By D’Drift Team
SOME places do not merely exist; they embrace you, wrapping around your soul like an old, familiar melody. Homestay Rh Margretta in Kerangan Buloh, Julau, is one such place—a hidden gem where time slows, where every moment unfurls like a warm embrace, steeped in tradition and the unshaken spirit of homecoming.
From the moment we stepped onto its soil, the longhouse residents welcomed us, not as guests, but as long-lost kin. Their smiles were radiant and their laughter threaded through the air. It was not merely hospitality—it was a sense of belonging, a kind of embrace that asked for nothing in return, yet gave so much.
Homestay Rh Margretta is a sprawling 21-door longhouse, with 15 doors dedicated to welcoming wanderers seeking more than just shelter. Since 2016, it has opened its arms to visitors, earning its certification from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in 2017.
Its reputation has stretched far and wide, drawing travellers from distant corners of the world—its most far-flung guest, hailing from Slovenia, had arrived just days before us, proving that stories of its warmth had long begun to travel beyond borders.
The homestay itself is a haven—comforting, unpretentious, yet filled with beauty that whispers of old traditions and untold stories. Soft beds cradle weary travellers, and the air conditioning provided much-needed relief, while the walls, adorned with pieces of heritage, seem to hum with the identity of Iban culture.
Yet, what makes it truly remarkable is the individuality of each homestay unit—every door an entrance into a different interpretation of home. Some bear the mark of tradition, where woven mats and wooden carvings speak of ancestry; others have modern touches, yet still carry the same heartbeat of warmth. Each is an invitation, not just into a space, but into a story waiting to be felt.
Before our arrival, we had been forewarned of a flood heading towards the homestay. Yet, rather than an inconvenience, it became part of the adventure. As we approached, the waters welcomed us, rising gently just below our knees. A longboat carried us the final stretch, a distance less than 200 metres—until we reached the archway of the longhouse.
For those seeking the call of the river, a short journey from the homestay leads to the Nanga Dong waterfall, cradled deep within the emerald embrace of the forest. The path winds through towering trees, their leaves carrying secrets to the wind, until finally, the cascade reveals itself—a ribbon of crystal tumbling over ancient stones, untouched by time. In that moment, the world outside faded, leaving only the symphony of water and the rustle of leaves in the quiet sanctuary of nature.
Beyond its deep cultural roots, Homestay Rh Margretta invites guests to live, even if just for a while. It offers a variety of activities that allow guests to experience the Iban way of life. Visitors can partake in a lively cultural night filled with traditional music and dance, test their skills in a blowpipe challenge, embark on longboat river cruises, or enjoy fishing—an activity that delights many an angler.
When the homestay first opened in 2016, its rooms were modest, a far cry from the excellent accommodations it offers today—a transformation we can only agree has been remarkable.
And its evolution is far from over. According to homestay coordinator Ijau Mudai, plans are already in motion to introduce jungle trekking—an eagerly anticipated addition by the end of the year, inviting guests to venture deeper into the wilderness, to listen to the whispers of the forest, and to trace the footsteps of those who have walked these lands long before.
“We received a few suggestions about having a jungle trekking activity. I just hope we (homestay) are able to offer it by the end of this year,” he shared.
The tale of Inik Entayang: A crocodilian legend
One of the stories shared by the residents of Rh Margretta is the tale of Inik Entayang, a story weaved through the whispers of the river. It is a story of wisdom, trust, and an unspoken pact between humans and nature.
Long ago, there lived a powerful shaman named “Inik Entayang” (Granny Entayang) renowned for her extraordinary healing abilities. Word of her gift spread far and wide, even reaching the ears of a desperate crocodile whose child had been ensnared in a fisherman’s trap. Disguised as humans, the crocodiles sought her help, leading her deep into their watery realm.
Unaware of their true nature, Inik Entayang tended to the wounded creature, carefully freeing its belly from the cruel grasp of the snare. Grateful beyond measure, the crocodile kept its promise and returned the healer safely to her village. From that day onwards, the river bore the mark of an unspoken understanding between the descendants of Inik Entayang and the crocodilian guardians of the waters. 
Even today, those navigating the river are reminded of this sacred bond. Should one encounter a crocodile or something unfamiliar stirring beneath the surface, the words must be spoken:
“Kami tuk ucuk Inik Entayang” (We are the grandchildren of Granny Entayang)
And with those words, the waters remain still, and the traveller is left unharmed.
“Should you see anything unusual in the waters, say that chant and you’ll be spared,” said Margretta.
As the day shifted to an end, twilight took over, casting an evening glow over the longhouse. In good company, we shared laughter and stories. Just as we were about to be drawn into the regale of stories, we were called for dinner.
We were delighted by a fresh array of dishes prepared by our host, the gracious Limbun Sagai, owner of one of the homestays—house number 2. With kindness and passion, she had welcomed us so warmly that we might as well feel right at home.
The table was set with an assortment of village fare—freshly gathered ‘kampung’ vegetables, fragrant curry fish, crisp fried fish straight from the backyard and nearby river, native red rice, and soy sauce chicken, each dish carrying the essence of home-cooked comfort.
With full bellies, we settled in for the night. The night carried the echoes of the day’s adventures, and as we retired to our rooms, the soft mattresses of the homestay lulled us into restful slumber.
For those seeking an experience beyond the ordinary, Homestay Rh Margretta is a place worth staying. It offers the warmth of a welcoming home, the richness of Iban traditions, and a connection to nature without the demands of strenuous jungle trekking. Just a short car ride away lies a waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip—a cool embrace of the wild, inviting yet effortless. Here, amidst the forests of Julau, one finds not just a destination, but a story waiting to be lived.
For those interested in experiencing a ‘kampung’ stay at Homestay Rh Margretta, you may contact the chairperson, Margretta, at 013-846 5365 or Cathrine Simon at 011-1529 6722. – DayakDaily
