Paddy Fields, a Tourism Spot
12 January 2025
By AVV
KOTA BELUD: Visitors visit Karanahan View in Kg Tempasuk 1, captivated by its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. Upon entering this picturesque spot, guests are greeted by a colourful array of photo booths, a meticulously landscaped lawn, and a refreshing swimming pool.
Recently, the owner, Michael Asik, received a generous assistance package from the Malaysian Cooperative Commission totalling RM70,000 to construct a building for a mini market in the area. Additionally, he is in the process of applying for a Revolving Capital Fund of RM200,000 to further enhance the site.
Michael stands out as a successful tourism operator, thanks to his establishment's eye-catching presentation that attracts even casual passersby.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. Michael recalls a time when the area was merely paddy fields tended by him and his mother. "My mother and I would toil under the hot sun, preparing the fields for planting. We worked quickly to ensure the paddy seedlings grew uniformly," he reminisces fondly, recalling the praise he received for his speed and efficiency.
Having lost his father early on, Michael was very close to his mother, accompanying her to care for the land. He pursued his education and eventually secured a job as a civil servant, but tragedy struck again when his mother passed away.
With the land lying idle, Michael had a vision. “I decided to create a fish pond,” he explains. Initially, he didn’t plan to open it to the public, but the growing interest from passersby who would stop to watch him feed the fish inspired him to think bigger.
Encouraged by friends who saw the potential for a tourist attraction, Michael began transforming the land into something more inviting. He constructed winding paths, built huts and chalets, and created gazebos and shaded areas for picnics—especially for families who visit to enjoy the swimming pool.
“We started building Karanahan View in early 2019 and opened it to the public on August 31, 2019. In 2020, COVID-19 began, and even though we were closed to the public at that time, many efforts were made despite the two years of lockdown.”
“Among these efforts were the establishment of a water playground, a swimming pool, a multi-level restaurant, a recreation pond, and accommodation rooms based on the farmstay concept.”
“We also opened a mini animal park (mini zoo), an open hall, a lookout tower, KBox, a prayer room, a shared kitchen, and an indoor playground. Additionally, we offer traditional paddy field activities where tourists or guests can observe traditional rice planting methods, which is one of our main tourism products,” he said.
“Initially, our accommodation consisted of only four chalets, but now we have more than 15 chalets, with plans to add more chalets inspired by the concept of being immersed in the paddy fields.”
We welcome guests for large-scale activities, including visits and recreational activities from the Singapore Navy Admiral and the Chief of Malaysian Armed Forces, as well as visits and recreational activities by the Chairperson of the Malaysian Customs Women's Association (PEWAKAS). Our location has also been selected in the Northern West Coast area for the ANGKASA Malaysia Borneo Exploration.
Team Building courses for the Sabah State Public Services Commission (SPANS) have also been held here, along with educational visits from student groups representing higher education institutions such as University Malaysia Sabah, University Institute Technology Mara, Polytechnic, Tokyo University, Japan, and students from universities in Indonesia.
He shared that many prominent people and notables had stayed over in Karanahan View and he believes that they enjoyed their stay.
“I am highly motivated by the developments that have been, are being, and will be made because it keeps us relevant to visitors, especially domestic tourists. Support from relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) also inspires me to continue being creative.”
“My hope is that this centre will be able to compete and remain an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors, and one day become a full-fledged resort,” he concluded.
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