UPDATE Malaysia
eng.angkasa.coop / August 2018
ASEAN Recognized Homestays Run by Malaysian Co-ops
By : NADIAH KAMARUDIN
From the crystal-clear water of Perhentian Islands to Penang’s vibrant cultures, it is no wonder that Malaysia has been one of Asia’s top picks holiday destinations for international tourists for many years.
However, aside from the sandy beaches or the great street foods that the country is known for, the homestay programme has been the nation’s not-so-secret weapon that contributed to the growing number of tourists. Technically, homestay is a form of lodging whereby a person or a group of people stay for a period of time in the home of a local family. Nonetheless, the homestays in Malaysia have evolved so much more than just accommodation facilities, and definitely has come along way since it was officially introduced in 1995 by the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism, which now known as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
» One of the houses used by the Bersatu Maju Hulu Chuchoh Co-operative for their homestay programme.
Tourists who join the homestay programme will enjoy warm Malaysian hospitality by experiencing the traditional kampung (village) lifestyle including participating in cultural, recreational and economic activities and not forgetting, tasting the sumptuous local home- cooked food.
58 PELANCAR August 2018
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