Yeay! Airbnb now goes beyond home sharing and offers tours and activities offered by locals in Kuala Lumpur.
Airbnb “Experiences” are hyper local activities designed and led by experienced local experts who share an insider’s view of their city with curious travelers. More than 40 Airbnb Experiences has been launched in Kuala Lumpur to ensure that travellers gain unprecedented access to areas and places they wouldn’t otherwise see.
Some Experiences on offer include live a day in the life of a batik painter and learn to create your own original masterpiece; get off the grid and escape to a jungle with hidden waterfalls; or learn about rubber tapping from at one of the last remaining plantations in the city.
Experiences in Kuala Lumpur not only makes it easier for entrepreneurial Malaysians to share their passions and interests with people from around the world, the platform also sees locals using the platform as a way to give back to the community by hosting Social Impact Experiences.
Airbnb Social Impact Experiences provide a local host with the chance to share more about a cause they are passionate about. Airbnb waives all fees, and 100% of the funds collected from guests goes to the charitable organisation chosen by the local host.
Some initiatives include Dapur Jalanan, a volunteer-based soup kitchen offering free meals to the homeless and also an immersion session with the deaf community by learning sign language and being part of the DeafBeat drum troop.
The launch of Airbnb Experiences in Kuala Lumpur aims to further cement Malaysia as one of the world’s top travel destination, allowing travellers to explore a different side of the city and live like locals.
Airbnb head of trips of Southeast Asia and India, Sriram Vaidhya said that travellers are seeking alternative adventures, whether they are travelling alone or with groups of friends or family. As well as seeking unique accommodation options, there is the desire among travellers to enjoy their destination through the eyes of a local.
“Experiences is also a great way to unleash economic opportunity for locals and Airbnb has emerged as a platform for people to monetise their passions and talents,” said Vaidhya.
To learn more about Airbnb Experiences, visit www.airbnb.com/experiences.
Here’s top five of the Airbnb Experience you can join:
Live a Day as a Local Batik PainterLearn from Colin who has been in the industry for more than 15 years. Here, you will know more about the heritage of Malaysia, the history and process of making batik and even create your own masterpiece
Magical Kampung Bahru Rediscover one of the last Malay enclaves in Kuala Lumpur where Fuad will share more about living within the community and the history of the kampung in which he grew up. You will also get the opportunity to taste delicious local food specialities like nasi lemak, pisang goreng and karipap!
Waterfall Hiking Day Trip Escape the bustle of the city as you take a day trip out and trek through mixed terrain in order to reach some of Malaysia’s stunning waterfalls.
Hidden Hike in Kuala Lumpur Fadly, an ultra-marathoner will show you the secret views of East Tabu and treat you to a local and authentic breakfast at his favourite local spots for an authentic Malaysian or Indian meal.
Rubber Tapping and Tiffin Lunch Visit one of the last remaining plantation areas in the city and try your hand at tapping rubber trees. Also, look forward to the best of the best local dishes from the neighbourhood in your very own Tiffin lunch box.