In an age of constant connectivity and bustling routines, solitude is a luxury not easily attainable. For many, the demands of work, family, and social obligations often leave little room for quiet reflection. However, Colin Chan, a 68-year-old motorcyclist and camper from Melaka, has discovered a way to carve out moments of peace and introspection through solo camping trips.
“I don’t necessarily crave isolation,” Chan explains. “I just prefer camping during weekdays when most campsites are quiet and deserted. Plus, I enjoy the freedom of riding my motorcycle, a hobby that many of my friends don’t share.”
For Chan, solo camping offers a chance to experience nature on his terms—unhurried and uninterrupted. His camping style may be minimalist, but it’s far from rugged. Rather than packing light, Chan travels with a large, spacious cabin tent—measuring 2.4 meters by 2.4 meters, with a height of 1.8 meters—enabling him to stand comfortably inside. “At my age, crawling in and out of a small one-man tent would be painful for my knees and back,” he jokes.
Though cabin tents are often difficult to pitch solo, Chan has perfected the art of setting up his shelter by himself. He also brings along a collapsible cot to keep him off the cold ground, with the legs wrapped in rubber to protect the tent’s floor.
Despite running a popular Baba Nyonya cafe in Melaka, Chan doesn’t bother with elaborate cooking while camping. His food choices are simple: biscuits, instant noodles, canned goods, and convenient three-in-one coffee or chocolate drinks. “I’m only camping for two nights, so I don’t want to waste time cooking,” he says.
A devout Buddhist, Chan brings a small Buddha statue, placed on a foldable table in his tent, to help him maintain his spiritual practices while away from home. Every morning, he rises at around 5 a.m. to meditate using the “Mindfulness of the Breath” technique. This practice focuses on the sensations of breathing, helping him clear his mind and center himself. Though he admits he’s still a beginner, Chan finds meditation an invaluable tool for calming his thoughts.
The rest of the day is spent immersed in nature. Chan enjoys taking walks through the forest, exploring streams, and reflecting on his life. “When you’re alone with your thoughts, camping in such peace, you have time to reflect on your recent experiences,” he shares. “It’s also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty around you. I once had a huge tapir pass right by my tent.”
Chan’s encounters with wildlife often bring him closer to nature’s unpredictability. “Sometimes, a stray dog or two will show up, and I’ll share some treats with them. They’ll sit around my tent, almost as if they’re guarding it,” he smiles.
Although his trips are typically short—often lasting only a couple of nights—Chan aims to go solo motorbike camping at least twice a month. He prefers campsites that charge around RM20 per night, which provide him with just enough amenities for a quiet retreat.
Chan’s dedication to solo camping is not without its challenges. Packing enough gear for a comfortable camping experience by motorcycle requires both planning and skill. Yet, it’s a challenge he’s well-equipped for. Having ridden motorcycles for years, Chan’s passion for biking goes back to his youth, when he rode a 1,250cc cruiser to the Cambodian border. His camping experiences date back to the 1970s, including more than 10 ascents of Gunung Ledang.
For Chan, the joy of motorbike camping lies not only in the simplicity of nature but also in the sense of freedom that comes from traveling alone. “There’s something uniquely liberating about being outdoors by yourself,” he reflects. “It allows me to feel at peace, and to truly reconnect with the world around me.”
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