • Drive in a caravan. 
    • Slower traffic keep left. 
    • If there is a slow poke in the fast lane, don't flash your lights or tailgate; turn on your left turn signal and leave it on until he or she gets over. 
    • Fill up before you head into the back country. 
    • On one lane roads, use your horn when approaching blind corners. 
    • Drive slower on gravel and dirt. 
    • Drive quickly through mud patches and streams. 
    • Do not park a hot car near dry grass. 
    • Do not attempt to drive on dangerous terrain. 
    • Do not drink and drive. 
    • Bring an extra set of keys. 

    [TO DO AFTER CAMP]
    Burn all the garbage or litter in rubbish bin
    Clean the site
    Clean and dry your tent before keeping it
    Demolish all the gadgets
    Make sure no left over
    Get ready all the crew and head back home

    For those of you who don't know. Camping for the most part is not all that relaxing. You get up in the morning build a fire, make breakfast, do dishes, then you might secure the camp before going out sight seeing and hiking, fishing, etc, etc... When you get back you do lunch or dinner, clean up build a fire and resecure the camp to help keep the critters out of things. Then you sit down by the fire to relax. Of course after such a long fun filled day, you think bed is a good idea instead of that log or chair you are sitting in.  Up you go for a trip to the restroom (behind a tree, outhouse, flush toilets and sinks what ever is available). Here you do your duty, brush you teeth and down to bed. Next morning you start all over again.

    Don't get me wrong, Camping is just as relaxing as any other vacation and it is a whole lot of fun too. Especially if you have planned it right.

    [ULTIMATE LIST]

    [misc]
    old news paper
    mosquito repellant
    plastic bags (for clothes and rubbish)
    rubber band
    rafia string (by captain)

    [kitchen]
    mestin (x2)
    knife
    matches/lighter
    sponge (to wash dishes)
    brush (aluminium, for wok)
    scissor
    can opener
    spoilt cloth
    spoon
    mug/cup
    plate
    water container + H2O
     

    [toiletries]
    toothbrush
    toothpaste
    soap or bath foam
    shampoo
    mirror for ladies especially (Ha ! Ha!)
    towel
    comb
    toilet roll/tissue

    [personal]
    shirts
    shorts
    socks
    underwear
    jacket
    raincoat
    walkman (optional)
    shoe with good grip, preferably adventure boot
    slipper/sandals
    watch
    camera & film
    pen/pencil
    note
    money (a must to settle final bill)
    cap

    [survival]
    first aid kit (by captain)
    compass (by captain)
    swiss knife (optional)
    sleeping bag (preferable)
    sleeping mat (a must)
    torch light (a must)
    candles
    TENT

    [SHORT LIST]

    toothbrush
    toothpaste
    soap or bath foam
    shampoo
    mirror for ladies especially (Ha ! Ha!)
    towel
    comb
    toilet roll/tissue

    shirts
    couple of shorts
    socks
    underwear
    jacket to prevent from cold
    blanket if going to highland
    raincoat prevent from rain or umbrella
    wear shoe with good grip, preferably adventure boot
    slipper/sandals
    watch
    plastic bags (for clothes and rubbish)
    money (a must, to settle final bill)

    sleeping bag (preferable)
    sleeping mat (a must)
    torch light (a must)
    spoon
    mug/cup
    plate
    water container + H2O
    some junk food if you like... :o)