People wishing to experience life in Kampung Ayer can enjoy it through a 'homestay' programme offered by MPK Sungai Bunga or Kampung Sungai Bunga Consultative Council.  Last year the programme gained international recognition under the Best Homestay category.

It's unique 'on water' location gives an advantage to Kampung Sungai Bunga in Mukim Kota Batu in attracting tourists.  Without needing a large capital, the Kampung Sungai Bunga Consultative Council embarked on the homestay effort at the end of 2013, turning the home of the Ketua Kampung or Village Chief into a pilot project.  The initiative was transformed into the village's 1 Village 1 Product Project.  In an interview with RTB, Awang Zaini bin Muhammad Salleh said the MPK or Village Consultative Council was formed in 2009, when they held a meeting and decided that tourism was going to be one of their 1 Village 1 Product activities.  It was realised in 2013, when Awang Zaini's house was used in the homestay programme.

Support and assistance from government agencies enabled the Kampung Sungai Bunga Consultative Council to further develop the project by involving 12 homes that could accommodate 45 visitors. In 2015 the MPK Sungai Bunga held a familiarization meeting with tourism agencies and government departments to introduce their packages, including the homestay, traditional cooking and foods, cultural and religious performances and other tourism products.  The Village Consultative Council now has a workforce of 12 people comprising of the village residents.

MPK Sungai Bunga's income last year was very encouraging, with twenty thousand dollars from the homestay and other tourism services.  The key to the MPK's success included solidarity among the villagers, top quality, unique and attractive services, especially for the foreign tourists.  Living under one roof with their hosts provided the tourists with real experience of living with the Brunei Malays of Kampung Ayer as well as enjoying the villagers traditional cooking.   Many of the 'homestay' visitors were from Europe, the ASEAN-Korea Centre and ASEAN countries.   Awang Zaini, the Sungai Bunga Village Chief highlighted that the village gained recognition last year and received the ASEAN Homestay Standard Award in Manila.  Since then there has been more foreign interest in the Homestay programme.

With well organised promotion and strategy, the MPK Sungai Bunga Homestay programme has the potential to become a greater tourist destination choice.  This in turn would open more job opportunities and generate income not only among the villagers but also for the country.  The effort also supports the National Tourism Direction that is geared towards multiplying the number of tourist's visiting the country by 2020.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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