Indigenous Tropical Adventure Homestay (ITAH Campsite), Lenjang, Pahang
ITAH Campsite is located along Sungai Jelai Kecil, at an elevation of about 300m among the hills and mountains of Banjaran Titiwangsa, with the range that forms the Pahang-Perak border visible at the horizon.
The campsite is run by a Semai family, headed by patriarch and matriarch of the family, Bah Sing’in and Wak Alek with the help of his brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, grandchildren, as well as his brother-in-law, Bek Raheed who acts as an advisor.
It takes an almost 3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, passing by the towns of Bentong, Raub, and finally Sungai Koyan before turning into the Jalan Ringlet-Sungai Koyan highway for Pos Betau. Upon parking our cars at a friend’s place in Pos Betau, we will transfer to the back of a Hilux, riding to the campsite for 1.5 hours off road, crossing streams, bridges, and rivers, and waving as we drive by Orang Asli villages towards our destination.
4WD journey
We’ll sit at the back of Bek Raheed’s Hilux so be ready for an adventure, rain or shine! Pop a motion sickness pill if needed.
Comfortable chalets
There are 3 chalets – one by the river and two closer to the kitchen and field.
P.S. The toilet got jamban ok!
Kampung meals
A selection of rice, chicken, and cassava cooked in bamboo, as well as steamed and/or fried cassava (they taste even better than french fries and potato chips!)
Traditional cooking
Wrapping hill paddy rice in bemban leaves or selak ler, then slow cook in bamboo over fire.
Weaving with master weavers
Choose between learning the kelarai or the gelang chenos (the former for beginners and the latter for those who want to challenge themselves!)
Hiking to the 7-tiered waterfall
A 2-hour easy to moderate hike to the village waterfall. You’ll be crossing 3 rivers but don’t worry, the Orang Asli guides will be with you all the way.
Sewang preparation and performance
Collect the various leaves and flowers used in the Semai sewang or healing ritual, then together with the community prepare the leaves and flowers as well as paint the bamboo for the performance at night.
Paddy to rice process
This seasonal activity (between August to February) lets you experience the Semai traditional practice of hill paddy planting, from dibbling, harvesting, pounding and finally winnowing.
Sungai Kenderung river excursion
Just a few minutes hike from the chalet and you get to go for a dip or swim in the river.
Crafts sharing
Bring extra cash and support the local village economy by buying directly from the craft-makers themselves. Your support keeps their craft alive.
One big family!
Our ecotourism initiative with our Semai family directly supports their effort in uplifting their village economy as well as building a future for the next generation.
If you’re interested in making a trip to ITAH Campsite, read more here.
