Profile information
Host rating
60 %
Last replied
13 Apr 2024
Feedback
61
Email verified
Badges (1)
Details
Description
Hi,
I am looking for people to help me running our tourist resort and organic farm in the beautiful southern hill country in Deniyaya and beach front guest house in Midigama, Sri Lanka.
Deniyaya
It's a place for different workshops to be run, we have a bakery included in the resort where many local people shop and are just about to start a small organic farm in the backyard. we have 6 local workers working with us.
We are looking forward to meeting interesting people and to learning a variety of things such as organic farming, sustainable building, forest conservation, butterfly farming, water conservation, bakery, eco-resort, advertising the place through the internet etc.
We are looking for people who are willing to take ownership of the tasks to fulfill and having a lot of freedom to organise themselves accordingly.
Apart from that, there will be plenty of time to explore the surroundings by bike or on foot. There are plenty of waterfalls nearby to swim in, nature, rice paddies and tea plantations to hike through and of course the Rainforest National Park - a paradise for nature lovers!
Your help needed
The rainforest in Sri Lanka is threatened.
This is a World Heritage Site, although protected by Unesco. Still it is getting smaller every year and in 20 years many animal species will get extinct if the cutting of trees for tea will continue in this pace.
Midigama
I are also looking for people to help me run a guest house and hostel on the south coast in MIdigama
Tasks would include cleaning, serving guests, gardening etc. we have one local woker helping us.
We are hoping to start a turtle and coral conservation project, so anyone with interest in this field would be a big help.
If you want to stay one week,1 month,3 months,or more,You are More than welcome and your help will be greatly.appreciated!!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
farming.local culture. cooking.local area.
Help
We need help for a tourist resort. gardening, internet.running a guest house. helping on internet campaining abut the rainforest. painting. cleaning.teaching children.Experience is a plus.
Please note that at the moment we are looking for people who can help us for a minimum of 2 weeks, the longer the better.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Own room or possibly sharing with one other volunteer .
What else ...
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a nearby national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.
The reserve is only 21 km (13 mi) from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km (4.3 mi) from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants and the 15 or so leopards are rarely seen. The most common larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced Langur.
An interesting phenomenon is that birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the noisy Orange-billed Babbler. Of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.
Reptiles include the endemic Green pit viper and Hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Common Birdwing butterfly and the inevitable leeches.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
3 hours, 5days a week
Host ref number: 374847361659
Feedback (32)
27 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie)
We will never forget the time they spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, they helped us enormously....we can't thank them enough. Bon voyage
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valerie) for host
I stayed at Sidney's place in Deniyaya for four nights. Unfortunately, due to Covid, the bakery shop and the restaurant are no longer functioning and the place decayed. Sidney was in the UK during my stay but the communication with him was good. His brother in law Mahesh was present in the hotel. Mahesh was super friendly and spreaks really good… read more
15 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)
Thank you very much for your help and stay with us. We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
15 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabiola)
Thank you very much for your help . We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.3)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
27 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie)
We will never forget the time they spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, they helped us enormously....we can't thank them enough. Bon voyage
(Excellent
)
1 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valerie) for host
I stayed at Sidney's place in Deniyaya for four nights. Unfortunately, due to Covid, the bakery shop and the restaurant are no longer functioning and the place decayed. Sidney was in the UK during my stay but the communication with him was good. His brother in law Mahesh was present in the hotel. Mahesh was super friendly and spreaks really good… read more
15 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)
Thank you very much for your help and stay with us. We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
15 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabiola)
Thank you very much for your help . We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
30 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jacopo) for host
My two-week volunteering experience in Deniyaya was absolutely fantastic! I had my own space, and the shared kitchen was a great way to connect with staff. I had the freedom to work on marketing and graphic design projects with flexible hours, which was a huge plus. Deniyaya is a breathtaking place, but, yes, it can get quite rainy (I went during… read more
30 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacopo)
We will never forget the time you spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....Thank you Jacopo good luck.
(Excellent
)
14 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Rona) for host
I have spent close to 3 weeks volunteering at Sidney's hostel in midigama mostly managing bookings, social media and communication with the guests.
thought Sidney wasn't present in the hostel he was always available to me for everyt question and had an answer to every need!
my Workaway experience was over all fantastic!
I felt like I had a great… read more
thought Sidney wasn't present in the hostel he was always available to me for everyt question and had an answer to every need!
my Workaway experience was over all fantastic!
I felt like I had a great… read more
12 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Rona)
will never forget the time you spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....THANK YOU
(Excellent
)
23 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (KristynaF)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
4 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (KristynaF) for host
I was volunteering in Sydney's guesthouse in Polhena for about 2 weeks and it was a great Workaway experience! I mostly helped with reservations, check ins/outs and general maintanance. Sydney is very kind and warm hearted person who took very good care of the volunteers as well as provided delicious SriLankan food. He even taught me the basics of… read more
14 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Philippa) for host
I enjoyed staying here a lot. And I can remmomend the place to any volunteer. Sidney loves what he is doing which creates good vibes. Guests stay often very long, so did I.
14 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Philippa)
Philippa We will never forget the time you spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....THANK YOU Philippa good luck.
(Excellent
)
28 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacqueline)
We will never forget the time you spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....THANK YOU
(Excellent
)
14 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jacqueline) for host
This was my first workaway experience, and it was a good one. Sidney is a very caring person who tries to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive till your last day. The homestay is in a big house, with a very large garden and a great view.
Sidney is full of energy and has so many (new) ideas about the rainforest campaign, but also about… read more
Sidney is full of energy and has so many (new) ideas about the rainforest campaign, but also about… read more
22 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Manuela) for host
13 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Eric & Patrycja) for host
We worked both at the beach Hostel in Polhena and in Deniyaya with Sydney's mom.
You will not be disappointed with the location of both places.
One hostel has a beach front, where you can enjoy your breakfast and admire vising huge sea-turtles. There is so much to do during your time off that you will not be bored. Additionally, the area of… read more
You will not be disappointed with the location of both places.
One hostel has a beach front, where you can enjoy your breakfast and admire vising huge sea-turtles. There is so much to do during your time off that you will not be bored. Additionally, the area of… read more
8 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Francesco)
We will never forget the time they spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, they helped us enormously....we can't thank them enough. Bon voyage Thank you
(Excellent
)
7 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Francesco) for host
We were supposed to spend a couple of weeks in the Hostel but at the end we stayed for more than one month. We definitely had a great experience!
The place is simply amazing, a big white house completely surrounded by nature, coconut and banana tree, just 5min walks from the beach. We loved the vibes in that place!
Sidney, the manager, is a little… read more
The place is simply amazing, a big white house completely surrounded by nature, coconut and banana tree, just 5min walks from the beach. We loved the vibes in that place!
Sidney, the manager, is a little… read more
12 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Magdalena)
she was pleasant, happy, full of excitement, and ready to work. What ever I asked she did. she was even totally redid my rooms cleaning painting, , Every thing I asked she did with very little instruction. I could not have asked for a better volunteer. she is a real credit to the workaway site. thank you very much and good luck for your tour. hope… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Annelie & Mikael) for host
We stayed here two weeks and hade a great time. Sidney is kind, good, generous and open minded person. He has a lot of energy. But he would have to learn to plan a little more, We were helping with the guests - check in and check out. Cleaning the rooms, we were painting the lobby and organized the rooms for volunteers better. We maked breakfast… read more
15 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Thaïs)
Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously.she was pleasant, happy, full of excitement, and ready to work all the time. What ever I asked she did. , thank you very much and good luck for your tour . hope to see you again oneday.
(Excellent
)
23 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Danika) for host
Sydney is a ingenious, kind and inspiring soul. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know him and help at the guest house in polhena. It was a pleasure to help him, and a wonderful place to relax and meet other travellers. One day I hope to come back and visit, and further assist in Sydney's project.
19 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Danika)
Danika is the Sun. A bright star that puts love and happiness in everything she touches.
Her smile is a gift that makes every instant colored and clear.
We will never forget the time she spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....we can't thank her enough. hope to see you again oneday.
Her smile is a gift that makes every instant colored and clear.
We will never forget the time she spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....we can't thank her enough. hope to see you again oneday.
(Excellent
)
2 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Mitte)
she was pleasant, happy, full of excitement, and ready to work all the time. What ever I asked she did. , Every thing I asked she did with very little instruction. I could not have asked for a better volunteer. she is a real credit to the workaway site. thank you very much and good luck for your tour and thank you very much . hope to see you again… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Mitte) for host
This was just perfect as my first work away experience ánd first days in Sri Lanka. I stayed 6 days in the guesthouse in polhena: helping with the guests, cleaning the rooms, we built a new fence, etc. Sidney is a great host who gives you a lot of trust and so you really feel free to do the work you see there is to do but also to take a break and… read more
11 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Leila)
Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....we can't thank them enough.
(Excellent
)
11 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanna)
We will never forget the time you spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, she helped us enormously....THANK YOU HANNA good luck.
(Excellent
)
18 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrada)
she was pleasant, happy, full of excitement, and ready to work all the time. What ever I asked she did. , Every thing I asked she did with very little instruction. I could not have asked for a better volunteer. she is a real credit to the workaway site. thank you very much and good luck for your tour and thank you very much and good luck for your… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Andrada) for host
Oh, I don`t even know how to start... It was absolutely great! Sidney is the most kind and good and generous and funny and open minded and open hearted person! This was my first place in Sri Lanka and it was the nicest welcome. Lots of useful advice about what to do and how to do, many things to do and see in and around Polhena and many, many… read more
7 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia)
she was pleasant, happy, full of excitement, and ready to work. What ever I asked she did. , Every thing I asked she did with very little instruction. I could not have asked for a better volunteer. she is a real credit to the workaway site. thank you very much and good luck for your tour and home to see you again one day.
(Excellent
)
2 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Paula)
We will never forget the time she spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent,she helped us enormously....we can't thank enough. hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
28 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
We will never forget the time they spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, they helped us enormously....we can't thank them enough.hope to see yopu again.goodluck.
(Excellent
)
28 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
We enjoyed volunteering here and we will definitely come back. Sidney is a great host with an laid-back attitude and we enjoyed staying here so much. We did help in whatever was needed painting, gardening, cleaning etc and we still had lots of free time to go around to see the beauty of this country. Sindey thanks a lot!!!
Stephanie & Nicolas
Stephanie & Nicolas
26 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Chiara) for host
I stayed 1 month with Sidney...the experience was super! He is super easy going and this is one of experience that i will never forget! I want return!!!!!
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Lenka)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
24 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (Lenka) for host
We enjoyed volunteering in both places and we will definitely come back. Sidney is a great host with good sense of humor and laid-back attitude and we enjoyed talking to him a lot. We did help in whatever was needed painting, gardening, cleaning etc and we still had lots of free time to go around and the guesthouse is also close to Sinharaja… read more
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Marion & Carolin)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
28 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Marion & Carolin) for host
Sydney, thank you for this wonderful time in your Hostel & bakery in Deniyaya and in your guest house at the beach in Polhena.
To do housekeeping, looking after guests, help out in the bakery and other things in such a great team of other volunteers was a big pleasure and a great experience!
Wish you, your mom and the rest of the team all the… read more
To do housekeeping, looking after guests, help out in the bakery and other things in such a great team of other volunteers was a big pleasure and a great experience!
Wish you, your mom and the rest of the team all the… read more
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Yvonne)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
12 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Yvonne) for host
I enjoyed my volunteering at the Guesthouse in Polhena Beach and spend there 12 days.
I am curious to run my own hostel and Sidney gave a little hint how it could be... He showed how to manage the bookings, welcome and host guests, do the housekeeping, gardening and some shopping what ever was needed. I loved getting the curry for lunch by bike.… read more
I am curious to run my own hostel and Sidney gave a little hint how it could be... He showed how to manage the bookings, welcome and host guests, do the housekeeping, gardening and some shopping what ever was needed. I loved getting the curry for lunch by bike.… read more
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha )
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
23 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Samantha ) for host
I Stayed 10 days with Sidney and his mother in Deniyaya. I helped him in whatever was needed...gardening, cleaning, bakery, websites...if you are a hard working person, Please...come Here! He needs help! Always!!! I had free time to go around The sinharaja rainforest and Meditation Centre (amazing). Thank you for feeding me Good food!!!! The Best… read more
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Monika & Alexander)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
2 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Monika & Alexander) for host
Alex and me had a varied and great time at Sydneys place. He is a good and caring host, with thousands of ideas in his head.
We worked at different projects and had different tasks, such as already from other volunteers described, helping in the restaurant, improving rooms, and helping with the webside.
There is still a lot of work left so you… read more
We worked at different projects and had different tasks, such as already from other volunteers described, helping in the restaurant, improving rooms, and helping with the webside.
There is still a lot of work left so you… read more
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Babette)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
2 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Babette) for host
I spend two weeks here , it was my first experience of workaway and my first time in Sri Lanka also. I will never forget it, Sidney is an amazing host, very welcoming, always there to help, trying to make you feel good and happy. I will never forget nether his cooking, I really enjoyed it, I discover so many good meals and taste that I don't even… read more
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Cintia)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
25 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Cintia) for host
My original plan was to stay 1 week in Polhena, but as I enjoyed my time so much, I decided to extend it with a couple of more days. I already miss this place, it was hard to leave, but I needed to catch my flight.
This place has a special, friendly atmosphere, with a lot of travelers from all around the world. The village itself is calm, you… read more
This place has a special, friendly atmosphere, with a lot of travelers from all around the world. The village itself is calm, you… read more
15 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille)
she was pleasant, happy, full of excitement, and ready to work. What ever I asked she did. she was even totally redid my rooms cleaning painting, , Every thing I asked she did with very little instruction. I could not have asked for a better volunteer. she is a real credit to the workaway site. thank you very much and good luck for your tour and… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host
I stayed 3 weeks with Sydney at his guesthouse and it was veryyy nice. He is very good person who help you whenever you need. Very smiling person. The job is not difficult and very pleasant. Most of it us is to take care of the guests , cleaning, computer work... you can see many turtles in the sea front of the hostel. Deniyaya is a beautiful… read more
26 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Courtney) for host
We volunteered at both locations for Sidney and enjoyed our experiences very much. Deniyaya was a wonderful village with such friendly locals and staff at the bakery. We were in luck arriving during the building process of the new restaurant, so we had an amazing time helping build/decorate the area with the staff. The region was beautiful; one… read more
20 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jelle) for host
I spend about 4 days helping in the bakerybut did not finish the requested 2 weeks because I had a totally different expectation of the work/situation. I would have loved to help out in the actual bakery but was let down once they told me there was one (payed) worker already which was enough. So instead most of the work I did there was cleaning… read more
22 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Joanna & Piotr) for host
The place is in wonderful area, close to the Sinharaja Rain Forrest.
We didn’t have occasion to meet Sidney, but he seems to be quite easy going man.
That part of Sri Lanka is lovely situated in the mountains, so its good place for a walks.
There is small problem with communication wit the restaurant stuff, but at the end of the day everything… read more
We didn’t have occasion to meet Sidney, but he seems to be quite easy going man.
That part of Sri Lanka is lovely situated in the mountains, so its good place for a walks.
There is small problem with communication wit the restaurant stuff, but at the end of the day everything… read more
2 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host
I stayed 10 days with Sidney at the Guesthouse in Polhena Beach. There was lots of work to do, but I enjoyed it. In the evening we went sometimes out for dinner or to the beach. This was my first Workaway experience and it was a good one.
19 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
13 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Karoline) for host
Already more than six months passed since I stayed at Sydney's place, but the memories of that week are still very vivid.
It was super relaxed, flexible working hours and different tasks (which I could choose) ranging from helping in the bakery to planting trees in the backyard.
It's a nice hideaway place from crowded bus rides and… read more
It was super relaxed, flexible working hours and different tasks (which I could choose) ranging from helping in the bakery to planting trees in the backyard.
It's a nice hideaway place from crowded bus rides and… read more
26 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Cecilia)
We will never forget the time they spent here with us. Very capable, willing and intelligent, they helped us enormously....we can't thank them enough. Bon voyage
(Excellent
)
28 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Cecilia) for host
My boyfriend and I have a good time in Sydney's place. We helped in the bakery, we made some shelves for the books and fruits. We also helped in the kitchen and with the service. We had a lot of contact with local and tourists people, it was very nice.
26 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Karen)
Thank you very much for your review on us! We enjoyed having you here, you are briljant volunteers and became friends! Hope to see you again.
(Excellent
)
22 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Karen) for host
I had a great time working with Sidney and his workers. Work included helping in bakery, restaurant, odd jobs, gardening and helping with web site and Facebook pages(not my area of expertise so they can be improved on).
Flexible hours which means that its possible to take a bike and go exploring in the early morning before the afternoon… read more
Flexible hours which means that its possible to take a bike and go exploring in the early morning before the afternoon… read more
26 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Selma) for host
I was in march there.Sydney is very funny boy.I work in mums home and sometimes in the Bakery.
