The Lemuni, also known as Istana Lemuni, is located in Kampung Cemperoh, Janda Baik, Pahang, approximately a one-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Located within a durian orchard in the heart of the village, The Lemuni is a place that stirs nostalgia, reminding visitors of their childhoods and the bygone days of kampung life. At the same time, the place promises a new memory for them to reminisce about in later years.
“The Lemuni was established with the concept of bridging the heritage closer to everybody,” said The Lemuni Founder, Datuk Dr Zahari Husin.
Known for its authentic traditional Malay houses, particularly the Rumah Tele Terengganu, The Lemuni offers visitors a unique glimpse into Malaysia’s architectural heritage. Complementing this cultural experience is the opportunity to savour traditional Malay cuisine, all within a setting that emphasises close proximity to nature.
This combination of heritage architecture, delicious halal food, and close connection to nature makes it a premier destination for cultural and sustainable Muslim-friendly tourism.
“It’s more than just a tourist place where people go to eat and take photos. It’s about keeping or preserving what we had 100 years ago,” shared Zahari.
RUMAH TELE PRESERVATION
The Lemuni features four units of old Rumah Tele (Tele House), one of two reinstalled Terengganu Malay traditional houses, and one Istana Tele (Tele Palace) in the process of being reinstalled.
“In Terengganu, there are still some Rumah Tele standing, including at the State Museum, but not many visitors have taken the time to visit these houses while they are in Terengganu. Hence, not many are aware of the uniqueness and beauty of Rumah Tele,” shared Zahari.
“By bringing and reinstalling the original houses at The Lemuni, many city folks and people from surrounding states now have the opportunity to learn, understand, and appreciate the architecture, woodcraft, and overall concept of our very own traditional house.”
He said many of the old houses in Terengganu itself had been destroyed or replaced with modern houses. In years to come, Rumah Tele will probably disappear. Therefore, The Lemuni has taken steps to ensure this heritage is preserved. Zahari highlighted that more Rumah Tele would be secured and preserved under phase three of The Lemuni Development Plan.
The Rumah Tele, crafted from Kayu Cengal, a sturdy Malaysian hardwood, is known for its unique “nail-less” construction method. “Tele” refers to a hall, indicating its open-plan design without internal rooms. At The Lemuni, these restored houses range from 135 to 120 years old and the Istana was initially built in 1888 for the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III.
“To ensure the authenticity of the houses, we only engaged the ‘Tukang’ who specialise exclusively in Rumah Tele. The ‘Tukang’ masters the woodworking techniques used by the original craftsmen for the Rumah Tele and is well-versed in its historical elements. Additionally, during the dismantling stage, all wooden parts were carefully marked so that they could be reassembled in the same locations and configurations.”
THE LEMUNI CAFE
Alongside its rich heritage and village ambience, The Lemuni features Lemuni Cafe, which offers a variety of ‘home-cooked’ and modern dishes for visitors to enjoy. The cafe provides a nostalgic dining experience that brings to mind balik kampung moments, especially appealing to city folks.
Its menu includes a range of traditional kampung dishes and a selection of local desserts (kuih-muih). Customers can opt for floor seating, reminiscent of traditional dining customs. The Lemuni Cafe also caters to events such as weddings, birthdays, and family gatherings, offering a buffet featuring authentic Malaysian cuisine.
“Most of our staff are from Janda Baik,” observed Zahari.
He noted that The Lemuni sources most of its food and beverages from local vendors. This approach allows The Lemuni to offer authentic and organic food, making it more appealing as a cafe. As a result, this initiative has created job opportunities, contributing to the economic growth of Janda Baik.
Malay cuisine.
Recently, The Lemuni was honoured with the ASEAN Rural Sustainable Tourism Standard (Gastronomy) 2024-2025 at the ASEAN National Tourism Standards Award ceremony, highlighting its dedication to promoting sustainable and culturally enriching culinary experiences.
PROMOTING LOCAL CULTURE
According to Zahari, approximately 1,000 visitors arrive at The Lemuni each week, with 80 to 90 per cent experiencing Janda Baik for the first time. This increased footfall benefits local vendors, particularly during the fruit season, when visitors often purchase local produce.
To uphold its social responsibility of promoting local culture, The Lemuni actively involves the indigenous community of Janda Baik. They showcase traditional dances, silat performances, and traditional cooking demonstrations to guests, among other things.
At times, The Lemuni acts as a platform for the community to share their heritage. This initiative not only enhances the guests’ experience but also contributes significantly to the preservation of indigenous traditions in the area. – RnR
