
From
FranceI've stayed 10 days in this lovely place. I must say I didn't expect to be that nice. The hotel is actually better than the pictures. It is run by two couples: a French and an Indonesian. It has a lovely family vibe. They are all super friendly.
The room was brand new.
The hotel consists of only five huts. It is designed with taste and is really confortable, considering how remote the place is. It has small details that caught my attention: the hose to remove the sand from the feet, to the way the bathroom is decorated. They are really into gardening and the place is really nested in the trees with an amazing view on the beach.
The journey to arrive to the Island was easy for me: stayed overnight in Bira, took an early boat to Selayar. Crossed with my scooter. Then drove to Benteng (1 hour), then another hour drive to Patumbunkan. Then I took their boat and with a 20 minute ride, I arrived to their beach. (It doesn't seem but the Island is big. And by the way, there are many things to explore: beautiful villages on the cliff, rainforest where they grow cloves and nutmegs. Ask Ayon, he's an expert.)
The diving spot is amazing, right from the hotel, in front of it, wonderful corals and a big drop where you can see blacktip sharks, turtles, stingrays, many boxfishes, parrot fish, etc... for those who like freediving, there is a great spot for that.
I had the chance to see some amazing wildlife also: the rare Tarsier, a tiny primate. It comes sometime in the evenings. Was an amazing moment. It has two big eyes and tiny delicate fingers. Like a tiny harmless gremlins. :-)
Some local snakes also (harmless).
The food is made locally by Heny and was everyday different. Tasty and plentiful. Many small nice details: cookies and hot water always available, for when you are hungry after a dive. Sometime fresh juices. And some surprises...
I highly recommend the experience.