Rural homestay operators disinfect lodgings in anticipation of guests

Nestled among the trees by the Kiulu river, Kondis Point homestay is ready to receive overnight guests on May 22 in conjunction with Hari Raya celebration. - NSTP/ courtesy of Lasmen Lopuk

KOTA KINABALU: Nestled among the trees by the Kiulu river, a number of quaint chalets made of bamboo will once again be occupied after two months of being vacant following the coronavirus outbreak and the imposition of the movement control order (MCO).

Following the state government's announcement to allow tourism accommodation activity to resume, Kondis Point homestay has disinfected all its chalets and given them a thorough cleaning to receive guests.

Its operator, 44-year-old Lasmen Lopuk, when contacted today, said they expect to re-open accommodations for stay-in guests on May 22, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

"We have four chalets and seven open huts. In the past, we allowed over 20 overnight guests. With the new normal and standard operating procedure (SOP), we now limit our stay-in guests to 10 people.

"At the moment, we are doing some arrangement to ensure our future stay-in guests practice the new SOP. We are adding more sinks for hand washing, but toilet remains shared," he said, stressing they will conduct frequent disinfection on shared facilities.

Lopuk said he had received many booking enquiries, adding Kondis Point only accepts private booking for small family for now.

He said they only receive regular customers or individuals, whom they know, as a precautionary measure.

"We will record names, phone number, and do temperature screening. We will also provide sanitisers and do family background check as well to minimise risk (of infection).

"At the moment, we also limit our daily visiting guests to 20 people. We will monitor them from time to time," he said.

Like other rural homestay operators who lost income due to MCO, Mariah Jaunus has remained hopeful and kept herself busy by making sure Bensin Homestay stayed clean for future guests.

"Our last guests left on March 19 after MCO was announced.

Several guests had also cancelled their bookings and many (homestay operators) lost income for two months.

"Now that the state government has loosen up the tourism sector, I am looking forward to welcome guests as soon as possible and hopefully next week, especially for the Hari Raya celebration," she said, adding she has already received enquiries.

Jaunus operates Bensin Homestay on a hill, overlooking scenic view of Mount Kinabalu, near Kundasang town in the highlands of Ranau.

For the time being, she said her homestay would remain closed until she gets sanitisers and a thermometer gun.

"The cleanliness of homestay is our priority. I wash and change the bedsheets and towels frequently even when there are no guests. I believe other operators do the same too," she said.

Meanwhile, B-Inspired Adobe Kundasang manager Kang Ridvan said they had begun receiving walk-in guests for overnight stay since May 12.

"Most of our guests were traveling long distance and they stopped by to rest for one night. Two families have also booked with us for Raya. Prior to receiving guests, we have disinfected out lodgings and put up signs so guests are aware of new rules.

"We have five private houses and six cabins. For the cabins, there are three shared toilets and we will operate three cabins so guests do not have to share the washroom," she said.

Kang added common areas such as open barbecue facilities and shared kitchen are also closed to ensure safety of all guests as well as staff.

When guests check-out, she noted the management would not immediately book out the same room to others and would leave it vacant for a day to allow disinfection work.

-nst online.