HAK’S Boutique B&B with Pool & Farm-to-Table Dining – formerly Bike and Tours — Hotel in Borneo

My husband and I have just had the most marvellous 3 days and 2 nights on a bike tour in Sabah with Simon and Tisha. I cannot recommend Bike and Tours highly enough to everyone who is interested in stepping slightly off the tourist path for a truly unique experience. After a wonderful night of hospitality in Simon and Tisha's home (see review Rooms - Lahad Datu) we set off for Silam Lookout and our first morning of cycling. Although my husband is an experienced cyclist I would only rate myself as a recreational cyclist for pleasure ie I try and avoid anything too demanding! Simon coached and encouraged me through out descent down the hill until I gained my confidence. We were watered and fed very regularly on our 30km cycle to Lake Taliwas and despite the hot day we both made it there successfully (despite my own doubtful expectations). Simon and Tisha will cater for any fitness level or cycling ability - I am a true mountain bike novice and lacked confidence but with brilliant coaching and support I now can handle off road cycling and gear changes. Tisha and Simon are wonderfully organised and thoughtful and provide every possible comfort. This was illustrated perfectly by the wonderful picnic stop at Lake Taliwas for lunch. From the small gazebo tent, mosquito coils, 2 course scrumptious lunch, brewed coffee, drinks of choice to the tablecloth and beautifully presented meal everything was perfectly and seamlessly prepared and delivered. We enjoyed a lovely day and 2 nights alone at Danum Valley Field Centre with our bikes to enjoy more cycling and on our third day we cycled with Simon and Tisha in the back-up truck out of DV heading back to Lahad Datu. We were also very fortunate to enjoy a traditional Malaysian picnic breakfast complete with picnic table and stools in a way side stop in the rainforest which was the perfect end to an absolutely fabulous experience. A huge amount of effort and thought was put into the delivery and individualisation of our tour. All communication was made prior to our arrival by email and every detail was handled professionally and with care. I had all my queries answered and my anxieties about our cycling capabilities alleviated. They will also design and plan any type of tour (aside from cycling) and our local experts on places to eat, drink and shop. We will have special memories forever of our trip to Sabah that was truly enhanced by Bike and Tours' Tisha and Simon. Tisha and Simon are the most generous and thoughtful hosts. My husband and I had 1 night's stay in their home prior to heading off on a cycling tour. After settling into our very comfortable and very clean bedroom and bathroom we were completely won over by an amazing evening meal. Every element was exceptional (I am begging for recipes) and definitely the best dining experience in our entire 10 day Sabah trip. We had the most delicious curries and condiments finished off with a beautiful fruit based dessert. We were both ready at this stage to quit the cycling tour and just stay for 3 days with Tisha and Simon eating gourmet meals. We loved our stay in their home and were made to feel very comfortable. By the end of our holiday we felt like old friends. We had access to everything we needed and were extremely well prepared with their Bike and Tours cycling trip to Danum Valley (see Attraction review - Lahad Datu) including all the equipment we would need for our adventure. Icing on the cake was our brilliant breakfast the next morning - perfect carb loading to help us get through our 30km ride! This would have to be absolutely the best homestay experience we have ever had in any country. Why stay at a hotel when you can enjoy true local Malaysian hospitality? Highly recommended for your tour and accommodation needs in Lahad Datu and...

I really can't say enough good things about this place. At first, my wife and I were just looking for an affordable place to stay before our trip into Danum Valley. We booked Bike and Tours B&B and, needless to say, it exceeded expectations.

First of all Tisha and Simon are super friendly and warm people that made us feel completely at home. We enjoyed just hanging out with them and engaging in conversation. After we unpacked, we relaxed on the balcony and they served us a pitcher of ginger tea with spices in it. I can't really describe it because it tasted completely exotic, but it had a lemongrass flavor and it was delicious. Later, at dinner, Tisha and Simon served us out back in the garden. They lit candles, and served us a tradtional Indian-Malaysian dish that we ate off a banana leaf with our hands (silverware was also an option). Tisha is a phenomenal cook. We travelled around Southeast Asia for over 2 months and this was the best food we had during our entire trip. Later, after dinner, we went for a swim in the pool, which was also lit by candlelight. The whole night was very romantic, which was perfect because it was the beginning of our honeymoon.

When we were leaving, Tisha and Simon made sure that we had everything we needed before setting off for the rainforest. Since it was our honeymoon, Tisha gave my wife a ginger flower to take with her - a really thoughtful gesture. Later, when we were at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, I called Simon to let him know that we were not going to need to be picked up from the lodge (we had discussed the possibility of doing a biking tour), and both he and Tisha wanted to get on the phone to wish us a good rest of our honeymoon in Borneo. Seriously, this kind of service is rare, especially for such an affordable price!

Next time I return to Malaysian Borneo, I would like to go on one of their bicycle tours. Simon has biked all over the world, so it is one of his passions. Unfortunately, we did not have time to fit this in during our stay. Regardless, if you find yourself in Lahad Datu, I highly recommend...

What hasn’t been mentioned yet? ….Breakfast next to an Orang-Utan!

No kidding, all might be possible with Bike & Tours in DANUM VALLEY. Well, the orang-utan stayed in the tree while we enjoyed our breakfast in the Field Center. Opportunities to see the wildlife of Borneo such as orang-utans, elephants, deer, kingfishers, hornbills or even mischievous monkeys swinging from tree to tree is right there in front of you. However, bear in mind that this is not a zoo… The wildlife is out there but the jungle is dense, providing them with all the corners to hide from mankind. Hence, there is no guarantee… But what’s guaranteed (if you start your day before the sun first shows its appearance) is the heart stopping sights of the fogs enveloping parts of the ancient trees, almost magical and mystical experience from a 30 meter treetop platform! Experience this as the jungle wakes up!

If you are a bit more adventurous and fit for some good gravel road biking, sign up for a tour in IMBAK CANYON. There is a good chance that you are the only tourist. Cool down at the creek next to the accommodation or challenge the park rangers to badminton game. Also, do not to miss some jungle trekking with one of the park rangers. Okay, there is a high chance that you would come close to leeches (leech socks will be provided), but they are very tiny and don’t really hurt. Watch them moving, you might even be fascinated.

If you want a more relaxing tour, ask Tisha and Simon to arrange something in SUKAU. There is a good chance to witness the monitor lizards, hornbills, kingfisher, monkeys, pigs, baby crocodile from a little boat. I did 3 trips on the river: afternoon, night, early morning.

But if you are “only” staying in LAHAD DATU, there is not much to add from the other reviews. Enjoy staying there! Rent a bike and explore the city and go for Bike and Tours’ Market Tour. You get to sample the local fruit and get an explanation on the different types of local vegetables and herbs and how it is cooked. And if you are up for a bike tour to the BEACH, Simon will...