We ended our 8 day adventure in Borneo with Saloma. She and her family welcomed us into her home and gave us an amazing and authentic experience. Food... read more and accommodations couldn’t have been better and were true to the culture. She took us to her...More

  We booked our stay at Saloma’s homestay in the beginning of January. From the first contact on, Saloma helped us with the planning of our holiday. After some talk we... read more decided to stay for 4 nights and 5 days and thus the full program. At first we thought that this would be a bit too expensive, but it turned out to be the best choice of our holiday. Everything is arranged for at the homestay. We did a lot of nice tours with guides that speak very good English, people from the local village. Via them we got to know the Bidayu culture. They also invited us into their daily life and showed us how friendly and hospitable their culture is. Saloma will welcome you as a friend at her Homestay. A business she started 10 years ago. She told us about the rough start and the reasons why she wanted to start it in the first place. The ‘homestay’ is called a ‘villagestay’ because it contributes to the whole village. Local guides, local cook, local everything. Even the food we got (3 complete meals a day) where (partly) locally produced or collected in the forest during our trips. As vegetarians we had no problems at all. Within every meal there where several dishes. We highly recommend everybody to stay at this place during their travel in Sarawak. It’s the best way to get to know a culture and to... We booked our stay at Saloma’s homestay in the beginning of January. From the first contact on, Saloma helped us with the planning of our holiday. After some talk we decided to stay for 4 nights and 5 days and thus the full program. At first we thought that this would be a bit too expensive, but it turned out to be the best choice of our holiday. Everything is arranged for at the homestay. We did a lot of nice tours with guides that speak very good English, people from the local village. Via them we got to know the Bidayu culture. They also invited us into their daily life and showed us how friendly and hospitable their culture is.

Saloma will welcome you as a friend at her Homestay. A business she started 10 years ago. She told us about the rough start and the reasons why she wanted to start it in the first place. The ‘homestay’ is called a ‘villagestay’ because it contributes to the whole village. Local guides, local cook, local everything. Even the food we got (3 complete meals a day) where (partly) locally produced or collected in the forest during our trips. As vegetarians we had no problems at all. Within every meal there where several dishes.

We highly recommend everybody to stay at this place during their travel in Sarawak. It’s the best way to get to know a culture and to meet new friends!

Saloma, thank you again for everything. Hopefully until the next time. More

  Homestay is an accurate description of Saloma. You are a guest in their house and Saloma (and Gregory - her brother) will make you feel welcome with their hospitality and... read more endeavour to make you stay as memorable as possible - dine with their family, enjoy the hospitality of their own home, let them guide you on the walk into the forest.

The stay will include - a visit to a nearby primary school to see how local kids board and study, craft visit made by the locals, visit to a nearby Iban longhouse, a night walk (unless it rains in which we got an improvised firepit using a wheelbarrow and a BBQ chicken was cooked on ... brilliant idea!) and the highlight of the trip - waterfall(s) visit! Our kid really enjoyed playing with the local kids at the waterfall - throwing the frisbee at the waterfall pool.

There is reputed to be 5 waterfalls in their area (we managed visit to 2 in our 2 days, 1 night stay). This is definitely one of their best kept secret vs other homestays in the area.

Challenge - Try to shower early in the evening, the fresh icy cool mountain water is only for the brave once night falls.

Would be nice if the place had hot water but guess this is part of the charm of roughing it out.

Reminder - Do bring a book or two, sit and lounge in the hammock on the main sitting area nestled among the trees and enjoy a cup of hot tea.

  I did the 3D2N tour with Gregory, Saloma's brother. We visited the local village, the family's rice farm, went on night-walks and trekked to a couple of waterfalls. Gregory was... read more a great guide and was able to explain village life and Bidayuh customs in great depth and detail. Saloma's family were also very hospitable and lovely and served up some truly excellent food.

The accommodation is basic but I think that adds to the fun and their house is spotlessly clean. Thanks so much Saloma, Gregory and family for a very relaxing weekend spent in your home!