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

8/27/2019


9/20/2018


4/23/2018
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.


1/01/2018