Village Activities ...
Enjoy the rustic charm and simple delights of
rural living. A world away from the hectic city life. Malaysian
villages offer the chance to go back to basics and experience the
interesting activities that are rarely seen in urban areas.
Agriculture is an important part of rural
living. In many villages, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy
and many Malaysians are still actively involved in this sector. The
agricultural industry is sustained by crops like corn, soya bean,
cocoa, rubber and oil palm. Experience first-hand what it is like to
tap a rubber tree, harvest paddy, or pluck clusters of oil palm
fruits.
Fruit Orchards
Malaysia has a great variety of tropical
fruits. Some are seasonal while others are available throughout the
year. Most homestay villages are fringed by tropical fruit trees and
a visit is not complete without tasting these delicious fruits.
Don't miss a chance to savour durian, dubbed the 'king of the
fruits'. For the uninitiated, the durian is a thorny fruit with a
delicious creamy flesh. It is the fruit's distinct aroma, however,
that makes it highly controversial!
Rice farming
Rice farming is a principal economic activity
in the northern states of Perlis and Kedah. Here, rustic views of
paddy fields, dominate the landscape. Visitors to Kedah and Selangor
will get a chance to visit a paddy field and learn how Malaysia's
staple food is produced.
Vegetable farms and
agriculture plantations
Visits to vegetable farms and plantations are
also a highly popular activity. Visitors to Pahang will enjoy and
experience amidst the tranquil setting, traditional farming and
agriculture. Join your host family to visit a leech breeding site
and learn about its medicinal properties. Visitors can also learn
about fish breeding. Visitors can also watch how gula melaka (a type
of palm sugar), coconut jelly and traditional noodles are made. The
salak commonly known as "snake skinned" fruit has a scaly brown skin
with a sweet and crunchy pulp.
Rubber tapping and
Latex processing
Rubber tapping and latex processing are an
important source of income for people who live in the rural areas.
In fact, the country is the third largest producer of natural rubber
in the world. Try your hand at rubber tapping and watch how latex is
processed into rubber sheets in Penang.
Fish farming
Fish farming is another popular activity in
many villages, Make a trip to Perak and feed the fishes while you
learn about freshwater fish management.
Visitors who are keen on experiencing the life
of fisherfolk can head to Kelantan. Tucked away on a small island,
the homestay offers the adventure of living amidst a fishing
community and joining in the their daily activities. Labuan offers
another unique experience, where visitors can try feeding fishes or
angling right from their doorstep!
A variety of agricultural activities can be
enjoyed in Malaysian villages. Prepare to be immersed in rustic
lifestyle, and enjoy experiences that are rare and unique.
Outdoor Activities:
Malaysia's lush nature provides the ideal
setting for exciting outdoor activities. Many kampongs are nestled
against the tropical rainforest.
Enjoy a bath at the nearby stream,
trek into the jungle or explore a mountain trail. The natural beauty
and diverse flora and fauna make a visit to these rural areas truly
enjoyable.
Outdoor-lovers will find a range of
eco-adventures located near to the homestay villages. You can go
jungle trekking, caving, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing,
river cruising, white water rafting and many more ... the
possibilities are endless!
Attractions that are near to the homestay can
be explored on foot, while a leisurely bicycle ride will take
visitors to other idyllic spots that are situated further away. In
some villages, a ride on a boat or traditional sampan is also
possible.
Mountains, Rivers and
National Parks
One of Malaysia's most unique and treasured
natural marvels is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah. It is the centre piece
of Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interestingly a homestay experience provides the perfect opportunity
to take in the beauty of this majestic mountain. Situated just 10
minutes from the Kinabalu Park is the Walai Tokou Homestay. During a
holiday in Sabah, visitors can also make a trip to
Miso Walai
Homestay, to enjoy outdoor activities such as
birdwatching, forest
walks and even a visit to an ancient burial site.
The neighbouring state of Sarawak is another
paradise to eco-adventures with ancient caves, jungle-clad
mountains, rivers and national parks. A homestay experience here
gives an opportunity to appreciate nature while enjoying the
cultures of the ethnic communities. Visitors can savour the
interesting experience of living in a traditional
Bidayuh longhouse
at Darul Islam Homestay (the only Muslim Bidayuh homestay) or visit
the Kampung Benuk Homestay. Trek into the rainforest from these
villages to view the small animals and a wide assemblage of plants.
The Santubong peninsula, situated about 35
minutes drive from Sarawak's capital city of Kuching, is the site of
many attractions. Visitors to the Santubong Homestay will get a
chance to go on a river cruise to watch the Irrawaddy dolphins.
State Parks and
Waterfalls
Aside from watching the marine life and coastal
mangrove inhabitants, river cruise is a marvellous way to take in
the dense foliage and breathtaking vistas of Malaysia's hinterland.
From the Renok Baru Homestay village in Kelantan, visitors can
arrange a boating trip along the Nenggiri River. Traverse
riverine
homes, aboriginal settlements and pre-historic caves along the way.
In the same state, Bukit Jering Homestay lies close to natural
attractions such as the Stong State Park and Jelawang Waterfalls.
From the Pasir Raja Homestay in Terengganu, visitors can trek to
view the spectacular Cemerong Waterfalls.
It is nestled in a 130-million
year old jungle, and has four cascading rapids,
the highest of which falls 600m.
Marine and coastal
activities
The D'Ketapang Homestay in the same state
provides squid jigging trips (at certain times of the year) as well
as visits to Pulau Duyong, the centre for Malaysia's traditional
boat building.
Conservation Centres
For the extraordinary experience of
bathing
elephants, visitors can head to the Kuala Gandah National Elephant
Conservation Centre in Pahang, nearby to
Desa Murni Homestay.
Visitors to Kampung Ujong Bukit Homestay in
Perlis can plan a trip to the nearby Perlis Equesterian Training
Centre for an unforgettable adventure with horses.
Hotsprings
Visitors to the Sungai Klah Homestay in
Perak can enjoy this and
much more. The Klah Hot Springs Recreational Park is situated near
to this homestay village. Further away, the Sungkai Wildlife Reserve
is the place to spot animals in their natural habitat.
Visitors can also trek to a waterfall and watch
the Sewang Dance presented by the indigenous people. In Kedah, lies
another natural hot spring called Ulu Legong. Trips to the hot
springs can be arranged from the nearby Ulu Legong KEDA Homestay.
Many more exciting outdoor activities await
nature enthusiasts. Make the jungle your playground to discover the
variety of tropical plants and animals.
