IT IS rare to find a working wood-fired stove dating back to 1939, let alone the chance to sample tewol – a traditional Javanese cassava dish often paired with palm sugar – in an authentic village setting.
Meticulously preserved ancestral home Tanah Embah Heritage 1939 in Sepang, Selangor, offers exactly that.
It serves as a cultural escape, providing a rare and intimate glimpse into the enduring Javanese heritage within Malaysia.
Nestled within the traditional village of Kampung Bukit Bangkong in Sungai Pelek, the story of Tanah Embah, which translates to “grandparents’ land”, is personal to its visionary owner Datuk Noripah Kamso.
The property was originally owned by her grandmother, Rasinah Rashid, a descendant of Javanese settlers from Indonesia.
“We grew up in this ancestral home, and I remember my mother telling me not to let it fall into ruin,” said Noripah.
“She used to say: ‘If you take care of the house, the house will take care of you.’”
Following her mother’s death six years ago, Noripah honoured that wish by embarking on an ambitious transformation, redesigning and repurposing the home into a traditional kampung-stay.
Today, the house stands as a tribute to her heritage – a Javanese-inspired replica of a Keraton (palace) that blends the architectural elegance of Surakarta and Yogyakarta.
The interior also replaces modern decor with reclaimed treasures, such as old ornate lamps and intricate wood engravings.
“We want our guests to step into another world.
“They can relax in spotless, traditional kampung-style rooms and savour authentic Javanese cuisine prepared in our kitchen.
“We also have a functional wood-fired stove at my ancestral house where they try out the firewood cooking experience,” she said.
However, Noripah said, heritage was balanced with modern comforts including a swimming pool and pickleball court.
“We even have a Bolivian grape greenhouse, which offers a unique setting for candlelight dinners and special celebrations.”
Tanah Embah Heritage 1939 is an example of a rural escapade that allows travellers to enjoy traditional village life with uncompromised comfort.
Visitors can indulge in activities such as tapioca harvesting, visiting a petting zoo, collecting fresh chicken eggs from the coop, coffee and fruit plucking or even checking out an Orang Asli cultural show.
“Guests can even learn the art of making kuih bahulu at the village,” she said.
In tandem with its goal to become a venue for culture, heritage, history and arts events, Noripah recently organised Malam Nostalgia Puan Sri Saloma, an evening celebrating the golden era of Retro Malaya.
It featured song performances and Javanese food as well as a tour of the ancestral home.
Promoted by Tourism Selangor, Tanah Embah Heritage 1939 is one of the destinations aligning with the agency’s goal to push for small town tourism and the Visit Selangor Year campaign, which has been extended into 2026. — By JAROD LIM
