By PAUL MU
muvitet@gmail.com
SEMPORNA: Kampung Pakalangan offers another side of Semporna that visitors rarely see, as most attention is focused on its world-famous coral reefs and turquoise waters.
“We aim to promote the cultural side of Semporna and its local cuisine,” said Razak Pakalangan Village Stay owner, Abdul Razak Tampi.
“We are developing seven units of chalets and offer the cheapest rate in Semporna, at only RM99 per night,” he said.
“We also organise barbecue activities and river cruises to see fireflies,” he said during a visit by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah, led by chairman Mohd Azlan Saleh Abd Salem and its members, who inspected the site as part of a three-day networking session and site visit programme in Semporna from May 20 to 22.
Also present were a Sabah Tourism Board officer, Semporna Local Bumiputera Tourism Operators Association (Pusabumi) chairman Mad Zafar Mad Zahala, and secretary Anyrishah Mohd Shah.
The site is located about 13 kilometres from town and the road condition is good, he said.
“It is more of a village concept rather than a homestay. We have mango orchards here and when the fruits are in season, guests can pick and eat them.
“We provide knives for them so they can enjoy the experience themselves,” said Razak.
For first-time guests, about 10 mangoes are provided, and additional fruits can be purchased if desired, he said.
During the fruit season, especially in July, visitors can enjoy the fruits with their families, he added.
“We also have coconuts and papayas planted as part of agro-tourism activities, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh fruits directly from the farm,” he said.
The project started about two years ago and most visitors so far are local tourists looking for a place to relax, he said.
One of the challenges faced is water supply, although water is available and the sea is nearby. Visitors can also go fishing, and fireflies can be seen in the area, he said.
There are suggestions to upgrade the site by building a restaurant, public toilets and a transit area for visitors. It could also serve as a stopover point for bikers and travellers, he said.
About 37 students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently visited the site for educational tours and research activities.
“We are also planning to create a camping area near the beach and develop a cultural centre featuring traditional houses of the local ethnic communities in Semporna.
“We want to showcase the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local people here. There are many plans, but funding remains a challenge as everything is currently self-funded,” he said.
“Chinese tourists especially enjoy visiting islands, but they also like eating mangoes. Some visitors have even brought boxes of mangoes back to China.
“In the future, with support from MATTA Sabah, we hope to further develop this place into a proper homestay product centred on culture, orchards and the local way of life,” he said.
Pakalangan1: Azlan (third, right), presents a souvenir to Mat Zafar as Razak (fifth, right), and Matta Sabah members look on.
Razak (left), shows Matta Sabah members the mango orchard.
Chalets and mango orchard.
