1. Dorani Homestay, Sungai Haji Dorani, Selangor
Opening your room window when you wake up from your sleep in the morning, you will be greeted by vast acres of paddy fields as far as your eyes could see.
2. one of the properties in the homestay programme
This is a typical “view from a room” at Dorani Homestay for those seeking a village holiday. Haji Dorani Homestay is located by Sungai Dorani / Sungai Besar in Sabak Bernam.
3. view from the veranda
The villagers here who have enrolled in the homestay programme has opened up their homes to guests who are looking for a different, more relaxed, vacation.
4. living room
Therefore, a number of packages have been drawn up, offering not only accommodation but meals alongside family members as well as village activities from eel-fishing to making coconut leaf trumpets.
5. one of the bedrooms
During our visit, my friends and I had the privileged to learn more about Kuda Kepang, where dancers “ride” the flat horse, depicting horsemen.
6. kitchen
This is a traditional Javanese dance with strong links to spirit possession, therefore many of the dancers seem to be in a trance. However, in modern day the Kuda Kepang dance is presented as a form of cultural entertainment.
7. Ynez Wahab blows the coconut palm whistle
Depending on how much time you stay at Dorani and the season, you will get to participate in many local pastimes, including flying the wau and harvesting of paddy.
8. masks used in the Kuda Kepang dance
To get the best paddy scenery, I would suggest to stay during the months of June and December, prior to the harvesting of paddy.
9. Kuda Kepang demonstration
Most of the villagers in Sabak Bernam are of Javanese descent. These hosts are very friendly and try to make their guests’ stay as comfortable as possible, despite the lack of modern city amenities.
10. Kuda Kepang demonstration
I have to reiterate that homestays are not for everyone as one needs to be clever to adapt to a strange environment. Nonetheless, there is no harm trying just for one time, right?
11. my friend Fauzi Mohamad learns the steps to Kuda Kepang
Dorani Homestay
Website: Dorani Homestay
Add: Parit 1, Sungai Haji Dorani, 45300 Sungai Besar, Selangor.
Tel: +6013-607 7025 (Abdul Rahman Daud)
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