LIFESTYLE
Post-Raya Blues? These 5 'Kampung'-Themed Destinations May Just Be The Cure
Hari Raya has come and gone.
We are now back in the office, facing the computer instead of the wide expanse of greenery in our kampung, wishing that we are anywhere but at work.
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If you’re one of those having post-holiday blues, or urbanites who’ve never had the chance to properly experience the kampung life, we’ve got a list of places you can visit to make up for it.
#1 Labu Kubong Homestay (Kuala Kangsar, Perak)
The problem with only going back to the kampung during the festive season is that there is never enough time to just enjoy the lifestyle.
There’s a lot of visiting and being visited, spending time with family, relatives and friends you’ve not seen in a long time and all.
That’s why a visit to this kampung is a treat, regardless of whether you’ve experienced all the activities available before or not.
The view itself is worth a stop – acres of paddy fields with the backdrop of a majestic mountain dotted with traditional kampung houses.
When you book a package with the villagers, you will be received with traditional dance and silat performances and some drinks.
Depending on how long you’re staying, you will be assigned a host, whose home you will live in for the duration, and experience a wide range of activities.
You basically get to live a compressed version of the Labu Kubung residents’ lives in the few days you spend there.
Tap rubber and visit the paddy fields, take a dip in the tali air (paddy field irrigation), visit orchards and honey farms, learn local crafts and enjoy home-cooked food.
The whole village really comes together to give visitors the most enjoyable time here.
Cost: RM100 - RM400 per person
#2 Rumah Persinggahan Ala Jawa Di Sawah Padi (Sungai Besar, Selangor)
If you want something closer to Kuala Lumpur, Sungai Besar is just a two-hour drive away, but the lifestyle and landscape will make you feel like you’re nowhere near the city.
Another perk (if you're not a people person) of this homestay is that you get more privacy, as you won’t be staying in a host’s house.
What’s more, the traditional houses surrounded by paddy field also come with swimming pools!
Depending on your interest, you can choose packages that allows you to interact with locals who largely practice the Javanese culture and participate in activities that showcase them or simply move around on your own.
You can also fish at the paddy field, play in the mud, cycle around the scenic village and enjoy other fun activities.
The food here is also a reflection of the Javanese culture of the locals (nasi ambeng is a must try).
Cost: RM170 - RM180 (not inclusive of food and activities)
At the Traders Villa Kampung Morten, you get to stay in a traditional Malay house in a Malay village that still practices the old ways.
Just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, the homestay is located in Kampung Morten, also known as the "living museum" - a reference to the villager's dedication towards preserving culture and tradition in the face of modernisation.
Built in the traditional Melaka Malay style, the building includes stairs made of bricks and decorated with tiles typical to these type of homes.
The best part is, you're so close to the city that you can truly enjoy the best of both worlds.
Cost: From RM180
Technically, Rumah Kebun is not a kampung house, but it is located in an isolated place, and surrounded by greenery, a small river and even chickens.
It also comes with a swimming pool, barbecue pit and bonfire (upon request).
The place is meant to be for a big group, fitting about 16 people at a time. You have to book the entire place and you get to have it all to yourselves.
The kitchen, rooms and bathrooms are fully equipped so you don't have to lug around a lot of things with you when you go.
Rumah Kebun is only 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur city centre, and about a 20-minute drive to the nearest town.
Enjoy being cut off civilisation without going too far from it. It truly is a perfect place for a short vacation or weekend getaway.
Cost: RM 1,500 per night
Now, if you want luxury with your heritage, this is the place to go.
The buildings at this resort are 100 to 150 years old, and have been refurbished to highlight it's original features while still having all the modern luxuries.
You might want to pay close attention to the carvings on the buildings and the structure, as it is a clear indication of Terengganu's art and history.
On one side of the resort is the South China Sea and famous beach holiday destinations such as Redang and Perhentian, while on the other is a mangrove swamp.
You will have plenty to see and do if you wish to, or you can just relax at the villa, enjoying some peace and quiet.
Check with the management to find out when the turtle hatching season is, and you might just get lucky!
Cost: RM549 - RM1,199
Contact: +(609) 6245020 / +(609) 6312081, info@terrapuri.com, Website
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and (re)live the kampung life! We promise you won't regret it.