Rimba Resort is close to perfect if what you are looking for is a secluded tropical island get-away, nestled amongst a dense forest of trees overlooking the warm blue waters of the South China Sea. Comprising 20 huts, an ocean-view restaurant, reading room and a bar/lounge/clubhouse, what distinguishes Rimba from most other Malaysian island retreats, are the impeccable standards of its diligent operators Jo-Ann and Malcolm.
Clean, efficient and professional do not do justice to Rimba Resort. More importantly Jo-Ann and Malcolm care not just about how their establishment is run (ie. the rooms, beach, facilities and grounds are spotless) but also that their guests are comfortable and happy. They are genuinely interested in the guests and their comfort, always ready with warmth, charm, helpful information and a sense of humour. Jo-Ann's smile and quick wit alone could probably generate enough electricity to power the place.
Rimba seems to attract a clientele of mainly expatratiates and travellers. With a crowd like this, it should be apparent what Rimba is not: a megaresort overrun with tourists in search of 'today's planned activities.' Instead Rimba, with it's buildings and décor, gently reminiscent of Malcolm and Jo-Ann's native South Africa, fits comfortably amidst Pulau Sibu's lush raintrees as if it had absorbed the relaxed timeless mood of the islands. Thus, guests take their cue, shedding big city attitudes and schedules as would their shoes.
Except for snorkeling over the house reef which is about 100 meters off the slightly pebbly beach, with a surprising diversity of coral and fish (I even saw a small octopus.) and a mild hike through the jungle, there's little to do except swim, relax, get a tan, read a book, eat, drink and perhaps make merry with a fellow traveller or two. Although, when we were there it seemed clear that most travellers wanted to have their personal time, everyone was clearly extremely relaxed.
Each chalet has a low-key charm. Windows and doors are replaced by canvas blinds, bathrooms are remarkably clean and sand-free, and each chalet has its own porch from which one can sit and lazily ponder each shade of ocean blue, without ever getting wet. Rooms are cleaned and beds made each day by Rimba's quiet and seemingly invisible staff. Each chalet has a fan and good strong water pressure for the shower, however, air conditioning and hot running water are non-existent. Because Rimba is surrouded by trees, mosquitos can occasionally be a nuisance so bring your own repellent or ask for a mosquito coil.
Rimba's bar/clubhouse is a lovely structure with a veranda opening up onto the beach, it is extremely comfortable and inviting, strewn with pillows and Thai lounging chairs from which one can gulp one of Rimba's speciality drinks whilst watching the sunset. Games and books are also available. Meals are served in the restaurant at fixed times, and while some of the Malaysian food is quite good (we had a killer claypot fish curry once) the "western food," a concept and cuisine endemic to Malaysia, didn't quite float our boats. Likewise, those travellers accustomed to all-you-can-eat buffets at other resorts might find the three to five small pieces of fruit customarily served for dessert here, a little spare. But these are the most minor quibbles which should all melt away in the face of Malcolm and Jo-Ann's eagerness to please, and Rimba Resorts's comfort, beauty and charm. Jo-ann and Malcolm has some useful tips on what to bring with you to the island, click to best time to go for more.
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