By Khairul
Ashraf Kammed - 21 August 2014 @ 8:10 AM
NEW
STRAITS TIMES http://www.nst.com.my/node/25198
Syamille
Agrofarm & Resort in Kuala Kangsar brings back fond memories of his
hometown for Khairul Ashraf Kammed
SOME
of the fondest memories that I will always cherish are the ones spent at my
father’s orchard in Tanjung Belungkor, Johor, during the fruit season in the
early 1990s.
Spending
the night in a makeshift hut, armed with a torchlight and a machete, I got very
excited when I heard the sound of a falling object in the bushes nearby.
Harvesting
fresh durian which has just dropped, was definitely an enjoyable experience but
that activity ceased after my grandfather passed away.
My
recent stay at Syamille Agrofarm & Resort has evoked those sweet memories
although this time, I can eat the fruit to my heart’s content without having to
harvest them.
If
the timing is right, guests at this farm-resort will feast on a fruits such as
durian, rambutan, cempedak, mangosteen, jackfruit, starfruit, papaya, cherries,
duku, dokong, longan and even grapes.
 |
| The roselle flower which is used to make cordials. |
Children
will surely be drawn to the animals such as deer, peafowl, love bird and
parakeet, which are kept in a mini zoo, and the goats and cows, which are
reared in the stables.
The
resort also has some apiaries where the kelulut bees (stingless bees) produce
honey.
 |
| The tame deer are always happy to approach you when you offer them some food. |
GREEN
RESORT
Located
in Kampung Chuar Hilir in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, this resort blends in perfectly
with the lush forest and natural settings.
What
is unique about Syamille Agrofarm & Resort is that it combines natural
resources like wood, rocks and granite to create a modern architecture that
fuses with traditional landscape.
To
be more environmental-friendly, it uses old railway tracks, antique ironwood
doors and rusty stilts in most of its buildings. It has also adopted the zero
waste integration system, in which animal waste is used as fertilisers for the
orchards.
A
pond inhabited by koi, kelah and tilapia is strategically located near the
restaurant, and is surrounded by wooden chalets. It is so calming to eat while
watching the fish swim.
 |
| Watching the fish while having your meal is calming. |
REST
AND RELAX
My
room has three single beds made of bamboo, while the bathroom walls are made of
natural rocks. In its efforts to stay green, each room is installed with a
ceiling fan instead of air conditioner.
During
the day, you can just hang out at the patio while reading a book or bonding
with your loved ones. If you listen carefully, you can even hear the sound of
gurgling water from the stream nearby.
For
a true experience of living in an agro-farm resort, this is indeed the place to
be.
FAST
FACTS
HOTEL
Syamille
Agro-Farm & Resort, Lot 3749 & 3750, Jln Lata Perahu, Kg Chuar Hulu,
Mukim Chegar Galah, Kati, Kuala Kangsar, Perak Tel: 05-7520 209 Website: www.syamille.com.my
GETTING
THERE
From
the North-South Highway and make an exit at Kuala Kangsar. Right after the toll
plaza, drive towards Grik. About 15km up the road is a town called Kati (you’ll
see the signboard Lata Perahu on your left). Turn here and you’ll reach Kampung
Chuar Hulu. you won’t miss the large signboard indicating where the resort is.
MAIN
ATTRACTION
Scenic
resort set in an orchard and farm.
FIRST
IMPRESSION
Rustic
and charming.
ROOMS
There
are seven villas, each with a master bedroom, a twin bedroom, a living room, a
balcony with a view facing the jungle and the stream as well as a mini kitchen.
The deluxe room has two queen beds.
Another
10 chalets can accommodate up to four guests even though there are only three
single beds (additional mattress upon request). Every room has a rock salt lamp
to neutralise the air.
F&B
OUTLETS
The
in-house restaurant serves a la carte Thai dishes.
FACILITIES
There’s
a hall for seminars or family gatherings, with a stage. The hall can
accommodate a maximum of 80 people at one time. The PA system, projector and
electronic whiteboard are available for rental.
The
resort has a nursery that sells seedlings for a variety of flowering plants and
fruit trees.
 |
| Buildings such as this hall are constructed using recycled materials. |
OVERALL
SERVICE
Satisfactory
with a personal touch from the owner.
PLACES
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
A
stream runs through the resort from the nearby Lata Perahu waterfall (one km or
15-minute drive away). But if you prefer trekking, it will be a slight uphill
climb.
