Sabah - Borneo - page 184

HOMESTAYS ON THE KINABATANGAN
Homestay programs are popping up with increasing frequency in Sukau, Bilit and other villages, giving tourists a
chance to stay with local Orang Sungai - 'people of the river' - and inject money almost directly into local econom-
ies. Please note the contacts we provide are for local homestay program coordinators who will place you with indi-
vidual families.
Our favourite homestay in the region is in the village of Abai. The villagers love hosting guests and, to the degree
they can, chatting with you and generally forming cross- cultural bonds (the levels of English are admittedly not
great). Expect to be asked to participate in the local village volleyball matches! This homestay is best arranged
through Adventure Alternative Borneo ( Click here ) in Kota Kinabalu, which maintains direct contact with the vil-
lagers.
In Sukau, Bali Kito Homestay ( 089-568472, 013-869 9026; http://sukauhomestay.com ; 3-day, 2-night
package for four RM650, one night with two meals RM50) can connect you with several different families and, for
additional fees, hook you up with cultural programs, fishing trips, opportunities to work on traditional farms, treks,
wildlife cruises and other fun. A special walk-in rate of RM30 is also available if you just rock up to the village
(meals are RM10 each). A four-person three-day, two-night package that includes meals, four river cruises, transport
to and from Sandakan and a visit to the Gomantong Caves runs to RM650 per person, but different packages can be
arranged for smaller groups.
In tiny Bilit, we often wondered which houses weren't homestays. Contact the exceptionally helpful Bilit Village
Homestay ( 013-891 3078, 019-537 0843, 019-853 4997; http://bilithomestay.wordpress.com ; r from RM55) .
This outfit offers package deals that are much the same experience as what you would find in Sukau. Three-day,
two-night rates, which include river cruises and trekking, run RM360 per person.
Near Batu Pulih (the village adjacent to the Batu Tulug caves), Mescot/Miso Walai Homestay ( 012-889
5379, 019-582 5214, 089-551070; www.mescot.org ; r RM70) is one of the oldest, best-run community ecotourism
initiatives in the area. By dint of its location, this homestay also happens to be outside the tourist crush in Sukau and
Bilit, so your chances of spotting wildlife are a bit better.
When staying in a homestay, it is important to act as a guest in someone's home as opposed to a tourist on holi-
day. Privacy will be reduced, and you may be expected to help with chores, cooking, cleaning etc (this depends on
the family you stay with). Men and women should dress modestly and couples will want to avoid overt displays of
affection, which locals tend to frown on. English may not be widely spoken, especially at newer homestays, al-
though you'll be impressed at the multilingual abilities of kids who have grown accustomed to meeting travellers
from around the world! The experience is a different one, one which many visitors absolutely love, but it's certainly
not everyone's cup of tea. That said, we strongly encourage giving homestays a shot if you haven't done so before.
Getting There & Away
Transfers are usually arranged with your lodging as part of your package, but you can
save by arriving independently. Arrange transport from any of the drop-off points with