Benarat Lodge — Local services in Borneo

We were very impressed by the level of hospitality and communication extended by Benarat, in particular their friendly and hardworking manager (can't remember his name sorry). Highly personalised which made you feel more like a friend than a customer, unique itinerary prepared depending on how long you were staying and what you were interested in, friendly reminders in case you forget what time you have to be ready (which we did!) and flawless transfers to and from the airport and Mulu Park HQ. Our initial room was different to what we had booked and upon notifying the manager he apologised for the mix up and we were moved immediately with a smile. ||Great scenic property on the river with free roaming chickens and friendly resident dogs. Set menu meals were good and plentiful with as much tea and coffee as you can drink all day and a small, fairly priced bar. Dining area set up on a nice balcony overlooking the river.||Our simple room was tidy and of good size, flyscreens were operational. There was barely any water pressure in our shower but no problem as a bucket was provided. Electricity only on in the evenings but of no real consequence as you are out all day exploring the rainforest. No wifi but if you must it can be accessed for a small fee nearby. ||For those wanting a more luxurious stay Benarat may not be for you but they really offer a great nature experience in a safe and friendly...

Bad value! Worst accommodation ever, bad food, bad facilities, bad location, bad staff. First you pay too much for what you get. I can totally understand, that you are in the middle of nowhere and all food, etc, must come by plain. But there are many Homestays which cost 8-15€ instead of 48€, with the same service, food and facilities and a BETTER location. This "lodge" is in a bad location, it´s 30min walk to Mulu National Park. There is also a shuttleservice, but there try to rip you off. Per way per person it will cost you 5 Ringit, why, it´s 3min drive?? I´am extremly disapointed from the staff. First most of staff is not able to speak English, anyway the "manager" has only excuses and tries to smile all problems away. That´s not service and for that I don´t need a "manager"! For breakfast there serve almost dry instand noodles with nothing. DON´T book a tour with them, you will pay 3 or 4 times more than in the park. We met a family, which booked the same tour like we did, but they paid 3 times more. Save your money and book the fun directly in the national park.

I would not go there again. Try to catch a much more valuable Homestay...

Super friendly staff. Basic accommodation with a superb setting and what makes it really worthwhile is the super friendly staff Anil plus the great guides Phillipe and boatman Liang. One of my best vacations touring the 5 caves plust boat trips up and down the river and staying at the rustic Benarat Lodge. If you want to spend a fortune you can always stay at the Marriot down the road, but you will miss out on the more laid back, rustic type experience. The didning area is a huge elevated roof covered patio type place with great food and beer . Dining room / Pation area has lots of fans and the bedroom have AC.. I would recommend asking if they have boatman to take you down the river for a sunset boat ride. I was wondering if there would be ton of mosquioes, but virtually noe. - so that was surprising. I did some early morning walks so its fascinating listening to the jungle noises - mokenys or large birds... Highly recommended and very reasonable prices. Also a great place to meet other people...