Above the Clouds at Kampung Sting
As someone who’s more used to the buzz of city life, the idea of venturing into the wild embrace of a jungle felt like a page from someone else’s story. And yet, there I was—trading Wi-Fi bars for emerald walls of foliage on a humid Sunday afternoon was a good idea. I wasn’t on a journey of self-discovery; I was simply afraid of missing out on the youth group’s adventure.
Steam rose from the earth as we waited for our boat at the Bengoh Dam jetty. Excited chatter filled the air as we pondered what our homestay would look like. We were soon bound for our homestay at Kampung Sting. We glided across glassy waters, crossed bamboo bridges, trekked through steep terrain and slipped through trails of mud to reach our homestay. Each step drew me deeper into the raw beauty of the Bornean landscape.
Our home for the next 36 hours was fondly known as ‘The Village Above the Clouds’. There was no Wi-Fi, but it had everything we needed—a bathroom, running water, and fans to stir the thick afternoon heat. Simplicity, wrapped in serenity. We were welcomed with open arms and warm laughter. Through gestures and snippets of Malay and Bidayuh phrases, our hosts made us feel like family. “Ma’an,” they kept urging us to eat more. Such were the flavours of the forest—manok pansoh, paku ikan bilis, sayur rebung—that our mouths just couldn’t stop munching. Each meal here felt like an ode to the land, lovingly prepared by our host family and bursting with the flavours of home.
My favourite spot at the homestay was the tanju, the bamboo veranda crafted in a distinct Bidayuh style. It offered an unfiltered 360° view of the river meandering lazily below, mist-wrapped mountains, and waterfalls tumbling in the distance. I loved soaking in the view from there, listening to birdsong, and simply being present to fully appreciate each moment.
Below me, each bamboo slat told stories of our hosts’ resilience. Displaced by the construction of Bengoh Dam, yet rebuilding with quiet strength, never complaining about traversing steep terrains daily for their livelihood. Life here wasn’t easy, but the riches here are different—fresh air, clear night sky, birdsong. Time moved differently here as compared with the city, its pace unhurried.
What I’ll never forget is the sunrise hike our hosts took us on. Rain fell in silver threads as we climbed. We reached the viewing point just as the sun greeted us with a soft blush behind clouds.
We stood watching in awe, gasping for breath, socks wet, our minds a gallery of memories.
Being here gave new weight to the phrase ‘count your blessings’. How lucky I was—to be alive, to feel the earth beneath my feet, and to savour life’s little luxuries that we often take for granted. It is my heartfelt hope that everyone gets to experience this once—the beauty of Sarawak, the warmth of its people and the joy of truly feeling alive. —DayakDaily
Ashley Kho Jia Yik from Kuching is the Silver 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.
