Nanga Damai Homestay — Hotel in Borneo

Having been a frequent Asia traveler both on business and leisure I got used to the countless evils mass tourism has brought to many countries and learned to live with it. Still, all the beauty and exotic atmosphere of so many places in Asia still fascinated be and made me come back time after time. Some 12 years ago I visited Nanga Damai for the first time. I got picked up at the Airport by the owner Polycarp and even on the way to Nanga Damai I felt that this place must be different to all the other locations in Asia I have been to before. My feeling proved to be right. I had a fantastically relaxing time at Nanga Damai, got to know many people and experienced the warm and friendly hospitality of the local people. None of this Mass Tourism Evil. I fact, this my first visit to Nanga Damai changed my life in a big way. I returned to my home country, closed my business and decided to move to Kuching permanently. I have never regretted my move and my life became much more relaxed and placid. The owner Polycarp is now one of my best friends and Nanga Damai is almost like my second home. Countless times I have been staying since at Nanga Damai, sometimes as paying guest, sometimes just to drop in for a chat, sometimes as a voluntary host and housekeeper while Polycarp was traveling or occupied with his main business. Nanga Damai has become part of my heart. And now that Polycarp's daughter and her partner have taken over the day to day business of running the place full time, thing can only be getting...

I cannot speak highly enough of Nanga Damai Homestay which is owned and run by the wonderful Poly and Louise, who have spent 23 years building this stunning home. The homestay borders on the rainforest, with the backyard consisting of a lovely wooden platform opening out over a waterfall and lush green vegetation.

You can hang in the hammock watching the sunset over the distant ocean, watch the monkeys frolic in the trees above,dip your feet into the fresh stream, or find relaxation or yoga with a view into the jungle.

Louise, Poly, and their two lovely team, made us feel so very at home, gave us rides to the festival or surrounding villages, had great dinner suggestions, enjoyed sharing a story or two, and welcomed us openly into their beautiful space. And of course, let's not forget the two gorgeous ginger cats who are living their best lives in this little piece of paradise.

I highly recommend Nanga Damai Homestay if you want to take it easy, indulge in the peaceful calm of the rainforest, and are heading into the Rainforest World Music Festival or just exploring the hikes in the area. It will be easier if you have your own transport, but Grab taxis were fine to get during the festival period (not sure of other times), and Poly and Louise generously offered rides...

If you love nature..u r most welcme here..im sure u will in love wth the surrounding environment..so fresh and green...wht i love the most here is the private waterfall which just 2 minutes walking ..u can sit there enjoying the sound of waterfall and nature.. Beside tht the owner Mr Polycarp is very kind and friendly person..welcoming tuak from Kapit he served me tht afternoon when i reached there...thnks for sending and pick me up frm Damai Central for hving my dinner ..at night time hving a wine wth the owner and talking about the homestay..During night time the plce so peacefully and cold..i love that..and thnks again Mr Polycarp to allow my friends visit and enjoyed at the waterfall and swimming pool..thnks to the two ladies there too..they are so friendly..and ur cats are fat Mr Poly..i love them...come and stay here..trust me u will love it..me staying at villa house..more privacy ..special rate for me too..deep in my mind i wish to stay here again one...