Review Author: Sharmal K, Sri Lanka

Review Date: 30 Oct 2017

Review Body: We visited this place in last September with a group of 18 people. Initially we booked it for 12 but later we had a few more wanting to join and we could not turn anyone down. But the staff went to great lengths to make sure we have enough room for all of us and we were perfectly comfortable thanks to their efforts. The place is located at the doorstep to the Sinharaja. Some 1 km to the Sinharaja entrance you have to turn and take a small and narrow road. The road has more room for improvement but most vehicles will have no trouble negotiating it. The property has four rooms with beds for 3 people in each. There are attached bathrooms for each room and they have all the modern amenities (2 of them even have tubs) and we were really surprised to find such luxuries this close to the forest. A few steps descend from the property will take you to a small stream which has a nice natural pool for a good bath. The food is all Sri Lankan type and is really good. The staff is quite friendly and helpful. The real plus side is the great views of the place. We were blessed to wake up to such a glorious view. And we even saw a blue magpie flying over us and a rare butterfly named Sri Lankan Rose (a critically endangered one) in the gardens. Overall we were extremely satisfied with our stay and was eager to return back for another one in the near future.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: ashan_the_nuka, Canada

Review Date: 30 Apr 2017

Review Body: Sinharaja is a hidden gem of Sri Lanka, it's not buzzing with safari jeeps or street vendors, it is truly a place of tranquility. So I was even more surprised to find another hidden gem, Jansen's bungalow tucked away on the hill side of a tea estate. This is not your typical uncle's holiday bungalow. It is a tastefully decorated, amenity-full, well serviced boutique hotel. The rooms were quite large and spacious and our two rooms had verandahs (porch) overlooking the forest. They both provided an amazing view. The shared living room and dining room and outside relaxing areas are large and we didn't feel cramped even with another group present. We booked full board (highly recommended) and the food and service was amazing. The chef, Ishan is the real deal...even my dad, whose quite the Sri Lankan home cook was quite satisfied with all the food. One note is to clarify any food limitations with Ishan as soon as you check in. I could write an essay about this place but I think some details are best left to be (pleasantly) surprised with. I will say this, I'm coming back to Sinharaja, and I will make sure that Jansen's is available before I book my ticket.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Alau-TA, China

Review Date: 30 Apr 2019

Review Body: As I understood from the Niron Jansen, it took about 13 years to build the lodge. It means the very dream of the host of an ideal home. The property is very near to one of the entrances of Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Such proximity shall be good for long range hikers and bird watchers who may have to reach to the forest as early as like 6am. The room we were in is spacious with a mezzanine half floor of two more beds for children. It is absolutely enjoyable to sit at the balcony facing the forest reserve with a cup of tea listening to the sounds of water streams and the birds as well as in the early morning seeing the mists flowing slowly from one side to another. Also what making the lodge different was the very homemade style of food which was delicious of good balance in taste. Thanks for the hospitality from Sam and Niron. We are looking forward to coming back again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tinu007, Switzerland

Review Date: 30 Dec 2018

Review Body: This place is truly unique - beautifully built, comfortable rooms, great facilities and garden and stunning location in the midst of the rainforest and in close proximity to the entrance of Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Simply awesome to sit at one of the many outdoor seating places, suck up the intense green of the rainforest, listen to the birds, the river and the chirping of the crickets while drinking a cold beer. There is also a small river running through the property where you can have a refreshing bath - how often do you get the chance to have a swim in the rainforest? The owners and all the staff are outstanding and the home-cooked - mainly Sri Lankan - dishes the best we‘ve had on our entire trip. Once you made it there, you don‘t want to leave.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: FourkDesign, Australia

Review Date: 30 Sep 2017

Review Body: Without doubt one of the favorite Bungalow's I stayed during my time in Sri Lanka! Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by the staff. The staff was extremely friendly, the meals very flexible (thanks again) and the supervisor deserves a special thanks. I spent two great evenings at Jansen's, which obviously also added up to the experience. The Sinharaja Forest trekking which was guided by one of the staff's member , who works as a waiter in the bungalow. Very nice personality and highly motivated guide (recommendable!). Very fascinating trekking . The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to me. All respect for the Senior staff who does a great job here; a true sample of excellent hospitality!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Chandi d

Review Date: 30 Mar 2018

Review Body: We were lucky to have a wonderful truly relaxed holiday at Jansens. Tucked away in a beautiful tea plantation surrounded by pure nature with hills covered in thick green, you literally smell nature in their patio. With butterflies as big as your palm. Tastefully decorated colonial type bungalow with all little luxuries you would want could not get them out of the natural pool bordering the property with crystal clear waters and free fish foot spa. All you hear is bird chirping, water streaming and nature calling. Sinharaja forest entry is just 2kms away and portion of the forest is right in front of the bungalow Kids loved the attic in our room. Very friendly staff , food was just superior

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nish M, Australia

Review Date: 30 Apr 2017

Review Body: My stay at Jensens bunglow was absolutely pleasant in the middle of a tea cultivation sorrounded by a range of mountain adjacent to Sinharaja rain forest. The bunglow stands out from the rest as the sorrounding is green and very close to a mini waterfall called Duli Ella and its water stream flows very closeby. You only hear the sound of birds and the waterfall! Facilities were sufficiant and really liked the cozy style design. Staff was attentive and very hospitable. I would recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy the nature and quietness!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rangesh F, Sri Lanka

Review Date: 30 May 2017

Review Body: I was here with my family for two nights. The place is amazing. The staff, Kelum and Ishan are very friendly. Also they will cook pretty much any platter of your choice. The food was awesome. Also bathing in the stream, a natural pool bordering the bungalow was the best part. You get a fish spa in the process. The kids loved it. It was fun and we enjoyed it very much. You can also take a hike into the woods, the Duli Falls, the stream and the tea plantations. The place is bordering Sinharaja forest and the experience is unforgettable.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Frank L, Netherlands

Review Date: 30 Aug 2018

Review Body: After a very narrow and steep road, hidden between their tea fields, you'll find Jansen's Bungalow. A new building in old colonial stile. Wonderfull place!! Just below the bungalow and following a paved path, you'll find a small river where you can actually take a swim. Close by is the Sinharaja nature reserve. Despite the leaches (we picked up a few), losts of animals and plants to see. We should have had more time here to enjoy the hospitality of the Jansen family!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: KoosDina, Australia

Review Date: 30 Apr 2019

Review Body: Sam and her husband run a beautiful property with lots of character in an absolutely stunning location! We really felt sorry we could not stay another day. Everybody was really friendly and we were looked after very well. The food was excellent. We felt very welcome. I can't imagine a better place to explore the Sinharaja rainforest from or chill out with the sound of the river in the background.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Diver-Hiker, United States

Review Date: 30 Apr 2018

Review Body: We were there 4 nights (3 would have been plenty). From Jansens we took the tuk-tuk to Sinharaja for trekking 2 times. The entrance close to Jansens is the less-traveled of the two. Our room was nice, though a few things would have improved the experience. First, there are no hangers (only a 'ladder' type set-up for hanging). So we lived out of our suitcases. We used the rails on our deck to hang clothes to dry after trekking. The natural pool, down a steep 'staircase', was a very nice way to cool our muscles after trekking. Food was very good, with lots of local vegetables. We didn't care for the 'black pork' but loved all the chicken. The curries are 'nose-running' spicy, which we loved. We were never left hungry. Only a couple of Sprites and a Coke available for purchase (so bring your own if you wish). Beers are not expensive. It would be good to have had some wine available for purchase. Staff could have used a bit more training for meals. We had to ask (or get ourselves) napkins at least twice. We don't need our linens changed for a 4-night stay, but fresh towels would have been really good. Only bath towels, no hand or wash (which seemed to be typical in Sri Lanka). Our last night was a bit unpleasant. Due to a large group that had arrived, we were asked to eat dinner on our balcony. Not a problem. However they lit Tiki torches using paint thinner (we saw the container). The fumes blew black soot in our direction. We had to come inside, close all windows, and use the air conditioning. Being there 4 nights (when most others seemed to stay only 1) we thought there should have been more consideration. Though they did extinguish the Tiki's after complaints. We took a trek to a waterfall/pool our last day (2 long treks in Sinhiraja was plenty so we were glad for something more to do) with a guide from Jansens. Not an easy hike (especially with muscles sore from trekking!), mostly along the road, but what a wonderful dip in a beautiful setting. We watched monkeys and birds from the cool, refreshing pool. We appreciated the wifi! All staff was friendly and professional, and were very accommodating for meals when we arrived late due to long treks. Overall a diamond in the rough. A bit of hospitality training would go a long way.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Alcofrolic, United Kingdom

Review Date: 30 Jun 2018

Review Body: The road up to the hotel is a thin track and 2 vehicles cannot pass (which we were to find out and the poor drivers car felt it) The staff took the luggage and we were welcomed with an ice tea. The hotel is literally in the middle of nowhere however the location is excellent for trekking the Sinharaja Rain Forest. Went to the room to chill after an early start and a 5 hour drive. The room was lovely and the mezzanine area was really quirky. There was a tv with many channels and in fairness all I wanted to do was lie down and watch the World Cup or a movie but none of the channels worked. The WiFi was also not working although we were informed that it would be back on the following day, although the tv channels were not working. With little else to do I wasn’t expecting to write a good review however things improved. The evening meal of curry and rice was the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka, using today’s fresh vegetables and tryings things we hadn’t. Dinner was served swiftly as was breakfast at the time agreed. Allowed us to bring our wine/beer we had purchased from wine shop and even chilled glasses. After a long trek we came back early afternoon. Took a walk down to the natural pool and ended up staying down there with a small picnic until late afternoon. It’s rainy season but there is shelter for bags and towels. The natural pool has fish and we were visited by lizards too 😍😍. We then took a bath which was a large concrete bath, a nice wee treat. At night the fireflies dance around which is beautiful.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Maria Food, United Kingdom

Review Date: 28 Nov 2019

Review Body: We were there for 2 days and we loved the location and friendly staff. The house has a nice colonial feel to it with the tea plantation around it. Birds, squirrels and monkeys are regular visitors in the lovely garden. Our room was clean and comfortable. Shower is modern and new.The little river that runs not far from the property is clean and very pleasant to swim. Food was basic and tasty and they did try to cater for our preferences. The boys that run the place do try their best but sometimes things can be slow, not that it mattered to us..the place is best suited to people who like to relax and explore the national park of Sinharaja near by. There is nothing else around so don't expect restaurants etc. Internet was coming and going but honestly, look where you are and these things are not important. On the last evening they have set a fire and candle lights outside and we had a very romantic dinner al fresco. Thank you all for a very comfortable stay.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: G Rickard

Review Date: 30 Apr 2019

Review Body: Well the comments in the visitors book say so and we agree. Carefully and thoughtfully renovated with a slight Colonial air. The rooms are clean and the food is good. This is a quiet and very comfortable place to stay, particularly if you are not a hard core birder and wish to relax for a couple of days. Our wives did just that. The Verandas are very inviting and offer good views. Has to be one of the best places to stay in Sinharaja? We would have given full marks but our room wasn't serviced during our stay (2 nights) no big deal but a bit unusual. Anyway still very happy to recommend it.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Hannah E, United Kingdom

Review Date: 30 Dec 2017

Review Body: We spent 1 night at Jansens when visiting Sinharaja. The room was adequate and service ok but the location and Sri Lankan food were amazing. It's a small hotel with just 4 rooms so very intimate and personal. Be warned getting there is a little scary as the final part of the road is very steep - if you don't like heights (like me) just close your eyes!

Review rating: 3

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Leisurely arrival at Jansen's

Itinerary Description: Arrive at Jansen's Bungalow at your leisure

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: You will see endemic birds, reptiles and unique plants in the forest.

Itinerary Description: The driver will pick you up at the bungalow and head to Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Spend the day on a medium-intensity 6-hour hike exploring the surroundings of the lodge, within the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. After the hike, depart early afternoon.