Labu Kubong: A quiet village transforming life into tourism
This is no ordinary village, it is a community-driven haven that welcomes guests to experience life as it is; unfiltered, authentic, and steeped in tradition.
Nestled in the serene landscape of Kuala Kangsar, the royal town of Perak, lies Kampung Labu Kubong; a village so peaceful that time feels like it has slowed down. Here, simplicity reigns. Paddy fields stretch endlessly, framed by majestic hills that keep the mornings cool and misty.
But this is no ordinary village, it is a community-driven haven that welcomes guests to experience life as it is; unfiltered, authentic, and steeped in tradition.
When I arrived at Labu Kubong Homestay, it was clear this place was special. The villagers themselves manage the homestay, pooling their resources and talents to create an experience that is as heartfelt as it is unique. From rustic village-style stays to modern comforts, they offer options for travellers seeking anything from solitude to immersion in daily village life.
The homestay is not just about accommodation; it is about stories and connections. Each home visit reveals layers of village life and every villager has a role in this collective effort to promote tourism.
My journey started with a visit to a stingless beekeeper who also happened to be the village’s foreman. His enthusiasm was infectious as he explained the delicate art of keeping stingless bees and harvesting their honey.
Sampling honey straight from the hive was an adventure in itself. One nest delivered a rich, familiar sweetness, while another caught me off guard with its sharp, tangy flavour; almost sour. For a moment, I nearly accused the beekeeper of tricking me into tasting stale honey, only to realise with a laugh that I tasted it straight from the source!
The bees buzzed lazily around, seemingly at ease with the village’s tranquil vibe. And if you are wondering why they did not sting us, well, the name says it all; these are stingless bees. So rest assured, no harm was done that day.
Next came the rubber tapper, who patiently demonstrated the technique of extracting latex from trees. The rhythmic scraping of his tapping tool against the bark was oddly soothing. What was not soothing, however, was the smell of natural rubber. They smelled earthy and pungent, almost like a barnyard.
But that is part of the experience, learning to appreciate the rawness of life here.
My final stop was with a gentle grandmother who makes ‘bedak sejuk’, a traditional cooling rice powder. Though I arrived late, it was delightful watching her and the international delegates work together, laughing as they shaped the powder into tiny pearls. Her grandchildren darted about, their giggles adding to the warm, familial atmosphere.
What sets Kampung Labu Kubong apart is its people. They do not just open their homes, they open their hearts, inviting you to live their stories, if only for a while. Their hospitality feels genuine, like visiting distant relatives who are thrilled you have come back home. It is no wonder some visitors leave feeling as though they have rediscovered their roots, regardless of where they’re from.
Beyond the warmth of the villagers, the village itself is a visual feast. Whether it is riding a bike through the fields, taking a tram tour of the area or simply walking and soaking in the tranquillity, the beauty of Labu Kubong lies in its simplicity. Here, life slows down, inviting you to pause, breathe and just be.
My visit to Labu Kubong was the perfect ending to a three-day Media Fam Trip organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. This initiative aims to shine a spotlight on Malaysia’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism (MMFT) and Labu Kubong embodies that vision beautifully.
In just one day, I felt like I had travelled back in time, exploring not just the landscapes but also the lives and livelihoods of the people who call this place home. Leaving the village was bittersweet.
If you are looking for a getaway that offers more than a destination, something that touches your soul and teaches you to appreciate the beauty of life’s simplicities, Labu Kubong Homestay is the place to be.
Come for the views, stay for the stories and leave with memories that feel like a warm embrace.
