The kampung is where all Malaysians can experience warm Malay hospitality

The writer with his foster parents Hajah Zaiton Ahmad and Haji Mohammad Harun in front of the couple’s residence at Homestay Kampung Lonek. — CHESTER CHIN/The Star

Having lived in a metropolitan setting for most of my life, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a city boy through and through.

​​​​​My bedroom is filled with self-assembled furniture from Ikea, weekends are spent at the shopping mall and a hot shower in the morning is considered a basic life necessity.

So just imagine my horror when I found out that I would be staying at a traditional Malay village for three nights for work.