Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani, so much to do, so little time ... and its Tour packages

Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani is my best ever Homestay experience! Believe me ~ I have been and experienced the hospitality and activities at Homestay Pelegong, Homestay Kg Lonek, Homestay Gemas, Homestay F’Best and Homestay Laman Bangkinang (all in Negeri Sembilan State); Homestay Parit Penghulu, Homestay Seri Tanjung and Homestay Air Limau (all In Melaka State); Homestay Bukit Gantang and Homestay Gopeng (all in Perak State); Homestay Desa Murni, Temerloh, Pahang, Homestay Banghuris, Selangor, Homestay Pulau Tuba, Langkawi, Kedah. Homestay Kg Ujung Bukit Kangar, Perlis, Homestay Renok Baru in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Homestay Annah Rais, Padawan, Sarawak and Misompuru Homestay Kudat, Sabah. Each Homestay offers different lifetime experience for me.

Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani is located in the Sabak Bernam district. Address: Activity Center, Jalan Parit Dua, Sungai Haji Dorani, Sungai Besar, Selangor. 

Paddy fields at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

 The 2007 movie ‘Mukhsin’ by the famous and talented late Yasmin Ahmad and the 2012 video ‘Anak Kampung’ sung by Jimmy Palikat from the group One Nation Emcees was shot at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani during the Planting and Harvesting Paddy season. Actually, this is the best time to come to this rice-bowl area of Sekinchan when it is green ~ soothing to the mind and soul ~ and breezy. Eventually the Paddy stalk will turn golden yellow when it ripens and is ready to be harvested. Hence, keep your calendar free from Mid-March until Mid-May and Mid-September until Mid-November. 

Me and my Indian group with our Scarecrow at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

I went to Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani four times, once to spend two nights with a group of Canadian High School Students and thrice for a Day Trip with a small group of 7 persons from Brunei and India. I did lots of things here like cycling, batik painting, pounding of rice grain using a wooden ‘Lesong Kaki’ or ‘Lesong Tangan’ and separating the husks from the rice grain using a big round sieve made of bamboo, hand fishing or 'menggagau' or 'menggoca', traditional fishing at the Irrigation Canals, kite making and flying, visit a Nata De Coco and Virgin Coconut Oil factory, traditional snack cottage industry and demonstration of 'kuih bahulu' and make Scarecrow. 

Traditional fishing at the Irrigation Canals at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

 During the Canadian High School Students trip, we were invited to a real Malay Wedding as their Guest of Honor. Sometimes, a Mock Wedding is being organized by the Homestay Committee whereby the Bride and Groom are the participants themselves. Otherwise, a ‘lucky’ Bride or Groom is ‘married off’ to a local young man or woman. In this instance, it is always fun to watch the blushing local Bride or Groom when the Host and villagers teased the ‘Newly-wed couple’ of the ‘marriage bliss’. 

Flying kite at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

That night, the students were entertained with 'Kuda Kepang' dance of the Javanese descent. 'Kuda Kepang' is usually made of wicker, which is like a horse with no legs. It is made of woven bamboo or animal skin colored to make it more attractive. I was made the co-Master of Ceremony-cum-Translator by the villagers and students because I had more zest than anyone present include the Dancers. I even got more souvenir and goodie bags from the villagers and students. 

Traditional baking of 'Kuih Bahulu' at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

During the Brunei group, I asked my amiable foster Mother to cook 'Nasi Ambeng', served in a large tray with a single serving which is actually made up of four portions of rice, fried noodles, chicken, serunding, tempe and many more on a tray lined with banana leaves which gives the said dish such a mouth-watering aroma. 

Visit Nata de Coco factory at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

Visit Banana Chips factory at Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

Package price per person

Group Size	Day trip	2D1N	3D2N *
7 – 10 persons	RM 253.00	RM 461.00	RM 662.00
11 – 19 persons	RM 200.00	RM 365.00	RM 523.00
20 – 30 persons	RM 145.00	RM 265.00	RM 378.00
>40 persons	RM 108.00	RM 198.00	RM 286.00

Note * - For the 3D2N program, if the no of persons is less than 40 persons, there will an additional cost of RM 520.00 per performance for the ‘Kuda Kepang’ dance

The above package includes transportation from Kuala Lumpur with driver-cum guide or Malay / English speaking tour guide, meals and activities as per below but excludes the internal transportation within the Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani.

I would recommend the following activities for a typical Day Trip, 1 Night Stay or 2 Nights Stay.

Day trip (from 10.00am to 4.00pm, lunch and tea break) - Visit traditional snack and Nata De Coco factory, activities such as demonstration of ‘kuih bahulu’, Batik canting, pounding and separating rice grain, kite flying and hand fishing

2 Days 1 Night Stay (from 10.00am on 1st day to 11.00am the next day, welcome drink, breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Visit Mango orchards, traditional snack and Nata De Coco factory, activities such as demonstration of ‘kuih bahulu’, Batik canting, pounding and separating rice grain, kite flying, hand fishing and night walk

3 Days 2 Night Stay (from 4.00pm on 1st day to 2.00pm on last day, welcome drink, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner) - Visit Mango orchards, Paddy field, traditional snack, Nata De Coco factory and ‘Kuih Bahulu’ home industries, activities such as Batik canting, pounding and separating rice grain, kite flying, hand fishing, night walk and ‘Kuda Kepang’ dance performance.

Optional Costs

Meal / Activity / Village Stay	Rate	Remarks
Young Coconut drink	RM 5.00 per person	Minimum 4 persons
Tea Break	RM 4.00 per person	Minimum 4 persons
‘Nasi Kawah’ #	RM 12.00 per person	Minimum 10 persons
‘Nasi Ambeng’	RM 55.00 per serving	Minimum 4 persons ( 1 serving)
Fishing / Catching Eel	RM 12.00 per person	None
Finding Cockles / Shellfish	RM 12.00 per person	None
Fisherman for a Day	RM 270.00 per boat per trip	None
Making Scarecrow	RM 52.00 per scarecrow	None
Firefly watching at Sg Bernam	RM 17.00 per person	Minimum 4 persons
Welcome reception	RM 220.00 per activity	None
‘Silat’#	RM 220.00 per activity	None
‘Kuda Kepang’	RM 520.00 per activity	None
Traditional Malay dance	RM 670.00 per activity	None
‘Ghazal Paty’ (Arabic music)	RM 720.00 per activity	None
‘Gamelan’ # / ‘Wayang Kulit’ *#	RM 820.00 per activity	None
Mock Wedding	RM 1,550.00 per activity	None
Homestay room	RM 65.00  - RM 75.00	Per room per night, staying with the Foster family
Chalet	RM 85.00 – RM 130.00	Per unit per night, Facilities – Air-conditioned room, single bed, bathroom, water heater & TV.
Village Home	RM 170.00 – RM 220.00	Per unit per night. Facilities – 3 Bedrooms, air-conditioned, 2 bathroom, spacious living room, kitchen, BBQ set & TV
2D1N Free & Easy	RM 65.00 per person	Accommodation with 3 meals Minimum 4 persons

Note #

1)  ‘Nasi Kawah’ – Rice cooked in a huge pot over a steel stove. Usually, it is done during wedding and festive occasions. Sometimes, meat or chicken or mutton curry is cooked this way.

2) ‘Silat’ – Malay martial art which is usually perform during a wedding reception or part of a Show performance.

3) ‘Gamelan’ – A traditional musical instruments comprising of metallophones, xylophones, 'gendang' or drums and gongs, bamboo flutes and plucked strings.

4)  ‘Wayang Kulit’ – Shadow-puppet play performed by a Puppet Master behind a big cotton screen lighted by a halogen electric light, played all night long accompanied by a ‘gamelan’ orchestra.

A typical 3 Days 2 Night Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani

Day 1

At 4.00pm, meet and greet. Welcome drink will be served. Hand-over to foster family, Dinner at the foster family home. After dinner, Night Walk in the Paddy fields to observe and understand the flora and fauna especially crabs and also to enjoy the beauty and calmness of the Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani at night time.

Day 2

After breakfast at foster family home, proceed for activities of Batik canting, pounding and separating rice grain. Lunch at the Activity Center after which the activities kite flying and hand fishing will be carried. After dinner at Foster family home / Activity Center, the Kuda Kepang’ dance will be performed.

Day 3

After breakfast at foster family home, visit Mango orchards, Paddy field, traditional snack, Nata De Coco factory and ‘Kuih Bahulu’ home industries. Lunch at Activity Center before the Homestay program ends at 2.00pm for a trip back home

If you have any query regarding the above packages and any other special request regarding the Homestay Sungai Haji Dorani program in Selangor, please feel free to contact Miss Wan at 03-2260 2667 / 4667 or email leisureincentivetours@gmail.com 

There are more photos in our Company Facebook page - Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn Bhd and more Tour packages in our website http://litourssb.com

Pulau Ketam Tour Packages

Watercolor painting of Pulau Ketam by Aidil Fakhri Mokhtar, winner of  Putrajaya Floria Watercolor Competition 2012

Watercolor painting of Pulau Ketam by Aidil Fakhri Mokhtar

‘Pulau Ketam’ or Crab Island is a picturesque coastal fishing village built on stilts. It is located about 50 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. It is blessed with bountiful fishing grounds. The locals flocked to its superb seafood restaurants to savor a variety of seafood specialties, in particular the curry crab. Special arrangement can be made to visit the dry prawn and salted fish factories where you can buy fresh fish products at reasonable prices. Another interesting place to visit and buy fresh fish is The Fish Dealer Center where the fishermen sell their sea captures to the fish dealer. Prior arrangement has to be made as this factory is a private business place.

You need not go far to Pulau Pangkor in Perak and Pulau Duyong in Terengganu to see the making of wooden fishing boats. It is here at Pulau Ketam! Again prior arrangement is necessary to visit this private business place.

If you wish to experience a day of life at sea, you may stay at the floating chalets or ‘Kelong” house at the Fish Farm, which is located about two or three kilometers offshore. Anglers may also bring their own fish tackle to fish. You need to prepare your own meal, kitchen is provided.

For the anglers, artists and photographers, you need to spend a night or two to mesmerize the laid back and easy life of the villagers and to capture the tranquility of this fishing village on canvas.

  

Although Pulau Ketam is a desolated small island, please try to avoid going there during the public holidays because it is very crowded with family and friends returning to the island.

Package          : Day trip to Pulau Ketam

No of persons	Package A	Package B
6 – 10 persons	RM 95.00	RM 225.00
11 – 20 persons	RM 90.00	RM 190.00
21 – 40 persons	RM 85.00	RM 155.00
>41 persons	RM 75.00	RM 120.00

Package A includes ferry ticket either by air-conditioned ferry / chartered speed boat / chartered open air wooden boat, activities (village tour and fish farm, seafood lunch and local island tour guide

Package B includes Air-conditioned van / coach with English speaking tour guide, ferry ticket either by air-conditioned ferry / chartered speed boat / chartered open air wooden boat, activities (village tour and fish farm and seafood lunch

Itinerary

9.30 – 10.00am Meet tour guide at Port Klang jetty and depart to Pulau Ketam

10.30am            Visit the floating fish farm

12.00pm            Arrive at Pulau Ketam jetty. Have Seafood lunch

1.00pm              Village tour of the boat factory, Chinese temple, market etc

2.30pm               Free to rent a bike or visit Fish Dealer Center (depend on the tide level)

3.30pm               Depart to Port Klang

4.00pm              Arrive at Port Klang jetty

The above itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.

Package          : Fishing

Package	Package price	Remarks
Overnight & Night Fishing	RM 80.00 per adult RM 45.00 per child	Minimum 3 adults
Day Fishing trip	RM 40.00 per adult RM 20.00 per child	Minimum 4 adults. If below 3 adults, the rate is RM 90.00 per boat

Package	Package inclusions	Terms & Conditions
Overnight & Night Fishing	Boat transfer from Pulau Ketam jetty to Fish farm, 1 night stay at Chalet at Fish Farm, Fresh water supply for bathing and cooking Accident insurance.	SIC tour Find own way to Pulau Ketam jetty Please bring your own fishing tackle and baits. Kitchen utensils are provided but own food and seasoning.
Day Fishing	Boat transfer from Pulau Ketam jetty to Fish farm  Fishing at Fish Farm.	SIC tour Find own way to Pulau Ketam jetty Please bring your own fishing tackle and baits.

Ferry Schedule

Ferry ticket fare            : RM 7.00 per adult per way and RM 4.00 per child per way

Port Klang jetty – Pulau Ketam jetty (Sg Lima Village, a brief 1^st stop, a boat making island)

Weekday (Monday – Friday): 8.45am, 9.30am, 10.15am (via Sg Lima), 11.00am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.15pm (via Sg Lima), 2.00pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm, 4.15pm, 5.00pm, 5.45pm (via Sg Lima) and 6.30pm (via Sg Lima, last ferry)

Weekend (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 8.45am, 9.30am, 10.15am (via Sg Lima), 11.00am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.15pm (via Sg Lima), 2.00pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm, 4.15pm, 5.00pm and 5.45pm (via Sg Lima)

Pulau Ketam jetty - Port Klang jetty

Weekday (Monday – Friday): 7.45am, 8.30am, 9.15am, 10.00am, 10.45am, 11.30pm, 12.15pm 1.00pm, 1.45pm, 3.15pm (via Sg Lima), 4.00pm, 4.45pm and 5.30pm (via Sg Lima, last ferry)

Weekend (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday): 7.45am, 8.30am, 9.15am, 10.00am, 10.45am, 11.30pm, 12.15pm 1.00pm, 1.45pm, 3.15pm (via Sg Lima), 4.00pm, and 5.30pm (via Sg Lima)

Other alternative mode of transport to Pulau Ketam  : Speed boat or Wooden boat

Package          : 2D1N Artist workshop at Pulau Ketam (ex-Kuala Lumpur)

Package price (per person)

Single occupancy      RM 450.00

Twin Share                   RM 400.00

Triple Share                  RM 395.00

Quad Share                 RM 380.00

Package price includes return transport from Kuala Lumpur and speed boat transfers from Port Klang jetty, 1 night stay at Pulau Ketam, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and workshop conducted by a professional artist.

Note

1)      Minimum 8 adults

2)      Pick up from one point only in Kuala Lumpur (to be advised)

3)      SIC tour – there are other people in the group

4)      Please bring your own art supply such as brush, paper / canvas, palette, easel etc

5)      Please give at least 3 weeks’ notice prior the date of departure

If you have any questions regarding Pulau Ketam and its packages, please call Miss Wan at 03-2260 2667 / 4667.

More photos in our Company Facebook page – Leisure & Incentive Tours Sdn Bhd

We have more tour packages in our website litourssb.com