“Touching grass” is all the rage nowadays.
By that I mean we are actively seeking out outdoor activities, like camping—and by extension, glamping—more than ever before, dare I say.
We find a place we like, we send it to the group chat with our girlfriends, our partners, our bros, or our family, then we trundle off into the wilderness for a few days.
In having all this fun, though, is there someone we’re forgetting…?
Ah, our beloved pet(s), and not through any fault of our own.
The fact is, there’s a lack of pet-friendly camping and glamping spots in Malaysia.
But things are changing, thanks to entrepreneurs like one Sim Casheen, the founder of Little Habitat Camp.
Camping experiences without the hassle
Speaking to Vulcan Post, Casheen shared that she has always been adventurous.
In school, she would join every school and society camp she could, and she still hikes occasionally.
“During the pandemic, I took a career break to explore what was in demand in the market and what I truly wanted to do.”
“That break eventually led me to turn my lifelong love for the outdoors into something more meaningful: building a space where others could also experience nature in a special way.”
This opportunity was timely.
Post-pandemic, people were feeling the effects of cabin fever and “camping and glamping suddenly became very appealing, especially to those who had never tried it before,” Casheen believed.
“While camping isn’t a new concept, it used to be associated with rugged adventures—deep in the woods, hiking for hours, or needing a 4×4 to get to the site. But this wave of interest came from people who weren’t necessarily hardcore adventurers.”
They wanted to try something new, but in a way that felt safe, secure, and beginner-friendly. That’s where I saw a clear gap.
“Many people wanted the experience, but without the hassle. They didn’t want to invest in gear or figure out how to set up a tent. They just wanted to pack their personal items, drive out of the city, and have everything ready for them upon arrival.”
So, with the support of her family and the land that they owned in Bentong, Casheen opened Little Habitat Camp in June 2022 after six months of R&D and market research.
More than just a campsite
Guests at Little Habitat Camp get to enjoy nature in a well-maintained, secure space which is also supported by 24-hour on-site crew assistance and thoughtful amenities, the founder shared.
Choose from two types of camping experiences: bring your own tent (BYOT), or rent a tent.
For the latter, they have four types of glamping tents, from the Indiana (small) Tent for a more traditional camping experience up to a Bungalow Tent which sleeps up to eight guests.
And remember how they’re pet-friendly? They go beyond just letting you bring your pets along for the fun—they even host stuff for your pets and you.
An example is their annual Pets Day Out, where furparents bring along their furbabies to enjoy activities like an Amazing Race-style race, photography sessions, wellness workshops, and mini bazaars.
Their very first Pets Day Out is one of Casheen’s proudest moments still, where they welcomed more than 100 pet owners and around 50 dogs each day, over the course of two days.
She added that it was a large-scale event supported by big brands that trusted them and believed in what they were building, alongside bazaar vendors and activity partners.
“It was a clear sign that people not only loved the space, but valued the hospitality and warmth we work so hard to deliver.”
That day, I realised we had created more than just a campsite—we had built a community.
“Many of those guests are now my friends, and that lasting connection is what I consider my greatest achievement.”
Passion first, profit later
“For me, achievements aren’t defined by revenue, but by the connections and trust we’ve built.”
Casheen doesn’t take the relationships she’s built with her guests for granted. There’s a lot that goes into running Little Habitat Camp, and she and her team will even go the extra mile just to provide good experiences.
A typical day for them starts as early as 7AM, with preparing guests’ breakfast, tidying up the dishwashing area, assisting with check-outs, then cleaning and resetting tents for the next group.
Next, they’ll handle check-ins, brief new guests, settle them in, prepare dinner, and socialise with them to create a warm and memorable experience.
“Most nights, we only get to rest after 11PM. Even on quieter weekdays, the work doesn’t stop. That’s when we focus on deep cleaning, washing tents and equipment, maintaining the campground, gardening, and upgrading facilities,” she added.
You’d think that a camping site would be decently low-maintenance, being that it’s meant to withstand the elements and all that.
But contrary to that, Casheen shared that tents wear out faster than expected especially with Malaysia’s climate and the presence of pets.
That’s why they only set up their tents upon confirmed bookings instead of leaving them permanently in order to prolong their lifespans, which adds to their workload.
A lot of their resources also go into repairs and replacements for things like mosquito nets, which can be damaged or stained by pets.
“Maintenance is one of the biggest hidden costs in this business, and it’s something many people don’t realise.”
“Little Habitat wasn’t built with profitability as the main goal—for us, it’s always been more of a passion project focused on creating a safe and welcoming space for both people and pets to reconnect with nature.”
Don’t be afraid to lose out
For those venturing into the hospitality industry, Casheen has one important lesson to share.
“You can never go wrong by going beyond what’s expected. Don’t be calculative when it comes to hospitality.”
In Chinese, we say ‘不要怕吃亏’ (don’t be afraid to lose out), meaning that sometimes, doing the right thing for your guests will come back to you in ways you can’t always predict.
With this ethos, Casheen plans to host more community events to further strengthen their bonds with guests and allow them to create more happy memories with one another.
Above all, it’s about providing a safe and welcoming space for humans and their pets amidst nature.
“It’s definitely tough, but the love for what I do—and seeing our guests happy and relaxed—makes it all worth it,” Casheen reflected.
“When you love what you do and care for your community, success will follow in its own way.”
Featured Image Credit: Little Habitat Camp
