Wild camping alone as a woman may seem intimidating at first — especially in remote places. But with proper precautions and awareness, it can become a truly meaningful and empowering experience.
During one of my solo adventures, I chose to camp overnight at Pandan Beach in Lundu, located in Sarawak, East Malaysia (Borneo).
Finding Peace at Pandan Beach, Sarawak
Pandan Beach is located just about 10 kilometers from Lundu town and is known for its serene coastal views. Although it’s not the most beautiful beach in the area, it offers plenty of space for solo camping and outdoor activities.
However, one issue that struck me was the amount of trash left behind by previous visitors. I made it a point to clean up my campsite upon arrival — both out of respect for nature and for my own comfort.
Minimalist Beach Camping Setup
Unlike my usual jungle trips, I didn’t build a bushcraft shelter this time. Instead, I slept directly on the sand using only a plastic sheet. My setup was extremely simple. I hoped for clear skies — but just in case, I built a basic rain shelter with some extra plastic and natural supports.
Before dinner, I took a solo swim in the sea, jogged along the beach, and washed my clothes. With no one else around, I had the entire beach to myself. The calm solitude was incredibly soothing.
Overnight Challenges on the Rainy Coastline
Unfortunately, it rained heavily throughout the night. I had to quickly convert my plastic “mattress” into a makeshift shelter roof. I ate some instant noodles for dinner inside the shelter while waiting out the rain.
After the rain stopped, I laid the plastic back down over the wet sand to sleep. It was cold and damp, and my freshly washed clothes didn’t dry properly. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep well — just a few hours of rest at best.
❗ Safety Note: I don’t recommend sleeping directly on wet sand with only plastic as protection. It may seem adventurous, but it’s uncomfortable and could cause health issues.
Reflections on Solo Female Beach Camping
While it wasn’t the most comfortable night, I still appreciated the solitude and freedom that comes with solo wild camping. There’s something refreshing about stepping away from routine, people, and expectations — and just focusing on yourself.
At around 6:30 a.m., I packed up and set out for my next solo camping adventure. Every experience teaches me something new — even the tough nights.
🏝️ Would you ever try solo wild camping on a beach in Malaysia?
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