The Village Bunaken Resort

Overall, our experience was very disappointing. We couldn’t relax and felt constant pressure because the hotel manager kept promoting diving activities, even though we wanted to use this time to rest. We understand that it is natural for a diving hotel to promote its diving activities, and I know there is a beautiful underwater world here. If all plans had gone as expected, the flight had not been delayed for two days, and my health was good, we would have booked these activities without hesitation. But when plans are disrupted, my health must take priority. I want to emphasize again that vacations are meant for relaxation. Our stay began with significant difficulties as our flight was delayed by two days. We originally booked from August 2nd to August 6th, but actually arrived on August 4th. We informed the hotel of our delay in a timely manner and confirmed that we would not change our reservation, even though this meant we had booked four nights but could actually stay only two. We were willing to bear the cost of the unused nights, as this was not the hotel’s responsibility. During our two-night, three-day stay, the following issues occurred: During the trip, I fell ill and needed medication. Despite my poor health, the hotel repeatedly asked if I wanted to participate in various activities, including diving courses, and constantly reminded me to watch the related diving course videos, which added extra pressure on me. Regarding dolphin watching, we had agreed that if we wanted to participate, we would meet in the restaurant before 8 am; if not, we would not show up. （The dolphin-watching excursion was already booked by a family. They are four people, meeting the payment requirement. Therefore, our absence would not affect their trip. ）However, at 7:40 am on the day of the excursion, someone knocked on the door to remind us about dolphin watching, which was not according to our agreement. Fortunately, we had decided the night before to participate. Additionally, we were not informed that we would need water shoes for the activity, and we found that other guests were wearing beach shoes while walking a long way back through the water to the hotel. After the activity, the management asked us if we had seen pilot whales (especially related to dolphins) because the captain had reported this to her, but the captain did not provide us with any relevant information during the trip. Due to health issues, I decided to cancel the diving course, but despite my explanation, the hotel continued to suggest I participate in snorkeling. Regarding dining, the food was delicious, but all portions were limited. Each person was assigned a fixed amount of food. When I was still hungry and asked the waiter if I could have more, I was refused. Even though we had booked full board, on the last day, we were told that lunch would require an additional payment of 190,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person. Management explained that we had eaten a lunch on the arrival day (August 4th) that was not actually included, even though we had paid for the hotel from August 2nd. This forced us to discuss with management which services should be included. Upon checkout, we were also incorrectly charged for snorkeling, even though we did not participate. When asked why I didn’t snorkel after watching the dolphins, I had to explain again that, due to health reasons, I had to avoid the sun, so we waited on the boat at that time.

Bunaken is part of 5 islands, belonging to the Bunaken National Marine park, a UNESCO World Heritage conservation area. We probably have seen there the most beautiful corals / marine life during our 2.5 weeks trip around Indonesia (Komodo/Seraya/Bali) owing largely to the location/currents swirling around the island. The resort is 10mins by speed boat from Manado (20mins by normal boat), in addition to the 45mins drive from the airport. We got to Bunaken Village directly from the boat, and were greeted by friendly resort operations manager ViVi. Together with Xu Jin (resort owner), the two women team was extremely friendly, and we loved spending time and chatting with them throughout our stay. The resort is nestled within a tropical forest and designed very much in harmony with surroundings. The accommodation itself is very nice, family friendly. Pretty clean bungalows, only 8 rooms in the resort. No air-cons, but a huge fan, which is adequate. At night, just a few meters out of the resort, we witnessed an amazing fireflies lit tree, a natural wonder and a spectacle to match the stars strewn night sky. The coral reef is about 150m from the resort, so you need to take into account the water level/currents when snorkelling (Vivi and Xu Jin will help you explaining what is the best way to get to the reef at different times of the day). Our son went diving with the resort instructors. Everyday, we saw amazing marine life in the coral reefs; beautiful fish, tonnes of turtles and even dolphins. The colours were amazing. The food was very tasty, mixture of Indonesian/Chinese, we loved eating their breakfast/lunch/dinner. The menu is fixed, but changes everyday, and you just sign up as you go along. The village of Bunaken is 20mins walk away, worth visiting to see the locals and the mixed life or Christians and Muslims. The people are super-friendly and at the time we were there, there were very few tourists. (The village itself is a good location for those travelling on the budget - almost every house offers a room, very inexpensive.) Overall, we loved the place and the people, and it was a good value for money too. We would love to come back!

In 35+ years of extensive travel globally, this is "THE" Best & Nicest place I have EVER stayed in the Tropics (& I have stayed at many including some very high end expensive hotels/resorts). If you think it looks amazing in the photos & description for the property you see on most websites, it is NOT........."IT IS A MILLION TIMES BETTER!" (which is hard to imagine isn't it....that is why I am posting more photos). The attention to detail by ALL of the staff & especially "Fu" (the main host) cannot be described properly, it is so personal & perfect. Lots of tasty treats for the food by the girls in the kitchen & the diving is AWESOME. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF MY STAY HERE! I stayed in the Seaview Beach Bungalow No.3. It was bliss & a total treat!