On a hillside in Kampung Lobong-Lobong, Kota Belud is a cluster of houses, perched on the side, overlooking dense jungles. The quaint village boast a community hall and a cultural museum. There is also a place of worship for both Muslims and Christians. A road meanders up further up the mountain, connecting the houses together. On the other site of the village, is the gigantic Mt Kinabalu and other lesser mountains that are no less
This village is involved in the homestay programme and they have formed a group for the participants. They are under the Tanak Nabalu Homestay. This homestay have been in existence since 2007 and has done tremendously well through the years.
They have a lot to offer actually, especially to tourists from overseas who have not people experienced the people’s way of life there, or taste their food. To date people from Europe such as Germany and the Netherlands, England and France as well as Australia and of course throughout ASEAN.
The village offers their lifestyle as tourism product. This includes paddy planting, harvesting, de-husking and and pounding the paddy for rice. This is an interesting set of activities for those who have never done it before. Guests will also be able to harvest and taste the pineapple there which is very sweet or learn how to tap rubber.
Besides that guests can learn how to make traditional wine. During long nights, they hold a story telling gathering, a traditional way to pass time in the days of yore.
They have jungle walks that allow them to share their ancient herbal knowledge with their guests. Besides that they will also show their guests how to survive in the jungle, such as setting up traps, picking edible vegetables and preparing food the natural way, such as cooking in bamboo joints. Besides that guests can enjoy a swim at the Korumotoki River. Beautiful site, and the walk towards this site is very scenic.
So many interesting things to do in Kg Lobong Lobong, actually that even domestic tourists love visiting that area. It will remind us about how tranquil village life can be, even though there are so many activities to indulge in.
One of the houses there that has received such glowing remarks and recommendation is owned by Sualin Mogirong, a friendly and very affable lady. Her house is medium size with three nice comfortable rooms for guests. She has been in the business for several years and has played host to many people of various nationalities.
Her first two guests were student doctors and she remember them fondly, and even with a sad sigh as she misses them at times. She cooks very well and a personal favourite is her brinjal vegetable, cooked so well, one wants more.
“I am like a mother to my guests, as when they are under my roof, I am responsible for their well being in every way. There are guests that remember me as a guardian when they are here, and I am glad. I hope that they all do well in their every endeavours. For me I am in this house, always, welcoming them and future guests to come over and enjoy what we have to offer,” she shares.
She and her husband, work together so well together. She hopes that one day her homestay will pass on to her children.
The homestay coordinator is Duanis Mogirong who is also the President of Sabah Homestay Association. He says the homestay, launched in 2007 presently has 14 active participants, who have three rooms per house, meaning there is a total of 42 rooms in the whole village. They also provide extra mattresses for their guests.
There are day trip packages and a one night two days package for those who only wanted to stay for a short duration. For those who want to stay longer, they will be able to enjoy more activities and significant interaction with the people. This way guests will have an in-depth knowledge about the natives way of life.
In fact Kg Lobong Lobong may be a tranquil village but there are a lot more to it than that. Its good to go there and find out. To know more about the homestay and how to get there call Duanis at 016 8107212.-BNN
