It is amazing how many people out there who want to trek through a jungle trail, slashing through thick undergrowth, fording streams and make faces at a troop of monkeys at close range, then the next moment need to be seated on the porcelain throne of their air-con hotel washroom heaving  giant sighs of relieve after unloading their bloated bladders. This conflict of interest has hindered many a travelers whose need for creature comfort of modern civilization clashes with the rigours of roughing it out in the wild. The Permai Rainforest Resort, only 45 minutes drive from Kuching, addresses this problem brilliantly.

Hemmed in by the warm waters of the South China Sea and in the midst of the steaming tropical rainforest of Borneo, with the spectacular Mount Santubong in the background, the setting could not have been more perfect for a nature resort and lodge. There is no glass and steel, sanitized corridors leading to lifts, butlers with bow ties and gloves, and yet help is a shout away via your mobile phone.

The star attractions here are the dozen or so tree houses. Perch solidly on trees about three storey from the ground, it is built of wood and tree barks for its outer walls. Access is by wooden stairs with railing on both sides. Inside the room, all the trappings for a comfortable stay are in place. Air conditioning, flush toilet and shower, queen sized bed, fridge, coffee making facilities, but with one major concession, no TVs. This should not be a problem as even the couch potatoes can forgive this shortcoming as they ready themselves to embark on their first jungle safari.

The room is airy when the windows are open and there is an open balcony looking out to the sea. Imagine the pleasure of sitting on the balcony under the shades with a cup of coffee, while cool breeze is rustling the foliage and causes the sunlight spots to dance around you. In the distance is the sound of the sea crashing on the beach and chirpings of the bird, while twenty feet away you spy a couple of monkey gazing longingly at the cake on your coffee table, waiting for an opportune time to stage a grab-and-run. This is paradise.

On the ground of the resort, there are a number of activities to keep one busy. A short walk away is the sandy beach and a rocky outcrop farther away. The water may not be crystal clear but there are a lot of secluded niche among the foot of the cliff for a little hideout picnic and quiet reading or contemplation. In a low season and on a weekday, the beach is practically empty, so just close your eyes and imagine yourself to be Robinson Crusoe!

 The jungle trail is a perfect introduction to a newbie explorer. It is safe as the trial is properly cut out and there is minimal climbing. Depending on the weather, if there had been raining, a bubbling stream may cross your path. Expect to see a lot of insects, butterflies, giant ants, bugs, crawling caterpillars and the amazing stick insect that looks exactly like thin tree twig, until it walks! Sighting of snakes are rare here and there is practically no wildlife larger than the macaques. This is jungle trekking for dummies!

 The more adventurous and serious climbers can pit their skills against Mount Santubong . Which is outside the resort ground about a kilometre away. Ask the reception for direction to the starting point at the foothill. Climbing this mountain certainly require a certain level of fitness and is definitely out of bound for couch potatoes. There are well marked trails and even some steps hewn out along the way; at vertical ascents, ropes are strung to assist the climbs. Depending on the fitness, the climb and descend takes about three to five hours. Climbers are rewarded with a breath taking view of the South China Sea and the islands of Satang Besar and Satang Kecil.

Back in the resort, cool down in the “swimming pool”, a dammed pool of clear stream water cold enough to set your teeth chatter for the first few seconds you jump in!

 There are some wooden cabins for those who do not want to climb the tree houses, Each cabin has three rooms and can easily house a family of six to eight members, also with modern facilities like air conditioners and fridge and so on. As the cabin are surrounded by trees they are rather cool and an idyllic verandah is provided for doting parents to watch the antics of their small children running around the cabin ground. A barbecue pit is provided and many a family are seen lugging huge cargo of food to cook here.

 For hassle free dinner, just take a short walk among the shady path to the restaurant, where a reasonable selection of menu are provided. Reports of spectacular sunsets have often been recorded by many diners at this restaurant as it is located on a low cliff and looks out westward to the South China Sea unhindered by trees.

This is certainly a resort for nature lovers who want to get away from it all and yet need their mobile phones switched on just in case. The best of both worlds. But my advice is come to this paradise without your Blackberry so you can unclutter your mind for your next boardroom battle, for Sun Tzu said, “A clear mind is a superior weapon”. Or was it Stephen Covey? I need to go back to Permai Rainforest Resort again.

 Link to this page

 Link to this page