FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is and will be updated as and when we get ‘NEW’ questions via emails from Guest’s.
Can You Have Someone Pick Us Up From The Airport And How Much Will It Cost?
Airport transfers are included as mentioned on our website. For your easy reference please see http://www.thekebun.com/bungalows-rates/airport-transfers/. We would like to say here that it is very important that you not only give us your flight arrival time but also your flight number. This is because there are times when flights are delayed and multiple flights arrive within the hour.
How Far Is The Farm From The Airport?
It will take 45 minutes to the farm, less in light traffic.
How Far Is It To Kuching City?
28 kilometers or 30 minutes away.
Can You Please Confirm Your Rental Rates?
Our accommodation rates are as you see published on our website. Should and if there are changes you will be informed via email but even if there are any increase the rate you initially booked at will be honoured.
What Happens If We Decide We Don’t Want To Drive?
If you are unsure then please reconsider your intention to stay with us unless you advise us before we confirm your booking so that we can book a driver for you of which you will pay him directly for his services rendered. We will not accept any responsibility should you tell us at the very last moment and we were unable to secure you a driver. Please note that some cars are a manual stick as noted on the car photo’s on the website with ‘A’ and ‘M’.
How Do I Pay A Deposit?
We have always trusted our Guest’s. There is no need for a deposit or to pay in advance. However some Guest’s feel more comfortable by paying upfront or don’t like carrying too much cash. In this case you may ask me for my bank details for a direct transfer.
Do You Accept Credit Cards?
Our business is too small to qualify for a merchant account with any bank. Further there is no land line available to use with such a card processing machine. We only accept cash or bank transfers.
What Vaccinations Do I Need?
Guest often have the impression on the internet that Borneo is a disease ridden island. Malaria and Dengue are very rarely reported in Sarawak, much less in Kuching. But if you feel you need to protect yourself then please take which ever vaccinations you think you need. For your information there have never been any reports of Rabies on the whole island.
What Is Your Check Out Time Since We Have A Late Flight?
We do not have a fixed check out time. If you have a late flight out then we will be more than happy for you to check out as late as needed UNLESS there is a check in earlier to your departure. If this happens we will advise you as soon as possible.
How Do We Get To You?
Transfers to and from the farm is included in the rate. Give us your time and place. If you are flying in please give us not only your arrival time but also your flight number. If you are coming from elsewhere like the city please let us know at least 24 hours before hand. In addition if the number in your party is fewer than when first booked please advise us. We do not want to waste fuel and time because we had to use 2 cars to pick you.
Do I Need Mosquito Nets?
Although there are mosquito nets provided with all the beds, we ourselves have never used them.
Are There Many Mosquito’s?
The farm is mostly surrounded by the jungle and there will always be a mosquito or two usually at dusk and on rainy days.
How Do You Control The Mosquito’s?
We smoke the accommodation in the evenings with coconut husks. Apart from that mosquito coils are provided which are also pre-lit before you arrive. Please use these as and when you wish if ever needed.
Should We Bring Our Own Repellent?
Yes.
How Much Do You Charge For Children?
Children under 11 are complimentary to a maximum of 2 children for every couple. Additional children MIGHT incur additional charges. Please check with us.
Do You Provide Laundry Service?
Although no mention is made on the main website we still will take in your clothing and wash them. There is no charge for this although most guest will tip the lady who does not only the laundry but also keep the accommodation clear and clean everyday. Alternatively you will have access to the washing machines in the laundry room below Olivia’s Bungalow but PLEASE do not overload the machine.
Do We Need To Bring Our Own Soap & Shampoo?
No, these are provided for all lodgings.
Are There ATM’s In Kuching?
Kuching is a small modern vibrant city. The nearest ATM’s are at the petrol station or at the hyper supermarket (E-Mart) both 20-25 minutes away. There are of course many ATM’s located in the city itself.
Do The ATM’s Dispense USD’s?
Sorry to dissapoint you but the last time i checked Sarawak is not a state of America so they dispense Malaysian Ringgits only.
Do I Need To Book For Trips?
No. The only challenge in relation to booking for trips is when you might want to visit a National Park and want a guide. The good ones we recommend are usually booked ahead of time but there is no need for a guide in most National Parks. Other things that need bookings are the Kuching Wetlands Cruise and Kayaking. You can book for these directly using the mobile phone which we will provide which have the numbers preset.
Do You Cater To Vegetarians?
Yes, we do. And let us take this opportunity to remind you to let us know of any dietary requirements at the time of your booking. Please note that we can cater to a gluten free diet if needed. Please make known your diet requirements when making the booking.
What Kind Of Food Do You Prepare?
You eat what we eat unless there is a special requirement you might have. We try our best to make sure that the produce is at all times mostly grown and from the farm. There will always be vegetable dishes, fish from our ponds ,meat and occassionally prawns or crabs depending on what we catch. Please make known your diet requirements when making the booking, not at the very last moment when the meal is already served.
Where Do We Have Our Meals?
You will be sent the meals to your Bungalow. Lunch at 12.00 PM and Dinner at 7.00 PM unless otherwise specified. In the case of the Longhouse you take the meals there at the ajoining dining house.The Bungalow and Longhouses rentals come with ingredients to prepare your own breakfast. PLEASE TAKE NOTE In cases where and when you are out for the day kindly let us know if you are returning. Otherwise we will assume you are not having the meals and will not prepare. If you are on the farm and want either meals then let us know at least an hour before as we prepare meals fresh and this takes time.
Is There Wifi?
There is free WiFi at the converted cow shed located at the front but not at the moment in other area’s of the farm other than The Longhouse. Be warned that the signal is weak but good enough for checking emails but not strong enough for skype or video chat. The Wifi has been located to the front ‘Cow Shed’ is recognised as ‘The Kebun’ (no password). The Wifi in The Longhouse is recognised as ‘The Longhouse’ (no password).
Is There Cell Phone Reception?
Yes. There will also be a cell phone provided to you for the duration of your stay. And a friendly reminder to not abuse this with calling overseas unless you advise us in case of emergencies. Please remember to bring the cell phone with you when you go out in case we need to contact each other.
Can We Explore On Our Own?
It is best that you explore the surrounding area on your own. We have complimentary cars you can borrow, just fill in the fuel which is at your own expense. Also PLEASE top up the fuel for the next guest.There will be a Garmin provided which has already been set with the usual sights. A map is also provided in the car.
Are The Trials In The National Parks Safe And Easy To Navigate?
Yes, the trials in all the National Parks are safe and well marked.
Do You Have A Driver?
If you need a driver, the rate is RM100.00 per day and give us as much notice as possible so as that we can let the freelance guide/driver know. Please pay them directly.
Is Self Driving Safe?
Kuching drivers are very laid back and take their time. All our Guest’s who drove have had no issue’s at all.
Are There Baby Cots Provided?
There are 1 baby cot each in the Bungalows & the Longhouse complete with it’s own mosquito nets.
Do You Have Baby Seats?
Yes, we have 1.
What Kind Of Footwear Do We Need?
If you intend to do some serious walking then boots will be needed. Other than that sneakers and a pair of flip flops will do just fine.
Are There Leeches?
So far leeches have been encountered in National Parks after rain but rarely.
Do I Need To Bring Leech Socks?
No need. We can borrow you a pair of simple football socks and rubber bands.
Do You Provide Refreshments?
There is complimentary drinking water available in all the accommodations. Coffee, Tea and Sugar is also provided. These are all complimentary as with breakfast ingredients like eggs, sausages, jam, butter, milk, sugar and fresh farm baked bread. The refrigerator is filled with soda drinks, beer, juice and snacks which is available for your convenience and purchase. We have a honesty policy where you use an available form to record your consumption and let us know at the end of your holiday with us.
Are Meals Included In The Rental Price?
Yes, all meals when taken on the farm is included, Lunch & Dinner is sent to your Bungalow at 12.00 pm and 7.00 pm respectively. The Longhouse folks are served at the dining house. Breakfast is a ‘Do It Yourself’ affair and all the ingredient’s are provided in the respective kitchens. Please note that on occasion we will invite you out for a meal at a local restaurant as many guests like to be adventurous and try the local cusine.
Is There A Television?
Yes. There is a television is each Bungalow as mentioned on our website. There are no televisions in the longhouse but you are more than welcomed to come to the old cow shed to watch television.
Do We Need To Take Anti-Malaria Medication?
If you feel you should and have been advised by your doctor then please do. I have lived in and near the jungle for most of my adult life and have never been infected by malaria.
Can The Tap Water Be Used For Brushing Our Teeth?
All our teeth are in good nick so far so it would be safe to assume the tap water is safe for brushing your teeth.
How Do We Find You When We Are On The Farm?
We live on the farm and even if you cannot spot us we are only a phone call away via the provided mobile phones. If we go out it will be for related farm chores and more often that than Airport runs.
What Are The Rates For The Accomodation?
The rates are stated on our website but for your easy reference this is the link at http://www.thekebun.com/bungalows-rates/packages-rates/
Do We Need To Bring Our Own Towels?
No, you will be provided with towels.
Are The Car’s You Provide In Good Working Order?
These are our personal cars which we borrow you. These cars are always keep as well maintained as possible as the last thing we want is to have any of them break down and we have to spend the effort and time to go and ‘rescue’ you.
Is It Possible For Us To Be In The Same Room Within The Longhouse Or All Beds Separate?
Yes, but a more detailed answer can be found here http://www.thekebun.com/bungalows-rates/ on our website.
Do You Have Discounts For Long Term Stays?
No, we do not.
Can We Come For Just A Daytrip?
The Kebun does not cater to day trippers.
Do You Serve Pork?
We do not serve pork.
Is Housekeeping Included In The Rate?
Yes it is. However we usually will only do the housekeeping when you go out. In addition we will be unable to do it if the doors are locked. We would like to take this opportunity to seek your cooperation in not wearing your footwear into the accomodation. This will greatly cut down our workload in needing to mop and dry the floors everyday.
Are Meals Included In The Rates?
All meals are included in the rate when taken on the farm.
What Time Are Meals Served?
Lunch and dinner are served at 12.00 pm and 7.00 pm respectively and are delivered to you unless the times have been arranged otherwise. We would like to take this opportunity to tell you that for all times we will not collect the dinner dishes until the next day. If you do not help to wash up then please leave the dirty dishes outside because wasted food will always attract rats and other jungle creatures
Do You Have Any Free Water?
We assume you mean drinking water so the answer is ‘yes’. There are water dispensers in all the accommodation. There are also refridgerators in all accomodation which also holds beer, isotonic drinks, soda’s and so on. These are available for a price with which you record down your consumption and pay at the end of your stay.
Is Petrol Included In The Rates?
No. The car will be handed to you with a full tank. Likewise when possible we will appreciate the car back with a full tank for the next guest. If you did not remember to top the tank up then please leave some cash to do just that to be fair to the next guest.
Do You Give Discounted Rates For Locals?
We do not discriminate anyone thus the rates are the same for everyone.
Can You Suggest For Things We Can Do?
The range of activities are clearly listed/visible on our website on the very front. For your easy reference it is here at http://www.thekebun.com or see here http://www.thekebun.com/about/suggested-iternary/ and http://www.thekebun.com/about/sightseeing/ and http://www.thekebun.com/about/in-around-kuching/ for a better idea. You could also see our facebook page under ‘Albums’ for photo’s of the different attractions. Apart from that we are easily available for daily suggestions onsite.
We Understand That Car Is Available For Rent?
Our cars are NOT for rent. As stated on our website these are our personal cars which we borrow you. Please note fuel is at your expense.
We Are A Group Of 18 Adults. Is The Longhouse Available?
Our website clearly states that the longhouse sleeps 11 maximum.
We Would Like To See Elephants When We Are At The Kebun
We would like to see Elephants too at The Kebun but unfortunately we are in the WRONG East Malaysian state on the island of Borneo. The state you are refering to is Sabah to the north of Borneo Island.
We wanted to confirm the price and what it includes?
On your question as to what is included in the rate you can find more information here at http://www.thekebun.com/bungalows-rates/ and here at http://www.thekebun.com/bungalows-rates/packages-rates/
Are There Any Activities We Can Do On The River Behind Your Farm?
There is a Kayak at your disposal. If you want we can organise a boat for you to go fishing in or speak to one of the local fishermen to go out with them. Otherwise if you are experienced with outboards we will be more than happy to loan you our longboat to go explore or even fishing.
Your Rate Includes Use Of A Mobile Phone And Is Your Number In It?
Yes, our numbers are pre-stored in it as with any other important number for guides and service providers so that you can contact them directly if needed
How Do We Know What Fuel To Use On The Car?
The cars are all running on unleaded petrol with the exception of the Pajero 4wd which runs on diesel.
