Guest Reviews

Rahai’i Pangun: "Reece trip on Katingan River & Sebangau National Park"

I was lucky to be part of this 5 days Reecee trip - a trip that hasn't been done before. It was very very well organised and the many transfers between the lovely Ruhui Rahayu river boat and the small canoes that brought us along the small black water tributaries, all went smooth. Staying in the stilted house on the black water lake, Danau Bulat, was great. It was wonderful to get special food treats from Ruhui Rahayu brought the 1 km into the lake. The highlight of staying in Sebangau National Park at the WWF lodge was great. So was trekking at night to set the photo trap. Sailing further into Sebangau National Park on the Panggu Alas black water river to the lake with the same name was equally exciting. A wonderful trip. Lisbet (Denmark)

Dewakan: "What an unexpectedly amazing meal"

"My family surprised me with a birthday dinner. Initially I didn't want to go because its so far away from where we stay. Dewakan opens only for dinner and had its location inside a university college, which didn't make me think that it could be good. The roads leading towards it is really dark and it was raining. When we arrived to the restaurant, it was dark too and they had only 2 set choices in the menu. 5 course (RM180) or 10 course(RM240). It is also mentioned that everyone should order the same menu. So we ordered the 10 course. The food was excellent and very creative, using local produce to its best. There are some stuff that I had never tasted before and it was pure delight to savour the creation. Our RM240 menu consists of: 1. Cured mackerel with ulam, pomelo and local flowers 2. Roast mushrooms with green curry past, yogurt 3. Braised aubergine in mushroom stock,jackfruit seeds, garlic emulsion. 4. Home made noodles with prawns, radish, cold prawn broth (MY FAVORITE) 5. Pike Conger with custard, roasted okra, clams foam (my least favorite, taste fishy) 6. Roast duck breast with beetroots (very yummy) 7. Roasted quail with masala spice, serunding, century egg (very good too) 8. Mulberries wt cardamom ganache, cashew brittles, pucuk gajus (amazing flavors!) 9. Gula Melaka marquise, sour meringue, pulut ice cream (too sweet for me) 10. Warm Chocolate tart, with jackfruit, gandum icecream (Wow!) The amazing varied menu above totally attacks our senses and taste buds and it was a really lovely dinner. Service was good and efficient but towards the end slowed down a bit. And I guess we were really tired by then cos its 10 course, what else could we expect. Our full tummies and the dark room make us sleepy too. 10 course is really too much to handle. Next time, we must have the 5 course instead!"

Locavore: "AMA…wait for it…ZING"

"I have reached 50 years old and I can honestly say that this was the best meal I’ve had in my life full of travel and restaurants all over the world. I walked in on my way back from the Monkey Forest, hot and tired, just intending to grab a quick bite and drink. I’m not sure why but I was offered the tasting menu - I said yes, unaware of the price but ready for an adventure. I ordered 5 courses between the regular and vegetarian choices. To my surprise, 7 beautifully presented amuse bouche courses came first - each exciting and delicious. Then a new chef came out with each course to explain it to me. Exceptional service! And the tastes made my mouth soooo happy. To my surprise there were 2 more amuse bouche dishes before dessert arrived. After almost 2 hours, I thought it would never end and I wanted it to never end!!! The last surprise was an entire flight of chocolates and jasmine tea. All of the food was meticulously prepared and incredibly delicious. Lunch cost about $90 CND, which is the priciest lunch I’ve ever had but WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOCAVORE Make a reservation!!!"

Supanniga Luxury Bangkok River Cruises: "Amazing cruise with fabulous food"

We had an amazing dinner with very romantic atmosphere and a perfect service. We enjoyed the food and champagne a lot!

Nimmu House: "Best beginning to our trip"

"We visited Leh in July 2017 and stayed at Nimmu house only for the 1st night of the trip. We regretted that decision immediately as we reached Nimmu and would have LOVED to stay longer but it was not possible. Nonetheless, our short stay was wonderful. We stayed at one of the tents in the garden - the rooms and restrooms were done up very tastefully, extremely spacious, beds were comfortable, there was hot water running all day, rooms (or tents rather) were clean and tidy. The food at this property was YUM! starting with the fresh Apricot juice to the lunch and dinner, we did not have a single reason to complain about the food. However the best were the desserts - we had a chocolate pie which was out of the world. we were a group of 11 people and i don't think anyone would disagree that it was one of the best desserts we had ever eaten! As it was our first day we keeping it low - loitering in the property, chilling in the garden, sleeping on the hammocks, attended the complimentary pranayam session by Indrani - which was lovely. (She did conduct a yoga session for a couple of my friends but i gave that a miss). The staff overall are extremely friendly. Special mention to Samarth and his wife (they run the place). Overall, id recommend this place. If you want to visit the Leh town on a daily basis during your trip it MAY get tiresome as its some 30 km (or 18.6 miles) one way however id definitely recommend spending a couple of days at this property irrespective. You will not be disappointed. P.S: Samarth if you're reading, am looking forward to coming back!"

Talabgaon Castle: "An amazing place to stay"

Stayed here as part of a tour. The hotel is amazing, fantastic rooms and beautiful common areas. Had an evening bar b q the first night, with Indian dancing and music that was fantastic. The views from the pool were delightful. An absolute highlight of the tour!

Le Passe-Temps: "Year End dream family"

Spent ten wonderful days at Hobbies for Christmas and New Year 2018 with our 3 children and spouses and 10 grandchildren (4 to 16 years). Excellent beachfront location with excellent restaurant on perfectly shaded beach (but not swimmable at low tide). Bungalows very comfortable (excellent bedding, top bath, perfect cleanliness). Decoration of the whole site and original and neat premises, Zen atmosphere. Excellent home owners Olivier and Kiet, the manager of the site and the entire available and smiling staff. The day trips are offered all quality and well organized and we have programmed a day (exploring local islands and Phi Phi, the Phang Nga Bay, jungle, caves, temples, markets and city ​​Krabi ..). We found perfect balance breakfast (excellent) took quietly, a day spent exploring and return late afternoon to enjoy the Hobby - pool, aperitif with magical sunset and dinner. Children and Grandchildren delighted with the stay.

The Island Lodge: "Beautiful boutique hotel next to the river"

"We returned with our 4 yrs old for a second time to the Island Lodge and stayed three nights. I believe it's the best thought through boutique hotel I ever came across in SE Asia. The river view rooms are in 2F, right above the open restaurant, the very good size pool is next to the restaurant and everything is right next to the river. Basically wherever you are and whatever you do, you will have a river view (obviously not from the garden rooms). It is the perfect place for doing absolutely nothing. Food and drinks are good and you should be able to find something on either the French or the Vietnamese menu. The rooms have a good size and are very clean, the pool is great and big and never felt crowded. All the staff are very friendly and they will help whenever they can. The Lodge offers a few tours, which are not so bad if this is your first time to SE Asia. There are some areas which could be improved though. I had the manicure/pedicure which was really not that great. Sitting with hand and feet tucked into tiny bowls for quite a while was not very relaxing. I had the impression they want to offer the service, but the location is not really prepared for it. The manicure/pedicure itself was just ok. The other thing which bothered us one morning 7ish was to wake up to Vietnamese techno music played loudly in one of the neighboring houses. I hope this was because we stayed the days right after new year with all the schools off. Nevertheless, the Island Lodge is a fantastic place and we will be back. Stayed January 2017, traveled with family"

Maduzi Hotel: "Great hotel and very convenient location"

"Summary - great hotel, we were upgraded to a suite as booked through SLH, which was wonderful. Pros -Lovely hotel, suite was huge and bathroom was massive. -Very sleek minimalist decor. -Coffee machine, that made cappuccinos! -Snacks provided daily including drinks, chips, etc. A nice touch. We kept nipping into the nearby 7 11 for beers, water and additional stacks. -Great service. -Great breakfast, although this was only included due to SLH booking. If it is not included it is a little pricey. -Very convenient location to access the rail transport. -Loads and loads of restaurants within walking distance. Cons -We had constant issues with the toilet. It was one of those poorly designed American ones, which tend to block ridiculously easily. However, the staff were great about dealing with the issue on multiple occasions."

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge: "Superb food in beautiful setting"

I had lunch with friends and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful location, the impressive ambiance and the professional and extremely friendly service. Food was an adventure; beautiful, with surprises that pleased the palate. Not not cheap but worth every penny.