JERANTUT: Want to stay in the huts of the Orang Asli in Taman Negara? The huts, made of branches and bamboo, resemble those of the Batek, a nomadic tribe who still make a living largely from hunting and gathering jungle produce. Since opening late last year, the Batek Jungle Hut in Dedari, Kuala Tahan, has become popular with foreign tourists. The community-based ecotourism initiative, with eight huts, has attracted tourists from countries such as Denmark and Holland. Datuk Idros Yahya, director-general of the Pahang office of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, said visitors learned about the community’s culture, language and traditions.

Image by NSTP/ courtesy of Pahang Tourism and Culture Department (Motac)

He said the Batek settlement near Sungai Tembeling had been a big crowd-puller. Visitors, he said, enjoyed watching the tribesmen make fire without matches and use blowpipes. “Batek villagers in Kuala Tahan were informed of the proposal last year. Some of them found the idea interesting and took up the challenge of preparing the huts. They were assisted by various agencies, tour operators and other villagers,” said Idros. “The eight huts, which overlook the river and have separate bathrooms and toilets, will be powered by solar energy. The roofs will be made of woven nipah leaves. Tourists will have the chance to taste boiled tapioca and other foods.

Would you like to stay in the Orang Asli huts in Taman Negara? The huts, made of branches and bamboo, resemble those of the Batek, a nomadic tribe that still lives largely from hunting and gathering jungle products. Image by NSTP/courtesy of Pahang Tourism and Culture Ministry (Motac)

“Each hut can accommodate four people. Guests pay less than RM50 per night. Many seem to enjoy their stay. “Visitors can trek to Bukit Dedari and explore the nearby jungle with the Batek community. They can buy rattan bangles and other products sold by the community.” About 1,000 members of the Batek tribe live in Taman Negara. © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd