Bunaken Sunrise Beach

“Super friendly host, amazing location for snorkelling”

The world’s best snorkeling is literally right outside the door, but finding the staff is a challenge because they’re also in the middle of a renovation.

Jonathon·4 weeks ago

I’d love to come back again thanks to the owners and staff who are super friendly.

Michal·A month ago

“ein Schnorchel-Paradies, das man gesehen haben muss”

The homestay feels like a big family; the deck—windiest spot and most pleasant during the day—is where everyone gathers, and the delicious communal dinner is a highlight. Tours are totally flexible, whether solo or with other guests, and the long, beautiful snorkeling trips I took every day were the best part of my stay—truly a dream! The accommodations are basic: the family bungalow has two single rooms, a shared bathroom, only thin paper walls, open top for airflow, and a fan—recommended only if you can sleep well in heat; it was definitely too hot during the day. The cheapest room category is very simple and lacks air conditioning. The deluxe rooms are better built, with AC working well from 22 h through the night if the power stays stable, and each has a small balcony with a hammock for a retreat. The staff were very kind, breakfast was good, dinner varied and tasty (fish, chicken, many sides). Bring plenty of cash; there are no ATMs on the island, and renting fins, lunch, dinner, and tours all cost extra at fair prices. Tap water, tea, and coffee are free all day—great. You can swim right at the house and dive into an amazing reef (watch out for currents! I had to turn back three times because of strong currents, but five times I finally enjoyed the calm, beautiful water). Bring snacks from the mainland if you stay long—my two‑week stay had plenty of cookies and the like. The island has almost nothing else. A five‑minute walk to the village leads to a modern complex with a pool and pricier food that accepts card payments. The rooms and bathrooms are very simple, with cold saltwater—don’t expect much. The surroundings are much quieter than the main village and naturally more beautiful. Noise mainly comes from boats docked in front of the homestay, occasional music from the village, a large generator that runs every evening (especially loud in the family room), and the neighboring resort, which is small but very noisy day and night with loud guests and owners. The street is heard in the family bungalow and the two cheap rooms because they’re right behind it and well‑traveled; the deluxe rooms don’t pick up the noise, which is pleasant. Construction from nearby resorts is often audible. The noise levels are relatively high and at times exhausting, but the snorkeling trips were definitely worth it—the area is simply dreamy and truly special.

Martina·A month ago

The location is great and the family is very friendly and welcoming, but the rooms feel a bit tatty.

Colin·2 months ago

“Great food, beautiful sunrises, great snorkeling! Recommend!”

It’s on the best beach for snorkeling—just swim out at high tide—and the staff are very helpful and friendly. The room is basic, clean, with a nice porch and hammock, but the electricity sometimes cuts out on the island, making it quite hot.

Miriam·2 months ago