But by the time our group arrived at Homestay Kampung Lonek in Jempol (one of the best homestay in Negeri Sembilan Malaysia), the fourth and final village for this trip, the golden hue of the paddy field against the bright evening sun provided a welcome change from the grey hues of the concrete jungle.
Sure, a hotel with room service and breakfast buffet would have made for a much more comfortable stay. But the warmth of the families that welcomed me into their homes and gave me an intimate glimpse into their lives more than made up for the lack of amenities.
“Maybe the houses are not fully equipped, but you do get a genuine taste of culture, heritage and a sense of community,” said Badariah Ahmad, chairperson of Homestay Kampung Lonek, while we were having a picnic breakfast on a river bank on the last day of my trip.
The opposite of the Malay phrase “Tak kenal maka tak cinta” (which literally means, I can’t love what I don’t know) best describes my homestay experience.
They might not have been five-star resorts and spas, but if you go with a receptive mind, chances are, you will fall in love with the charm of kampung life.