When David Ang and Estelle Toh became parents, they made it their mission to connect their two sons with nature. David, a 36-year-old doctor from Singapore, has always had a passion for the outdoors, while Estelle, 41, a nurse, was raised in the idyllic village of Ulu Choh in Johor.

Their sons, Zephyr and Aether, now aged six and eight, inspired the couple to embrace a lifestyle that embraces adventure. Their first taste of ‘van life’ came in 2018 during a memorable road trip through New Zealand in an RV. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they felt trapped and longed for the freedom of the open road.

Fast forward to April 2022, when the Causeway reopened, and they relocated to East Ledang, Johor. This move allowed them to enroll the boys in an international school while David continued to work in Singapore three days a week. Observing the flourishing RV culture in nearby Johor Bahru, the couple pondered: why not get a campervan of their own?

A few months later, inspired by their newfound lifestyle, they purchased a Toyota Camroad campervan imported from Japan. "We love taking road trips around Malaysia and are always eager for the next adventure," David said. While traditional accommodations like hotels and Airbnbs were options, they craved more security, flexibility, and the ability to explore heritage sites.

In Singapore, owning an RV is impractical due to stringent regulations, prompting many Singaporeans, like David and Estelle, to invest in campervans in Johor. The RV enthusiasm isn't just limited to expats; Malaysians are getting in on the trend too, with a Facebook group of RV aficionados boasting over 113,000 members!

Sham, a key player in Malaysia's campervan scene, promotes a culture that aligns with the Malaysian love for nature. He collaborates with government agencies to develop supportive infrastructure for this burgeoning industry. Meanwhile, RV dealers are springing up, and DIY enthusiasts are converting standard vans into custom campervans.

Sam Tee, the founder of VR Motorhomes, joined the movement in 2019 after importing his first RV. He recognized the market potential and shifted his focus from heavy vehicles to RVs. "The response to my first RV listing was overwhelming—100 inquiries in just a few weeks!" he recalls.

By 2021, Sam’s company began crafting their own locally-built RVs using Toyota Hilux trucks, and now they’ve transitioned to producing Ford pickups with the goal of delivering 30 units this year. They also offer rentals starting at RM1,000 ($302.89) for the first day, making camper life even more accessible.

Currently, the RV trade is concentrated around the Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur, with limited dealers elsewhere, notably only one in Johor.

In a push to promote the RV lifestyle, Melaka will host the Caravan Jamboree this September, coinciding with World Tourism Day. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh stated that 155 international delegations are expected, with a massive gathering of 1,000 campervans at Dataran 1Malaysia.

International brands are also eyeing Malaysia’s RV market. In 2022, Knaus Tabbert AG, Europe's leading RV manufacturer, received the first Vehicle Type Approval to operate in Malaysia, highlighting the potential for growth and transformation in the industry.

Despite lacking a robust infrastructure for RVs—unlike the extensive networks in North America and Europe—Malaysian authorities are taking steps to support this growing interest. The Department of Town and Country Planning is developing guidelines and addressing the need for dedicated RV parks.

Fortunately, many modern campervans are versatile, featuring solar panels and portable waste tanks, which alleviate the need for extensive infrastructure. The growing 'vanlife' community, inspired by trends in the U.S. and the success of films like *Nomadland*, is also gaining momentum, with some adventurous Singaporean couples joining the movement.

Nevertheless, the industry is still in its infancy, facing challenges like overcharging and inconsistent after-sales service from some dealers. David and Estelle are discovering these challenges personally. "I learned that motorhomes struggle on steep mountain roads during our first RV trip in New Zealand. We took a shortcut one night that turned a bit scary—it was an education in patience!" David reflected.

With the drive for adventure and a sense of community growing, the future of campervanning in Malaysia looks bright. The open road awaits!