Saloma's place is a wooden cottage right in the middle of dense Borneo Jungles. She is very well known in the jungle within village community and we/guests experienced first class... read more treatment. Me being a vegetarian, Saloma took extra care to make special vegetarian dishes like curry, salads etc. She took us on a wonderful trek inside the jungle to her farm where we saw countless pineapple trees and cocoa plantations. We ended the trek with a nice swim in a waterfall - it seems there are at-least 50 such water falls Saloma tells. Best part of the whole trip was no WiFi, mobile network whatsoever. If you like wildlife (orangutans), nature, rivers (kayaking etc.) and fresh organic food - visit Saloma's place.

  My wife and I stayed with Saloma for 3 days, but should have stayed longer at her lovely homestay in her small Bidayuk village about 1.5 hours South of Kuching.... read more It was an immersive experience during which we got to be up close and personal...More

  I spent 4 months traveling in SE Asia and my stay at Saloma's was hands down one of the best experiences by far. Saloma, Gregory, and Wuui were absolutely delightful... read more hosts who went so far out of their way to make me feel welcome. I felt like part of the family & the experience was very authentic and unforced—such a delightful escape from the tourist traps in the region. The food was authentic & delicious w/o being altered to cater to tourists—basic roots, vegetables, rice, & other staples of traditional Bidayuh culture that tasted great. Hiked to a beautiful secluded waterfall, swam for an hour in the middle of the jungle. Walked throughout the village, learned about the children & crafts, stopped at a wildlife sanctuary where I saw orangutans (incl. a baby w/her mother). The home itself exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be very basic w/squat toilets etc but it instead I was treated to a beautiful spa-like retreat in the woods. Large second-floor patio overlooking the jungle, travelers library with English-lang books, lounge, hammock, flush toilets, shower in the wall, & other unexpected amenities. Bed was a simple yet comfy mattress w/mosquito netting and pretty decor. What a pleasant surprise! I got especially lucky because my stay coincided w/a kid's birthdayso I got to enjoy a big celebration where neighbors came from all over the village. We danced, drank rice wine, laughed, and had an amazing... I spent 4 months traveling in SE Asia and my stay at Saloma's was hands down one of the best experiences by far. Saloma, Gregory, and Wuui were absolutely delightful hosts who went so far out of their way to make me feel welcome. I felt like part of the family & the experience was very authentic and unforced—such a delightful escape from the tourist traps in the region. The food was authentic & delicious w/o being altered to cater to tourists—basic roots, vegetables, rice, & other staples of traditional Bidayuh culture that tasted great. Hiked to a beautiful secluded waterfall, swam for an hour in the middle of the jungle. Walked throughout the village, learned about the children & crafts, stopped at a wildlife sanctuary where I saw orangutans (incl. a baby w/her mother).

The home itself exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be very basic w/squat toilets etc but it instead I was treated to a beautiful spa-like retreat in the woods. Large second-floor patio overlooking the jungle, travelers library with English-lang books, lounge, hammock, flush toilets, shower in the wall, & other unexpected amenities. Bed was a simple yet comfy mattress w/mosquito netting and pretty decor. What a pleasant surprise!

I got especially lucky because my stay coincided w/a kid's birthdayso I got to enjoy a big celebration where neighbors came from all over the village. We danced, drank rice wine, laughed, and had an amazing time. If you're anywhere near Borneo, I highly recommend Saloma's! 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.