Taginambur Homestay anticipates more tourists during VMY2025

By AVV

28 July 2024

KOTA BELUD: White water rafting is an exhilarating adventure sport that has gained immense popularity among thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

As a tourism product, white water rafting offers a unique experience that combines adrenaline-pumping excitement with breathtaking natural beauty.

For tourism promoters looking to attract adventure-seeking tourists, having high-quality boats is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Bob Mackenzie, the enthusiastic promoter of Taginambur Homestay, hopes that next year during Visit Malaysia Year 2025 (VMY 2025) they will be ready to welcome adventure seekers to his homestay and experience the thrill of white-water rafting.

Those who go for this adventure will float down along the picturesque stretch that begins at Tagal Linkubang, Mile Ten in Narinang, and winds its way for 11 kilometers down to its final destination.

This captivating rafting expedition is perfectly suited for those looking to dip their toes into the world of white-water rafting, as it features level one and two rapids – a mild yet invigorating introduction to this exhilarating sport.

“However, at present our boats are in a state of disrepair and showing signs of wear. Out of the five boats in our possession, some are experiencing leaks, rendering them unsuitable for water sports activities. It is our aspiration to procure new boats prior to Visit Malaysia Year 2025 (VMY 2025) to enable full participation and inclusion in this year-long event. We anticipate that this investment will attract tourists to our location. Hopefully, some of the tourists will be diverted to our place,” he said.

“Even if our boats may not be serviceable by next year, we still have our homestay, which consists of nine rooms and two houses as Kampungstay. We have many products that may be of interest to tourists. There are trails that we can bring them to go, where they will enjoy the sights of nature. There is a one-hour trek and a two-hour trek that they can choose from, it is all very leisurely,” he said.

In addition to the thrilling white water rafting experience, Taginambur Homestay goes above and beyond to offer their guests a well-rounded cultural immersion. One of the highlights of their hospitality is a visit to the local rubber plantation, where visitors have the opportunity to learn the art of tapping rubber. This unique activity provides a fascinating insight into the livelihood of the village's residents, showcasing how they sustain themselves.

Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, guests are guided through the rubber plantation, learning about the intricate process of tapping rubber trees. They discover the meticulous techniques employed by the local community to extract the precious sap that forms the basis of the rubber industry. This hands-on experience not only educates visitors about the traditional methods but also fosters an appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the village's residents.

“Visitors will enjoy their stay most during the village's abundant fruit season. As the seasons change, the surrounding trees burst forth with a myriad of tropical delights, enticing the senses with their vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Among the diverse fruit offerings, guests are treated to a delectable array of durians, langsat, rambutans, mangosteens, mata kucing or cat’s eye fruits, and bambangans (Mangifera Pajang),” Bob shared.

Besides sharing the abundance of fruits during the fruit season, the homestay operators also show the tourists how to cook local cuisines. For instance, guests

will be shown how to cook salted fish with wild vegetables and make chicken soup. It is all quite fascinating to visitors, Bob said as they get to eat their cooking as well.

In fact, he stressed that the act of showing tourists the local way of cooking is a transformative experience that fosters rapport, creates lasting memories, and encourages return stays.

“Upon request, the homestay also showcases the traditional dance, Sumazau. These interactions lay the foundation for a long-standing relationship between tourists and the destination, ensuring that they return for the unique and immersive experiences that await them,” he said, adding that the white-water rafting has garnered several return visits.

With what they have to offer, Bob believed that they can contribute to VMY2025 in their own way and hoped to be one of the viable destination in this region.