Dorani Homestay, Sungai Haji Dorani, Selangor
Opening your room window when you wake up from your slumber in the morning, you are greeted by vast acres of paddy fields as far as your eyes could see.
This is a typical “view from a room” at Dorani Homestay for vacationers seeking a village holiday. Haji Dorani Homestay is located by Sungai Dorani / Sungai Besar in Sabak Bernam.
In this scenic environment, villagers who are enrolled in the homestay programme have opened up their homes to guests who are looking for a different, more relaxed, vacation.
Therefore, a number of packages have been drawn up, offering not only accommodation but also meals alongside host families as well as village activities from eel-fishing to making coconut leaf trumpets.
During our visit, my friends and I had the privilege to learn more about Kuda Kepang, where dancers “ride” the flat horse, representing horsemen.
As this is a traditional Javanese dance with strong links to spirit possession, many of the dancers seemed to be in a trance. However, in modern day the Kuda Kepang dance is presented as a form of cultural entertainment.
Depending on the length of your stay at Dorani and the season, you get to participate in many local pastimes, including flying the wau (kite) and harvesting of paddy.
To get the best paddy scenery, I suggest to stay during the months of June and December, prior to harvesting of the crop.
Most of the villagers in Sabak Bernam are of Javanese descent. These hosts are very friendly and try to make their guests’ stay as comfortable as possible, despite the lack of modern city amenities.
I have to reiterate that homestays are not for everyone as one needs to be smart to adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Nonetheless, there is no harm trying just for one time, right?
Dorani Homestay
Website: Dorani Homestay
Add: Parit 1, Sungai Haji Dorani, 45300 Sungai Besar, Selangor.
Tel: +6013-607 7025 (Abdul Rahman Daud)
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Truly an amazing way to get to know our traditions and to get away from the busy city… i have yet to experience any of the above that you have mentioned…
This certainly seems like a once in a lifetime sort of experience. Would be interested to try it out someday and see how it would be too 🙂
What a wonderful experience. To travel and mix with the locals is a great experience to learn their culture and lifestyle. I certainly would try this in the future!
Any day I prefer homestays and farm stays to hotels. That’s the best way to actually experience and feel the locality with the locals!!! This place looks great. Eel fishing and coconut trumpets? That’s awesome!
Sometimes all you need is a homestay that is different from the rest, where you have to step out of your comfort zone to actually appreciate diversity =)
I love the Kampung style stay. Shall bring my children there to understand the different cultural.
Sounds so fun!! I wish to go for one soon. I wonder how much this trip cost you.
I never try such kampung style homestay before! Looks like so much fun and able to experience kampung lifestyle =D The house is so cozy and homey too!
masks used in the Kuda Kepang dance ^^ creatif
It is truely beautiful to spend time in a rural place like this after a crazy week in the city. I miss that breeze coming from the mountains down to the rice paddy, while we enjoy the kite flying. Ahh memories!