Medana Bay Marina

We ate at the onsite restaurant most evenings. The food was fairly priced compared with nearby places, and the service was great. The office even arranged to have our laundry washed in the local village. Our spot in the boatyard looked out over the bay. The showers only have cold water, which could be better, though we could shower aboard our boat. There’s a nearby mosque, so calls to prayer come over loudspeakers five times a day, as they do across Indonesia. The marina owner, Peter, was amazing. We only came here after our haul-out in Darwin, Australia, was cancelled and two other marinas nearby couldn’t lift us because of the tides. Our rudder housing was leaking and one saildrive had water in it, both of which needed repair before we crossed the Indian Ocean a few weeks later. At first there wasn’t space, but Peter fitted us in between bookings as long as we arrived by a certain date. He did a brilliant job hauling our 2018 Leopard 45, a 16-ton catamaran. The crew were punctual and efficient, and the work was excellent. In four days they dropped the rudders, replaced the bearings and housing, added fiberglass to the hull for a better fit, and serviced both saildrives with new seals. The staff did their best to handle special requests. We thought the prices were fair, if not inexpensive. We have no complaints about the marina or its service.

I was only there to meet a friend with a boat, and I’d recommend the place to other boat owners. The marina has dry docks where yachties can lift their boats for hull cleaning and repainting, apparently one of very few places for that within hundreds of kilometres. The harbour is unusually safe for sailing boats, which explains why the hotel is here. It’s an odd setting for a hotel, but ideal if you’re into boats. As a basic two- to three-star place, it does the job: clean beds, decent food, hot water, TV and Wi-Fi. The staff are friendly and restaurant meals are good and reasonably priced. I probably won’t return since I don’t own a boat.

We stayed here for a couple of nights because it was convenient while our boat was being hauled out at the marina yards. We slept very well, and breakfast was delicious. The staff were super friendly, and the rooms were spacious, clean and had big bathrooms. They could use a little TLC, like fresh paint. We were here a long time and tried most of the restaurant menu. The Indonesian and Western dishes were all delicious, with a good selection. They also serve beer, wine, gin, vodka and other alcoholic drinks.

I didn’t stay at the hotel, so I can’t comment on it. I was on a yacht in the bay. The facilities were dreadful and expensive, and the restaurant was below average. The mosque right nearby was horribly loud for hours, five times a day. The staff, though, were lovely and helpful.