Holiday on wheels

Campervan journeys are getting popular in Malaysia, and enthusiasts say with proper planning, one can have a memorable experience

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KUALA LUMPUR Imagine waking up to a new view every morning while on holiday, and having the freedom to go anywhere you like without much restriction.

This is the essence of travelling with a recreational vehicle (RV), where your automobile is also your "hotel" In Malaysia, it is still uncommon, though not impossible.

While many enjoy going on road trips, staying overnight in a vehicle remains unfamiliar territory.

But that is not the case for Mr Shamsul Kamar, 53, who has always found the idea of going on an RV holiday intriguing.

In 2022, he set up RV Motorhome Malaysia, based in Sentul, KL, with his business partner, Mr Mohd Danial Radin Danial, 35. An outdoor enthusiast, Mr Shamsul has long dreamed of exploring every corner of Malaysia with an RV slowly and meaningfully.

His first trip in one was a family getaway to Sekinchan in Selangor.

His parents' reaction to how smoothly the journey went was priceless.

"Even though it was just a short trip, I could see the joy on their faces, Mr Shamsul said. "They were relaxed throughout the drive in the campervan, which was a lot more spacious compared with a regular car or minivan." That experience reinforced his view that RV travel is not just for the young and adventurous, but can also be enjoyed by everyone.

As for Mr Mohd Danial, he once embarked on a cross-country journey in a campervan throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

"He came back full of positive stories," said Mr Shamsul, who did not join him on the trip. "He realised just how convenient and comfortable travelling in a campervan could be." RVS are grouped into different categories, often referred to as "classes" (A, B and C). An RV can be either towable or motorised.

Towable RVs, like caravans and travel trailers, need to be pulled by a separate vehicle.

Motorised RVs, on the other hand, are selfdriven vehicles and come with a built-in living space. Campervans fall into this category.