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Creative Kampung LifeMalaysia kampung homestay With this short homestay module you can experience authentic Malaysian culture without having to completely back to basics. You’ll be staying 2 nights in a lovely wooden cottage next to the home of a Dutch family that has been living in this small kampung just outside Kota Bharu for years. In this region, the state of Kelantan, traditional Malaysian culture still plays a large part in daily life; nearly all Kelantanese are Muslim and strongly value local traditions. This is where ancient crafts are still practiced like kite-making, building boats, weaving baskets and batik-painting, crafting the most intricate details with immeasurable patience.During your Malaysia homestay in kampung you’ll be able to test your own patience during a batik-painting lesson ín the next door neighbour’s tiny workshop. Batik-painting is still done by traditional methods using warm candle wax instead of the mass-production of the batik factories in western Malaysia. You can tell the batik is made using wax by the shimmering colours in the fabric. During your 3-day stay in the kampung your friendly hosts will teach you all about local kampung life and introduce you to many of their neighbours. In your private cottage you can relax and soak up all your new experiences. |
| Duration: |
3 days /2 nights Departure daily from March - mid October |
Accommodation: |
2 nights in a double cottage Accommodation category 2-3 |
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Price: |
from $159 per person - based on 2 people sharing |
Includes: |
Accommodation with breakfast, batik-painting workshop |
| Transport: |
none |
Excludes: |
other meals |
Day 1 - Arrival Kota BharuMost travellers arrive in Kota Bharu from the Cameron Highlands after our module Time for Tea, so if you’re arriving in Kota Bharu city by train or plane we’ll arrange a transfer to the kampung for you. Your host Harry lives in a small Malaysian village 10 minutes drive from Kota Bharu city centre. He’s built a couple of small cottages for guests next to his traditional wooden house on the banks of a river. Harry and his family have lived here for years and have become part of the community, they speak the language and they know everyone in the village. They’re very involved in the community life, their neighbours and the local village culture.Once you’ve arrived and met your hosts, you can settle into your cottage and recover from your long trip here. If you’re arriving in the afternoon and still want to get a bite to eat, just ask Harry for some suggestions. Further up the road you can get some Laksam, soft rice noodles in a coconut-fish soup and there are plenty of restaurants and food stalls in Kota Bharu. In the evening we had dinner with the next-door neighbour Makcik who prepared an entire feast for us for just a small contribution of a couple of pounds. Feeling full and satisfied you’ll get a good night’s sleep in your Malaysian homestay cottage in the kampung. |
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Day 2 - Batik-painting and kampung stayAfter breakfast with home-made bread and fresh eggs Harry will take you to meet the neighbours and show you round the village. We were amazed to find so many tiny workshops hidden behind the houses and Harry knows exactly who does what; this is where the silversmith lives, this is where they make ‘keropok’ fish crackers, further up is where they make kites. Harry’s next door neighbour has a small batik factory in his shed where he designs colourful batiks using traditional methods. A typical Malaysian design is usually made up of beautiful flowers but they also use more modern designs. You can have a go at designing your own batik cloth using hot wax while the neighbour tells you all about the history of this colourful art form and the specific techniques he uses.In the afternoon you can relax on the veranda in front your little cottage, or explore the rest of the village and the surrounding area. Take the car or a bike and with a map and directions you can find your own way around. It’s the best way to experience the kampung at its best especially by bike. In the evening you’ll join Makcik the neighbour for dinner again, or even take a cooking course with her. Just ask Harry a day ahead if you’re interested. |
Day 3 - Departure Kota BharuAfter breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to Harry and his family. If you like they can arrange a taxi to Kota Bharu airport or your next destination, but we can also book a pre-arranged transfer for you. Just let us know in your quote request form.After this Malaysia homestay in kampung module we headed to the coast to go Island-hopping along the islands of the northeast coast, chilling out on the beach in the shade of the rustling palm trees and snorkelling along the coral reefs. The boat leaves from Kuala Besut, a small harbour town just 1 hour’s drive from Kota Bharu. |
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Accommodation images
