Permai Rainforest Resort
Teluk Penyu, Kuching 93050 Malaysia
Lowest prices for your stay
US$141
Free cancellation until 15/12/22
US$142
US$99
Reserve now, pay at stay
Priceline
TravelocityUS$141
HurbUS$142
View all 15 deals
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Full view
View all photos (785)785
360
Panoramas (9) 
Room & Suite (125)
About
#12 of 93 hotels in Kuching
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Permai Rainforest Resort is an eco-resort set in pristine Borneo rainforest located by the beach at the foot of mystical Mount Santubong, Sarawak. Carefully designed to minimize impact on the natural environment, it offers a unique rainforest experience and a variety of activities from dolphin watching to high ropes courses and guided kayaking tours. Just 40 minutes from the Kuching, its an ideal way to experience Borneo.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Outdoor pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Bicycle rental
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Bicycles available
Canoeing
Hiking
Water sport equipment rentals
Fishing
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Conference facilities
BBQ facilities
Gift shop
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
24-hour check-in
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Ocean View
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Malay
Location
Full view
Contact
Teluk Penyu, Kuching 93050 Malaysia
Getting there
Car HireSee all Kuching car hire
577Reviews24Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 206
- 215
- 87
- 31
- 38
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
+1
We stayed here for four nights as the middle part of a three stop Malaysian trip. We had a tree house room (number 9), which is set slightly into the forest and overlooking the sea (just about visible through the trees). So, first up the room itself. You climb three sets up outside stairs to get to the room. I think as other reviewers have said, the room is very tired. Rickety windows with fly screens which just about cover the windows (although my wife was bitten each night multiple times we were there so not that effective, plus we had Larry the Lizard visit us each night so I assume there’s some other entry holes as well!). There’s a small balcony with two chairs. Quite a hard double bed with an old, threadbare sheet as the only cover (as shown in the picture). You have a couple of chairs and a table inside and an open wardrobe with a couple of drawers that wouldn’t open. There were no glasses, but a couple of mugs, a kettle and a fridge which although kept everything cold has seen better days. They did provide drinking water, however as you can see by the picture we decided to steer clear as it’s was yellow! The towels were very old and frayed and quite hard to the touch, just basically passed their sell by date. You have no Wi-Fi (only available at reception and the cafe - which closes at 8pm and they then turn off the Wi-Fi). There’s an air-con unit in the room which is pretty noisy so if you want to hear the waves outside then you’ll have to have this turned off. The cafe, as mentioned, closes at 8pm and is alcohol free. They will let you bring your own for corkage. In the end though we spent our evenings down the road at Escobars (about a ten minute walk to the resort next door - which I’ve reviewed also) as they had a decent selection of food and served alcohol, plus free Wi-Fi all night). All in all though it was kind of what we were expecting from reading other reviews. So the reason for dropping a couple of stars. We’d contacted them before we’d arrived to discuss trips (we specifically wanted to see the orangutan sanctity and national park) and they’d expressly told us via email not to worry and we could arrange it on arrival. So on arrival we asked about trips and they looked blankly at us and said that “the man who arranges them had left the resort for a few weeks” and seemed to be confused about 2 in 1 trips versus 3 in 1, basically saying only the 2 in 1 was available. Following day we came back to book the 2 in 1 and she looked blankly again and said she’d check with her manager and let us know later. Later that evening we’d heard nothing, so returned to reception to be told that the manager had said 2 in 1 wasn’t available either! This meant that we’d effectively run out of time to book elsewhere. In the end we booked a cab to the orangutan sanctuary and just had to accept that we wouldn’t be able to visit the national park. Very frustrating and disappointing. We then asked if we could hire out a couple of paddle boards. The answer “the man who rents out the paddle boards is away and come back when the tide is out”. We never did find the man! However, silly as it sounds, the most frustrating bit was the bodyboards. In the four days we were there, the little shack that hires boards, rafts and paddle boards was unmanned. So twice I asked at receptions and a passing member of staff if I could rent out a couple of body boards as the waves were perfect for it. Twice was told they didn’t rent them (despite advertising and also showing on the shack board that they do). Gave up asking in the end. Then on the last day as we were coming OFF the beach, the shack had someone in it and in front of them was a nice line of bodyboards for hire. I asked if they were for hire and the lady just smiled in a confused way and said “yes of course”. Three days of great waves lost. Very frustrating. All in all this could be an amazing place to stay, but it’s let down by a lack of TLC in the rooms and a lack of basic understanding from some of the staff (although they were always very friendly and polite at all times). One word of note however was that our taxi was late (at one point the taxi firm told us to book our own, despite this being a pre-paid collection) when it came to the departure airport ride at 0550. Major panic. However the staff could not have been more helpful in offering to drive us to the airport etc. Luckily in the end the taxi drive managed to get to us so it wasn’t needed, but appreciated all the same.…
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t drink the water, bring lots of mosquito repellant, book your trips elsewhere, be prepared...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Simply....PARADISE. Relaxing and fantastic (and comfortable) experience in nature. Restaurant is super and the girl working there very nice and professional. I LOVED this place and reccomend it for a relaxing and unforgettable experience.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
Everything about the kindness of the staff was great. The facility and the food was not so great; it is a monument to deferred maintenance. There is clearly a lack of training here as there is no consistency in the details. We paid their max rate of USD $300/night (per modest cabin of 4) as it was a festival weekend. It would not have been “worth it” if it were half the price. Don’t ask to have your room cleaned as they use a very strong chemical that makes the room uninhabitable for 4-6 hours. Don’t arrive after 5pm or you will have to haul your luggage up steep hills for a long way to get to your room. Don’t expect this place in the rainforest to keep litter and trash picked up. The same litter that we noticed on our arrival was still there when we left five days later. Don’t expect your cabin to be particularly clean. Don’t expect even one piece of art or decoration in your lodging. Don’t expect anything to put your suitcase on and don’t expect any coat hangers or a place to hang things, not even a hook for the towels. This is bare-bones basic here. There are many positive things about the property and the setting and the staff was delightful. However it seems that the GM has more than she can do because her response rate prior to arrival was very poor. Just getting the rate of what we would be charged took over a month and countless emails. This seems like a place where the owner needs to be more closely involved. There is a definite need for training to develop some consistency in their product. There are few other options for food nearby so you should look at the menu before making your decision to stay there. The staff in the restaurant was very nice about taking our advice on how to fix the food better. Three of the very thick wooden slab tables in the dining pavilion have active termite infestation that is not being addressed. Every day you can see that more of each table has been eaten. Don’t sit at those tables or you will have them all over you. Lastly, be prepared for the same Bruno Mars soundtrack of about 15 songs to be played loud and incessantly the entire time. It’s such a lovely setting and you could hear the waves crashing were not for the loud music. Spa or rainforest music played softly would have been much more appropriate. We have these great employees will get better support from the owner of this property.…
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Have bug spray although they were not as bad as we were expecting. Check the menu before going
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Stayed with my family (with one child) in one of the treehouses. While the accommodation can be improved, the experiences we had at Permai Rainforest Resort are great. My daughter can't stop talking about it and she looks forward to our next stay. We saw a proboscis monkey and a family of silverleaf monkeys from our balcony. We frolicked at the two beaches they have as well as splashed around in the jungle pool. Maybe we try the trail next time and maybe even try the kayaks. The cafe is overlooking the sea. They offer a simple menu but the food are tasty and the people are nice, friendly and accommodating. The resort is over 30 years old but the rainforest it is set in is 70 million years old which is simply amazing!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: The treehouses offer beach views.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Worst place to visit to not even to stay in. Dissappointed with the staffs, no staff to handle our request only one housekeeper and one technician and they even got discrimination by this rude owner. not even got intercom and no security guard at all. Very poor in facilities, leaking, electricity poorly maintained, Dirty and and cafe serve bad taste. You may have other hotels and other places in kuching to visit to except this one. Not recommeded at all. I wish i cude give negative rate
Read more
Date of stay: June 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Booked a treehouse for a long weekend which was great but in need of some gentle renovation to keep the accommodation in keeping with nearby competition. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. The on-site restaurant, the feeding tree, has a beautiful outlook over the ocean and is a perfect spot to view the sunset. The amenities on offer at the resort will suit hikers, beach lovers and adventure seekers. Would recommend hiring a car to give you the freedom to head into Kuching as the shuttle bus provided isn't particularly convenient and grab/taxi charges will become expensive. Overall, a great weekend getaway.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Nice spot but our room was infested with rats, ants and mould. There were food crumbs every and the fridge stank of rotten sambal. This place would be amazing if they put some effort into maintaining it, or at least cleaning it.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We stayed in one of their tree houses and loved the experience. The resort is nestled in the jungle right on the coast and we saw a couple of proboscis monkeys swinging through the trees right in front of our tree house as well as an endemic Borneo skink on our balcony. We did the jungle hike to a nearby waterfall which was a highlight of our Malaysia vacation. The room also included breakfast and dinner making the price even more attractive. But don't expect modern 5-star accommodations, that's not what this place is about. Think of it as jungle camping but with a roof over your head, a toilet and air-conditioning :-). If you have the right expectations, this hotel is a good choice.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
This hotel was used by our travel agency as basis for exploring some nearby parts of Sarawak. Apart from the wonderful Sarawak Cultural Center, which is 5 minutes walk away, you will need transport arranged as it is well outside Kuching and adjacent towns. The location insiode a rainforest reserve is wonderful and the (almost natural) rainforest pool original. We had a large treehouse which was spacious, well serviced and very clean. Definitely the best aspect of this hotel. The staff are very nice and committed but somewhat inexperienced. However, the restaurant was well below our usual standard, mainly serving - at best average - buffet food. One evening we were apparently the only guests and got to chose from the a la carte menu which was quite a step up in quality and presentation.…
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Definitely worth going for a large treehouse if you can afford it
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We were grateful for all the reviews we had read on Tripadvisor before arriving at the resort. Absolutely every one of them turned out to be helpful. We went along with low expectations and therefore were not disappointed. What a shame! The place has so much potential!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
US$92 - US$128 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
permai rainforest hotel kuching
LOCATION
MalaysiaSarawakKuching
NUMBER OF ROOMS
39
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingPERMAI RAINFOREST RESORT (R̶M̶ ̶4̶9̶8̶) RM 380: UPDATED 2022 Reviews, Price Comparison and 785 Photos (Kuching) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Permai Rainforest Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Permai Rainforest Resort?
Nearby attractions include Mount Santubong (1.3 km) and Damai Beach (1.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Permai Rainforest Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Permai Rainforest Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Permai Rainforest Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Permai Rainforest Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Ahsoh Buntal Seafood, D'Sea Restaurant, and Escobar Bar & Grill.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Permai Rainforest Resort?
Yes, guests have access to an outdoor pool during their stay.
Does Permai Rainforest Resort have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Permai Rainforest Resort offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Permai Rainforest Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Permai Rainforest Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Permai Rainforest Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Malay.
Are there any historical sites close to Permai Rainforest Resort?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Sarawak Cultural Village (13.7 km).
Does Permai Rainforest Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.