We took Silkair morning flight from Singapore to Manado, then the taxi from Manado airport to the harbour which takes 40min. Once in the harbour we missed the last public boat to Bunaken which leaves at 2pm. We took the boat from Daniel's Bungalows for the same price as the public boat and decided to stay at Sea Garden Bungalows. The bungalows are attended by Debby, a friendly woman speaking perfect English and who back then was expecting her second child. The place is clean, quiet and has a big garden and a restaurant facing the water. Food is prepared for you and is great! Be aware that spicy is the standard all over.
Unfortunately our flashlight and Paula's necklace disappeared from our room so we can't give all of our blessing to the place, but we learnt the lesson and buying a deadlock resolved having any further problem for the rest of our trip.
There is a more upscale hotel close by if you feel like pampering yourself. Designed and owned by a Dutch architect, Jochem, and his Jawanese wife Angelica, the place is called Bunaken Village and has spa, a little bar and a swimming pool. Don't expect great beaches in Bunaken, expect great diving & snorkeling.
We were tired and took it easy since we had to sleep at Singapore's airport for some hours and then get to Manado and find a place to stay in Bunaken. We had a beer on the porch of our bungalow, book to scuba dive next day and shared dinner at our hotel with a couple of retired Dutch guys, Hans & Louisa, who built their house by the beach, next to the pier 5 years ago and spend some months a year on this quiet island.
Price Reference:
Taxi Manado Airport-Harbour: 80K IDR
Public Boat Manado-Bunaken: 25K IDR - No public boat on Sundays.
Sea Garden Bungalows: 175K IDR person/night. Including meals.
Daniel's Bungalows: 150K IDR person/night. Including meals.
Bunaken Village: €30 person/night. Including meals.
