For many generations of readers, the opening line of J R R Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ takes them to a fantastical land where almost anything can happen. We can only wonder just how cosy a hobbit hole would be from Tolkien’s description.
Actually, you don’t have to wonder anymore because you can experience life in a Hobbit hole without having to leave the country – or go to New Zealand, for that matter.
You only need to travel to Kundasang, Sabah, where there is a special place that allows visitors to enjoy the full Tolkien experience – from waking up and throwing open the famous circular door to being greeted by beautiful mountains.
B-Inspired Abode, the name of the homestay that offers this exclusive experience, has put together the Tolkien-inspired unit called the Humble Hobbit Home.
It is one of many units available to guests, though its Tolkien-inspired design is the only one with a special theme.
Kang Fairuz, the designer and owner of the Humble Hobbit Home, said the homestay is not centred on building-themed homes but aims to provide guests with an excellent stay.
Interestingly, Kang admits that he is not exactly the biggest fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (LOTR) series or Tolkien’s other works. He was merely attracted by the idea of building with what nature provides and, while scrolling through Pinterest, came across the idea of creating a Hobbit hole.
Without a background in building, he had to learn on the go as he constructed the Hobbit home himself.
“We did not start the build with a definite blueprint, just some sketches and a vision,” he told FMT.
Ideas came and went and, in the end, he managed to complete his passion project through his own hard work.
It was also fitting that he built his Hobbit hole in an area that bears some resemblance to Tolkien’s fictional inland area where the Shire-folk live.
For this reason, the Humble Hobbit Home looks picture-perfect with sweeping views of the farms and highlands of Sabah – or shall we say The Shire?
Whether or not guests are familiar with the works of Tolkien, it seems that the adorable design and the breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu are what make their stay memorable.
Plus, according to Kang, the Humble Hobbit Home has also been the site of wedding photoshoots, thanks to its beautiful backdrop.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the tourism industry nationwide, Kang has noted an increase in the number of inquiries since the introduction of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
And while the Humble Hobbit Home remains the only film-inspired unit available, Kang said that he has been playing around with the idea of setting up an entire Hobbit village one day.
“However, as we have limited space in the current homestay, we are considering expanding our options to build more homes on other properties whose owners are open to collaborate,” he said.
Until then, let’s hope that the number of Covid-19 cases goes down and travel restrictions ease so that guests – fans of LOTR or not – will be able to journey to the famous Hobbit hole in Sabah. After all, it is no longer a figment of your imagination and you can ditch both the book and movie to see the real thing!
B-Inspired Abode
Kampung Lagkau Sinisian
89308 Kundasang
Sabah
Contact: (016) 588 1863
Website: binspiredabodekundasang.wordpress.com