Learn about edible plants at our mini homestead in Borneo, Malaysia

Details

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  Description

  Hello dear Workawayers from wherever you are around the world.
  My name is Barbara. I was born and bred is Sabah. I used to be a school teacher in Kuala Lumpur many years ago. I spent many years in the UK and France until my partner passed away in 2023. I love animals especially cats and dogs.
  After my partner passed away, I returned to Borneo and bought a tiny piece of land (3200sqft) in 2025. I have developed it into a six mini apartments with 13 bedrooms.
  I realised that I quite like to acquire the next lot solely for growing food.
  Therefore, I truly appreciate some helps in planning the layout of this mini homestead and keeping all the animals here happy and healthy. There are 9 cats, 1 dog, 5 chicken and 4 fishes living in the property as well.
  I am planning to have a small pond for ducks and fishes, some veggie patches and a few chicken coups for eggs.
  I currently managing it all by myself and I would love to share this joy of developing a self sustainable landscape with others soon.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will be able to become a part of the development of a self reliant, edible landscape that is focusing on slow pace lifestyle with great respect to the environment.
  Sabah is located on the tip of Borneo. Our land is rich with cultural and natural heritage. You will learn to prepare local cuisines and taste our homemade rice wines.
  There are so many things to do in the surrounding area such as visiting the state museum and the Mari Mari culture Village. Both are within 15 mins drive. You may want to stay active and indulge in some sports such as scuba diving, paddle boarding, cycling and many more.
  All in all, you will have plenty of time to explore the best part of Borneo while you are staying with us.

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  Help

  We are looking for help with approximately 2–3 hours per day, 5- 6 days a week. Tasks may include:
  
  • Gardening and cultivating edible crops
  • General cleaning and light maintenance
  • Help with pets and livestocks
  No expert skills are required, only motivation, reliability, and willingness to contribute that matter.
  
  A Typical Day
  A normal day usually starts before 9am that includes watering the plants, feeding all the pets and provide them with fresh drinking water, followed by spring cleaning our living space and brunch preparation at 10.30am.
  Evenings are often relaxed, with shared meals, conversations, Netflix, karaoke session or simply a quiet evening as you prefer.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Indonesian: Fluent
  Malay: Fluent
  French: Beginner

  This 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.
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  Accommodation

  Private rooms with comfortable beds will be provided with shared toilets. Cooking ingredients will be provided daily. Snacks are available throughout the day.

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  What else ...

  You can go also trekking, wall climbing and swim in our beautiful rivers. All of these are situated nearby.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Dogs and cats are always welcome in the property.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Fatma and Mouse (kitten)

  

  Blacky

  

  George and Jenny

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