A 45-minute northward drive from Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Serendah is a quaint kampung that 300 indigenous families have, for generations, called home. Unassuming at first glance, but quietly majestic upon further exploration, Kampung Serendah is a living testament to the rich heritage and contributions of the Orang Asli. Acres of well-cared for forestlands tell stories of the indigenous environmental stewardship, existing infrastructure speaks of a unique blend of cultures, and the warmth of community members sings of the hospitality synonymous to the Orang Asli people.
Since 2020, we’ve co-hosted guests on unforgettable indigenous experiences with a group of Kampung Serendah’s Orang Asli tourism entrepreneurs. Experiences are highly modular and customisable, and we take pride in curating unforgettable experiences that cater to guests’ individual needs.
Curate your Native experience by selecting from our range of offered activities, each designed to provide a glimpse into the Orang Asli way of life, and to highlight the feasibility and urgency of being a good indigenous ally.
Learn how the forest shapes the identity of indigenous peoples as you traverse through ancestral forests with our Orang Asli hosts. Indulge your palate as you enjoy a traditional Temuan Lunch spread. Invoke the creative within by exploring the art of indigenous weaving with a master weaver, or perhaps discuss current matters with local community leaders through informal roundtables and dialogue sessions. From the educator to the food connoisseur and the cultural enthusiast, there is something for everybody.
Enjoy a traditional Temuan lunch spread
Weave your own traditional headgear with an Orang Asli weaver
Engage and connect with community leaders in a community dialogue
Departures and final goodbyes
At Umah Temuan Homestay, guests experience this culture firsthand. Nestled in lush forests and just steps away from the river, the bamboo homestay offers a solid traditional shelter with modern comforts. Enjoy a night beside quiet streams after a day of guided hikes, traditional meals, and hands-on activities like weaving and cooking, and fostering meaningful interactions with the Temuan community. Reach out to us to discover more.
Meet Bapak Ratus, the wise elder of the Orang Asli community. With a wealth of knowledge and experiences dating back to before Malaysian Independence Day, he is a living testament to the rich history and traditions of his people.
Introducing Genoi, the devoted wife of Bapak Ratus and a great cook who inspires Perisa Punan. Her warmth and nurturing spirit are the heart of the community, embodying the strength and resilience of the Orang Asli women.
Say hello to Ayah Inde, a young and forward-thinking leader. Embracing innovation and eagerness to collaborate with those outside the kampung, he represents the future of the Orang Asli community, bridging tradition with modernity.
Always cheerful and ready to help, Ayah Banjir is a hike guide extraordinaire. An integral part of the team, he loves exchanging knowledge, eating good food and conversing with guests.
One of the best cooks in town, Mak Banjir’s sambal kantan is to die for. Quiet and unassuming, she is always ready to whip up a dessert, or a cold salad to serve guests.
Pass Mak Akil pieces of mengkuang leaves and she’ll be able to weave intricate headgear, traditional sashes and skirts. A master weaver, Mak Akil is always ready to share her knowledge with guests.
Always ready to host and serve with a smile, Mui Bena is the youngest of Genoi’s 10 children. Ask her about her family of cats and the pride and joy of her life - her children!
Ayah Taugey knows Serendah inside out, and considers the jungle his ancestral backyard.His knowledge of Serendah folklore is impressive and extremely hard to beat!
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My bond with the Temuan community is growing stronger as they welcome me like family. We’ve learned and bonded so much. Precious!
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I’ll never forget my journey with the Orang Asli in Serendah this year. I’ve observed, learned, and understood so much.
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Time in the kampung warms my heart. It’s been fulfilling and unforgettable. I cherish the connections formed.
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Our students loved connecting with the Orang Asli community and learning their values. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!
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Thanks to Native for letting us work with the Orang Asli community and learn their culture and struggles. It was enriching for all!
What began as a group of 4 has now burgeoned into an organised team of 30 hosts, experienced in hosting a wide range of curated experiences. Utilising Native’s framework, we’ve successfully nurtured the spirit of entrepreneurship, developed local leaders, and invested in our partners to encourage active participation from community members in planning and decision-making processes that are aligned with their needs and aspirations.
We’ve successfully extended our framework to communities beyond Selangor. Our strategy of empowerment through effective community organising, entrepreneurship, and allyship is working, and we want to bring our expertise to benefit other communities. Interested in collaborating? Reach out to learn more.
