Reviews of River Side Cabana

The treehouse

Riverside location was beautiful, viewing & hearing all the wildlife around was special

Wi-Fi not working

The tree house is beautiful and surrounded by so much nature. The owner and his family were so welcoming and helpful. The owner took me for free to the lake to see the bats and was full of recommendations of things to do. I booked my safari through him and the driver was very knowledgeable. I heard stories about the park being overrun by jeeps with queues to see the animals. The driver always managed to keep us away from the other tours whilst still seeing all the animals - sloth bear, elephants and a jaguar. The owner also took me to see another hostel he has just on the edge of Yala park. Unfortunately I did not have the time to stay there but I definitely will return to stay there and experience the raw nature.

For me so everything was perfect

We stayed two nights in the Riverside Cabana and had a wonderful experience. The accommodation is really nice — we stayed in a cozy treehouse-style cabana facing the river, surrounded by nature. It was peaceful and refreshing, yet still conveniently located about a 15-minute walk from the city. The host was incredibly helpful. He arranged a safari for us and even organized a taxi to Tangalle at a fair price. We truly appreciated the warm hospitality and would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing stay close to nature.

Nothing

the owners were really nice.

the place unfortunately had cockroaches.

Dimu is such a lovely host, I felt so welcome here! He went on a small trip to the lake with me to do some bird watching and see the bats. Also his wife is an amazing cook and overall I just loved the atmosphere with the hammocks and the river where you can just chill out.

We stayed in the tree house. Amazing view over the river. Best Sri Lankan breakfasts all home cooked. Not in centre of Tissa so not many tourists. But that made it all the better.

It rained a lot so we probably didn’t get the best experience.

I loved everything about it and so far I had the best stay here. The dorms are beautiful looking directly at the river and hanging in the trees. The first day I was just lying in the hammock and reading whilst watching the monkeys in the trees above me. In the evening there was delicious food, a nice fireplace and a spontaneous caraoce session. There were less mosquitos than I’ve expected (very few and with insect repellant no problem) and to sleep you had a big mosquito net. The shower and the toilet are located in the same room and it’s a bit like camping, but if you’re a nature lover then it’s no problem. The host and his family were so nice that they already felt like my own family within that short time period. Also the safari that was organized by our host was really fun and also the host is speaking a very good English.

You must be aware about living within nature. This stay is more camping than sleeping in a hotel. But it’s camping in queen size beds with mosquito nets above you inside the jungle with a view to the river feeling the house shaking with the wind, for me I was a phenomenal experience and I will recommend it to every person I will meet!

For 1 night it‘s okay otherwise not. They were friendly and the food was really delicous. Room was about dirty

I asked if our room was able to be locked as promised. The hotel owner very rudely tried to push me along for the tour and claimed that he locked room as the door swung open. I didn’t appreciate being lied too. Then he told my friend to make sure I didn’t leave a bad review and “to watch me.”

The owner helped organise our safari tour and was helpful and friendly.

The room was dirty and there were cockroaches in the shower when I checked in. They could have checked the rooms before we got them.

Amazing helpful host upgraded our room, helped organise safari and Tuktuks. Cooked us dinner which was one of the best meals I’ve had in Sri Lanka. Beautiful treehouse room with big bathroom and mosquito nets.

Shower wasn’t very powerful.

I got upgraded to a single room for the same amount of money (i booked a shared dorm). The place is really cosy and the owners are super nice. Plus, the dinner!!!! The curry was the best I have had on Sri Lanka so far. The owner arranged a sarafi tour for me, which was super nice.

The shower was…. Well. The doors didnt work, but since I had my own room, it was alright.

Great little place to stay! Was in dormitory, but I was the only one at the time. Very comfortable and the views from the rooms are incredible! Going to sleep with sounds of the insects and frogs! Staff are amazing and very helpful/knowledgeable. Food is really good and a good area to be in, nice and quiet!

So as you can see, it is a more adventurous stay than average - but in proportion everything is really clean, a lot more than other more ‘luxurious’ stays we had. There is noice in the evening but if with ear plugs I slept really good. The owner is super cute and friendly and arranges everything how you like it. Because it was off season, he hadn’t arranged wifi yet, but we didn’t mind! + he has really cute dogs and arranged a safari for us with an amazing guide

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It was a pretty affordable stay and they arrange a good safari, even if it may be more expensive than you might expect (just how it is these days). The setting was serene. The owner also dropped me off at the bus stop which was nice.

No social vibe at all - I was the only person there! Bugs are absolutely everywhere, and the facilities are very basic. It wasn't clear where I could fill up my water bottle. I was happy to move on after two nights.

Dimuthu and his family have a very beautiful home along the river. If you are thinking of doing a safari in Yala national park this is the start, you can easily spot monkeys, all kind of birds and even crocodile alongside the river. They gave me such great hospitality and care. I was by myself and the only customer but I felt like I was part of the family from the first minute. Delicious food and very big portions 🤤 I highly recommend thank you!

The staff here were so friendly and kind. The guy picked me up from the bus station which was very generous. He then took a group of us in the tuk tuk to see the pretty countryside and helped me book a safari tour with pick up from the hostel for a reasonable price. I had a double bed to myself with a mosquito net and slept out in the open next to the river. It was beautiful. It is off the beaten track but walking distance from the main road which holds a street market and shops/ restaurants.

Being out in the open there were ants mozzies and other bugs but you have to expect that in this location

Lovely people that will help you with wathever you need. I just had a short stay, but they were nice. And the place is beautiful.. Would definitely recommend staying here. If you want a special place, book the treehouse..

It can get quite hot in the rooms, even with a fan. That off course is to be expected in all of sri lanka. So that is not on the host :)