Just a bit too warm at night in the bungalow if there is no breeze.

Location is perfect, remote and the closest to paradise I have seen for some time. The water and reef around the island is very nice and safe The staff and hosts are helpful and very nice people.

Stayed in April 2024

The hygiene of the bungalow itself could be better (bedsheets) and better air circulation by adding an additional window would help cool the place down at night.

Breathtaking location on a remote island. The staff makes you feel at home and happily engage in a game of dominos or volleyball. We even went crab hunting :) The host is very helpful and proactive in organizing transport to and from the island.

Stayed in February 2024

Everything! We had the whole island to ourselves, and it is very beautiful. There are nice coral reefs. The food is tasty and the staff will do anything for you. We did not feel like leaving the island for the 5 days we stayed, but neighbouring islands look nice too

Stayed in January 2024

It was perfect in every way

Just a heaven in earth. Everybody was helpful and so friendly. Ira and her boys make your holiday to the perfect time. We planned to stay 7 nights but stayed even longer because we enjoyed it so much. Clear water, wonderful beaches, Volleyball and games, there is nothing you cant do

Stayed in September 2023

Ira and her wonderful and friendly team made us feel at home on their little island. It is the perfect place to unwind and read, as long as you are not looking for a luxurious hotel room, as the bungalow and facilities are basic but charming and clean.

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing!! except small detail for the laundry that I would not recommend.

The staff is great !! Thank you so much to Ira and her family, we were so well welcomed !! The island is wonderful, it’s like you are alone in the middle of the sea. The food cooked by Ira and her family is very very good !! Ira’s son and her nephews are so nice too!! The staff also help you for reaching the island, because it is quite an adventure to go there but it worth it! I recommend it without any doubt, go for it !

Stayed in September 2023

Nothing

I loved everything about this property. It is low key, calm, away from mass tourism- it can be a bit of a mission to get there according to weather conditions but totally worth it . Owners Ira and Vicky are lovely people as is their staff of 3 who do an excellent job in a low key friendly way. Bit of a cliche to say they feel like family but after 7 days stay there it is true. I have travelled a lot and it is rare to find a place like this. It is not “flash” and don’t expect all the bells and whistles but if you want a quiet stay with swimming, reading ( and games avaible ) excellent internet and 4G as a bonus then this is the place for you.

Stayed in July 2023

If there is something you didn’t like about the property, it means that you will never be happy in your life, sorry 🙃

It’s the only property on the island, it’s basic, but comfortable, only the sweet sounds of the waves, and the nice view in the reef

Stayed in June 2023

We had a real nice stay there. It's a beautiful little island out in nowhere. So bring some cookies for yourself or the 3 nice guys (Yulio, Edo and Idris) that are hosting you and cooking so good 3 times a day or bring a guitar string for Yulios guitar, he will play some songs for you. They will be so thankful. Anyway it's the perfect place to find some rest and time to snorkel or cuddle with the cats or dog. We had such a great time there, made a bonfire and just sit together, sang together and talked and laughed. Since we organised the way to the Island ourselves we were happy that Ira organised our way back to Medan by a shared car. We could even pay by paypal or wise transfer since we couldn't find an ATM in Singkil that was working for us. Thanks for the wonderful stay. I would recommend this to anyone:-)

Stayed in June 2023

We had an amazing time at Ira’s! The location is very isolated so you really do feel like you’re alone on a tropical island. Good snorkelling off the beach out front. We were able to get in some exercise by walking around the island (50 mins) or by playing volleyball. The huts are basic but have everything you need - bed, mosquito net, shelves, hooks and two comfy chairs on the porch. The three guys running the place were very kind and friendly, and we always had delicious meals. We took the public boat from Singkil (50k/person) and then Viki arranged for a driver to pick us up in Balai (300k/person). We were heading to Tailana after so Viki also arranged someone to pick us up and drive us there. Both boat drivers were super friendly and arrived on time. Like everyone says, it’s a journey to get there, but it’s totally worth it!

Stayed in February 2023

The shower and toilet are in the same room, would be nicer if They are separate.

the location was amazing, the beach, the views, the crystal blue water. The staff was so Nice and felt like friends within no time. Had fun singing karaoke and playing volleyball with them!!

Stayed in December 2022

Difficult to access

Fabulous location and fabulous team

Stayed in August 2022

nothing

incredibly beautiful setting and lovely staff-thank you

Stayed in August 2022

The perfect place to hang out and unwind for a few days. If you really want to be on a remote island, go there! The bungalows are very nice, right on the beach and with a perfect view. Ira is always good humoured and very friendly. She makes great food, very tasty juices and beautiful coconut drinks. Vicky was helpful with organizing transportation. On the island, we snorkelled, walked and simply relaxed. We also went to Kimo Resort on Panjang Island for two nights, but Ira Bungalows was a lot better.We took quite a long time to get there because our boat was 4h late from Singkil. Maybe consider taking a private speedboat.

Stayed in August 2022

Nothing comes to my mind.

Very friendly and supportive with great food (full board for 150.000 IDR in Aug 2022), good snorkelling just around the corner, great family atmosphere. Beach and corals were unexpected clean, walks around the island (about 1 hour) were possible any time, also night-snorkelling alone. Swimming outside the high waves at the edge of the reef I would not immediately reject only for very, very good swimmers with strong fins, but a risk of strong currents there always remains, Inside the reef it is comparatively calm and during my stay some families with kids enjoyed very much snorkelling here. Have fun in a sort of paradise!

Stayed in August 2022

We loved everything about it! Minor hiccups were resolved in an instant – just let the team know if there's an issue and they'll go above and beyond to fix it. One minor detail we want to let others know is finding the public boat (not the ferry!) in Singkil: The coordinates for the place you need to go are (2.272834, 97.803695); just put them in Google Maps to find the place. It's a little river next to the actual port and you just need to talk to the boat captain and ask him to bring you to Pulau Banyak. Finally, there's just one thing we want to make clear to future travelers: This is not a 5* accommodation, nor does it claim to be one. It's an island, so please adjust your expectations accordingly :) There's no running or hot water, but you don't need that; the shower facilities are definitely sufficient and the temperatures warm enough to not miss hot water. It also takes some time to get to the island, and the 'speedboat' you're using isn't super fast ;-) Given the motor noise of the boat, we recommend bringing ear plugs for the trip though; also don't forget to have sunscreen close by. However, the trip is absolutely worth it! If you get the chance, go!

Everyone on the island made us feel welcome from the moment WE BOOKED. We were well taken care of days before we arrived – Ira and Vicki coordinated all our travels and when we had to reschedule our stay on short notice (i.e. one day before we were supposed to arrive) due to health issues they accommodated us without any complaints. Their son Yulio went above and beyond during our stay to make us comfortable. The food was superb (especially the fruit pancakes in the morning!) – very healthy, a little spicy for European standards but if you tell them to cook non-spicy, they’re happy to accommodate this request, too. What we enjoyed most was the peace and quiet of the island; it’s just you, at most six other guests, and the service personnel (oh, and a dog and a cat, both very friendly!). The limited electricity and internet access meant that you could really take time away from your laptops and just enjoy sitting on the veranda to watch the waves. We also recommend going snorkeling! Overall it was the perfect vacation for us and it’s been a long time since we’ve felt that relaxed. You’re being taken care of in every regard but also left alone if you desire some me-time. And the sunsets are the icing on the cake. All in all, if you get the chance, visit Ira’s and Vicki’s bungalows – you won’t regret it!

Stayed in June 2022

We were the first visitors after 2 years and we loved it here! Such a beautiful place! We also had the pleasure of meeting Ira and Viki and had a good time together. They were always there for us when we needed something! Terima kasih dan sampai jumpa lagi

Stayed in December 2021

There is lots a garbage across the beaches along the island. We would expect that the staff regularly collects it and looks after the island. There is no relevant rescue system for a severe accident and/ or tsunami. Wi-Fi does only work at one corner of the island and there is not even a boat. Organized speedboats don’t carry life jackets. Staff run out of many supplies after a few days upon arrival.

The island is beautiful. Vicky the owner organized all transport.

Stayed in June 2023

The room is small and expensive for a share bucket shower and Indonesian toilet.

Nice paradise island where you can relax and enjoy fresh food from the lovely staff!

Stayed in March 2023

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Stayed in March 2023

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Stayed in January 2023