We speak to Native Discovery about how they co-create travel experiences with Orang Asli groups to build intercultural relationships.
Amidst the embrace of Malaysia’s rainforests and along the meandering paths of its rivers lies a world of ancient wisdom and natural wonder. Here, age-old traditions seamlessly merge with the whispers of the jungle. Here is also where Malaysia’s indigenous tribes have thrived for generations, nurturing an intimate connection with the land, the creatures, and cherished cultural legacies.
An indigenous woman skillfully prepares a traditional meal. Photo by Native Discovery.
In Peninsular Malaysia, indigenous people, or better known collectively as Orang Asli are heterogeneous and diversified in language and culture (Mansor et al., 2020). Despite having thrived for hundreds of years prior to the arrival of the cash economy, the gradual sprawl of urbanisation and changes to their surrounding environment has made it more challenging to maintain their traditional way of life and to sustain their livelihoods.
One of the ways of generating income for communities like these has been through community-based tourism, which places a stronger emphasis on community involvement in all phases of tourism development. Through the offering of tours, accommodation, and products, communities get to share their culture with travellers and supplement their household incomes.
In an article about the role of community-based tourism in tackling poverty, the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya, says that when executed well, community-based tourism should not only have positive economic effects, but also strengthen regional cultural traditions, empower rural communities, foster intercultural exchange, and protect the environment and wildlife.
Native Discovery is an organisation that works with Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia to co-create ventures that boost livelihoods while enabling respectful cultural discovery. By sharing Orang Asli culture through various programmes, they hope to encourage intercultural understanding and give their guests an opportunity to become an ally for Malaysia’s indigenous peoples.
Supporting indigenous entrepreneurship: why did they start?
Recognising the rich heritage of indigenous communities, Native Discovery believes that community-based tourism can contribute to a more equitable world. It offers local indigenous communities an opportunity to assert their unique identities, taking their rightful place in mainstream Malaysian society, while exercising self-determination through managing their own ventures.
I was doing my thesis on the assessment of Orang Asli housing to be more representative of their overall needs, to build a better case for shelter solutions. This led me to spend a lot more time with them. I started Native Discovery two years later after realising that these indigenous communities themselves wanted to, and have the capacity to, champion their own growth and solutions.
- Native Discovery founder, Daniel Teoh
What began as a volunteer project has now evolved into a successful platform, gaining recognition both locally and internationally. Daniel continues to work towards co-creating community-based tourism ventures with indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia to boost livelihoods while embracing respectful cultural discoveries.
High fives and bright smiles as Daniel Teoh (middle) continues his work to provide a platform
for intercultural exchange between the Orang Asli hosts and their guests . Photo by Native Discovery.
Go on journeys specially curated for you
Native Discovery takes pride in its specially curated, Orang-Asli-guided trips, where the trips employ the ‘leisure’ element as a device to build relationships. Each journey is designed to enable visitors to explore and appreciate the distinctive cultural landscape and how this shapes the rhythms of life, practices and beliefs of local people. Visitors have included students and private sector employees interested in learning more about traditional lifestyles. Guests have the opportunity to interact with local hosts, exchanging stories and cultural practices, and creating meaningful memories along the way.
Fostering such relationships requires patience and effort. Daniel and his team put special emphasis on safeguarding community autonomy and cultivating cultural understanding.
Immerse Yourself in Unique Stays and Indigenous Culture
A stay with character, Uman Temuan Homestay. Photo by Native Discovery.
Discover the charm of Uman Temuan Homestay, a haven nestled in the serene village of Serendah. Partnering with the indigenous community, Native Discovery has crafted a remarkable lodging that celebrates the rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship of the Orang Asli.
Native Discovery brings a modern bamboo design together with the Orang Asli’s affinity for the natural world to offer a unique abode that honours the indigenous spirit as visitors rejuvenate during their stay.
Embrace Authentic Encounters on Curated Journeys
a) Kampung Gurney Ulu Yam
Just a stone’s throw away from Kuala Lumpur lies Kampung Gurney, home to the vibrant Temuan Indigenous people. Delve into their captivating stories that is deeply rooted in Selangor’s history, where forest keepers share their insights into organic durian cultivation and sustainable harvesting practices. Forge meaningful connections with the community as you immerse yourself in their way of life.
b) Kampung Serendah
A short 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur leads to Kampung Orang Asli Serendah, a bastion of cultural resilience. The Temuan tribe, known for their tenacity and humility, proudly upholds their ancestral traditions, passed down through generations.
Throughout generations, the tribe has preserved ancestral methods for sustainable living and harnessing the resources of the natural forest in their daily routines. Explore the historical lands predating independence, uncover traditional cooking techniques, and unravel the hidden secrets of the forest firsthand.
Embark on an Authentic Temuan Experience
Begin your day with a refreshing hike through Bukit Beruang, guided by an Orang Asli expert, as you traverse historical landscapes. Engage in a hands-on cooking class with indigenous women, mastering traditional ingredients and culinary techniques. Conclude your adventure by delving into centuries-old crafts, skillfully passed down through generations.
Promoting community autonomy
“It is important to respect the Orang Asli community’s ownership over their own decision-making. The Native Discovery team recognises their autonomy, self-determination, and deep understanding of their own needs and priorities within the community,” Daniel shares.
With their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land, these communities possess knowledge and insights into their own challenges and opportunities. As a community partner, Native Discovery facilitates the solution-finding process and connects the community to resources they need, always ensuring that the decision-making power rests fully in the community’s hands.
“We can only suggest solutions to them, but the overall and final decision should come from them.
They would know what is best for their community,” Daniel explains. Photo by Native Discovery.
Understanding cultural differences
There being little opportunity to interact, the majority of urban Malaysians have had little exposure to Orang Asli. However, Native Discovery believes it is never too late for people to begin to engage with indigenous Malaysians and to establish new connections.
“We want to help the world discover the best of Orang Asli heritage with the goal of breaking stereotypes and encouraging healthy intercultural relationships.“
– Daniel Teoh
Daniel emphasises the need to rebalance the mainstream narrative to one that cultivates appreciation for all cultures, including minority indigenous ones. He hopes that this nurtures a respect for all practices, languages, rituals, and worldviews.
Demonstrating how a blowpipe works. Photo by Native Discovery.
Fostering connections
On a Native Discovery tour, the indigenous community takes the lead in decision-making while guests become a part of a story that celebrates diversity and fosters cross-cultural connections.
With their active engagement, respect for cultural differences, and long-term collaboration, Native Discovery hopes to inspire more Malaysians and travellers to understand that community-based tourism goes beyond travel. It is about forging relationships and safeguarding the cultural and ecological treasures of our nation.
Find out more about Native Discovery here
Writer: Rebecca Anne Chin (The Habitat Foundation)
Contributor: Daniel Teoh (Native Discovery)
Location: Selangor Type: Tour Operator in partnership with Tour Provider GSTC Type: Tour Operator Sustainable Tourism Malaysia Commitments Focus: Promote care for local cultural and natural heritage / Menggalakkan penjagaan warisan tempatan, budaya, dan semula jadi. Global Sustainable Tourism Council SECTION B: Maximise social and economic benefits to the local community and minimise negative impacts B4 Local entrepreneurs The organisation supports local entrepreneurs in the development and sale of sustainable products and services that are based on the area’s nature, history and culture. B4.1. Where appropriate, the organisation provides advice and support to local service providers with whom it engages, on the quality and sustainability of their service. B4.2. Opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships with local entrepreneurs are considered and pursued where appropriate. SECTION C: Maximise benefits to cultural heritage and minimise negative impacts C1 Cultural interactions The organisation follows international and national good practice and locally agreed guidance for the management and promotion of visits to indigenous communities and culturally or historically sensitive sites in order to minimise adverse impacts and maximise local benefits and visitor fulfilment. C1.5. The organisation participates in/supports training and use of local guides. C1.7. Feedback from local communities and from visitors is encouraged and acted upon. C3 Presenting culture and heritage The organisation values and incorporates authentic elements of traditional and contemporary local culture in its operations, design, decoration, cuisine, or shops, while respecting the intellectual property rights of local communities. C3.1. Sites visited and experiences offered provide an authentic experience of local culture and heritage. C3.2. Living cultural heritage and traditions are evident in cuisine, retail, events and other services offered. C3.4. The views of the local community have been sought on the presentation of local cultural heritage. |