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Experience a whole new way of <strong>life</strong> when you<br />
next visit Sarawak - no more hotel rooms and<br />
luxury settings but a genuine kampong <strong>life</strong>style<br />
with warm, friendly native people.<br />
The venue is Kampong Mongkos where<br />
homestay programs involving 15 families now<br />
give visitors an opportunity to share carefree<br />
time in a rural setting. Morning calls are sounds<br />
of the jungle and the roosters‚ majestically<br />
complimenting the unmistakable tinge of<br />
charcoal smoke from the tiny kitchens where<br />
breakfasts are prepared. Welcome to an alternative<br />
holiday experience - living among the Bidayuh<br />
folks at Kampong Mongkos, about two hours<br />
drive from Kuching City.<br />
Kampong mongkos<br />
Tranquil kampong <strong>life</strong><br />
Set amidst lush greenery in a secluded spot,<br />
the longhouse is home to about 900 inhabitants<br />
who welcome visitors to share their simple<br />
<strong>life</strong>style as practiced <strong>for</strong> generations here. Foster<br />
families take visitors to their farms where padi<br />
or rice are planted together with other fruits<br />
and greens, gather wild vegetables and<br />
partake in the occasional hunting and fishing<br />
activities. Take your first river bath by jumping<br />
into the clear flowing water to cool off after<br />
a hard day’s walk and learn to play the brass<br />
gongs which accompany the evening’s<br />
dancing program. The women folk will<br />
guide you on the proper footsteps to master<br />
the ngajat or Iban dance which is a common<br />
feature of the native culture here.<br />
Due to the close proximity to the Indonesian<br />
border, Kampong Mongkos also conducts<br />
barter trade with their neighbours and these<br />
exchanges are always interesting to participate<br />
in. Just don’t barter away your air tickets amidst<br />
the excitement of trading! On your way back to<br />
the city after a few days stay, drop by the town of<br />
Serian, about an hour’s drive from the kampong<br />
and practice your new found language skills with<br />
the farmers at the local produce market where<br />
virtually all kinds of products are available.<br />
For further in<strong>for</strong>mation, please call Sarawak Tourism<br />
Board (STB) at (6) 082 423600, fax: (6) 082 416700<br />
or email to stb@sarawaktourism.com<br />
leisureTalk<br />
Oct-Dec2008BorneoTalk | 39
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