LUNDU: The abundance of wild nibong palm trees sparked the idea for Kamil Bujang to build his chalet using the palms.
Kamil, the owner of Deen Chalet, Pantai Pugu, Lundu, said most of the chalets in the area were concrete or bricks so he wanted something different.
“About 80 per cent of my chalet is made using nibong palms obtained from the forest.
“The spikes on the nibong palm should be removed first before anything,” he explained, adding that his chalet is the only one in Lundu built using nibong palms.
The 63-year-old said besides the nibong palms, he would also use coconut tree trunks to make tables, which are placed on the veranda or courtyard of the chalet.
“This concept (of using natural resources) really saves cost.
“However, you have to be prepared to do hard work as I said earlier, the nibong palms are taken from the forest, sometimes deep inside.
“It cost me around RM80,000 to build this three-door chalet, including buying furniture such as beds, closets and others.
“Apart from the chalet, I also have huts (open rest areas), which are made using wood, for the convenience of visitors visiting Pantai Pugu.
“You can relax in the huts while enjoying the view of the beach.
“For those who want to rent a hut, it’s RM50 from 10am to 5pm or from 6pm to 10am.”
To ensure that people come back, Kamil said he always emphasised on cleanliness.
According to him, during the movement control order—when his chalet was not allowed to operate—he and his wife would use the time to clean the chalet, including sweeping, washing, dusting and mopping.
“Before the pandemic hit, public holidays and school holidays were the periods with the most visitors.
“I would also buy young coconuts from the villagers…fresh coconut water is highly sought-after by visitors. Sometimes, 150 coconuts are not enough in a day.”
Kamil said pets as well as non-halal food and drinks were strictly prohibited as most of his customers are Muslims.
“Most of the customers understand this but sometimes, there are some who bring in alcoholic drinks, especially when they are on the beach.
“Usually, I would advise them not to disturb others and if they persist, they are told to exit the premises immediately.”
He also emphasised that visitors should always adhere to Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures at all times for the benefit of all.
When asked about his plans, Kamil said he wanted to do many things, including increasing the number of chalets, which would likely be built on the beach as well as adding some other facilities.
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