The Story
The Village House by Singgahsana is a boutique resort just a half hour’s drive from Sarawak’s capital city of Kuching. Idyllically located at the coastal village of Kampung Santubong with the majestic Mount Santubong as its background, this exclusive property oozes with personalised charm.
From the centrepiece courtyard pool to its stilted vernacular architecture with common areas and rooms furnished tastefully with carefully curated wood furniture including four-poster ironwood beds with fine white linen contrasted by its bright modern bathrooms, The Village House epitomises tropical Sarawak style at its best.
Adding to the architectural charm, is an eclectic mix of art, antiques and artefacts collection showcased throughout the many contemplative spaces. Its lush tropical garden with carefully placed water features connects nature to these living spaces.
At the heart of The Village House is a unique brand of Sarawak hospitality exemplified by its friendly team of staff with a genuine culture to please and careful attention to detail. The Village House guests are pampered with truly personalized service each time.
Owners
Donald & Marina – Sarawak born and bred, Donald & Marina went to the mission schools of St Joseph ‘s and St. Teresa’s in Kuching and later pursued their university education in Australia and England, respectively.
Donald – holds a Sciences Degree and spent a decade as head of the Sarawak State Sports Council’s Sports Science Division. He subsequently worked as Manager of the Sarawak Golf Club. In 1999, ARTrageously Ramsay Ong – The Art Gallery was established with Donald at the helm as managing partner with his prominent artist Uncle, Ramsay Ong. Another career move saw him into the tourism industry with the establishment of Singgahsana Lodge, a budget travelers’ guesthouse in Kuching which ceased operations during the recent pandemic. The Village House Boutique Resort as well as Borneo Experiences, an inbound travel agency remains as his tourism business portfolio.
Marina – read law at what is now London Metropolitan University and was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. Subsequently making her way back to Asia, she spent a year in Singapore, was called to the bar there and then decided that Singapore was too ‘glamorous’ for her and returned home. Called to the bar of Sabah and Sarawak in 1993, Marina practiced law rising to become partner in a leading firm in Kuching. In 2002 that she should continue their mission to travel extensively as the world is large and time is finite. Marina plays an active role in the tourism businesses.
In 2017, they founded a creative community driven arts, culture and lifestyle festival that has become an annual feature each October known as What About Kuching or affectionately known as WAK.
Traveling remains a passion for Donald & Marina and between them they have covered most of Asia, Australasia, Europe and North & South America and continue to explore new continents and countries.