A Malaysian Homestay in a traditional village, called Kampung, is the best way to get to know the real Malaysia. We stayed in  Kampung Sungai Haji Dorani, in Sungai Besar, Selangor  one of several villages that has been selected by the Ministry of Tourism to provide a Malaysian homestay experience.

Malaysia Homestay

 

The kampung house that we stayed was big enough to accommodate 10-18 people with 3 air conditioned bedrooms, a kitchen and a large living area.

Malaysia Homestay

 

There were also smaller units like the one below.  According to the host, Kampung stay is very popular amongst visitors from Singapore, Europe and Japan.

Malaysia Homestay

 

For my kiddos who are very much into computer games, Xbox, and Disney TV channels, the kampung experience gave them the chance to enjoy the simple rural life like playing with the kampung cats, and chasing after the rooster.

Malaysia Homestay

 

With a backyard as big as this, there was so much room to roam freely.

Kampung Dorani

 

As part of the homestay, the host can arrange for several activities for guests.  This included kite flying and fishing by the river below.

Malaysia Homestay

Kampung Dorani

 

Walking through the rice padi fields and the surrounding kampung area was a great way to unwind and enjoy the peaceful and quiet rural area.

Dorani Kampung

 

At the time of our visit, the rice padi was almost ready to be harvested.

Malaysia Homestay

Malaysia Homestay

Malaysia Homestay

 

There were also indoor activities available like the traditional malay game of congkak.

Malaysia Homestay

 

Our favourite was the lesson in traditional batik painting.

Malaysia Homestay

Check out our batik masterpieces below.

Dorani Homestay

 

There were several local factories near the village selling local snacks that are worth a visit.

Malaysia Homestay

 

Dining at one of the little kampung coffee shop is a great way to enjoy the kampung-style food and mingle with the friendly locals.   The shop across the road from our kampung house served the simplest and the tastiest fried noodles (mee goreng) and fried rice (nasi goreng) we have ever tasted.  It was very cheap too!

Malaysia Homestay

 

In the evening, our host brought us to see the fireflies on a boat at Sungai Bernam.   It was so dark that we could hardly see the river or the trees in front of us.  All we could see were fireflies; hundreds of them perching on the trees lining the river.

Sungai Bernam Kelip-Kelip

 

Tips:

  • If you are interested to stay at Kampung Dorani, you can go to their website at doranihomestay.com.
  • Apart from the kampung house where we stayed, guests could also choose to stay in a kampung house with a local family, or at the kampung hut below.

Malaysia Homestay

  • There are many more villages that offer a Malaysian homestay, and each one is different.  Some villages have rice padi fields, while others have durian and other fruit plantations. Some focus on traditional crafts like basket weaving or kite-making.  Activities available at each homestay are also different.  You can visit www.go2homestay.com for details about a Malaysian homestay.

 

This trip was part of our Malaysian road trip which included Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Colmar Tropicale, Penang, KL and i-City Malaysia.