We’ve had a fantastic stay at Jane’s homestay – not to be confused with two other homestays located in the same longhouse! It was the most authentic experience we’ve had in Borneo – meeting the longhouse residents, including old ladies with long earlobes, waking up to the early morning call to prayer (yes, Christian prayer – the religious revival in Bario is something you have to see for yourself), and, of course, trying the unique Kelabit cuisine. Jane has a real gift for cooking: her dishes are simple yet bursting with unusual and fresh flavours. Venison (sambar deer!), jungle ferns, wild leeks, surreally sweet Bario pineapples – all served on an airy terrace overlooking a luscious garden.
At Jane’s, we’ve had one of our few real hot showers in Borneo. The homestay has electricity round the clock, the bed was very comfy, and the bathrooms wouldn’t be out of place in a nice city home.
However, the best part actually came after we left! My husband forgot his favourite (and expensive) t-shirt at the homestay, and Jane found way to send it to us – with another guest who was flying to Kuching a few days later! Now that’s what I call true Kelabit hospitality.
