Review Author: Sara

Review Date: 13 Aug 2024

Review Body: To start I booked last minute and was so thankful that they could make my booking work. We had an amazing driver who was so professional, yet personable. He was an excellent driver and shared much information about life in Sarawak. The tour with Arthur at the village was wonderful, he is so full of love for music and culture, sharing many stories and introducing us to local Neighbours. Arthur is a famous indigenous musician and he played his handcrafted instrument with passion. Our lunch was delicious with many fresh vegetables; a lovely home stay and the swim very refreshing. The local school with children will make you smile.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jason Chan

Review Date: 02 Jun 2025

Review Body: Spent a day with Saloma at her homestay. I had an excellent time with her others throughout the entire visit there. They were very friendly and made me feel very welcome despite being the sole visitor for the day trip package. The guide took me to the waterfall as shown in the pictures, and I never felt so relaxed feeling the wind from the downward stream. Lunch was also provided, which was simple but delicious. Would definitely visit again, and consider staying there for a few nights if I visit Kuching another time.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Hanim

Review Date: 11 Sep 2023

Review Body: Took a day trip to Saloma Village stay and I really liked the waterfall hiking. My only disappointment was that I didn’t get the opportunity to stay overnight. The house feels very cozy and the food served was delicious.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Nikolai B

Review Date: 25 Aug 2017

Review Body: The stay at Saloma was one of the highlights of our 3-week Borneo vacation. Here you can experience the real life of the Bidayuh people ... We have booked the 3D2N program. We were picked up by Greg (Saloma's brother and great entertainer) at the hotel in Kuching and drove to the orangutans in the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Then we went to Saloma's village. Because the weather was bad, we were able to arrive in their super house, move into rooms and rest. Then we visited a nearby long house. No disguise or make-up for tourists - here you can see real life. Very interesting. On the way back we had a look at the local school. Back in the house there was a delicious dinner. Then a night hike and the first day was over. On day 2 we hiked to the family farm with Saloma's uncle. On the way there we picked our lunch from the "fields" and out of the jungle. We helped snip, uncles and parents cooked. During this time we could take a refreshing dip in the pool of the stream. The food was delicious again ... After a lunch break we went back. The uncle carved flutes and shooting tubes out of bamboo and had a good time ... In the evening there was rice wine (at least 40% - not comparable to the rice wine known in European Chinese restaurants) and good conversations with the extended Saloma family. On the last day Saloma did the waterfall hike with us. She led us to 2 cases and thanks to the great weather we were able to swim in both (alone). Saloma is really an open and very friendly person. With her we could talk very intensively about the life of the Bedayuh and the differences to us Western Europeans. In total it was 3 great days! We can highly recommend it! If you want / are looking for some rest and relaxation, you should definitely book the 3D2N option, then not everything is forced in 2 days ...

Review rating: 5

Review Author: JezzK777

Review Date: 28 Sep 2019

Review Body: The pluses for this homestay during my 3 day stay.. - not too far or difficult to get to from the city of Kuching - excellent communication with hosts leading up to arrival so you know exactly what is planned and what is happenning - great hosts, the family is very welcoming and hospitable, and the food is fresh and tastes amazing. They also have some amazing pets that are so friendly, 2 dogs and 3 cats. Also, everyone else you meet in the village is really welcoming and friendly so you don't feel out of place once you're outside the homestay. - Very interesting tours, with very knowledgable guides, and you learn so much you wouldnt from google and youtube. The tours are also quite varied and customisable so something to suit all tastes and energy levels. - A real genuine insight into how life is lived in jungle areas. - Accomodation is clean and for a junle homestay, has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The minuses - Well just one minus really, if you're hoping to encounter or view lots of wildlife, it may not fulfil that wish. So I'd advise to also book a trip to Bako nature reserve during your stay in Sarawak. In some parts you can explore some quite dense primary tree and plant life, but it's quite uncommon now to encounter, or even hear bigger animals like monkeys or flying foxes which were very common in the area around 20 years ago. This is of course part of a bigger problem being played out around the world. You may see some bird species but there's plenty of interesting insects if you like that (luckily not in the homestay, but the jungle areas!) Room tip: Make sure you really choose your tours carefully and ask plenty of questions to ensure you get what you want out of this stay.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lucinda910

Review Date: 02 Feb 2017

Review Body: Saloma's warmth and attention will make you feel at home. Her home will be your home. My room was on the second floor with an additional open sitting room filled with comfortable sitting, hammocks and refrigerator overlooking the treetops, river and village. Saloma's attention to provide me with outstanding experiences was extraordinary. Saloma arranged a day trek to a remote waterfall through the jungle by a local villager who passionately educated me on the plants, trees, animals, fish and farming methods which provided for this fascinating culture. Another treasured memory was being invited to a local birthday party where I danced, ate and enjoyed the company of the villagers. Another in depth cultural experience was joining her for a friends wedding where I experienced the joy, food and traditions. She went out of her way to introduce and include me among her most interesting family and friends. A day trek through the jungle to her family farm to meet her agile, elder aunt working the family rice field on the side of the mountain was another favorite. Watching her and Saloma prepare lunch of traditional rice, ferns and chicken inside fresh bamboo over an open fire was an education in itself. Sunday, we attended her church which was filled with villagers singing and worshiping. Saloma is not just another homestay. It is being invited to experience her love of the village, the passion of the jungle, and the community of her friends and family. It will be an unforgettable experience. You will come away a changed person. You will live as they live, eat what they eat, and experience the extraordinary. Go. Find this remote place. Live and love the jungle and its people. Meet Saloma.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Esther Vincent

Review Date: 29 Jun 2023

Review Body: We resided at Saloma's homestay for 3D2N from 19-21 June and it was undoubtedly the highlight of our eight day trip in Sarawak. Saloma was away travelling, and her sister Celina was our principal host. We were made to feel welcome, and Saloma's home is beautiful, rustic, tranquil and restorative. Celina has a good command of English and her parents are genial, and our other-than-human hosts Moshi, Pree and Pip were a delight to be with. The dogs accompanied us on our trips to the waterfall, and we really enjoyed their company. We spent our free time chilling on the lounge which we had pretty much to ourselves as it was the low season and there weren't many other guests. The amenities at the homestay are adequate and definitely more comfortable than any regular longhouse. There are hammocks, a verandah with ample reading space, the toilets are well fitted though the shower is not heated, and the lodgings are clean and homely. The rooms are a tad small, but enough for sleeping since you'll probably spend most of the time outside anyway. The daily activities were well-paced and spaced out; if you are a guest, you will have plenty of time on your hands to soak up the kampung atmosphere. The food was amazing, and every meal was a delight to look forward to. One of the highlights of our stay was enjoying the food prepared by Celina's uncle using traditional Bidayuh bamboo cooking, from produce foraged fresh off the family farm. We also loved soaking in the kampung vibes and enjoyed all the activities, from trekking to swimming in the waterfalls. We highly recommend this homestay and hope to return to visit Moshi and the rest of the family!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Journey409731

Review Date: 27 Aug 2019

Review Body: 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!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 659wesleyz

Review Date: 05 Aug 2019

Review Body: 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.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Vanessa v

Review Date: 06 May 2018

Review Body: No need to even look at any other experience: Saloma’s villagestay is different and outstanding! She does not only receive her guests at her home but also makes sure that everything is just perfect! We had the chance to do two days hiking into the jungle with her brother Greg and his lovely wife... both the sweetest and most interesting persons we met whilst travelling. Greg has such a good understanding of what it is to be in the jungle as an outsider...caring and yet pointing out the real jungle life in a passionate way. His English is very good and his humour as well! We laughed and hilked and prepared lunch in their family farm shelter with his adorable parents. Food was great, sleeping very confortable and not hot at all ( we even used a blanket and no fan!). The early morning chickens are an experience and will keep you a little awake so earplugs are recommended :). We would also recommend light trousers, good sneakers, definitely a hat and light long sleeves as the sun can be killing. The scenery is breathaking, the house very charming. If necessary Greg alters the program to your wishes! Highly recommended to anyone who would experience mountain village life in Sarawak! Thanks Saloma and family!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Michela F

Review Date: 25 Oct 2017

Review Body: A really good choice is to book a visit to this village. My daughter and I wanted to visit a longhouse in a bihdayu village, but unfortunately we didn't have many days available in Borneo and therefore we were looking for something that could be visited during the day from Kuching but that wasn't too touristy. Browsing the web I found their site, I immediately contacted Saloma by email, who immediately replied and fixed the excursion. At 8 in the morning the brother, very kind and helpful, came to pick us up from the hotel and he acted as driver and guide all day (it was just me and my daughter). It was truly a wonderful experience, pity only that we didn't have time to stay overnight in their home which they have opened to guests who want to enjoy an authentic experience. I forgot, to optimize the time in the first leg we also stop to visit the Semenggoh wildlife center, arriving perfect for the time of the first meal of the orangutans.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: MelanieB4312

Review Date: 30 Aug 2019

Review Body: Saloma and her family give a genuine kampung experience. Their home is very clean, beautifully maintained and so welcoming. A shout-out to Selena, a beautiful young Bidiyuh woman who even took me to church last Sunday. The daily programme is very well organised behind the scenes, with each small group of guests having a similar yet uniquely personal daily experience. William is a star, he should be retired by now but his physical strength is incredible. The full day waterfalls experience concluding with pomelo at his house that he climbed to pick.... On the farm-walk day with Nicholas, Andy and Saloma's mum we saw this is truly a genuine hunter-gatherer-cultivation village. Cos we twigged a can of sweetcorn was the only bought food we had eaten in 3 days. Saloma's vision to bring outsiders into her kampung was bold but it is clearly successful and respectful on both sides. Living softly on the land and with the land.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Prestine D

Review Date: 11 Jul 2026

Review Body: Just amazing! Loved the house, loved Saloma's energy, and loved everyone who works there especially William and Saie. Both of them are so full of life. William shared so much plant knowledge and Bidayuh traditions along the village tour, and that was honestly the highlight of my trip. Saie didn't speak a word of English, but I still learned so much just from watching her cook with bamboo, start a fire, her skills spoke for itself. She also made me bamboo flutes while we ran into each other randomly near a waterfall. Unexpected encounter is always memorable. Frankly, one night is not enough at all. If you're reading this: book 2 nights instead. You won't regret it! And don't worry, the homestay is sooooo clean, bathroom is spacious, separated with toilet and shower. Shower is refreshing! Also, please prep gifts for the kids! I certainly regret not gifting something for them.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: NomsDa

Review Date: 19 Sep 2018

Review Body: We had a fantastic 4 days at Saloma’s. The whole family welcomed us. I couldn’t possibly write enough good things about this place, I would simply recommend a visit to anyone. What a lovely village, everyone was so incredibly friendly, and a beautiful life, so glad we got to experience a little of it for a few days. We hiked in the jungle and learnt all about the edible plants growing there, prepared/cooked those edible plants that we picked, played in wonderfully cool waterfalls with clear water, planted rice with the other villagers in the rice field, visited the local school, church, and long house, we were special guests at an evening house celebration, and so much more, we will never forget our stay and this fantastic experience. We hope to be back in the future to visit again and see how Saloma and her family are.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Naomi Dawson

Review Date: 02 Sep 2018

Review Body: We had a fantastic 4 days at Saloma’s. The whole family welcomed us. I couldn’t possibly write enough good things about this place, I would simply recommend a visit to anyone. What a lovely village, with everyone friendly, and a beautiful life, so glad we got to experience a little of it for a few days. We hiked in the jungle and learnt all about the edible plants growing there, prepared/cooked those edible plants that we picked, played in wonderfully cool waterfalls with clear water, planted rice with the other villagers in the rice field, visited the local school, church, and long house, were special guests at an evening house celebration, and so much more, we will never forget our stay and this fantastic experience. We hope to be back in the future to visit again and see how Saloma and her family are

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Paddy Raymond Bang

Review Date: 08 Nov 2019

Review Body: One of best hidden gems around if you're looking for a short break from the city and out into the wilderness. They have great local guides with good command of English and an indept knowledge of the surrounding area. Main attractions would have to be the waterfalls, as there are four or five waterfalls which are within walking distance, but do so with their guides since you walking into the jungle and definitely not wanting to be lost. Jungle cooking with bamboo is a must for any food connoisseur, and do ask them to make tea in bamboo too. Would recommend this place to anyone who likes natures and up for a good hike up the mountains for a little insight of what heaven may looks like. The host are very hospitable and you are actually staying with the family in the homestay, hence the name I suppose.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 997setphs

Review Date: 08 Nov 2018

Review Body: 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. It was an immersive experience during which we got to be up close and personal with the friendly, hospitable (and funny!) family and crew Saloma had gathered around her. The fabulous fresh and healthy food, some of it foraged ourselves on their farm and in the jungle and cooked over open fire in ways unchanged over generations, was a highlight as well as trekking through the jungle. You need a certain level of fitness to fully enjoy the sometimes steep walks in very hot and humid weather. The homestay itself is very clean and well designed, with all basic necessities, including proper toilets.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lonzoaq

Review Date: 02 Sep 2019

Review Body: The best experience you can find to live in contact with the Bidayuh culture of the Malaysian Borneo jungle. We stayed 3 days and 2 nights and everything was perfect. The rooms are very typical, with very comfortable beds on the ground, at night you sleep fresh ... and in the morning the roosters wake you up. The activities (trekking, bamboo-cooking, visits to the longhouses, etc.) take place during the day and in the evening you can relax in the hammock and walk around the village. The food is genuine, mostly of their production, rice, chicken, bamboo, pineapple and vegetables of various kinds. Note of merit for the day at the Farm, Saloma and her staff were fantastic, they made the experience truly unique. Thanks so much!! Lorenzo and Chiara

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 564gabriellel

Review Date: 02 Mar 2020

Review Body: What a wonderful experience in the Saloma family! Bamboo cooking, trekking in the jungle, visiting the village, the farm, swimming in the waterfalls ... Everything cut off from the world in a sublime little house perched in the middle of the jungle ?? The welcome is so warm that we we felt at home with the real feeling of being part of the family ... The meals are excellent ... A real treat for the taste buds ???? What unforgettable moments that I warmly recommend you to live thanks to Saloma and its great family! It remains our most beautiful experience in Malaysia ... I specify that it is an authentic experience, far from the tourist circuits, it is rare and it is GOOD! Our only regret ... Staying only 3 days and 2 nights !!!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sudheendra13

Review Date: 23 Apr 2018

Review Body: 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 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.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Experience a full day trekking in the forest to visit our beautiful waterfalls; passing by scenic paddy rice field(seasonal) & mountain.

Itinerary Description: Kuching Hotel pick up at 8 am. Semenggok visit: A stop-by at Semenggoh nature reserve to witness the feeding time of the Orang Utans from 9am - 10am. (entrance fee Not included) Bidayuh lunch : Drive up to Saloma Villagestay (1hr 15min) for an authentic Bidayuh lunch*. Waterfall trek : After lunch, we will trek to one of the many waterfalls for a refreshing swim or just to marvel at mother nature’s beautiful creation. Trek back to Saloma Villagestay for a late afternoon tea/coffee. Stop off at the local primary boarding school and mat weaver’s house (no obligation to buy, but a small token will help the local community) before returning to Kuching. * All the food served is either grown locally in the family farm or collected/sourced from the jungle/wild.