Where to Stay on Bunaken: 10 Best Homestays & Resorts
Bunaken Island is a hidden gem in North Sulawesi, just off the coast of Manado. It’s a dream spot for divers and snorkelers, with some of the healthiest coral walls we’ve ever seen, home to countless turtles, dolphins, and vibrant marine life. But it’s not just for underwater lovers. With its white sandbanks, lush green jungle, and views of a nearby volcano, the island is also a paradise for nature and landscape lovers.
Despite its beauty, Bunaken has stayed largely untouched, with only a limited number of places to stay. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a bit of luxury, there’s something for every traveler. Just be sure to book in advance, spots fill up quickly at the best accommodations.
And while you might already know this, it’s worth repeating: the right accommodation can make or break your island experience. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best places to stay on Bunaken Island to help you find the perfect fit.
Quick Picks for Staying on Bunaken Island
In a hurry? Here are our top 4 picks (from budget to luxury) for where to stay on Bunaken Island. If none of these feel like the right fit, don’t worry—keep scrolling to discover more of the island’s best accommodations.
Low Budget $
Top Value $$
Comfort $$$
Luxury $$$$
Our Personal Experience & Recommendation on Bunaken Island
We don’t say this often, especially as budget travelers with pretty high expectations, but we found the best homestay we’ve experienced in two years of traveling through Asia. We’ve never been so happy to arrive somewhere… and so sad to leave. EL Homestay Bunaken is a place we still talk about and can’t wait to return to.
Stefen, the owner, is one of the kindest and most genuine hosts we’ve ever met. He organized one of the most memorable tours of our lives, spotting hundreds of dolphins, exploring the sandbanks of Nain Island, and snorkeling vibrant reefs around Siladen and Bunaken. And the food? Some of the best local dishes we’ve had in all of Indonesia.
Stefen truly puts his guests first. His hospitality go far beyond what you’d expect. If you’re looking for an affordable stay that feels like a home away from home, do yourself a favor and book EL Homestay Bunaken. We couldn’t recommend it more.
Where to Stay in Bunaken Marine Park
Bunaken is one of the five islands that make up the Bunaken Marine Park. The other islands are Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehage, and Nain.
Only Bunaken and Siladen offer accommodations for tourists, but the other islands can easily be visited on day trips. Manado Tua is ideal for a volcano hike, Nain boasts stunning sandbanks, and Mantehage is worth visiting if you want to explore mangroves.
Diving is exceptional throughout the Bunaken Marine Park, showcasing an incredible variety of marine life. However, Bunaken Island stands out with some of the best dive sites along its reef walls, plus, the snorkeling around the island is equally breathtaking.
Siladen Island offers more beautiful beaches but has fewer accommodation options. That’s why we chose to stay on Bunaken Island and we highly recommend it. It’s the perfect base for exploring dive sites, snorkeling spots, and the surrounding islands.
Where to Stay on Bunaken Island
Bunaken Island may be the main base for most tourists exploring the Bunaken Marine Park, but it remains undeveloped compared to other destinations in Indonesia. Accommodation on the island is limited and most places include all meals, since there are no standalone restaurants on Bunaken.
Budget-friendly stays, such as local homestays, are mostly located in the main village on the southern part of the island. If you’re traveling on a budget and enjoy being close to local life, staying in the village is a great option.
Most of the other accommodations, primarily resorts, are found along the east or west coast, just a short ride from the village. If you’re on holiday and looking for more comfort and privacy, a resort outside the village is an excellent choice.
Things to Consider When Booking Accommodation on Bunaken
Eating on Bunaken: There are no restaurants, shops, or nightlife on Bunaken Island – it’s all about nature, diving, and local life. Most accommodations provide all meals on-site, as eating options are otherwise very limited. If you choose a budget-friendly place like our favorite, EL Homestay Bunaken, meals aren’t included in the room rate, but you can order freshly cooked food daily for a small fee. We were genuinely impressed by what 50,000 IDR per meal got us at this humble and authentic homestay: some of the best local food we’ve had in 8 months of traveling through Indonesia – freshly grilled fish, rice, veggies, and delicious fried dishes.
Weather & Seasons: The best time to visit Bunaken is during the dry season from May to September. This is also the peak travel period, so booking your accommodation in advance is highly recommended.
Diving: If diving is a priority, there’s no need to stay in a pricey dive resort. Budget homestays like EL Homestay Bunaken work with excellent local dive schools and offer affordable dive packages – ideal for backpackers or travelers looking for value without compromising on experience.
10 Best Accommodations on Bunaken Island
We’ve carefully handpicked each accommodation and highlighted what makes each one unique.
Budget $: Homestays in Bunaken in the Village
OUR FAVORITE: EL Homestay Bunaken
EL Homestay Bunaken was our absolute favorite during our stay on the island. It’s simple, authentic and has everything you need. The local food is some of the best we’ve had in Indonesia, with breakfast included and lunch and dinner freshly prepared with real care.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and air conditioning is available for a small extra fee. What truly sets this place apart is Stefen, the host. He is incredibly kind, thoughtful and always goes the extra mile to make sure every guest feels completely at home. Nothing is too much to ask, he just makes it happen.
Click here to check out the current rates and availability for EL Homestay Bunaken.
ALTERNATIVE 1: Novita Homestay
Novita Homestay is a friendly guesthouse in the center of Bunaken, just a short walk from the beach. It has clean, simple rooms, a nice garden, and tasty home-cooked food. Novita and her family are very kind and always ready to help.
It’s a great place to relax, meet other travelers, and enjoy local life. Breakfast is included, and Novita can help you plan trips or activities on the island.
Click here to check out the current rates and availability for Novita Homestay.
ALTERNATIVE 2: Frangky Homestay
Frangky Homestay is a simple and friendly place to stay in Bunaken, just a short walk from the beach and boat pier. It has clean rooms, a shared kitchen, and a cozy garden to relax in. Frangky and his family are very welcoming and treat guests like friends.
The homemade food is tasty and affordable, and you can book snorkeling or boat trips right from the house. It’s a great spot if you want a peaceful and local experience in a great location.
Click here to check out the current rates and availability for Frangky Homestay.
ALTERNATIVE 3: 4 Sisters Divers
4 Sisters Divers is a peaceful beachfront guesthouse in Bunaken with its own dive center. The rooms are simple and clean, some with sea views or a balcony. You can relax in the garden or lounge, and enjoy fresh Indonesian food at the on-site restaurant.
It’s a great place for diving and snorkeling trips, which you can book directly there. The friendly staff helps with everything, from ferry transport to tours. A perfect base for a relaxed ocean adventure.
Click here to check out the current rates and availability for 4 Sisters Divers.
Top Value $$
BEST: MC Bunaken Stay Diving Trip's
MC Bunaken Stay Diving Trip’s is a relaxed and friendly beachfront dive resort on Bunaken Island. It’s clean, modern, and run by a helpful team. Rooms are simple but comfortable, some with sea view or balcony. All rooms come with air conditioning, private bathroom, and a desk.
The food is a real highlight, always fresh, generous, and varied. Perfect for diving and snorkeling with well-maintained gear and experienced guides. For those just looking to unwind, the beach and terrace are great spots to relax.
Click here to check current availability and prices for MC Bunaken Stay Diving Trip’s.
ALTERNATIVE: Panorama Backpackers
Panorama Backpackers is a basic but clean beachfront guesthouse on Bunaken Island with great sea views. Friendly staff, included tasty meals, and a relaxed vibe make it popular. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace.
Click here to check current availability and prices for Panorama Backpackers.
Comfort $$$
BEST: Happy Gecko Dive Resort
Happy Gecko Dive Resort is a cozy beachfront resort in Bunaken with its own dive center. The wooden bungalows are simple but comfortable, some with sea views and balconies. You can enjoy fresh local food at the on-site restaurant and relax in the laid-back atmosphere.
It’s ideal for diving and snorkeling, with easy access to the water and well-organized trips. The friendly staff is helpful and attentive, making sure your stay is smooth from arrival to departure.
Click here to check current rates and availability for Happy Gecko Dive Resort.
ALTERNATIVE: 3WILL Bunaken Dive Resort
3WILL Bunaken Dive Resort is a beachfront resort on Pangalisang Beach offering simple, clean cottages with private balconies overlooking lush greenery. The place has a relaxed vibe, with a restaurant serving mostly Western dishes and facilities like a massage service and tour desk.
It’s great for diving and snorkeling with easy beach access and professional dive support. Friendly staff and a good location make it a solid choice for a calm, nature-focused stay.
And a good location make it a solid choice for a calm, nature-focused stay.
Click here to check current rates and availability for 3WILL Bunaken Dive Resort.
Luxury $$$$
BEST: Kuda Laut Boutique Dive Resort
Kuda Laut Boutique Dive Resort is a stylish beachfront resort on Siladen Island, offering clean, comfortable bungalows with sea or garden views. The place features a pool, spa, fitness center, and a restaurant known for great food.
It’s ideal for diving and snorkeling with a private beach and easy access to a house reef. Friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere make it a top pick for a peaceful island getaway.
Click here to check current rates and availability for Kuda Laut Boutique Dive Resort.
ALTERNATIVE: The Village Bunaken
The Village Bunaken is a small, well-kept resort right by the beach with a pool, garden, and private access to the house reef just 100 meters away. The bungalows are simple but comfortable, surrounded by nature and offering a quiet atmosphere to relax.
Guests appreciate the friendly, attentive staff and the good food, with easy access to snorkeling and diving. It’s a solid choice if you want a peaceful, no-frills base close to Bunaken’s top dive spots.
Click here to check current rates and availability for The Village Bunaken.
