Mist-kissed Magic at Mendung Escape, Bau’s Hidden Forest Haven
Tucked away in the misty highlands of Bau, Sarawak, lies a hidden gem—Mendung Escape, a homestay that feels like it was plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Surrounded by ancient trees, birdsong, and the gentle whispers of the wind, this secluded retreat offers not just shelter but an unforgettable encounter with nature at its most enchanting.
The adventure begins with a short but exhilarating trek uphill—a path that winds through lush greenery and breathes life into tired city souls. As I ascended, I could feel the outside world slowly melting away. With every step, the air grew cooler, fresher, and richer with the scent of wild ginger and damp earth. When I finally reached Mendung Escape, it felt like crossing a threshold into a different world.
Perched like a treehouse on the hill, the homestay welcomed me with wide, open decks, panoramic views, and a gentle mist that clung lovingly to the forest. It wasn’t just a place to stay; it was a place to be.
From the moment the sun peeked over the treetops, Mendung Escape awakened in a harmony of natural music. Birds chirped in melodic dialogue, cicadas hummed with purpose, and leaves rustled like pages turning in an old book. Each morning, I would sit on the balcony with a cup of Sarawak coffee, mesmerised by the sunrise piercing through the mist, painting golden streaks across the forest.
By night, a different kind of magic took over. The sky transformed into a glittering dome, and on clear nights, the Milky Way stretched across the heavens. Lying beneath a blanket of stars, I felt small, humbled, and incredibly alive.
There is something profoundly healing about the simplicity of Mendung Escape. No honking horns, no flashing screens—just the rhythm of nature and the warmth of wooden walls echoing with laughter and stories. The homestay’s rustic charm, complete with basic but thoughtful amenities, invites guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and appreciate life’s quiet moments.
Meals cooked over an open flame taste richer. Conversations by candlelight linger longer.
Even rain, when it arrives, is a gentle lullaby tapping against the roof, inviting reflection.
What makes Mendung Escape truly magical isn’t just the view, the forest, or even the stars—it’s how it feels. It’s the sense of being both far away and deeply connected. It’s the whisper of the wind through the trees that seems to say, “You belong here.”
Leaving was the hardest part. But like all great stories, this one doesn’t end. It lingers—in memories, in photographs, and in the yearning to return.
In a world that often moves too fast, Mendung Escape is a beautiful forest wonderland that reminds us to slow down, breathe deeply, and find joy in the simple, wild beauty of the Earth. —DayakDaily
Elizabeth Chen Ching Ying from Kuching is the Bronze Winner (Adult Category) in the ‘Homestay Odyssey’ writing competition organised by DayakDaily and supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
