Homestay Experience
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HE (English) / IH / E-brochure August 2017 (0817) (TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL DRUGS CARRIES THE DEATH PENALTY) 1 Myanmar Laos Thailand Thailand Philippines Cambodia Vietnam Pulau PERLIS Langkawi Kangar South China Sea Langkawi International Airport Alor Str aits MALAYSIA Pulau Perhentian of Pulau Setar Kota Brunei Mala Kuala Lumpur Darussalam Payar Bharu cc KEDAH Pulau Redang a Singapore George Town Indonesia Tunku Abdul Kudat PENANG Kuala Rahman Park Terengganu Penang International Airport KELANTAN Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu International Airport SULU SEA PERAK Park TERENGGANU Kota Ipoh Sandakan Pulau Pangkor Kinabalu Cameron Highlands Pulau Pangkor Laut SOUTHSOU CHINA SEA Labuan PAHANG SABAH Lahad Datu Fraser’s Hill Brunei STRAITS Kuantan Darussalam Bukit Tinggi OF MALACCA SELANGOR Lawas Tawau Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Genting Highlands Shah Alam Miri Limbang Kuala Lumpur Mulu Pulauulau MabulMabul NEGERI Pulau Tioman Putrajaya Mulu National Park Ba’kelalan Pulau SipadanSipadan Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) SEMBILAN Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) Seremban Pulau Rawa CELEBES SEA Bintulu Bario Melaka City Pulau Sibu MELAKA JOHOR Mukah Sibu SARAWAK Senai International Airport Johor Kuching Bahru International LEGEND Airport Airport Highland Resort Glossary Tanjung Manis Singapore Airstrip International Border Pulau - Island Kuching Capital City Marine Park Federal Territory State Capital Indonesia * Map not drawn to scale Contents 4 Enjoy Warm 17 Agro Visits Malaysian Hospitality 20 Enjoying the Outdoors 6 Culture and Traditions 24 Authentic Local Delights 12 Village Pastimes 27 Student Programmes 14 Arts and Crafts 2 Myanmar Laos Thailand Thailand Philippines Cambodia Vietnam Pulau PERLIS Langkawi Kangar South China Sea Langkawi International Airport Alor Str aits MALAYSIA Pulau Perhentian of Pulau Setar Kota Brunei Mala Kuala Lumpur Darussalam Payar Bharu cc KEDAH Pulau Redang a Singapore George Town Indonesia Tunku Abdul Kudat PENANG Kuala Rahman Park Terengganu Penang International Airport KELANTAN Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu International Airport SULU SEA PERAK Park TERENGGANU Kota Ipoh Sandakan Pulau Pangkor Kinabalu Cameron Highlands Pulau Pangkor Laut SOUTHSOU CHINA SEA Labuan PAHANG SABAH Lahad Datu Fraser’s Hill Brunei STRAITS Kuantan Darussalam Bukit Tinggi OF MALACCA SELANGOR Lawas Tawau Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Genting Highlands Shah Alam Miri Limbang Kuala Lumpur Mulu Pulauulau MabulMabul NEGERI Pulau Tioman Putrajaya Mulu National Park Ba’kelalan Pulau SiSipadanpadan Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) SEMBILAN Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) Seremban Pulau Rawa CELEBES SEA Bintulu Bario Melaka City Pulau Sibu MELAKA JOHOR Mukah Sibu SARAWAK Senai International Airport Johor Kuching Bahru International LEGEND Airport Airport Highland Resort Glossary Tanjung Manis Singapore Airstrip International Border Pulau - Island Kuching Capital City Marine Park Federal Territory State Capital Indonesia * Map not drawn to scale 28 Sample Itinerary 32 Social Etiquette 29 Experience Malaysian 33 Useful Contact Numbers Homestay by Rail 38 Malaysia at a Glance 30 What They Say 39 Tourism Malaysia Offices 31 Useful Phrases 3 Enjoy Warm Malaysian Hospitality Imagine living in a traditional house at the countryside, while you enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and plenty of fresh air. Wake up to the sound of birds and cockerels, and have a pleasant day with your friendly host family. Savour local food and participate in the delightful activities that have been lined up – pluck tropical fruits from an orchard or try your hand at playing a traditional musical instrument. Unlike an ordinary holiday, the homestay programme whisks visitors off to an oasis of tranquility and rustic charm. Malaysian homestays offer an opportunity for visitors to stay at a kampung, or a traditional Malay village. The villages that participate in the homestay programme are carefully selected and comply with the strict guidelines set by the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Homestay villages can be found in every state. Some homestays are tucked away cosily in the hinterland, while others are situated in the vicinity of major towns and are easily accessible. Homestay Banghuris, Sungai Sireh and Sungai Haji Dorani, are situated in Selangor only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city. 4 Given the varied locations and settings, every homestay village presents a different and enjoyable experience. Visitors to Homestay Kampung Pelegong in Negeri Sembilan can have the delightful experience of savouring tropical fruits freshly plucked from the orchard. During a stay at Homestay Kampung Seri Tanjung, Melaka, visitors can make a trip to the many Dutch and Portuguese historical landmarks that give an insight into the nation’s rich past. For a taste of island life, head to the Homestay Wang Tok Rendong and Homestay Pulau Tuba in Langkawi. There is always something to do or experience in a homestay village. Villagers will eagerly invite you to join in their activities and visitors will soon find that the enthusiasm is infectious! Harvesting local crops, visiting a fish farm or learning how to make traditional delicacies are only a sprinkling of the many things that await visitors. Go cycling, enjoy a sampan ride or indulge in traditional pastimes such as kite-flying and top spinning. Cottage industries such as batik-painting and songket-weaving are other interesting pursuits, commonly found in the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu. In the evenings, visitors will be entertained by cultural performances or even a mock-wedding that showcases the local customs and rituals. A homestay programme is suitable for all types of holidaymakers, be it families, students or corporate groups. The simplicity of the kampung folk, along with the engaging pastimes that are found here, will create a unique and memorable vacation. Experience genuine Malaysian warmth and let the homespun hospitality work its charm! Winners of the ASEAN Homestay Standard Award 2016 • Homestay Taman Sedia, Cameron Highlands, Pahang • Homestay Lonek, Negeri Sembilan • Homestay Banghuris, Sepang, Selangor • Homestay Kampung Santubong, Sarawak • Homestay Kampung Miso Walai, Sabah 2017 • Homestay Kampung Parit Tengah, Batu Pahat, Johor • Homestay Rh. Benjamin Angki, Konowit, Sarawak • Homestay Walai Tokou, Ranau, Sabah • Homestay Kampung Bukit Kuda, Labuan • Homestay Seterpa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan 5 Culture and Traditions Enjoy a fascinating spectrum of cultures and traditions in a Malay village. Watch cultural performances or be immersed in the enchanting melody of traditional musical instruments. A not to be missed highlight is the mock-wedding, held to showcase the colourful and interesting local customs. The convivial atmosphere will set the stage for lots of excitement! Malaysia is a mosaic of three major races; the and cultural refinement, many rural Malay, Chinese and Indian. In addition, the Malay folk engage in artistic endeavours. country is home to many ethnic communities. The states of Sabah and Sarawak are Malays form more than half of the population. home to a diversity of ethnic groups. From They profess Islam as their religion and speak resplendently dressed Bajau horsemen to Bahasa Malaysia, the national language. the legendary Iban warriors, Sabah and A large number of homestay villages in Sarawak offer a gamut of exotic cultures and Peninsular Malaysia are operated by the vibrant traditions. Malays. Known for their gentle mannerisms 6 Traditional Homes Festivals The type of house that visitors will live in The largest celebration for the Muslim during the homestay programme is most community is Eid ul Fitr, or locally known as likely a traditional Malay house, which is Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It marks the end of the made of timber and raised in stilts. Some fasting month, Ramadan, and the beginning houses display intricate carvings or crafts. of Syawal. Another major festival is the Hari The windows open out to the lush greenery Raya Aidiladha, which marks the completion that surrounds the homes, offering plenty of the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. of fresh air and a sense of calm. In Sabah and Sarawak, visitors will be able to live in The Kadazandusun and Murut communities a Malay village or other traditional dwellings in Sabah celebrate Tadau Kaamatan or such as a longhouse (a communal home). Harvest Festival in May. In Sarawak, Gawai In Sarawak visitors can visit a Melanau tall Dayak (celebrated in June) is a centuries-old house, which can reach up to 40 feet above celebration that marks the end of the paddy ground level. planting season and the start of a new season. 77 Mock Weddings is accompanied by musicians beating the One of the best ways to understand kompang (a percussion instrument) and traditional Malay culture is to participate followers carrying the bunga manggar or in a Malay wedding, which is fascinating palm blossoms.