Homestay in Sukau

Travellers who are interested in experiencing the culture will find staying at the homestay in Sukau as part of their exhilarating experience to the Kinabatangan. Homestay allows visitors to become more integrated into the community of Sukau - the Orang Sungai , than if they stay in a lodge and also give the visitor a chance to experience family life, customs and dynamics.

Currently, there are 13 families participating in the homestay programme in this village which started in 1998. Families who participate in the homestay programme received guidance from the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Science and Technology of Sabah with a certification by the Ministry on household standards and facilities.

The Ministry aim to utilize available resources at village level with the emphasis on conservation and maintenance of socio-cultural and arts of the village. It is with the hope that this will lead to sustaining development of village tourism by highlighting the uniqueness of the village. A committee of the programme manages the rotation to ensure that each home gets their turns to receive tourists.

Along with being a rewarding experience for visitors, this is a wonderful opportunity for families to make additional income as well as learn about different cultures and new languages. If visitors can plan in advance, bringing pictures that show their culture, lifestyle, family, and friends, to further connect with their host family.

Families, especially in Sukau, are used to seeing tourists and having them as guests. The families will be working extremely hard to make you feel comfortable, relaxed, content, and happy . Visitors get to interact more with their host family by participating in their daily activities such as fishing in the river, explore the forest for wild vegetables, participating in their usual evening sports and many more. As for attire, most clothing is considered appropriate (tanktops can be worn) except women should try to avoid showing excess skin and men should do the same.

All homes are located at close distance to sundry shops, public phones and the main village. Facilities in each home are basic. Most homes have huge living room adjacent to a dining area. The toilet and wash room is often connected to the kitchen, a common hang out spot for families and a work area for the women of the family. There are individual guest rooms ready with beds, beddings and furniture. Rooms are available for single occupancy, twin and triple sharing. Visitors share a common bathroom with proper sanitation and upon request hot water for bathing is available. Visitors usually take bathe with a bucket of water and dipper in the same area where the toilet is located. It is perfectly fine for visitors to take many baths due to the hot and humid weather. Electricity is available only for a few hours in the day. Generators are used in some homes for 24 hours electricity supply. Otherwise, traditional lamps are used to brighten up the house at night.

Meals are served in traditional Malay style. Vegetarian meal can be catered with prior notice. Food is generally known as “excellent” and is the most authentic one can get as visitors eat the same food that the family eats. The families want to please the visitors and will try to determine their preferences in foods through observing what their guests eat. Families may also rely on past experiences, steering clear of certain dishes, in particular ones that are spicy. Coffee, tea and drinking water are available throughout the day. Alcohol is not available as this is a Muslim community.

Language barriers will be obvious but visitors will soon learn words like Makan (eat), Minum (drink), Mandi (bathe), Terima kasih (thank you), and Sama sama (your welcome). Most people in Sukau know basic English but may be shy to use it. Although the language difference can be challenging it can also be fun and will certainly be a learning experience.

RAE supports the Ministry's vision by promoting the homestay in all of its packaging for overnight accommodation and cultural experience. This is also part of RAE's commitment as a community-based tourism company to ensure that the village participates in tourism and benefits from the tourism revenues. RAE is also the contact point for homestay reservation for the village of Sukau.

If you are interested to know more about the homestay, please contact us.

Click here to view photo gallery of Homestay and the Orang Sungai.