Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
8 Apr 2025
Reply rate
81.3 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
42
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are a small family, my wife and I, with one son 25 years old stay at home. We need volunteers to help us with whatever they could do for the homestay development, especially general maintenance, cleaning and homestay serviçe promotion . We have reduced work hours from 5 hours a day to only about 2 hours a day to give volunteers enough time to explore around the area or to do anything else for themselves but we DO NOT provide food . Volunteers can cook food at the volunteers' kitchen at their own cost. Complete kitchen facilities provided including cooking gas, refrigerator, water filter machine, rice cooker, toaster, cutlery, plates, cups etc. There some grocery shops nearby located within walking distance selling vegetables, fruits, fish, meat etc.
The volunteers stay at the volunteer's huts. The huts were built with the help of volunteers for volunteers to stay.Recommended duration of stay is
up to one month. Extention of stay is negotiable.
For the time being, we only accept international volunteers.
Thanks,
Ismail
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
While the volunteers are here with us, they are exposed to the local lifestyle/way of life and traditions. We expect the volunteers to come with an open mind, an open heart and try to adapt to the way of life of the local people.
We regard the volunteers as our family members more than as helpers regardless of where they come from, their races and beliefs.
Help
Volunteers are needed to help us in whatever they can do with their respective skills, experience and knowledge within the types of help they could do as stated in their profile. Interested volunteers are recommended to inform us on what aspects of help they could do for our consideration. Basic helps are to do cleaning around the guethhouse/house, room service and to look after some potted flowers.
We are currently building new wooden platforms for our proposed free campsite near our house and we are in need of helpers to beautify the proposed campsite's surrounding. Workawayers with building/camping experience preferred but not compulsory.
We are a family run homestay service provider registered with The Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture Malaysia.
Thanks,
Ismail
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Volunteers stay at the volunteer's hut with a shared kitchen and bathroom/toilet. For a couple, volunteers stay in one room. If not a couple, each volunteer stay in different room. We accept up to 2 vounteers at one time.
What else ...
During the volunteers' time off, they can walk or cycle around the village or rice field area, go to Kota Belud town, go to beach or river or just stay at home to relax. With regard to transportation, volunteers could take maxim or grab car to go around.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 964556479479
Feedback (34)
21 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tianjun & Qian)
Tianjun and Qian were very nice, polite and friendly . They worked independently or with less supervision. We highly recommend them to other hosts.
.
.
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tianjun & Qian) for host
I'm very happy to be here as our first Workaway experience. As everyone said, the host is a very friendly person, and the work is also not complicated. It's just some cleaning, maintenance, watering flowers, and the time is very free. You can do whatever you want. Unfortunately, it rained almost every day when I came here. And the stray dogs in… read more
29 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie)
Valarie was very nice, polite and respectful. She was very helpful and hardworking. We highly recommend her to other workaway hosts.
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valerie) for host
The stay at Ismail's was perfect to unwind from my travels, the scenery at this place is so incredible and Ismail is truly kind and care taking! He always made sure we have enough food, especially Rambutan as they were our favorites. The work was the perfect amount for the heat and heavy rain falls. i would always go back! Stay safe and healthy… read more
31 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jiří & Xenie) for host
Ismail was very nice to us, he made sure that we got plenty of mangoes. It was our first time volunteering and we are more then happy with this being our first experience. I totally recommend and I want to thank Ismail for making sure we got the best experienced and memories from Sabah.
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Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
21 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tianjun & Qian)
Tianjun and Qian were very nice, polite and friendly . They worked independently or with less supervision. We highly recommend them to other hosts.
.
.
(Excellent)
20 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tianjun & Qian) for host
I'm very happy to be here as our first Workaway experience. As everyone said, the host is a very friendly person, and the work is also not complicated. It's just some cleaning, maintenance, watering flowers, and the time is very free. You can do whatever you want. Unfortunately, it rained almost every day when I came here. And the stray dogs in… read more
29 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie)
Valarie was very nice, polite and respectful. She was very helpful and hardworking. We highly recommend her to other workaway hosts.
(Excellent)
23 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Valerie) for host
The stay at Ismail's was perfect to unwind from my travels, the scenery at this place is so incredible and Ismail is truly kind and care taking! He always made sure we have enough food, especially Rambutan as they were our favorites. The work was the perfect amount for the heat and heavy rain falls. i would always go back! Stay safe and healthy… read more
31 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jiří & Xenie) for host
Ismail was very nice to us, he made sure that we got plenty of mangoes. It was our first time volunteering and we are more then happy with this being our first experience. I totally recommend and I want to thank Ismail for making sure we got the best experienced and memories from Sabah.
6 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laila) for host
I spent two weeks on Ismail's homestay and enjoyed a great hospitality. I was there during Ramadan so it was a quiet time. There weren't many guests and not a lot of work which gave me plenty of time to work on my master thesis. My main tasks were sweeping the yard, watering plants and cleaning the rooms between guests. Ismail was very generous,… read more
26 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Alison)
Alison was very nice, friendly and so helpful. She was helping us to do cleaning around the guesthouse, looking after our potted flowers and was helping us to create new homestay logos. She was helping us doing anything with less supervision. We highly recommend Alison to other workaway hosts.
(Excellent)
27 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lucy & Jordan) for host
Our stay with Ismail was a great introduction to WorkAway.
This was our first WorkAway and Ismail made us feel very comfortable and happy at his home stay. We completed daily housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, grass strimming, watering plants etc. and also helped him to cut down large coconut trees within his garden.
Ismail was extremely… read more
This was our first WorkAway and Ismail made us feel very comfortable and happy at his home stay. We completed daily housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, grass strimming, watering plants etc. and also helped him to cut down large coconut trees within his garden.
Ismail was extremely… read more
26 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Penny & Christopher Jan)
Penny and Christopher are very nice and so friendly. They worked hard with less supervision and they were happy and were willing to learn new things. Honestly, as a host I was so forturnate having them as volunteers. They had been staying with us for few weeks and finished doing the foundation of our new cabins. They are highly recommended to… read more
(Excellent)
23 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Penny & Christopher Jan) for host
We had the most amazing 2 weeks with Ismail in Kota Belud. Right from the off Ismail was so welcoming and easy going.
During our time we built the foundations for 3 new cabins. This involved lots of digging, moving soil and securing the timber posts that would form the stilts for the cabins. The work was tough at times but fair. It was amazing… read more
During our time we built the foundations for 3 new cabins. This involved lots of digging, moving soil and securing the timber posts that would form the stilts for the cabins. The work was tough at times but fair. It was amazing… read more
25 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Viatah) for host
Kota Belud was a whole new experience for me and my partner Thomas. We enjoyed the nice view of Kota Kinabalu mountain, the sunrise and sunset and most of the good cultural exchange we had with our fellow workaway.
Ismael is a very hospitable host and was ready to provide all we needed to make our work and stay comfortable.
He even taught us how… read more
Ismael is a very hospitable host and was ready to provide all we needed to make our work and stay comfortable.
He even taught us how… read more
24 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (CHANDRAHARINE & NIEHA) for host
We stayed for a few days as we are students and lack time, so we could only stay for a short time. It was such a great experience as we were able to experience the village life in Sabah.
We also had plenty of food supply and Ismail made sure there was always enough food. He even bought us food or helped us cook. He's such a nice, friendly man.… read more
We also had plenty of food supply and Ismail made sure there was always enough food. He even bought us food or helped us cook. He's such a nice, friendly man.… read more
10 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Joyzlu)
Joy was so nice, friendly and so helpful.
She was a great helper and is highly recommended.
She was a great helper and is highly recommended.
(Excellent)
23 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Santiago & Claudia) for host
We have lived a wonderful experience, I would always repeat with imail that he is a very good person, hospitable, empathetic. He is calm and familiar, he always checks that we are okay and if he sees that it is very sunny or raining, he tells us to stop so he can work later. He took us to an event with more local people and the people were very… read more
17 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Victoria) for host
Ismail is a wonderfully kind human being, the whole community here are very friendly and welcoming. Ismail will help you to get involved with the community. The neighbour 'Imi' speaks very good English and can offer a sunrise bike tour or you can rent bikes from her. Ismail provides basic food like vegetables and fruits, rice and noodles and… read more
25 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dan) for host
Ismail is a really kind, genuine, helpful and honest caring person with a big heart. his family is also all very very nice. the accommodation provided was really comfortable and the food was incredible. thank you for being such a great host.
30 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Kobe & Lotte) for host
We stayed at Ismail's place for about a week and helped him with some carpentry work for one of his newest huts. Some things we did during our stay were applying plywood to the ceiling, designing and constructing a small wall table and wall shelf and constructing a roof for the terrace. Other daily tasks included sweeping tiles and watering… read more
22 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alena & Guy) for host
Ismael was a super friendly and welcoming host who went out of his way to be accommodating. He bought fresh and healthy ingredients for us to cook with and made sure we were not overworked. He joined us for interesting conversations and invited us to partake in local life - taking us to the Sunday morning market, and inviting us to a neighbour’s… read more
16 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dóra & Ferenc) for host
We had a wonderful and peaceful stay at Ismail’s place. Communication with him was very kind and easy from day one, We had much time for ourselves but also opportunities to help. Sweeping, painting, content creation, basic room service.
If the weather was too hot, He offered us to take break.
We stayed one week there. We got invited to a local… read more
If the weather was too hot, He offered us to take break.
We stayed one week there. We got invited to a local… read more
10 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tatiana) for host
My stay here lasted three weeks. I initially indicated the possible work options that suit me. I was engaged in cleaning rooms after the eviction of tourists, cleaned the territory, planted new flowers. No one stood over the soul, did not adjust, time can be distributed depending on your strength. If it's hot, then please rest. You can continue… read more
9 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Hazel & Miles) for host
We really enjoyed staying with Ismail & his family. We were the 1st people to stay in his new workawayer cabin, which we really enjoyed it has stunning views over the rice fields towards Mt. Kinabalu.
There were 2 other workawayers there when we arrived who helped show us how everything worked, Ismail would keep the pantry stocked and workawayers… read more
There were 2 other workawayers there when we arrived who helped show us how everything worked, Ismail would keep the pantry stocked and workawayers… read more
22 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Vanessa) for host
My experience at Ismail's place was really amazing! He always made sure we had plenty of food and that we didn't overwork. Ismail and his wife are such a lovely and good people. You will stay in a bamboo hut for volunteers which is so coool! Absolutely loved that vibe. The job itself wasn't really hard, some cleaning and sweeping around. Plenty of… read more
19 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Karol & Gabriela) for host
We have no words to say how good person Ismail is! We spent in KB nearly 2 weeks, every day was different than others, Ismail is ready to say you everything you want to know about Borneo nature, local culture, food and religion. There was no language and sense of humor barriers, he's very sociable and gentle person. If you ask him, he could take… read more
5 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nicole & Gijs) for host
We loved our stay with Ismail and his family in the small village of Taun Gusi outside of Kota Belud. :) During our 9-day stay, we helped with deep cleaning the guest lodging, moving soil for a new volunteer hut, and beautifying the homestay with a DIY-planter for the bathhouse. On our day off we visited a great lil desolate beach called Nanamun… read more
22 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sophie & Johan) for host
We stayed 2 weeks at Ismail homestay, it was a really great experience. Ismail is a really kind men, he welcomed us warmly. We helped him to keep his homestay clean, help him to build a bamboo hut and built 2 long chairs ! We really enjoyed to stay there, the view is incredible, the small village is really nice as well. They are some places you… read more
21 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Fiona) for host
I stayed for 8 days with Ismail and his family and really enjoyed my time there, would have stayed longer but I needed to return to KK. He was very hospitable, always buying me fresh food and making sure I had everything I needed. I stayed in the bamboo hut which is very comfortable and has its own terrace with views across to Mount Kinabalu.
The… read more
The… read more
24 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (sofimaxi)
Sofia Ines & Maximiliano were a delight to have stayed with us for about two weeks. They were both hardworking, respectful, friendly, kind, polite and easy to communicate with. They were willing to do any works including cleaning. painting, concrete flooring and other general works while they were here with us. We are beyond thankful for all they… read more
(Excellent)
24 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (sofimaxi) for host
We were in Ismail's home around 2 weeks and spend some wonderful days. We helped Ismail with some task in his homestay: painting, doing fences with bamboo and some cement floor for the new rooms. Ismaill is a very friendy person, very respectful and interested in our culture, and Nordah, his wife, and their son are adorables too, great hosts. Our… read more
24 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (sandymap) for host
After a week in Kota Kinabalu I moved to Kota Belud and stayed with Ismail and his family in Taun Gusi. It was such a refreshing experience being in the peaceful village with such kind and welcoming people. I had basic tasks such as sweeping the courtyard, watering plants, painting some walls and varnishing the bamboo hut that I was living in.… read more
26 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Adele & Joseph )
Adele & Joseph were a delight to have stay with us for about 2 weeks. They were both hardworking, respectful, kind, polite and easy to communicate with. . They were willing to do any works including cleaning, painting and other general works while they were here with us. We hope to see them again in the future to volunteer or to visit. Adele &… read more
(Excellent)
19 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Adele & Joseph ) for host
We stayed with Ismail and his family at his guesthouse for 10 days and we were made to feel welcome from the first minute we met him.
We did a variety of jobs, from cleaning, helping with photographt, through to helping with the bamboo shelter and digging a trench in his garden. Ismail and his wife showed us the town, made local food for us, gave… read more
We did a variety of jobs, from cleaning, helping with photographt, through to helping with the bamboo shelter and digging a trench in his garden. Ismail and his wife showed us the town, made local food for us, gave… read more
24 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Gloria) for host
Amazing days in Ismail's company!
This place, these people are awesome.
Sincerely we spent almost 2 weeks in Taun Gusi, far from all the big tourists places and we are now full of gratitude.
In the village, everybody smiles despite the language distance and we can feel their kindness.
Without speaking, we felt they were welcoming us. The kids… read more
This place, these people are awesome.
Sincerely we spent almost 2 weeks in Taun Gusi, far from all the big tourists places and we are now full of gratitude.
In the village, everybody smiles despite the language distance and we can feel their kindness.
Without speaking, we felt they were welcoming us. The kids… read more
21 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jamie & Rhea) for host
Dear Ismail and Nourda,
Thank you so much for having us in your home and treating us so kindly! We had a wonderful experience working with Ismail at his homestay. Both Ismail and his wife are such kind and welcoming people we felt so comfortable with them straight away. We stayed for 10 days in August, our tasks included cleaning of guestrooms,… read more
Thank you so much for having us in your home and treating us so kindly! We had a wonderful experience working with Ismail at his homestay. Both Ismail and his wife are such kind and welcoming people we felt so comfortable with them straight away. We stayed for 10 days in August, our tasks included cleaning of guestrooms,… read more
21 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Corinne & Martin) for host
We stayed with Ismail and his lovely wife Norda and his son for one week. We had a great time. We continued to build a bamboo hut for the volunteers and the guests. The work was so much fun and Ismail was so kind and appreciate our work. We started early in the morning and continued in the late afternoon so the heat was not a problem. We had so… read more
19 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pablo) for host
I stayed with Ismail and his family for 15 days. I felt really comfortable during my stay. The place is beautiful, surrounded by nature and local life style, which makes the experience really genuine. And having Mount Kinabalu in the background, transmits a unique peace. The accommodation is really comfortable and working with Ismail is very… read more
29 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Julia & Asarrah) for host
I spent two weeks with Ismail and Norda and they made me feel so at home (: I absolutely loved working with them, and though my time spent there was limited, I got to see and experience so much of the local Malaysian lifestyle. I'm so grateful for this experience, thank you!
12 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Florencia & Hernan)
Florencia and Hernan are very nice, hardworking, very helpful and very respecful to others. We strongly recommend them to other hosts.
(Good)
7 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Florencia & Hernan) for host
We have an amaizing time in taun gusi. Ismail and his wife are so nice, that were always taking care of us, even cooking amaizing food for us!!!! We love the goreng pisang!
From the guesthouse we could see the mount kinabalu every morning and enjoy the relax way of living in a kampung. We even went to two weddings!!!! We could also visit a… read more
From the guesthouse we could see the mount kinabalu every morning and enjoy the relax way of living in a kampung. We even went to two weddings!!!! We could also visit a… read more
3 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
I stayed with Ismail and Noman for 2 weeks and what an amazing experience for my first Workaway experience. Kota Belud is a small village north of Kota Kinabalu. The homestay is in a small village. Very quiet and a beautiful peaceful view of Mt. Kinabalu in the distance. I had basic chores around the hostel and my own room and kitchen facilities.… read more
2 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Keith) for host
We stayed at Ismail's home-stay for 10 days and it was really good. Jorge and I were making a video of the best things to do in Kota Belud (you can find it on YouTube). It is a very relaxing place to stay and great to have your own room and kitchen facilities. Ismail made us feel very welcome and likes to leave you to get on with the work, sorting… read more
10 Jun 2016
Left by Workawayer (Marta & Jaime) for host
We stayed at Ismail´s Homestay for 10 days. We helped him to create a website and we also helped with his social media network and gave him advises of how to promote his business. Ismail, Nordah and the rest of the family were amazingly nice, friendly and warm with us. They treated us as members of the family. Ismail also offered to take us around… read more
3 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Anthony & Brittany) for host
We stayed with Ismail and his family for 12 days. Him and his wife, Nordah, are both very kind and helpful people. The accommodations were great! We had the guest house to ourselves. We were grateful to have our own bedroom and bathroom, which isn't always the case when volunteering places. We stayed well-fed during our visit. Ismail took us out… read more
