Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Houses on Stilts in Terengganu

House on stilts? Yes. It is common in South East Asia like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, or Indonesia. So in Terengganu there are many houses on stilts especially in the rural areas. They are made of wood, have big windows with various types of roof. The height between the ground and the floor is about 5 feet. They are nice houses that accommodate the weather and climate of a region. 

This traditional house normally has a toilet outside unlike the modern houses which have them inside. The ladder or staircases that lead to the house also is made of wood. As it evolves, the house has a porch in front of the main door. The kitchen is at the back. It is a single story wooden house.

You will be amazed to learn these houses have no fences and had a few pillars inside. The floor is also made of wood. It is very cooling as the wind can enter and escape easily. The rooms are limited. Normally, the occupants take rest in the open air veranda. In rainy days, they hang their clothes under the house.

It was originally a stilt house and later was converted  and renovated into a double storey house.

Nowadays, those houses had been elevated to become double storey houses where the ground were utilised. I think those visitors coming from Europe will like to experience staying in this kind of stilt house. If you go to this house, make sure you put off your shoes. Happy travelling.

No comments:

Post a Comment