Kelantan’s Young Athletes at Happyjamin Homestay

From the moment the van rolled into the driveway of Happyjamin Homestay on the morning of June 27th, 2025, we knew this visit would be something special. Eleven bright, determined young athletes from Kelantan—six young women and five young men—stepped out, their faces lit with excitement and anticipation. Accompanied by their dedicated local coach and a visiting Russian coach, they had journeyed all the way from Kota Bharu to Kluang to compete in the prestigious Johor Athletics Open Championship 2025.

As hosts, we were honoured to welcome them into our home. At Happyjamin, hospitality is more than just providing a place to sleep—it’s about creating a space where guests feel supported, celebrated, and connected. For this group of upper secondary school athletes, we wanted their stay to be as memorable as their competition.

🏡 A Home Away from Home

The group settled in quickly, their energy filling the homestay with a youthful buzz. We had prepared the rooms carefully—fresh linens, cooling fans, and thoughtful touches to make them feel at ease after their long journey. The girls and boys were housed comfortably in separate quarters, with shared spaces for meals and relaxation. The coaches, too, had their own quiet corner to rest and plan.

Over the next three days, the athletes made full use of the facilities. The homestay became their base of strength and camaraderie, from early morning stretches in the garden to evening chats under the stars. We were delighted to see them unwind after training sessions, sharing laughter over local snacks and cooling off with fresh coconut water from our orchard.

📸 Capturing Moments, Creating Memories

On the second evening, just before sunset, we gathered everyone for a group photo in front of the durian grove. The golden light filtered through the trees, glowing warmly on their proud faces. With medals still to be won and memories to be made, the moment captured their spirit: focused, joyful, and united.

As hosts, we always cherish the opportunity to document these visits. These aren’t just pictures—they’re stories in motion, snapshots of young lives chasing dreams. We shared the images with the team and their families, a small gesture to celebrate their journey and the bonds formed along the way.

🏃‍♂️🏅 Competing with Heart at the Johor Athletics Open Championship 2025

The Johor Athletics Open Championship 2025 was fierce, drawing top talent from across Malaysia. But the Kelantan team rose to the occasion with grace and grit. Over the course of the event, they secured an impressive haul: 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal, and 1 bronze. Each win was a testament to their discipline, teamwork, and coaches’ guidance.

We followed their progress closely, cheering from afar and preparing a small celebration for their return each evening. Their victories weren’t just personal—we all shared them at Happyjamin. It was a joy to see their pride, not only in the medals but also in the effort and sportsmanship they displayed.

🍛 Discovering Kluang’s Simple Pleasures

Between training and competition, the team explored Kluang’s charm. They were delighted by the town’s affordable and flavorful food—nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaves, freshly steamed pau, and iced kopi from the local Kopitiam. For many, it was their first time in Johor, and they embraced the experience with open hearts and curious palates.

One evening, we took them on a short walk through the nearby village, where they chatted with locals and sampled kuih from a roadside stall. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful travel memories come not from grand attractions but from simple, shared moments.

🌳 A Taste of Musang King Magic

Perhaps the most unforgettable moment came on the final morning of their stay. As the sun rose over the orchard, a perfectly ripe Musang King durian dropped gently into the iron netting we had placed beneath the tree. The timing couldn’t have been better—it was as if the tree wanted to send them off with a gift.

We gathered around, cracking open the golden fruit and sharing its creamy, bittersweet flesh. For some athletes, it was their first taste of durian; for others, it was a familiar delight. The experience was met with wide eyes, laughter, and a few playful debates over who got the best piece.

🍊 Looking Ahead: A Return with Oranges and More

As the team packed up on June 30th, a sense of quiet satisfaction was in the air. They had come to compete, leaving with medals, memories, and new friendships. Before they left, the coaches promised they’d return next time, during the Thai sunburst orange harvest.

We’re already looking forward to welcoming them back. The orchard will be bursting with color, and the durians will once again be ripening on the trees. But more than that, we’ll be ready to offer the same warmth, care, and celebration of their journey.

💛 A Note from the Host

To the Kelantan athletics team: thank you for choosing Happyjamin Homestay. Your presence brought joy, inspiration, and a reminder of the power of youth and perseverance. We are proud to have been a small part of your story and can’t wait to see where your dreams take you next.

Until we meet again, keep running and smiling, and know you always have a home in Kluang.

Warmest regards, The Happyjamin Homestay Family