Embracing the warmth of kampung living and strong family bonds, developers are weaving its essence into modern homes and resorts. - LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Bringing rural enrichments into cities and urban experience
Contributed by Sulaiman Saheh
Across the country, as Malaysians celebrate its Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season, urban dwellers will return in droves to their hometowns to visit their families and friends. Recalling the classic tune of Balik Kampung by the late Allahyarham Sudirman, this seasonal travel alludes to the contrast between rural and urban living, each offering distinct lifestyle benefits and desirability. The excitement amongst family members extends beyond old fond memories but also the anticipation of enjoying the charm and tranquillity of rural or kampung living – a temporary escape from the fast-paced city life. The appeal of kampung life goes beyond just nostalgia—it offers reachability (affordability), a close-knit community and a peaceful environment, making it an attractive alternative to urban living.
Recognising the enduring appeal of traditional kampung living, property developers and hospitality players have acknowledged and embraced the kampung vibe and design, incorporating its elements into modern residential developments and resort retreats. These developments aim to offer a balanced lifestyle, blending the warmth and communal spirit of a kampung life with contemporary amenities, ultimately making the kampung experience accessible even to those who prefer proximity to urban centres.
Affordability with more space
One of the primary advantages of kampung life is the reachability and affordability of property. Unlike urban areas where real estate prices continue to skyrocket, kampung homes and land are relatively cheaper, allowing individuals to own larger spaces with a lesser financial burden. This is especially true for areas where despite being in a rural setting, due to its proximity to major towns via road and rail networks, its access is deemed sufficiently within reach as an outskirt area. This is where interests from urban dwellers sprawl, as a retreat home or a weekend home. Furthermore, many kampung houses are typically built on inherited family land, which could defray the need for monthly rent or loan repayments, reducing financial stress. Additionally, maintenance costs in kampungs are relatively low, as residents are not subjected to service charges, security fees, or parking costs, unlike those in high-rise strata buildings or gated communities.
Another appealing aspect of kampung life is its peaceful and natural environment. The fresher and greener environment provides fresh air, greenery and a slower-paced lifestyle, making them ideal for individuals seeking relaxation and mental well-being. Unlike urban areas that are constantly congested with traffic, noise and pollution, villages and kampungs offer a cleaner and healthier setting. This tranquillity is particularly beneficial for retirees or those who prefer a less stressful daily routine. Furthermore, kampung communities are known for their close-knit relationships. Unlike the often-isolated living conditions of city dwellers, kampung residents foster strong social bonds, with neighbours actively engaging in each other's lives and offering support during times of need. This sense of community creates a strong social safety net, especially for the elderly who may require assistance from their neighbors.
Self-sustainability attraction
Kampung life also encourages self-sustainability. Many residents engage in small-scale farming, growing their own vegetables and raising poultry, which reduces dependence on supermarkets and provides fresh, organic food. The lower cost of living enables individuals to stretch their income further, making kampung life financially sustainable. For urban migrants – especially retirees and the elderly, this lifestyle also offers them a more healthy, engaging and enriched daily routine.
These advantages to the traditional or kampung lifestyle are somewhat related to the scale of the rural lifestyle and the ambience of the less intense use of the environs. Though these are desirable, the flip side is that they are understandably served by a lesser degree or limited infrastructure with fewer modern conveniences.
Unlike urban centres equipped with high-quality amenities like healthcare, education and entertainment facilities, kampungs often lack these conveniences due to amongst other things, market size and commercial viability. For example, while some villages or outside urban centre hubs have basic medical clinics, they may not have specialised healthcare services, requiring residents to travel to nearby towns or cities for medical treatments.
These are inherently a driving factor for outskirt suburbs’ growth and niche market development – where the different amenities availability and access are often weighed against the desirable benefits of staying there. This is where the opportunity lies and is being focussed on by developers – how to merge the benefits of the two settings.
Combining the best of both worlds
In the modern urban setting, property developers have been exploring ways to bring the kampung concept into urban development. Recognising the appeal of kampung aesthetics, many housing projects now incorporate traditional village-style designs, open green spaces and communal living areas to foster a sense of community. These modern kampung-inspired developments offer the best of both worlds—combining the nostalgic charm of village life with the conveniences of city living. Features such as shared gardens, pedestrian-friendly pathways and village-style courtyards aim to recreate the warmth and togetherness found in traditional kampungs. These unique selling points attract both local and foreign homebuyers seeking a more balanced and community-driven lifestyle within urban settings. Additionally, developers emphasise sustainable living by incorporating eco-friendly elements like rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient homes and urban farming spaces to enhance the kampung atmosphere.
Several notable examples of kampung-style residential developments in Malaysia have emerged in recent years, focusing on an enclosed, modern take on kampung living that emphasises greenery, low density and a strong sense of community while being relatively distant from busy urban areas. One such development is Serenia City by Sime Darby, a township that integrates lush landscaping, pedestrian-friendly spaces and community-driven amenities to foster a close-knit living environment. Another example is EcoVillage in Setia Eco Park, which emphasises green living with large open spaces, sustainable design and low-density homes that encourage interaction among residents. Additionally, Tanarimba in Janda Baik is a prime example of a secluded residential development that blends modern architecture with nature, offering a tranquil lifestyle while maintaining a strong sense of community. These projects highlight a growing trend in Malaysia’s property market, where developers are blending traditional elements with modern living to create sustainable, community-driven housing solutions.
Income opportunity
Aside from residential developments, the kampung lifestyle has also inspired the hospitality industry, leading to the rise of hotel and resort villas that offer guests a temporary escape into a kampung-inspired environment. These accommodations, often set within forest reserves or remote natural landscapes, combine traditional Malay architectural elements with modern amenities. Resorts such as The Dusun in Seremban and Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur provide a serene retreat with wooden stilt houses, open verandas and lush surroundings while incorporating luxury elements such as private pools, fine dining and spa facilities. These establishments cater to travellers who wish to experience the tranquillity of kampung life without sacrificing comfort, making them popular among both local and international tourists.
Janda Baik, in particular, is an area often highlighted for its kampung-style resorts that attract city dwellers looking for a peaceful retreat while remaining within close proximity to Kuala Lumpur. Popular examples include Tiarasa Escapes, which offers luxurious safari-style tents and treehouses nestled within lush greenery, providing a blend of nature and comfort. Another well-known resort is Embun Luxury Villas, featuring private villas surrounded by rainforest, allowing guests to experience the tranquillity of kampung life with modern comforts. Additionally, Danau Daun Chalets offers a rustic yet stylish stay with wooden kampung-style chalets situated near serene streams and dense foliage, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking relaxation and fresh air. These resorts embody the essence of kampung living, offering an immersive natural experience while ensuring modern conveniences remain available to guests.
Both kampung and urban life have their distinct advantages and challenges. While city living provides career growth, modern infrastructure and convenience, kampung life offers affordability, peace and strong community ties. The choice between kampung and city living depends on an individual’s financial situation, career goals, family considerations and lifestyle preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between kampung and urban living hinges on individual priorities—whether affordability, community ties and a slower-paced lifestyle outweigh the economic opportunities, modern conveniences and infrastructure of city life. As Malaysia continues to develop, the challenge lies in striking a balance between urbanisation and preserving the kampung spirit within new residential landscapes. By leveraging sustainable designs and fostering community-driven developments, the property sector can create living environments that embody the best of both worlds—ensuring accessibility, scalability and an enhanced quality of life for future generations.
Sulaiman Saheh,
Director of research
Rahim & Co International.
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