By Shikin Louis
SANTUBONG, May 9: Tucked within the lush greenery of Permai Rainforest Resort lies a hidden gem that continues to surprise even returning visitors—the jungle pool, a natural spring-fed oasis quietly nestled in the heart of the forest.
While Permai is known for its treehouse accommodations and coastal views, the jungle pool remains one of its best-kept secrets.
Surrounded by towering trees and the calming sounds of the rainforest, the crystal-clear pool offers a tranquil escape from the tropical heat, drawing in curious adventurers and local tourists alike.
One such group is a lively batch of 10 teacher trainees from IPG Batu Lintang, led by 20-year-old Dzulfiqar Haziq who hails from Samarahan.
“I might have visited this place as a child, but I don’t really remember. So this feels like my first real visit. The plan started after I saw a TikTok video,” he told DayakDaily recently.
The group is on semester break and study week, so they came up with a plan for a short getaway.
Most of them were first-timers to the place including Alfiro Albert, 20, a student from Kota Kinabalu who has been living in Kuching since August 2024.
“I never knew this place existed before. The moment we entered, we saw monkeys—it was already exciting. Next time I’ll definitely come back.
“We wanted to go hiking earlier but didn’t have enough time, so maybe next time I’ll bring other friends from other courses,” he said.
For Genevieve Ashley from Kuching, 20, she said it was her second time visiting Permai but admitted she only discovered the jungle pool during this trip.
“The first time I came here, I just walked up to the first beach. I didn’t even know this place existed, so I never reached the jungle pool,” she said, laughing in amazement.
Meanwhile, Indonesian tourist Shando Safela, 42, said the jungle pool is an amazing place for nature lovers and serves as an alternative for those who do not fancy swimming at the beach.
“I didn’t even know this jungle pool existed until today—it’s like stumbling on a hidden paradise. The walk through the forest was worth it.
“The water’s cool, the vibe is peaceful, and it just feels like you’re in another world. Honestly, can’t believe something this nice is just right here in Permai,” he said.
Permai Rainforest Resort, located just 30 minutes from Kuching, is open to walk-in visitors daily from 7am to 9pm. Its in-house restaurant, The Feeding Tree by Permai, serves breakfast and hot meals from 7.30am until 8.30pm.
For those planning longer stays, the resort offers a variety of accommodation options including treehouses, villas, and cabins to suit different group sizes and budgets. Rates vary by season, with options for couples, families, and larger groups. Complimentary breakfast is included with all room bookings.
Guests can also enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and high ropes, or join guided nature excursions that highlight the surrounding rainforest and coastal biodiversity.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning guest, the jungle pool offers a refreshing experience off the beaten path—a serene and scenic reminder that sometimes the best destinations are the ones hidden beneath the canopy. — DayakDaily
