Rantau Kemiding Homestay Program, Kanowit

Rh Benjamin Angki, Rantau Kemiding was built in 1936 and located 4km from Kanowit town. Accessible by road and river transport. There are 64 doors or families stay in this longhouse which 53 make up the longhouse proper. Population in this longhouse is 409 people which 216 are females. This longhouse is the 2nd Homestay Program operator approved by Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. There are 14 trained homestay operators from this longhouse. The Homestay Program offers comfortable and clean accommodations, daily “longhouse style” breakfast and email access for international visitors and their families. This longhouse is located at the riverbank of Kanowit river and it has all public facilities, which include internet facilities.

How to get there

Located 118km from Sibu town area. Visitors have few choices to go to Kanowit; either by bus (RM8 per person one way) / Taxi (RM50 per taxi one way) or by expressboat (RM8 per person for one way). From Kanowit town to Rh Benjamin Angki you can hop on the local van.

Activities

Indoor activities at this longhouse are very much similar with other longhouses where tourist will be invited to join their “family” routine activities such as go to the farm, repair the fishing net, etc. Other than that you will also have the opportunity to try making your own rice wine, cook the traditional food in bamboo (manok pansuh), fried your own “kuih jala” or “penyaram”. They will also offer you the traditional Iban dance, Ngajat session. Don’t be surprise that your instructors would be the primary school students….

Fishing is one of the activities at the homestay program. If you enjoy fishing, then you can ask for the fishing rod from your “family”.
They will teach you how to use the tradition fishing rod.
Else you join the jungle trekking. Wear a proper attire like cap, long sleeve shirt, shoes and bring your own drinking water. The trekking will take you at least 45 minute to 1 hour.

Staying at the Trang Lodge

Visitors can choose to stay at the one and only chalet they have, located just in front of the longhouse, with 2 rooms and air-cond facility.

Attractions

Fort Emma

Located in Kanowit town and only 5 minute drive from the longhouse. Fort Emma was built by the White Rajah and is one of the historical place in Kanowit. For more information on Kanowit, visit Historical Gallery which located on the ground floor of the building. For those who want to check their email they can do so at the 1st floor.

St Francis Xavier Church

The oldest Church in Kanowit. Located along the way from the longhouse to Kanowit town.

Tut-Tut Boat tour

Famous water transport from Kanowit town to SMK Sedaya for the local. It cost you less than RM2 per person for the short trip.

Kampung Sg Bedil

Located 10 minute away by boat from Kanowit town. Bedil means Canon. This Canon is given by the white Rajah to remark the peacemaking among the local community during Rajah era. You still can see the canon in this village.