Permai Rainforest Resort

“Heavenly location. Accommodation needs an upgrade.”

The first thing to say is you probably couldn't find a more beautiful setting to stay in. You are in the rain forest but with stunning beach views. Monkeys can easily be seen in the morning and late afternoon as you walk around. The staff are lovely. You are located 10 min walk from the Sarawak Cul… more

The first thing to say is you probably couldn't find a more beautiful setting to stay in. You are in the rain forest but with stunning beach views. Monkeys can easily be seen in the morning and late afternoon as you walk around. The staff are lovely. You are located 10 min walk from the Sarawak Cultural visit and 10 min drive from the Sotong boat trip pick ups. We stayed in a 6 bed villa. It was 24 and you should be aware that the villas are mostly a fair walk - some up hill to from both the cafe and Reception. My elderly Mum really struggled on the uneven footpaths plus the distance although you could offer a free buggy service for elderly people only. The buggy also took your bags for you. Special thanks to Waffy! The villa was extremely basic and in desperate need of maintenance. Mattresses were new and comfortable, and the air con and fans were great. Bathrooms were not good - reminiscent of showering in a public toilet. Low water pressure, desperately needing upgrading and to be honest could have done with a better clean. Neither the lock on the toilet or shower worked. Paint is badly flaking. Heard others complain of dirty or mouldy bedding and towels. We didn't have that experience and there was a big bag of extra stuff plus water delivered although be prepared to sleep under a blanket with no top sheet. There is a small fridge and a couple of sofas. Plugs are very sparse with 1 socket per room. Also need to bring extra toilet roll as that isn't topped up. We had no furniture on our deck but noticed that others did. That said, it's do hot you might not fancy it! The jungle pool was lovely and refreshing but don't expect a normal hotel pool. This was important as although the hotel staff said it was fine to swim on the beaches, we were told clearly by local guides and boat men that it was dangerous. Our guide told us there are 4 crocodiles per 1km and you are very close to the river mouth. We spotted a few on our mangrove tour. I suspect this isn't widely advertised so not to put off tourists. You have to pay extra to rent beach towels. Sadly the best part of the restaurant was the excellent sea view. Amazing at sunset! Food was decent for lunch and dinner but massively understaffed. A few Western dishes of variable quality but good for picky eaters! Fish and chips, chicken fingers and chips and garlic bread all decent. Lovely fresh juices. Even when the place looked empty you were waiting a good hour for food, often over half an hour for drinks. Breakfast was variable. I'd say fine if you get up early but things run out quickly and are then slow to be restocked. Picky eaters might be confined to toast. The poor staff looked stressed. Would recommend bringing lots of extra strong mosquito repellent as they don't really sell it over here. Picking up some mosquito coils and a lighter to put by the door is a good idea. If you come here would definitely recommend hiring a car. Roads are great and it's needed if you want to get out and eat anything decent. Options are very limited. Recommend a visit to the cultural village. It's fairly pricey but worth it. It's excellently done. We also did a full day trip including the mangroves and a trip to Satang island. Again pretty pricey but worth it. Means you get to swim without fear of the crocs! The mangrove trips are good too but would say it is a couple of hours drip rather than 4. It is amazing seeing the crocodiles and dolphins though and lovely having a cruise out on a boat past the local fishing villages.

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“Monkey fun! Stunning beaches.”

As we were with a 3&5 year old we didn’t have the courage sadly for the treehouses. The family lodge had six beds in two rooms and was basic but functional. Part of the rainforest charm There were plenty of monkeys around the site, they even raided reception and breakfast when we were there. To ev… more

As we were with a 3&5 year old we didn’t have the courage sadly for the treehouses. The family lodge had six beds in two rooms and was basic but functional. Part of the rainforest charm There were plenty of monkeys around the site, they even raided reception and breakfast when we were there. To everyone’s delight! Breakfast itself was average, but in that setting you care less. The dinner was tasty, I wouldn’t class the service slow, but we do eat early with the kids. The second beach is amazing, what a setting. Stunning. The first beach is being washed away and a bit of state. A special location and great fun.

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