Cosy abode: Abdul Raof hanging up a bird’s nest decoration outside his homestay unit in Penaga, Penang. — Bernama
KEPALA BATAS: Homestays with a nostalgic kampung atmosphere are gaining more interest among locals looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, while providing operators with an opportunity for additional income.
Former Football Association of Penang player Zulhisyam Jamaluddin, 42, started his career as a professional state football player in 2001 until 2018 but had to stop after suffering a knee surgery.
While he now works at the Penang Water Supply Corporation, he said he had always been interested in running a traditional homestay, and this spark was further fuelled by the support of the people around him.
“I decided to bring back the nostalgic kampung atmosphere for people to recall their childhood memories and to also remind them of their grandparents’ kampung.
“Surrounded by padi fields, coconut trees, traditional homes and a kampung atmosphere, ‘Homestay Klasik ZJ’ located in Penaga here evokes the nostalgia of a village life,” he told Bernama recently.
He said he carved the designs of the wood himself, and it took him up to seven months to complete the engravings.
He said he received encouraging response with visitors mainly from cities like Kuala Lumpur and others from Selangor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Johor.
It is also the same story for a Telekom Malaysia pensioner who has chosen to run a traditional homestay known as the ‘Permatang Rambai Homestay’.
Abdul Raof Razalli, 63, said he saw the demand for traditional homestays increasing, leading him to start up the Kedah concept traditional homestay.
“People from the cities nowadays prefer traditional homestays as they bring them a sense of calm and peacefulness.
“So they stay here to experience this lifestyle,” he said.
Abdul Raof added that the low pricing of traditional homestays and the good kampung-style food also attracted visitors.
