In conjuction with the upcoming Padawan Raft Safari on August 3, several homestay along the Jalan Puncak Borneo are offering special rates for their rooms.

Tourists as well as the locals can experience night-life at Kampung Danu, Kampung Annah Rais and Kampung Temurang on Aug 2 where there will be cultural show and traditional food and drinks served.

The operator of a village stay in Kampung Danu - Danu Villagestay - where the raft safari will start, Robert Kenneth said his homestay is offering a very special price at only RM60 per room or RM20 per person per night.

He said his guests will have free use of karaoke and BBQ set.

For book, contact Robert Kenneth at 013 2036553 or email to
lcmediapoint@gmail.com.  (note: the first letter is L).

The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has announced at a press conference here recently that some 200 teams are expected at the Padawan Raft Safari 2014 to be flagged off at three starting points, namely Kampung Annah Rais, Kampung Temurang and Kampung Danu on Aug 3.


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Danu Village Stay is the ultimate in "meet-the-people" experience

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Foreign tourists in front of Danu Village Stay. Danu Village Stay Danu Village Stay is an accommodation in the Bidayuh village - Kampung Danu at the Borneo Highlands Road Road to cater for both local foreign visitors. Guests at the village stay will have the opportunity to experience the real Bidayuh way of life.
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The Bidayuh are one of 36 ethnic groups in the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. The Bidayuh are extremely hospitable and friendly people and visiting them in their village is an excellent way to immerse yourself in their Bidayuh culture.Guests will have the opportunity to experience the local foods, local customs and the lifestyle of the local people. Among the activities for the guests to choose from are visit a local traditional longhouse, participate in farming activties, visit to caves, visit to the waterfall, jungle trekking, long boat cruise along the Sarawak River and kayaking.

The villagers are warm, welcoming and appreciative of visitors interest in seeing how they live."Whichever option our guests choose, we promise them a memorable time - one which only a handful of tourists will ever experience," said the operator of the village stay Robert Kenneth. At Danu Village Stay, he said guests will stay in their own bedroom and they will find complete peacefulness while learning the village’s life of the Bidayuh enthic group.

"We also have jungle house in the rainforest, a farm where we grow pepper, vegetables, fruit trees, herbs and cocoa. We also have eight fish ponds," said Robert.He said although his guests will be staying in a traditional village environment, modern facilities are provided for them as the village stay is equipped with clean flush toilets, clean bedrooms, ceiling fan, clean kitchen, pipe water and reliable electricity supply.

The host will also arrange to pick their guests from the airport (Kuching International Airport) or the city area. "Staying in our village home also helps the village community as part of the rate goes directly back to the village to help fund the village upkeep," said Robert .The Borneo Highlands is a popular destination with stunning views of the beautiful rainforest, mountains and Bidayuh villages along your way to Danu Village Stay.

Beautiful pebble field in the Sarawak River at Kampung Danu.

About Danu Village

Danu Village is one of the Bidayuh villages in the Bidayuh heartland of Borneo along the Borneo Highlands Road, about 55km from Kuching City the capital city of Sarawak in Malaysia.The village is home to 60 families with about 400 people. To go to the village one need to cross a suspension bridge spanning over Sarawak River.Sited along the Sarawak River, the village boasts a beautiful landscape, making it an interesting spot for tourism.

A lot of activities can be organised for visitors here. They can go rafting, boat cruise, kayaking, fishing, jungle trekking and visit to the nearby caves and waterfall.During the dry season, a huge pebble sand field occupying the entire width of the river comes into view and is a perfect place for picnics. One can walk around the village garden and enjoy the river view from benches at the edge of the garden and visit the cultural/ceremonial house.



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UNIMAS students joined Gawai celebration in Kampung Danu

ONE FOR THE ALBUM ...Robert Kenneth (front, fourth from right)
and his wife with UNIMAS students in front of the homestay 
in Kampung Danu.

A group of 17 Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) students were in Kampung Danua at Jalan Puncak Borneo on June 1, 2014 to celebrate Gawai Dayak with the village's folks.

The group stayed at Danu Village Stay, and they were also guests to the operator of the homestay Robert Kenneth.

During their two days one night stay at the village, they visited Gawai open house and attended the Gawai concert held at the village's playground.

They also joined the Bidayuh traditional dances and other activities. Robert said his homestay with five  rooms is now ready to receive guests. Charging a very reasonable rates, the homestay also have several packages to choose including visit to Annah Rais Longhouse, waterfall, caving, kayaking, longboat cruise, visit to pepper farm and jungle trekking. Visit the website: www.danuvillagestay.com for details.

Robert said in conjunction with the Padawan Raft Safari on August 3, the homestay is offering special room rates for guests/participants of the raft safari event. The JKKK of Kampung Danu has planned thier Gawai closing on June 2.    

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Elssey Lessianna wins first Dayung Sangon title

Elssey Lessianna Richard (C) was crowned as the winner
of the  Inaugural Dayung Sangon 2014 at the finale
held at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association
multi-purpose hall  

KUCHING: 23-year-old student and part-time model Elssey Lessianna Richard eclipsed the competition when she was adjudged fairest of them all at the inaugural Dayung Sangon 2014 (Bidayuh beauty contest) on May 10, 2014.

Using poise and personality to her advantage, Elssey left 11 other contestants trailing behind at the event held in the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) multi-purpose hall here last night.

The beauty from Kampung Pichin, Serian received RM3,000, a trophy and hampers from Nestle Products.

The first runner-up was Jacqualine Ayong, 20, a university student from Kampung Simpok, Padawan while administration clerk Iesha Bezzant, 23, of Kampung Taiee, Serian took the third prize.

Jacqualine and Iesha received RM2,000 and RM1,000, respectively, besides trophies and hampers.

The respective wives of state infrastructure and communications minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin and assistant public health minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil crowned the winners.

Nine consolation winners each received RM300 cash and hampers from Nestle Products. A total of 41 contestants participated in the preliminary round but only 12 were chosen for the final.

Manyin, who is DBNA chief advisor graced the event which was held in conjunction with this year's Gawai festival.

Besides the beauty contest, guests were also entertained to cultural performances by the Kampung Semban cultural troupe from Penrissen, and the cultural troupes of Biatah, Serian and Bau.

Themed 'Cultures in Diversity', the beauty pageant hopes to bring the various Bidayuh groups from Kuching, Bau, Serian, Lundu, Penrissen and the Padawan areas to demonstrate the uniqueness of each group via its costumes, language and even food.

"This competition is an important platform for the participants to groom their personality and build up their confidence and become ambassadors for the Bidayuh," said DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik.

He said plans were underway to make the cultural activity an annual affair for inclusion in the state's tourism calendar. 

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