The Kebun was started 24 years ago as our plan for a retirement home in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Adrian’s & Olivia’s Bungalow was put up after being disassembled from the movie set of The Sleeping Dictionery. The Farmstay side of the business only started in April 2010 after much encouragement from friends. The Kebun is not just accommodation, it is an experience. If you would like to get a taste for the basics of a simple lifestyle in a beautiful tropical setting, which is of fresh gardens of organic herbs & vegetables, picking your own tropical fruits, dining on fresh farm raised livestock, fishing for your own freshwater fish & simple accommodation with little impact to the environment, or even to help out with feeding all of the animals at the end of the day’s activities and again in the morning, then your are up for a unique Sarawakian adventure at The Kebun.
I stayed in the farmstay for 4 days in Olivia’s bungalow. With 2 kids, 3 years and 6 years old We had a great time. The location is unique surrounded by a big tropical garden. The house is beautiful and very convenient. The kids loved to feed the animals in the morning. The breakfast is DIY and was perfect for us. When we arrived home after a trip there was fresh fruit or snacks from the local market waiting for us. Jeneil (the lady who helps Adrian) is very friendly and prepared delicious meals for us.
We used the car a lot to drive around. The beach is 15 min away. Trombol beach is a very nice beach that’s cleaned by the local people. You have to pay 5 ringgit and we had a great time. Very quiet, only in the afternoon you see some couples driving around and hire the carts there to drive on the beach.
We visited local markets and people are very friendly. We loved to go to Kampung Telaga Air and watch the fishing and visit the market and the jetty with great views and a nice sea breeze.
At the end of the street from the farmstay you will find Matang Wildlife Rehabilitation centre. In this centre they take care of wildlife that can’t life into wild anymore. Their stories are at the visitor centre. Interesting to read. We also have been to Semenggoh nature reserve and watched the Orangutans that live in the jungle there. A very nice experience. We don’t recommend going to the crocodile farm. A waste of time and money.
During our stay we didn’t see many tourists. For us it was great but this part of Malaysia deserves a lot more appreciation and attention. Definitely recommend!
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Date of stay: April 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW- we loved the Kebun!! We stayed for a total of 6 nights in Olivias bungalow- April this year. We are an Australian family of 4- kids ages 10 and 12 yrs.
The bungalows- The Kebun offers 2 beautiful bungalows nestled away amoungst beautiful surroundings, there is also a longhouse that Adrian has built himself, which would be fun to stay in if you had extra family or friends. Olivias bungalow was very spacious with 2 separate b/rooms, kitchen, lounge room, bathroom/toilet and 2 veranda front and back. The back veranda overlooks a lovely creek. We found the airconditioning an extra bonus. There is a tv with plently of videos to watch as well, although we found ourselves at night reminscing over the great times we had had dueing our days (great family time). there is a washing machine for your use, were you can wash your own clothes or get them washed for you. We would always come home after big days out to have our clothes neatly folded ready to be put away THANKYOU :)
Around the farm- Each morning we were spoilt to the best fresh farm eggs we had ever eaten! and Adrians honey from his own bees on freshly baked bread (delivered to your bungalow each day). our bungalow also had a tank of fresh cooled water. In the evenings we were delivered beautiful meals to our bungalow, cooked from Olivias famous kichen! Adrian has a very well run farm with goats, ducks, geese, turkeys, (just to name a few). We were very impressed by how spotlessly clean everything was, a lot of work is put into this farm, it was very nice to just roam around and have a look at.
Our days- Well you can do as much or as little as you like while staying at the Kebun. We are a very active family and wanted to do sooo much! Adrian helped us organise the best days ever! Adrian organised a driver called "Raffie" who drove us wherever we wanted to go for that day. Raffie was a highlight of our 3 weeks in Borneo, our family still reminisce and laugh over the great days spent with Raffie. Raffie was our personal local tour guide- pointing out things of interest along the way. We learnt a lot about Raffies culture- he took us to his local fishing village where he grew up - he called himself the "village Boss" everyone stopped to talk to him, we felt like celebrities next to him! his favourite saying being "don't worry be happy" WE MISS YOU RAFFIE :)
Adrian and Olivia were fantastic hosts- making us feel part of there family. We went out to the most amazing place for dinner one evening- places you would not go to on your own (as you would not even know they exisited). Adrian is a local so knows lots of contacts. He is freinds with local rangers and was able to organise a tour to see the amazing rafflesia flower. It also worked out much much cheaper to to day trips from the Kebun to palces like the culture village and oragutangs as you are not paying extra to go through tour companies. Adrian goes out of his way to make the most out of your time at the Kebun. Adrian was helpful even before we arrived to Borneo- helping me organise accomadation at Bako np, suggestions on what to pack ect- THANKYOU ADRIAN. :)
Our homestay at the Kebun was the highlight of our trip. WE WILL RETURN! We will be telling all our freinds and family to stay here. Kuching is a beautiful place to visit, with the freindliest people you will ever come across.
Thankyou "The Kebun" for fantastic memories :)
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Date of stay: April 2012
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:We enjoyed olivias bungalow
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Following 6 nights at the Pullman and a night at Bako NP our family of 3 moved to the Kebun homestay for 4 nights in April. The Kebun was a great point of difference to our holiday experience in Sarawak. The owner Adrian, his wife and farmhands ensured we were comfortable and had time for privacy and 'down time' along with site seeing and adventure.
The homestay was nothing like we expected. The farm itself is beautifully maintained and compliments the surrounding area: a 'must' for nature lovers who like to meander along carefully maintained walks amidst the lush countryside. We stayed in Olivia's Bungalow which overlooks a fresh water creek that flows out to the river on which the property is based. Lovely for paddling on hot days. The bungalow itself is gorgeous; very clean and self contained with two airconditioned bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, lounge room, front and rear balconies. The furniture is quaint and lovely with fresh bedlinen and quilted fabric on the beds.
Our 7 year old daughter couldn't be dragged away from the animals or the owners themselves. Geese, goats, turkeys and ducks are all cared for lovingly along with the lovely property and guests who happen upon this idyllic homestay. Food was included in the homestay price and it was excellent and abundant. The owner took us on several trips including dropping us off at Semantan for a trip to Talang Satang for snorkelling and turtle watching. The homestay is approx 5 minutes from Kubah National Park and in a lovely part of the world.
The Kebun is a gem; the personal touch offered by the owners, knowledge of the area and easy going, amiable personalities makes it a different experience to regular hotel stays and other lodgings offered by national parks and eco lodges. It was one of the best experiences of our 5 week holiday in Borneo.
We would recommend this hotel to families with children, honeymooners, younger and older people, backpackers and those wishing to enjoy a bit of boutique luxury in the jungle. Hard to beat.
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Date of stay: April 2010
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I think you'd be hard pressed to find better value for money and genuine hospitality anywhere in else in Borneo. The Kebun is the most welcoming at relaxing place to stay. Adrian is a fantastic host with a quirky sense of humour, so be prepared for some big belly laughs! He and his happy staff go out of their way to make you feel a part of the communal Kebun family. We opted to say in the longhouse, and couldn't have been happier with the lodging. A great place to get back to basics and connect with nature. Booked for 7 nights then extended to 12 - did not want to leave!! The longhouse is very basic with shared verandah and outdoor shower and toilet facilities. Clean and well maintained with beautiful views of the gardens and trickling stream. If you're looking for a little more privacy or luxury - check out the bungalows, but in my opinion the longhouse is the place to be. The longhouse is by no means a 5 star castle, so if you're a princess - pack up your hair dryer and heels and head elsewhere! There is no swimming pool, no mini bar, no Egyptian cotton sheets... But there is an abundance of flora, fauna, gardens, fresh air, tranquility and stories to share with fellow like minded travellers. Kick off your shoes, jump in a hammock and relax as this place seeps into your soul. The food is fresh, plentiful and delicious. We were a party of three, my daughter with food allergies and my friend a vegetarian - we were all well catered for and certainly did not go hungry. Having your own vehicle is such a convenience and allows you the freedom to get off the beaten track and explore the surrounds at leisure. Adrian is happy to share his expert knowledge of the local area, point out places of interest and inform you of traditions, culture and history of Sarawak. His advice was invaluable and he would even ring ahead to organise local guides or boatmen to ensure you were well looked after. Unbeatable service. If you want to go to Bako, ask Adrian for Sabbat's ( boatman # 5) number. He is an amazing man with genuine passion and pride for the park he is fortunate enough to call home. Will write a review under Bako to share the incredible experience we had with Sabbat. Overall, the Kebun is a chilled out, relaxed environment where you can fully immerse yourself in village style living. Far from the maddening crowds and unbelievably good value for money. We arrived as guests and left as friends, feeling privileged to have called the Kebun home if only for a short while. Am looking forward to returning on day soon. Thank you Adrian :)
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Date of stay: June 2013
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:We had longhouse # 5 which is the most private, separated by a hall way so doesn't share a...
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We stayed in Olivia's bunkhouse for 2 nights in April this year. After reading so many positive descriptions about Kebun. I honestly expected people had been exaggerating, however was amazed to discover not only was it true some aspects were even better. Hosts like Adrian and his family really understand what hospitality is all about. Whilst staying at Kebun we were able to enjoy some brilliant bush walks in national parks and swims in waterfalls which we would not have known about without their inside knowledge. Adrian really helps you stretch your travel dollar further with some great tours and stopping at local eateries where his wisdom in ordering meant we enjoyed many foods we would otherwise not have tried. The river cruise he recommended was brilliant! Irrawaddy dolphins, fireflies, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and a guide who was happy to answer our many questions. We were also very fortunate in being able to see a rafflesia flower (the largest flower in the world - only flowers for 7 days and takes 9 months to bloom) whilst there. Again this opportunity may not have presented itself without Adrian's inside knowledge. If your looking for a great place to stay and hosts who will feed you well whilst ensuring you get the most out of this brilliant area in the world then Kebun is for you. I can't guarantee you'll see a Rafflesia , however, I can say you will take away very cherished memories. Thanks again Adrian and all the staff at Kebun. We hope our paths cross again someday. PS forgot to mention Adrian's excellent sense of humour! He really put a smile on our faces.
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Date of stay: April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanted to visit The Kebun for the longest time as we heard great reviews from a friend. Finally made it this year for my birthday!
We stayed at The Guest House, a nice little, self-contained house just right by the chill lounge. We were picked up at the airport and when we reached The Kebun, we were welcomed by lovely friendly dogs! There are cats at the chill lounge. Mama cat, sister cat and 2 very cute kittens. And Amanda at the Long House.
The entire estate is quite big. We were given a tour of the estate by Janelle, the manager. Olivia's bungalow, Adrian's bungalow, the Longhouse. Each is unique and full of character. The Kebun was the movie set of The Sleeping Dictionary, starring Jessica Alba and Bob Hoskins. It has since been lovingly maintained and improved by the owners.
The car is definitely a plus. We went to a totally isolated beach ... It was just fabulous! There are many other places of interest but we decided to just chill and hang around with the animals at The Kebun.
We were lucky to witness the birth of 8 cutie pie puppies!!! Definitely an unforgettable trip! Hope to be back to see the puppies soon. And next time, we will bring super strong insect repellent!
Thanks to Adrian, Olivia, Janelle, the staff, the doggies and kitties for a fabulous birthday holiday!
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Date of stay: October 2014
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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This was the Reason for us to come back for a second time again to far away "The Kebun" in Sarawak and we'll come back for a third time..... Adrian and his Family comes with the biggest Hospitality. If you want have a Short Break like us in 2011 or bigger Holidays like us on THE KEBUN in 2012. For the Nature Lovers: just do it,:a beautiful garden and ponds at The Kebun, its perfect to relax, if you want Adventures, you also can do this,Self driving (the Car is in the room rate) Animal watching, Night walk... try it out. You`ll enjoy everything.There are many photos, videos on the HP and FB search only for --The Kebun--
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Date of stay: August 2012
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Choose yourself: Local in the Longhouse, Adrians: Big Bungalow original from the Movie:The...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I bought the 5-day jungle adventure at the Kebun with 2 nights in a hotel in Kuchin and 3 in the longhouse at the Kebun. There was another couple on the same deal as ours, but we had not met them before. We were looking forward to meeting Adrian and learn a lot from his knowledge of the area. We only communicated with him before leaving KL by SMS. He arranged for one of his drivers to pick us up since the flight was late, but we never saw him at the Kebun, although we heard that he was around. We did meet Olivia in the hotel before we left for the tour on the second day. The first day was only the pick-up at the airport and no activity whatsoever. We chose to arrive 2 days earlier and paid for our 2 extra nights at the hotel so we could enjoy Kuchin. Our driver was very helpful and friendly, so this lessened the disappointment of a package tour which consisted of long drives because the Kebun is far away (50 km?) from Kuchin, which is the center from where all tourist attractions can be reached. We felt that the tour was stretched to the maximum to make sure we were occupied in travelling and away from the Kebun. Apart from one evening meal at the Kebun, we were treated with food from stalls and food courts. The evening meal at the Kebun was rather ordinary... definitely not in the league of the delicacies other reviewers had experienced. We never felt we were on an organic farm since most food probably came from a supermarket. The meal was prepared by the Indonesian cook. The biggest disappointment came on the night of the meal at the Kebun when we were supposed to go and see frogs in the nearby national park. The event was cancelled because of the rain. However, we heard that Adrian had still gone out to the park with other guests we never met. The rain was an excuse for us, but not for the other guests of Adrian. The night of the dinner at the Kebun, the power went off probably because of the storm. However, it did so only in the longhouse area as we found out later. This was of no concern to Adrian, who was out, and Olivia, who was at the Kebun. We had to try to make us understood by the Indonesian helpers who spoke no English. One of them restored the power. Overall we felt like unwanted guests whose itinerary had to be fulfilled because we had prepaid our jungle adventure. If Adrian was busy and could not be part of our jungle adventure, at least he should have informed us when we arrived. He just avoided us all the time for no apparent reason. We made the most of the situation and will keep good memories of Kuchin and what we saw. The disappointment was significantly lessened by our driver, a real gentleman who was always responsive to our few requests. If you wish to visit Kuchin, do it on your own. The visits of our package tour can be booked through the tourist office and probably cost a lot less than what we paid for through our package tour. At least by sleeping in Kuchin, you will travel less to the tourist attractions than we had to do by staying at the Kebun. I am glad we only paid half price for our jungle adventure through an ad on the web. However, it was not worth the money. If you want to sleep in a longhouse like the native people from Sarawak do, you can do it at the cultural center in Kuchin. If you want the real feeling of living in the jungle, I am sure the local tourist bureau has options for villages far away from civilization. It is disappointing to have to write negative comments in comparison to what other guests of the Kebun have written on here.
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Date of stay: September 2012
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from thekebun, Owner at The Kebun
Responded Oct 18, 2012
Dear Travelman19xx, Thank You for review. Please accept my sincere apology for not being on hand to see to you personally. As you had already mentioned your night flight was delayed and even though I was already at the airport I had no choice but to secure the services of Raffi, our most trusted freelance private guide/driver to meet you instead as my presence was urgently needed to continue with guests at Kubah National Park who are wildlife photographer's on one of many late night shoots. We have to correct you in your statement that The Kebun is 'far away (50 km?)' when it is actually 28 km's from the city center. In reference to the tours being 'streched to a maximum', that is how it has always been carried out as the individual tours are whole day affairs, hence the last night at a very comfortable hotel very near the city. I have passed on your dissapointment to Olivia (by the way the Indonesian 'cook' you mentioned actually assists Olivia) in that the meal's prepared felt like 'it probably came from a supermarket'. We do not make any apology for this as all our food is prepared with the basic ingredients from the farm. With frogging in Kubah National Park we have seen that guests do not appreciate at all the experience at night walking in the rain looking for frogs more so when there is thunder and lightning. Despite this the wildlife photographer guests wanted to maximise their time and we did spend most of the night at the park but under a shed making the most with static shots. As you had already mentioned in your review having never met these guest's who were staying in Adrian's Bungalow that would in turn explain having not being able to meet me. You are absolutely correct in that packaged tours can be booked through the tourist office (but rather through tour agencies) but concluding that it 'probably cost a lot less than what you paid for through your packaged tour' should have come with some suggestions. Any guest who intends to stay with us would have already done their research and made comparisions. Further although there is not much difference in distance to most tourist sites when comparing between travelling from either Kuching or The Kebun we always will suggest that anyone who wants to strictly take in the average tourist's way of not bothering with the experience of staying on a working farm surrounded by jungle to stay instead in a hotel room. Your review failed to mention that we threw in a tour of the Sarawak Cultural Village, a trip to the Wind Caves and the Fairy Caves including a side trip to Gunung Gading National Park to take the opportunity to view the seldom to bloom Rafflesia flower.You also failed to mention that despite there being another couple on the same tour we made it so that both of you travelled in different cars and had a personal driver/guide for the whole duration of the tour. To end, the package which you signed up with via that particular online business that offered daily deals and discounts was promoted as a 'Longhouse Style Adventure'. We do not remember it ever being promoted ever as 'Longhouse Style Adventure with Adrian'. Once again, Thank You very much for your review.
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I stayed in Adrian's bungalow for 4 nights with a friend and then stayed on after she went home. Adrian and his family are generous, good humoured and friendly hosts. They went out of their way to make sure we got the best out of Kuching without having to go through the tour companies. Being guided by locals with inside knowledge (and foodie tips) was so much better than a one size fits all package deal and a lot less damaging to my bank balance. Staying 40 mins drive out of town was not an issue as there was always somebody needing to go somewhere and it was easy to just jump in the car and go along for the ride. Perhaps to see Orangutans, or Proboscis monkeys at Bako or just to wander around town. This is a working farm homestay and not a resort so come with realistic expectations and you will have a fantastic time in Kuching. The bungalow was regularly cleaned and serviced, with food restocked and clothes collected for washing as often as needed. Adrian's bungalow is open to the insects. Mosquito nets and coils are provided. There is no air conditioning but the fans were perfectly adequate. Meals were either delivered to the bungalow set down by the river or at the main table with the family +/- other guests. There was a selection of popular books, dvd's and a comfy hammock on the deck for taking it easy. Plenty of time was spent here just unwinding as my holiday drew to a close, while other days were packed wth activities. Don't expect a quiet night of sleep though. This is a working farm with turkeys, roosters, geese, etc. The longhouse is charmingly fitted out and I was fortunate enough to be there for a blessing ceremony. The other guests who came through were all social and it was great to meet people with similar interests from different backgrounds, especially when I reverted to a solo guest. It is worth visiting the orangutans on multiple days as each day is different.
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Date of stay: March 2012
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Choose Adrian's for seclusion, Olivia's for air conditioning and less insects, or the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were a family group of 5 adults and 2 children and we absolutely loved our 5 nights at the Kebun. The accommodation was comfortable, and the farm surroundings very relaxing.
Adrian, Olivia and their staff were very accommodating and the food was great. We highly recommend doing a Sarawakian cooking course with Olivia - very original and delicious food!
We chose the Kebun based on its location and the reviews here, and we were not disappointed in any way. It is an ideal location to explore the abundant sights and scenic areas in this part of Sarawak.
Of particular interest for bird and nature lovers, the farm is nestled right next to the amazing Kubah National Park, and park headquarters is only about 10 mins drive away. We saw a flying lemur right next to our cabin. I have been birdwatching in many places in Borneo over the years but Kubah is one of my favourites - early morning walks along the main road through the forest were alive with birds, and the sounds of cicadas and frogs at the frog pond at dusk is an incredible experience.
We also visited Semenggoh Orangutan rehab centre which was good, better than Sepilok, especially for photos because you can get good shots of the apes in the surrounding trees rather than swinging on ropes. Didn't get time to visit the Santubong peninsula but that would have been next on my list, we needed a few extra days to see all that we wanted to!
As its only about 30-45 mins drive from Kuching, we spent a day in the city shopping and sightseeing.
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Date of stay: October 2011
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Adrian's Bungalow by the river is more isolated and quieter - it is a beautiful rustic farm...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from thekebun, Owner at The Kebun
Responded Dec 14, 2011
Dear Marc A, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share with you and your family the natural setting of The Kebun. Many of our guest had no inkling that we are surrounded by jungle and flanked by a river which offers a unique setting for wildlife of the feathered kind for those who are avid birdwatchers. Your lucky experience with the flying lemur by your bungalow must have been a highlight too as these wild animals are very difficult to spot due to their shy nature and their preference for tall trees. Thank you for making time for your review and also for your photograph’s which is very important to us and our future guest’s. The photos add immense value to the review as it shows the ambience of the bungalows and its surroundings. We are also happy to note the mention that your stay with us was one of the highlights of your adventure to Borneo and are honoured to be a part of your family’s memorable holiday. Sincerely, Adrian, Olivia, Nafezah & the rest of the team at The Kebun
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"We stayed in the Headhunter Lodge - wonderful large room with in room bathroom. The open air kitchen area is so relaxing - mornings are wonderful with the stream, warm bread, and coffee."
There are more places to choose from in the Kuching area.
LOCATION
MalaysiaSarawakKuching
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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