Sumatra Ecolodge

We planned to stay four nights but left after two because we felt the place was unsafe and unhygienic. The online photos give a very misleading impression. Several bungalows were broken or abandoned, and locals told us a guest had tragically died when a tree fell on a bungalow in a storm. The structures seemed unstable and moved in the wind, with some lacking proper doors or roofs. The beds smelled moldy and made our skin itch. After our first night, rats had chewed holes in our bags. It's one of the worst places we've stayed, and we were shocked it remains open given these safety concerns. I definitely wouldn't recommend it.

Quiet and friendly, with no Wi-Fi, loud music or karaoke, just jungle sounds and no road nearby. The simple bungalows have their own showers and lovely views of the jungle and beach. Lunch and dinner come from the village, and the home cooking was very tasty. The small reef kept us busy snorkeling for 2-3 days, turtles came by regularly, and the nearby mangrove was lovely. We had a reservation, but the place was overbooked when we arrived. They offered us a basic bungalow at a discount, with a shared toilet with the staff, and that worked out fine for us. I'd love to return.

You can only reach Sumatra Eco lodge by boat, and the quiet, remote beach makes it a great escape for nature lovers and adventurers. There’s no internet or modern distraction, so you can put your phone away and enjoy the coastline. Free water is available all day from jugs, and the boat man can bring whatever you’d like from the nearby village. The rustic bungalows are comfortable but very basic. There’s no air-conditioning or fans, and the windows and walls aren’t sealed, so you’re right in nature. Don’t leave food in the room, or monkeys or squirrels may take it. You’ll hear the waves and might spot a gecko or twelve at night. The rooms have the basics, including clean bedding, a mosquito net over the whole bed and an in-room shower. The setting is the real draw. The secluded beach is pristine, without the trash I saw elsewhere in the area. I kayaked around for seven hours, and this place was the best. The water is crystal clear, and there’s a coral reef just steps from the bungalow, with colorful fish and sea turtles for great snorkeling right off the shore. Aris is the only staff member. He’s warm, attentive and knowledgeable, makes guests feel like family, and helps make the stay safe and memorable. His English is decent, and every morning he wakes up smiling and ready to make pancakes. If you want tranquility, natural beauty and time by the ocean, it’s an unforgettable escape. There’s nothing fancy or posh here or at the neighboring resorts or islands. Nature lovers only. I’ll definitely be back!

We had such a great stay at Sumatra Ecolodge. It’s definitely not luxurious, with no hot water, almost no reception and no GENERATORS, but the payoff is a peaceful stay in the middle of nowhere. We spent time just sitting on the beach, watching turtles come up for air at the water’s surface. I wish we could have stayed a few more days. Rakai is a wonderful host and a really good person to talk to.