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EXPLORE THE DIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHERN REGION THROUGH HOMESTAYS

Post author By melakatour
Post date August 27, 2019
No Comments on EXPLORE THE DIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHERN REGION THROUGH HOMESTAYS

One of the best ways to get to know the real Malaysia is to
live in a homestay in a traditional village or kampung. To think that homestay
in Malaysia was originally started by a local lady known as Mak Long Teh back
in the 1970s at a village called Kampung Cherating Lama in Pahang. She
nonchalantly opened her home to the long staying drifters and provided them
with breakfast, dinner and a space to sleep. Her motto was probably “Mi Casa Su
Casa”.

This time around we will take you all the way to the southern region of the Peninsular Malaysia to show you how diverse the community are at these three neighbouring states in terms of livelihood, culture and tradition.

Kampung Pachitan, Negeri Sembilan
This village of about 1,000 population in Negeri Sembilan is said to have been pioneered by the Javanese from East Java, Indonesia, who came to settle here in the 1920s as paddy farmers. Later, palm and rubber plantations were opened when water sources for paddy ran dry. These plantations now become a tourist attraction as visitors learn more about crop-growing through hands-on experience.

This
village of about 1,000 population in Negeri Sembilan is said to have been
pioneered by the Javanese from East Java, Indonesia, who came to settle here in
the 1920s as paddy farmers. Later, palm and rubber plantations were opened when
water sources for paddy ran dry. These plantations now become a tourist
attraction as visitors learn more about crop-growing through hands-on
experience.

The
scenery in the area is dominated by large tracts of these crop plantations but
the nearby beach holds many attractions as well. It’s a favourite spot to go
fishing on the jetty or just sit by the beach to collect shellfish for a later
meal. One can also opt to canoe along the mangrove area and do a spot of
birdwatching.

What’s
unique here is the Javanese culture and traditions that still remain strong and
is manifested in the language spoken, the food, music and games. For example,
visitors to Kampung Pachitan will certainly get a taste of Nasi Ambeng (a meal
consisting of steamed white rice served with chicken in soy sauce and beef
stewed for hours in thick gravy and other condiments), pecal (a local salad
served with peanut sauce), and tempe goreng (fried fermented soy beans) and
such.

It recently received an ASEAN Tourism Award in the Homestay category.

Homestay Kampung Pachitan
No.37, Taman Nuri Fasa 1,
Jalan Besar Chuah,
71960 Chuah, Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Mr. Ahmad Nadzri, Tel : 019 385 9793
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PachitanMalaysia/

Homestay Lonek, Negeri Sembilan

This village is simply picture perfect with timber dwellings sitting on wide and well-trimmed lawns and the scenery of paddy fields stretching out as far as the eye can see. The folks who live here take great pride in their culture and heritage.

They speak with a strong Negeri Sembilan accent, and will introduce you to typical Negeri Sembilan cuisine, the famous one being daging salai masak lemak cili api, which is smoked beef cooked in a gravy of coconut milk, turmeric and chilies.

Traditional folk games are very much alive here and visitors
will learn the Malaysian version of hoop rolling using bicycle wheel rims,
bowling with coconuts and tobogganing on palm fronds.

If you don’t mind getting mud on your feet (and hands, face
and hair), you can try out the local pastime of “mengocak ikan” or grasping for
fish in the paddy fields.

Homestay Kampung Lonek
No. 10, Kampung Lonek,
72200 Batu Kikir,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Ms. Hajah Nor Asiah bt Haron, Tel : 06-498 1078 / 012 691 5482
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestaylonek/

Homestay Rawa, Negeri Sembilan

Fresh from winning the ASEAN Tourism Award 2019 in the Homestay category, Homestay Rawa has something unique to offer to visitors…horses! Horseriding is a great way to appreciate the beauty of this village. Saddle up and ride through bountiful fruit orchards, acres of rubber plantations and hillsides where you can appreciate a breathtaking view.

During fruiting season, there are plentiful fruits to keep you sated. From mangosteens and durians to rambutans and langsat. These tropical fruits grow abundantly in this village and are a joy to the palate.

For those who love cooking, the ladies of the village would be all too happy to share their secret recipes for their typical sweetcakes such as godok golumang which are fist-sized banana fritters coated in caramelized brown sugar and kuih bahulu (a light and fluffy sponge cake with a crispy outer layer, similar to the French madeleines) traditionally cooked over charcoal fire in brass moulds.

Homestay Rawa
Lot 23, Lorong KRU 10,
Kampung Rawa Hilir
71750 Lenggeng
Negeri Sembilan
Contact person: Ms. Saadiah Othman, Tel: 019 354 4472
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asequine1/

Homestay Kg. Alai, Melaka

Melaka is not only known for its historical values but also for its beautiful traditional Malay houses. Homestay Kg. Alai, located about 8km from Bandar Melaka is full of beautiful Melaka houses with all kind of unique characteristics.

Apart from admiring the unique architechture of the traditional houses, there are plenty of activities that can be done here, including traditional games, cultural performances, village tour and fishing at the near Crystal Bay Beach. On top of that, you also get to learn about Dondang Sayang (a love ballad that conveys affectionate feelings of love and provide advice on moral issues) with the popular Seri Warisan Baru Alai Dondang Sayang group led by Tuan Hj. Mohd. Isa, established since 2011.

Staying at this homestay will also give you the opportunity to learn how to cook Melaka’s traditional cuisines and snacks such as Melaka’s famous asam pedas (a hot and sour dish), onde-onde (a ball-shaped snack stuffed with palm sugar and coated with shredded coconut) and making inang-inang (glutinous rice crackers) from scratch.

Homestay Kampung Alai
KM 7.6, Jalan Hj. Said,
Kampung Alai,
75460 Melaka
Contact person: Mr. AkramuddinHj. Abdul Aziz, Tel: +6 016 666 6649
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msPuGZpIE3U

Homestay Kampung Parit Tengah, Johor

While in Johor, why dont you stay at Kampung Parit Tengah, the recipient of the 2nd ASEAN Homestay Standard Award in 2017. That is reason enough to stay but imagine yourself arriving at the village and being greeted by the villagers with their traditional gambus (an Arabic stringed lute) performance combined with the reverberation of the kompang (traditional Malay handheld percussion).

Make yourself part of the community by participating in their daily activities such as palm weaving, rubber tapping, harvesting pineapples and corn, as well as catching prawns by the river. Catching prawns by the riverside is considered the village’s trademark and you can also learn how to cook your “catch of the day” local-style.

At Kampung Parit Tengah, their usual menu comprise traditional Javanese delicacies such as getuk ubi (pounded tapioca cake) with shredded coconut and sambal goreng Jawa.

Homestay Kg. Parit Tengah
No. 26 Kg. Parit Tengah,
Mukim 12 Rengit,
83100 Batu Pahat, Johor.
Contact person: Mr. Sukran Arifin, Tel: 019-7666400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Homestay-Parit-Tengah

Tourism Malaysia

Live and Let Live at the East Coast Homestays

Post author By melakatour
Post date May 28, 2019
No Comments on Live and Let Live at the East Coast Homestays

The Malaysian homestay experience may have some similarities with the bed and breakfast concept in Europe, but there the similarity ends. It’s not only a retreat for those wanting to escape the city, it’s a lesson in life about humanity, patience, and for us, Malaysians, our heritage and traditions. The East Coast of Malaysia is the epitome of the Malay culture and heritage. Homestays in the east coast will definitely give you a glimpse of that traditional world. Let’s check out some of them:

Homestay Desa Murni, Temerloh – Pahang

As the pioneer homestays, the five villages of Desa Murni in Temerloh, Pahang remain a much sought after home away from home even after more than 20 years.

At these villages, immerse yourself in your adopted family’s way of life. Many of them are rubber tapers so get the opportunity to learn how to tap a rubber tree. Mind you, it’s not as easy as it looks. Perhaps you would like to try your hands at catching the patin fish or freshwater silver catfish which this district is famous for. Then, you can learn the Pahang’s most favourite way to cook the fish – ikan patin masak lemak. The yellowish gravy and slightly watery recipe is definitely delicious but an acquired taste at the same time.

While staying at the village, let your adopted family bring you to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre in Lanchang to have a close interaction with the elephants and visit the Deerland Park nearby where you can learn and interact with deers and also other animals such as sun bears, ostriches and snakes.

If you are into eco-adventure, you can choose to go to for a hiking and climbing at the nearby Gunung Senyum and also explore the caves at the foot of the mountain.

Homestay Desa Murni
Lot 1674 Jalan Homestay
Desa Murni Sanggang,
28020 Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact Person: Khairul Hakimin bin Sahariman (+609 284 7949 / +6019 – 2243 805)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kampungstaydesamurni

Homestay Taman Sedia, Cameron Highlands – Pahang

What is great about this homestay is it is located on the highland, which means cool breezy weather all day long and a breath of fresh air. Taman Sedia is the first Malay settlement in Cameron Highlands and is located between the town of Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

Imagine staying at a home with a strawberry farm in the backyard, it will be a dream come true for some of us. And when there is a strawberry farm, there must be strawberry- related activities in the list of things to do at the village, right? Well, for a start, you will have the opportunity to eat strawberry fresh off the tree and then they will teach you how to make strawberry ice cream and strawberry jam.

Besides the strawberry farms, you can also visit various flowers and vegetable farms, a cactus valley, and various tea plantations that can be found all over the highland. Take a break at one of the tea plantations to sip a hot cup of tea while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the tea valley.

For the more adventurous, try hiking to one of the most popular waterfalls in Cameron Highlands, the Robinson Waterfall, or trekking all the way up to the bewitching Mossy Forest.

Homestay Taman Sedia
Kg. Taman Sedia
39000 Tanah Rata, Pahang
Contact Person: Mohd Zulkifli Daud (+6019 -578 2044)
Website: https://homestaykampungtamansedia.business.site/

Homestay Teluk Ketapang – Terengganu

Kampung Teluk Ketapang is a small fishing village where visitors can experience the traditional Terengganu way of life.

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to observe how local dishes are prepared and help out in the kitchen, test your skill in making keropok lekor (popular traditional Terengganu’s fish snack), witness a traditional Malay wedding and play traditional games such as congkak, a type of mancala game and the word congkak came from the old Malay word ‘congak’ which refers to the mental calculation practiced in this game.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the mangrove swamp river where you will be greeted by various species of wild animals such as colourful birds, monitor lizards, monkeys and even otters.

You can also visit one of the riverside villages to get a closer look on the traditional lifestyle of a Terengganu village, as well as participate in cottage industry tour such as an attap leave roof weaving and coconut sugar making.

Homestay Teluk Ketapang
Balai Raya Kg Teluk Ketapang
Seberang Takir, Terengganu
Contact Person: Md. Azmi (+6013 – 923 4837)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/HomestayTelukKetapang

Homestay Seterpa – Kelantan

The silent whisper of ripening paddy fields swaying gently in the wind greets visitors, as they step into Kampung Seterpa. Running barefoot, a small boy pushes his small tricycle across the beaten footpath at the edge of the paddy fields. A rooster crows loudly, breaking the deafening silence.

Located 16 kilometers from Kota Bharu in Kelantan, Kampung Seterpa is the nearest homestay village to the city centre. Kampung Seterpa, derived from the Kelantan dialect ‘serepak’ (meeting place), is a wonderful experience for those wanting a taste of traditional village life.

The villagers are warm and friendly, and immediately put you at ease with their lively chatter. Sip a coconut (or two!) to quench your thirst and take in the beautiful surroundings. Served with traditional pastries, ‘tepung pelita’ and munching on local fruit, jambu air, life here is pleasant and slow paced.

No traffic jams for miles, just the chorus of quacking ducks, chickens and buffalo. Breathe in the fresh, morning air as you watch the sun rise during your stay here. Make a date with the farmers to explore the village with its many interesting activities or even try a hand at paddy farming!

On a windy day, fly the ubiquitous and colourful wau (kite) while running across the paths to the paddy fields. Collect freshwater snails, see the mischievous monkey pick a ripe coconut or dance to the tunes of the ancient ‘dikir barat’.

You’ll definitely enjoy your stay here at Kampung Seterpa, don’t forget to share the memories!

Homestay Kg. Seterpa
Lot 112 Taman Indah, Kg. Seterpa
Jalan Penggawa Matsaat
16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Contact Person: Dr. Mohamed Saat bin Hj Ismail (09-765 7685 / 019-939 3553)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Homestay-Seterpa

Homestay Nelayan Pantai Suri – Kelantan

Greeted by a dozen ducks, quacking a cacophonic welcome, is a pleasant surprise as one sets foot on dry land at Pantai Suri Village. Goats and sheep wander aimlessly, chewing on small shrubs. Everything seems peaceful and very laidback.

The journey to the small island of Kampung Pantai Suri is a 20 minutes boat ride. The village sits at the estuary of the Kelantan River near Tumpat, and is near the South China Sea. Get a glimpse of the life of the villagers’, most of whom are fishermen, as they go out to sea early in the morning.

There are no cars here, only motorcycles and bicycles. Most villagers prefer to walk as the homes are situated closely to one another. As you walk, feel the sand under your feet. The coconut trees’ swaying gently in the wind and everyone knows everyone in the village of 450 people.

Try your hand at making the crunchy kuih sepit (love letters), or savour the tasty and mouth-watering local delicacy, kerabu nipah (palm salad) and play congkak with locals.

Watch too, bees’ fly aimlessly, stopping from flower to flower, as ciku trees start to bear fruits. Roosters walk majestically in the village, watching the village ducks wrestling for a morsel or two.

Dried fish is laid out to dry under the hot sun, to make salted fish. Friendly cats warm up to you as you stroll by. A bicycle lies unattended besides the withered bamboo fence. Life is simple, and this is Pantai Suri at its best.

Homestay Nelayan Pantai Suri
d/a Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan Tumpat Kompleks Perikanan LKIM Geting
Pengkalan Kubor
16080 Tumpat, Kelantan
Contact Person: Ramly Ibrahim (+6014 – 847 4865)
Email: homestay_suri@yahoo.com

Tourism Malaysia

TOP PICKS FOR MAY EVENTS

The month of May marks the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world. For tourists, visiting Malaysia during this time is a unique experience. Why not participate in the breaking fast event, or visit the Ramadan bazaars to taste traditional food only available during Ramadan? It is also business as usual throughout the country, so there are still plenty of tourism events coming this month. Check out our top picks for this month.

Leon Lai “Metro Live” Genting

A 90s heartthrob, Leon Lai captured the hearts of many with his melodious voice and incredible talent. With a strong supporting fan base, he clinched the title of Best Newcomer at the Hong Kong annual music awards. Not only does his talent lie in singing, his foray into the acting world has also reaped rewards with titles like Best Actor at the Golden Horse Awards. Leon Metro Live in Genting this May will offer a spectacular live experience for all his fans in Malaysia.

Date : 4 May 2019
Venue : Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting, Malaysia
Organiser : Genting Malaysia Berhad
Contact : +603-2718 1118
Website : https://www.rwgenting.com/Entertainment/Show_And_Events/Leon-Lai/

SUPER JUNIOR-DE CONCERT IN KUALA LUMPUR

Calling all Suju fans, Super Junior-DE is coming to Kuala Lumpur. Super Junior-DE also known as Donghae and Eunhyuk, DE or SJ-DE is the fifth official sub-unit of the South Korean boy band Super Junior. Formed by S.M. Entertainment in 2011, the group is composed of two Super Junior members: Donghae and Eunhyuk. The duo debuted on December 16, 2011, with their digital single “Oppa, Oppa”.

Since then, the pair has released 3 EPs – “Present”, “The Beat Goes On”, “Bout You” – and 2 studio albums – “Ride Me” and “Style”. Since Super Junior DE has recently released their new album “Danger”, this means that Malaysia will be the first oversea country to be seeing their new tracks performed live!

Date : 4 May 2019
Venue : Malawati Indoor Stadium, Shah Alam, Selangor
Organiser : MMIC Entertainment Group Sdn. Bhd.
Contact : +603-91074876
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MICEntertainmentGroup

Batman 80 Years

Celebrate 80 years of the world’s most popular Caped Crusader in Southeast Asia’s first ever Batman anniversary event. From its inception in 1939 to its iconic status in present day pop culture, journey through the decades with the Dark Knight and relive his crime-fighting adventures through movies, live shows, one-of-a-kind exhibitions and many more.

Date : 10 May – 30 Jun 2019
Venue : Resorts World Genting, Malaysia
Organiser : Genting Malaysia Berhad
Contact : +603-2718 1118
Website : https://www.rwgenting.com/Batman-80-Years/

Jason Mraz Good Vibes Tour In Kuala Lumpur

Multiple GRAMMY® Award winner JASON MRAZ will be bringing his Good Vibes Tour to Malaysia, on 13 May (Monday), 8pm at Axiata Areana.

Jason Mraz first performed in Malaysia in 2009, followed by Tour Is A Four Letter Word in 2012. On playing for his Asian fans, Jason says: “I enjoy travelling to and performing for listeners in Asia. I feel a sense of gratitude and enthusiasm unlike anywhere else in the world, which makes a performance feel more like an event than a recital. The audience participation in Asia is harmonic and supersonic. I am thrilled to return, reconnect and re-experience the joy.”

Date : 13 May 2019
Venue : Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Organiser : Aco Media Sdn. Bhd.
Email : enquiry@acomedia.one
Website : http://acomedia.one/

The Music of James Horner

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s tribute to movie music continues with yet another Academy Award-winning composer, James Horner. Famous for his use of Celtic and electronic music, Horner’s scores include some of the highest-grossing films of all time. Close your eyes as the MPO and conductor Anthony Weeden transport you to the sets of Star Trek, Titanic and Avatar!

Date : 25 -26 May 2019
Venue : Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Organiser : Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
Contact : +603 2331 7008 (General Line) / +603 2331 7007 (Ticket Booking)
Website : http://mpo.com.my/28-the-music-of-james-horner/

Tourism Malaysia

5 COSY BOOK CAFES FOR THE LITERARY-MINDED

Post author By melakatour
Post date February 28, 2019
No Comments on 5 COSY BOOK CAFES FOR THE LITERARY-MINDED

Since book cafes have become a global craze, bookworms nowadays have some of the coolest venues to hang out while enjoying their books. Malaysia is no exception. There are a myriad of book cafes in Malaysia that will definitely persuade those literary-minded people to leave their favourite reading nooks at home. Here are five places perfect for the bibliophiles:

Hedley Books Cafe @ Kota Bahru, Kelantan

Who would have thought that there is a Harry Porter inspired book café in the middle of the state that is steep in culture and tradition? Believe you me, Hedley Books and Cafe is one café that you should look for whenever you find yourself in Kota Bahru, Kelantan. With logos of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin adorning its wall, and Harry Porter’s robes, as well as his magic wand, you will feel like you have stepped into Hogwart and become part of Harry Porter’s world.

There are more than 1,000 book for you to read. Just choose one from the bookshelves and enjoy your reading while sipping your favourite coffee; or maybe you can try the pie that the book café is famous for while re-reading a book from the Harry Porter’s collections; or take a selfie of you wearing Harry Porter’s robe and scarf, complete with a magic wand.

So, what are you waiting for, head to the east coast and search for this gem of a café.

Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Photos are courtesy of Hedley Books and Cafe

Contact Details:

Hedley Books and Cafe
PT 1667 Tingkat 1, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, Kubang Kerian,
16150 Kota Bharu
Tel: 012-988 1997

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hedleybookscafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hedleybookscafe

BookXcess’s Madeleine Café, The Starling, Selangor

Madeleine Café – BookXcess’s first in-store café – which offers a range of coffee-based drinks, herbal and regular teas, as well as a limited food menu is just perfect for book lovers who can’t wait to read their newly-bought book. BookXcess is bookstore where you can get a good selection of new books at a discounted price.

With a bookstore that measures some 10,500 square feet, The Starling BookXcess is considered one of the chain store’s largest outlets. You will definitely need to stretch your leg, quench your thirst, fill your stomach at the attached Madeleine Café after spending hours hunting for books at such large book store.

Business Hours: 10am-10pm every day.

Contact Details:

BookXcess
T-331A, T-331B,
The Starling Mall, Uptown, Damansara Utama.
Telephone No.: +603 5614 4554
Website: www.bookxcessonline.com/

The Wood Second Hand Book Store Café, Gajah Berang, Melaka

The Wood Second Hand Book Store Cafe at Jalan Gajah Berang Melaka is a little hidden gem for book lovers looking for a place to read books written in Mandarin.

At this book café, the smell of old books that mingles with the scent of a freshly-brewed coffee will really make you feel a bit nostalgic. Grab a rattan chair and lose yourself in the world of beautifully-written words at The Wood Second Hand Book Store Café.

Opening hours:

11am – 8pm (Mondays – Sundays)
Closed on Wednesdays

Contact Details:

Address: No. 35 Jalan Gajah Berang, Melaka
Tel: +6012 616 7128
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewoodsbookstore

The Nook Books Coffee, George Town, Penang

The Nook Books Coffee is a used bookstore and coffee shop, which is located at Khoo Cheow Teong Court along Fish Lane (Lorong Ikan) in George Town, Penang. This is the place to go for both book and coffee lovers. Here, if you fell in love with the book that you are reading, you can keep the book at a reasonable price.

The Nook Books Coffee is so warm and cosy that this place will make you forget that you are at a book café. All you want to do is find a corner and curl up with a good book.

This book cafe is open daily except for Tuesdays, from 9 am till 6 pm.

Contact Details:

The Nook Books Coffee
4 Khoo Cheow Teong Court
George Town, Penang

Tel: 012-525 2762

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thenookgeorgetownpenang

Lit Book, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Founded and managed by a husband and wife duo who are former journalists and ardent bibliophiles, Lit Books specialises in English literary titles. From collector’s editions of classics to modern and contemporary reads and of course, exciting new releases, Lit’s handpicked titles are sure to appeal to avid and casual readers alike.

More than just a bookseller, Lit was conceived to be a haven for book lovers, where conversation and discourse are encouraged and welcome. On top of books, there’s also the Lit Bar, a beverage station and a corner where readers can enjoy some coffee with their books.

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11am-9pm, Tuesday: 1pm-9pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Details:

Lit Books
P-01-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12 Jalan Persiaran Tropicana, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7886 6988

Website: https://litbooks.com.my/

Tourism Malaysia

TOP 5 TRADITIONAL MALAYSIAN VILLAGES TO VISIT NEAR KUALA LUMPUR

Post author By melakatour
Post date January 31, 2019
No Comments on TOP 5 TRADITIONAL MALAYSIAN VILLAGES TO VISIT NEAR KUALA LUMPUR

Want to get to know the real Malaysia? Why not take a trip outside of Kuala Lumpur’s city limits. Within less than two hours, you will find yourself in some pretty amazing countryside or “kampung” located in the Central Region (Selangor and Negeri Sembilan). Here, you can play like a kid again, enjoy nature, breathe fresh air and really be present in the moment.

Malaysian kampungs are usually small settlements of wooden dwellings in the rural parts of Malaysia. Despite their humble beginnings, modern facilities for clean water, electricity and telecommunications are available.

You’ll immediately notice that kampung life is a far cry from urban routines. Village folk are more in touch with nature and live by the seasons and surrounding environment. They engage in activities such farming, cooking using naturally organic products without relying on highly processed ingredients, fishing, carpentry, traditional folk games, making handicrafts and more.

If you are wondering how you can experience the peace and serenity of a simple kampung life in Malaysia, read on.

Under the Malaysian Government’s Homestay Experience programme, tourists can easily get a dose of life in the village. The programme registers a few hundred villages that have expressed interest in hosting tourists in their private homes to provide them a glimpse of life in Malaysia’s beautiful countryside.

Step into these homes and you will be quickly adopted as their “foster child,” taking care of your needs during your entire stay with them. Essentially, you get to live with a local Malaysian family and really understand the heart of a Malaysian.

The villages in the central region are easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur. Most are within a two-hour drive of the city. Check out some top villages here:

1. Kampung Sungai Sireh, Selangor

This peaceful hamlet of about 1,000 acres is surrounded by nature. Your eyes will be soothed by the green wetlands forest reserve and the carpet of ripening paddy crops ready to be harvested in May and September. The nearby rivers, irrigation canals and sea further add to the charm of this small village.

Local activities are closely attached to the surrounding landscapes. As a guest under the Malaysia Homestay programme, your host family will likely take you out for a trek into the wetlands area. Be prepared to get wet, but you will love the opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna in the area. Alternatively, explore the rivers in a kayak and let yourself be drifted slowly by the currents as you try to spot the wildlife here.

The village-folk are especially proud of the irrigation system used for the paddy crops – they’ll be more than happy to show you the Korean technology involved. What’s more, the smaller canals are the best places to have a quick splash after a hot day under the sun!

Homestay Sg. Sireh
Kampong PT 1,
Sg. Sireh,
45500 Tanjung Karang,
Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Contact person: En. Abu Bakar bin Moin, Tel: 019 346 7372
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestaysgsireh/

2. Kampung Banghuris, Selangor

ASEAN Tourism Award-winning Banghuris Homestay is a name representing three villages namely Kampung Bukit Bangkong, Kampung Hulu Chuchoh and Kampung Hulu Teris.

This charming little village located not far from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport has a strong foundation in agriculture. Don’t be surprised to see coffee, rubber, and oil palm plantations alongside fresh-water fish farms and fruit orchards. The small cottage industry also thrives here churning out home-made cookies, tapioca chips and other local snacks. Indeed, the landscape of this village can only be described as abundant!

And so is the culture and heritage here. Visit the village during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and you will witness the cheer and festivities of the village-folk. Often times, the celebrations are an excuse to “merewang,” an activity where everyone would gather at a common place to prepare and cook food together for the festival. Everyone has a designated duty, i.e. as the cook, as part of an army that peels potatoes or slices shallots, or as the clean-up crew.

It is during these festivities that one can truly experience the community spirit of the village folk as they embody all the modern corporate attributes of teamwork, leadership, time management, delegation and more!

Homestay Banghuris
Lot 1829, Jln. Tailong,
Kg. Ulu Chuchuh,
43950, Sg. Pelek,
Sepang, Selangor.
Contact person: Mr. Basir bin Wagiman, Tel: 013 300 3942
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YokMampirBanghuris/

3. Kampung Pachitan, Negeri Sembilan

This village of about 1,000 population in Negeri Sembilan is said to have been pioneered by the Javanese from East Java, Indonesia, who came to settle here in the 1920s as paddy farmers. Later, palm and rubber plantations were opened when water sources for paddy ran dry. These plantations now become a tourist attraction as visitors learn more about crop-growing through hands-on experience.

The scenery in the area is dominated by large tracts of these crop plantations but the nearby beach holds many attractions as well. It’s a favourite spot to go fishing on the jetty or just sit by the beach to collect shellfish for a later meal. One can also opt to canoe along the mangrove area and do a spot of birdwatching.

What’s unique here is the Javanese culture and traditions that still remain strong and is manifested in the language spoken, the food, music and games. For example, visitors to Kampung Pachitan will certainly get a taste of Nasi Ambeng (a meal consisting of steamed white rice served with chicken in soy sauce and beef stewed for hours in thick gravy and other condiments), pecal (a local salad served with peanut sauce), and tempe goreng (fried fermented soy beans) and such.

It recently received an ASEAN Tourism Award in the Homestay category.

4. Homestay Lonek, Negeri Sembilan

This village is simply picture perfect with timber dwellings sitting on wide and well-trimmed lawns and the scenery of paddy fields stretching out as far as the eye can see.

The folks who live here take great pride in their culture and heritage. They speak with a strong Negeri Sembilan accent, and will introduce you to typical Negeri Sembilan cuisine, the famous one being daging salai masak lemak cili api, which is smoked beef cooked in a gravy of coconut milk, turmeric and chilies. Traditional folk games are very much alive here and visitors will learn the Malaysian version of hoop rolling using bicycle wheel rims, bowling with coconuts and tobogganing on palm fronds.

If you don’t mind getting mud on your feet (and hands, face and hair), you can try out the local pastime of “mengocak ikan” or grasping for fish in the paddy fields.

5. Homestay Rawa, Negeri Sembilan

Homestay Rawa
Lot 23, Lorong KRU 10,
Kampung Rawa Hilir
71750 Lenggeng
Negeri Sembilan
Contact person: Ms. Saadiah Othman, Tel: 019 354 4472
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asequine1/

Note: We are excited that on 18 January 2019, the following 5 Malaysian Homestay Villages had won the coveted ASEAN Tourism Award for ASEAN’s Best Sustainable Tourism Products Recognition for both rural and urban areas. The Malaysian winners in the Homestay category are as follows:

3rd ASEAN Homestay Standard (2019-2021)

1.Pachitan Homestay, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
2.Ba’Kelalan HomestaySarawak
3.Misompuru Homestay, Kudat Sabah
4.Banghuris Homestay, Sepang Selangor
5.Rawa Homestay, Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan