PERAK (ANN/THE STAR) – Tucked away in the verdant embrace of Malaysia’s Titiwangsa range, Kampung Beswok in Pos Yum, Sungai Siput, Perak, is a hidden treasure that seems straight out of a traveller’s daydream.
Just a two-hour drive from Ipoh, this tranquil village, home to the Temiar Orang Asli, offers a rare chance to step back into nature’s gentle rhythm.
My first visit to Beswok was a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation, but as soon as I caught sight of the village, any lingering doubts melted away.
Our group of 17, hailing from across Malaysia, gathered in the highlands to explore the rainforest and delve into the intricate art of natural dyeing and eco-printing.
Welcomed warmly by Datuk Fully Chye, founder of the Persatuan Seni Jahitan Kreatif Malaysia, her son Jun Yu, and a group of talented Temiar women, we witnessed how the association has helped the Orang Asli embrace financial independence through eco-printing workshops, guided forest adventures, and sustainable crafts.
Joining us was the village Tok Batin, or chieftain, who shared the origins of the village’s name—”Beswok,” which means bamboo in the Temiar language.
Our camp featured charming bamboo chalets and gazebos with roofs woven from bertam palm leaves, offering simple comforts.
For the more adventurous, tents could be pitched amidst this serene setting, where a gentle river meandered through, its crystal waters playfully dancing over smooth stones.
Our adventure kicked off with a foraging trip. After a delicious meal of durian and fried tapioca paired with a zingy green sambal, we ventured into the forest.
Guided by our hosts, we discovered various herbs and medicinal plants, and wandered through durian, rambutan, and cocoa farms. The cocoa pods, with their pulp reminiscent of mangosteen, were a delightful surprise.
Our trail led to a waterfall cascading down a two-storey drop into a cool, shallow pool—a refreshing stop before we returned to camp for a feast cooked in bamboo over an open flame.
Temiar’s signature green sambal stole the show, leaving me hoping they might one day bottle it as “Sambal Beswok.”
In the afternoon, the eco-printing workshop began. Guided by patient instructors, we experimented with tannin-rich leaves, transforming plain T-shirts into beautiful, nature-inspired designs.
We also tried our hand at weaving “tempo” headgear and crafting bamboo cups, marvelling at the delicate skills involved.
As the sun set, the village came alive with the laughter and cheers of a football match among the Temiar men, while the mountain air turned cool.
Dinner was a vibrant spread of Indigenous dishes and durian, followed by an evening of music and dance around a campfire beneath a starlit sky—a scene that felt almost otherworldly.
The next morning, we joined a beadwork lesson using Job’s Tears, a local plant, creating intricate patterns that celebrated the artistry of the Temiar women.
Our final adventure took us to another Orang Asli village, with its mix of brick and bamboo houses, surrounded by colourful blooms.
From a hilltop viewpoint, we gazed down at our cosy chalets and mist-cloaked mountains—a breathtaking end to a journey filled with discovery and the simple beauty of nature. – Yoon Lai Wan
