Tailana Island Pulau Banyak

The location, waking up and going into the sea, the snorkeling and the soft white sand. What is not to like. Wonderful staff and good food. And Michael is a really good dive instructor and has good tips for snorkeling

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The island itself is beautiful and very dreamy. The bungalows seem to be of different qualities, we had a very different one from what is displayed in the advertised pictures, but still we had a fluffy, bouncy mattress on the floor, a decorative shelf and a mosquito net we could hang up. They offer western toilets and have two showers. They built an outdoor jungle gym, offer sun loungers, different benches and there are many possibilities to be in the shade since the sun is really strong. There are very few mosquitos on the island. The beach is a mixture of sand and dead, washed up corals. The island is great for snorkeling and you can rent all kinds of equipment. The communication with the manager beforehand was okay, best to call him via Whatsapp.

The communication on the island was not that easy, they speak very little English and other than a small piece of paper with mealtimes and the Wi-Fi password you are not provided with any more info. We were lucky that the other guests told us the most important things to know (for example where the toilets and showers are or how the meal situations are working). The food is served with some attitude and the cook let us know she clearly didn’t like us being vegetarian. On the second day when we refused her chicken again the attitude (a disgusted face and rolling eyes) grew even more. We weren’t told beforehand to bring extra cash for the meals, which you have to pay for even if you didn’t eat them. So a day to eat full board costs 200.000 IDR per person, we had to pay two days full board although we only had to dinners and two breakfasts. It would have been fine if we knew beforehand, but they only told us right when we were leaving. The price theoretically makes sense because the food has to be brought to a remote island, although the portions you are being served are rather small. The generator runs almost the whole day, so be prepared for some noise. I had the feeling there were good ideas at some point but the execution is not that great, maybe it has to do with pre- and peri-COVID, I am just guessing here.

Very beautiful location with excellent food and nice areas for snorcheling. Accommodation and toilets are very clean and i appreciate there are also european toilets, which was comfortable for me. I also enjoyed the outdoor gym and other sport activities as kayaks, voleyball etc. Compared to other islands in Pulau Banyak there are almost none mosquitos. Staff was very helpful with organizing transport to and from tailana island. Thank you for pleasant stay and i hope i will have opportunity to come again.

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Lukas, Irawan and staff gave our family a very personalized, fun and accommodating experience in an already magical island. White sand beach with crystal clear, warm waters housing schools of fish and coral for snorkeling at the shoreline. I loved the homecooked meals - local foods, fish and taste. They created a special lobster candlelight dinner on sunset beach for Father's Day, played games/soccer with the kids, homemade stone oven pizza one night, movie night on the beach, a trip to explore a hidden jungle cave (magical!), learning tour of a local clinic and village tour ending in karaoke. Very few mosquitos. +Wifi- good. We were able to fully unplug & extended our stay to 5 nights.

It is a 2.5 - 3 hour trek to get to the island by speedboat, uncovered in the sun. Temp is humid and when the electricity shuts off in the evening, so does the room fan.

This place is a jewel. Beautiful beaches. Excellent food! Staff is amazing. Cottages are adorable. Conservation is a focus.

The electricity/fan is turned off at night which can make sleeping quite challenging. You could open your window but bugs would come in and there wasn’t a breeze.

The place is wonderful. It's a small island, but perfect for people looking for peace and quiet. People who like to spend time actively will not be bored either. There is a diving base on site, a great, very helpful and friendly instructor, you can also opt for kayaking and even a Robinson Crusoe adventure. Reef under reconstruction, but plenty of coral rich dive sites, and some good snorkelling. Bungalows comfortable, clean, close to the sea, electricity available most of the day. There is of course wifi. Shared toilets and shower, clean, nice shower. All staff VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL. The hospitality we experienced was amazing! You can communicate in English, Indonesian but also Czech, which made us very happy. They will help organize transfer from Medan airport, boat from Singkil or other regions. Excellent cuisine on the island, seafood, varied meals and unlimited coconuts 😉 The atmosphere of the island and the people made us extend our stay and it was a great decision!

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Perfect peaceful location - an island paradise. Able to wander and explore the incredible reefs and the island at our own time and space. Excursions arranged by request we went looking for manatees and to Bangkaru island for an overnight stay to see the Green turtles with the rangers. Food was amazing - fresh indonesian cooking everyday. Relaxed informal atmosphere. Friendly approachable host and staff.

Shower block needs updating.

Everything was so beautiful and the people were really nice, helpful and welcoming! We really enjoyed our stay!

Nothing but love for this place! Tailana is truly paradise. Accommodation is basic, but offers all you need (and more actually). There’s even wifi at the restaurant - didn’t expect that. They offered beers. And a diving centre just opened! So many great spots for diving, and beautiful snorkelling right in front of your bungalow. I recommend booking the triangle bungalow, because they are newly renovated and have amazing ocean view. Tailana is our highlight of Sumatra, we wish we never left…

This has nothing to do with the accommodation, but it’s a hassle to get to Tailana (and all the Banyak islands) - it’s worth it! Also, when trying to get in touch with the acclimation, try WhatsApp!

I really enjoyed to use the kayak, the stand up paddle, snorkeling staff and the beautiful nature on and around this island Be prepare to live a one and only experience on this paradise island !!

The fish wasn't always fresh enough for my stomach The electricity here is quite basic and there are some power failure due to basic living conditions on an island