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: Kate

Review Date: 26 Feb 2025

Review Body: We loved our 3 night 2 day stay at Saloma so much. The activities (bamboo cooking, foraging, walk to the waterfall, tour of another village, night time walk) were all excellent and the rest of the time we were free to relax in the hammocks and take in the surroundings. All of the food we were prepared was delicious. All of the family were friendly and welcoming and particularly Wuui our guide who was so warm and made our stay extra special. Would highly recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Harman Sunner

Review Date: 29 Jul 2025

Review Body: Thank you Saloma to you and your family for such a wonderful time. Your family are such wonderful, kind-hearted souls. Everything was awesome, from the hospitality, to the different experiences with seeing the Orangutans, cooking, seeing how you all live, experiencing different parts of the local way of life. Amazing! To say the least! Could not recommend more to anyone thinking of this homestay.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Maria

Review Date: 31 Aug 2025

Review Body: Absolutely highly recommended!!! This homestay is truly authentic – the experience felt real and special from the very beginning. The hosts are incredibly warm-hearted, and the whole family is simply wonderful. Staying here made me feel not just welcome, but part of being surrounded by very special people who made the experience unforgettable.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Chloe Wong

Review Date: 18 Aug 2025

Review Body: We had a great time walking around in the village, experiencing the bamboo cooking and hiking in the jungle with the company of the great guides, William, Junim, Saloma’s sister and uncle!!!! Thanks to Saloma and her team for such a refreshing and fulfilling tour!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Melissa

Review Date: 29 Mar 2025

Review Body: This was such a unique and peaceful experience! We loved staying here and learnt so much about Sarawak’s indigenous history and culture. Saloma’s family are all so friendly and welcoming, this was a really special trip that I’d definitely recommend.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Thomas RAULT

Review Date: 03 Jul 2025

Review Body: Amazing stay with Saloma and her family. The house is great and the activities were all very nice experiences. The cooking class and the waterfall on the last day are the highlights of this wonderful 3D/2N tour. Thanks Saloma ! Terima Kasih

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Vanessa

Review Date: 04 Oct 2025

Review Body: it was a very authentic experience, such a cute homestay and lovely people! :) apart from the great programme, it was also nice to just chill there. everything was simply perfect! :) and the food delicious as well! :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rebecca

Review Date: 17 Jul 2025

Review Body: We really enjoyed our stay. Saloma is a lovely, organzied host, and we had the chance to experience some of the culture and natural beauty of the area while also allowing time to rest and enjoy our surroundings

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Shaarman

Review Date: 31 Jul 2023

Review Body: Felt very welcomed from the start with Saloma and her family. Extremely comfortable stay with well spaced planning that allow you soak up the surrounding nature. Amazing home cooked healthy food as well

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Carol Emert

Review Date: 31 Aug 2025

Review Body: A meaningful cultural experience. Can’t recommend it highly enough. Terrific people, delicious food, and so much hands-on learning about the Bidayah tribal traditions. Truly unforgettable.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ruth

Review Date: 01 May 2025

Review Body: So authentic. Good variety of activities and relaxing. Guides were very knowledgeable. Food was delicious and plentiful.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Scott

Review Date: 07 Jun 2024

Review Body: Everybody was nice. The food was excellent. Hopefully I’ll go there again one day

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Krzysztof Rosa

Review Date: 06 Sep 2025

Review Body: An extraordinary experience!

Review rating: 5

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: 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

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Visit Semenggoh Orangutan sanctuary, Bidayuh village, learn traditional crafts and see fireflies

Itinerary Description: Hotel pick-up from Kuching (7:30–8:00 AM) 30-min drive to Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary Watch the 9:00 AM orangutan feeding in the forest After Semenggoh, drive about 1 hr 15 mins to Saloma’s Villagestay for a Bidayuh lunch — made with ingredients grown on the family farm or foraged from the jungle. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Bidayuh village and longhouse to see how locals live, with customs passed down through generations. You’ll also learn how bamboo is used in daily life. Stop by St Bernard (Sadir), a missionary-run primary boarding school, and visit a local basket and mat weaver. After dinner, you can join an optional night walk (weather permitting) to spot small creatures and fireflies. Or just relax, mingle with the locals, or unwind on the balcony surrounded by trees.

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Trek to the family farm, forage and cook in bamboo, swim, evening fireflies

Itinerary Description: After breakfast we will trek through the forest & jungle to the family farm (25 mins) hike. Along the way you will be introduced to the local flora & wild herbs/veggies and their uses. Enroute you will have the chance to carry out ‘jungle shopping’, (gathering edible fruits, shoots & leaves to be cooked and consumed at the farmhouse). You will also see the local varieties of crops planted for local consumption as well as commercial cash crops sold daily by the locals. At the farmhouse you will witness & participate in bamboo cooking. All the dishes are prepared and cooked with the specially prepared bamboo utensils. Even our herbal tea is sourced locally from the jungle, cooked in bamboo & served in bamboo cups. These delicacies cannot be found in any restaurant! You can take a refreshing dip in the cool mountain stream and see the local fish species, assist with the farm work or just relax in the farmhouse. Trek back to Saloma Villagestay, after dinner we will go for an evening walk to see the creatures of the night, fireflies with their blinking lights are always a favourite, even among the locals. After that you can laze around with the locals and listen to their stories. For those who want to stay up longer, rice wine & beer is on sale at the village shop.

Itinerary Day 3

Itinerary Summary: Waterfall trek, lunch, then return to Kuching

Itinerary Description: After breakfast, we will trek to the waterfall (35 min) walk for a refreshing swim or just to marvel at mother nature’s creation. You will have the chance to listen to the beautiful symphonies of the forest & rivers which is like music to the ears. Here, you will also be introduced to the local flora & wild herbs and their uses. If you are lucky enough to visit during the summer months you will witness the beautiful colours of the jungle and wild flowers in bloom. Trek back to Saloma Villagestay for lunch before driving back to Kuching. Departure at 1pm. Extra charges RM 200 apply for later departure (subject to reservation & availability)