OK I know of the Auberge which sounds nice with good food but a little pricy, The posh resort well no chance its way out of the budget.
But what other options are there (if any). I see mention that there was a thread about this previously but I cant find it.
Thanks for any info.
Have you checked Siladen Resort and spa or Onong resort?
There are also other Bunaken alternatives on the nearby islands.
I stayed at Onong Resort before and found it fine for the price. However returned from Bunaken 2 weeks ago and have to reveal there seems to be "conservation fees" you`ll be asked for. Illegally, I suppose? Anyway, outfits on Bunaken try to stay away from Siladen as long as some sudden popped up office asks for 50.000 RPs per pax + 100.000 per boat entering Siladen and until the case is solved. At least this was was the case 2 weeks ago..
Ononogs looks expensive but there web site does not give a price so how much would it be approximatly we are 2 snorkelers by the way.
Cant recall precisely.. around 300.000 or so. Dont think single or double makes much of a difference, if at all. But snorkelling is right off the beach. Otherwise, there is "Marta`s" next door. About 100.000, however I remember big holes in the wooden floor of the bungalow when I popped by to visit someone, bit clapped-out.
When I was on Siladen (June 2008), I had a look at all accomodations. Martha's Homestay is the most basic accomodation, Siladen Resort & Spa is the most expensive and luxurious. Onong is very nice too, the cottages on the beach are (almost) new. They have good beds, nice bathrooms and AC. I think the price of their best rooms was 1 million Rp. There is one resort that I don't know the name of, but it is between Martha's and Siladen Resort & Spa. It's just a little more comfortable than Martha's and it's around 150.000 Rp per person. I would say good value for money. Having read other posts, I think this is The Auberge.
From North to South: Siladen Resort & Spa - - - Auberge de Plage - - - Martha's Homestay - - - Onong Resort
Here's another useful topic: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/message.jspa?messageID=15063042
Thank you, Karina. So there are 5 accomodations on Siladen:
Siladen Resort & Spa --- Auberge de Plage --- Martha's Homestay --- Tanta Moon --- Onong Resort
Marta's is not worth the price - the woman herself offered us 350.000 Rp. per person in low season. No electricity, dirty, mosquito nets with holes, etc. Sorry but this is absolutely not worth the money. After bargaining, she was ready to lower the price on 300.000 per person but still...thanks a lot.
Onong is very nice, we spend 3 nights there as we got at least great discount but still bit expensive.
I was very dissapointed by accommodation options on Siladen. I think they need to lower the prices or rely on organized tourist groups from western europe or US, if this is enough for them.
Tanta Moon was renovated in late 2009 and is not as inexpensive as LP guide says anymore
We stayed to nights in the Auberge home stay and three nights in the Siladen resort and spa.
The home stay was good for the price. The people are really friendly, the food is great(basic, but very tasty) and the rooms are ok.
The are no showers, just buckets of water you can pour on your self. There are toilet seats, but you flush it by pouring water in to the toilet. We paid 25e per person per night for that.
The Siladen resort is also nice but the price is too much. It's not a five star resort, but it's good. AC, out-door showers, swimming pool. The food is really good, three course lunch and dinner. And the diving team is great.
There are though many things you could fix and do better. The hotel staff don't have same kind of uniforms, in lot of places you see things that should be repeared etc.
We enjoyed both of the places in different ways. The best thing about the island is the diving.