Bamboo Private Islands

The snorkelling was incredible, almost like the Maldives before the coral bleaching. The food is delicious, so I’d definitely choose the all-inclusive option. The cook is excellent, and the cocktails are great value, though they cost extra. There were only 14 guest spots when we visited, with room for four more being built, so the place felt very private. We brought mosquito spray in November 2019 but didn’t need it. Alexia looked after us so well before booking and during our stay, and everyone was lovely. Great value for money, and we’d come back. We even dream of having our wedding here. One thing to know: Bamboo PI should have at least one good, working snorkelling mask per guest. Most of theirs were broken, so bring your own.

We stayed in the big bamboo hut right on the beach, and the reef was full of life. You can snorkel all around the island, with lots of fish and several baby stingrays hiding in the sand. They also have free kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkelling gear. The staff and chef were super friendly, and the food was fantastic. The boat from Coron costs $190 each way for the whole boat, split among whoever shares it, and full board is $50 a day. It may be a bit pricey, but we thought it was worth it and would come back.

The location was peaceful, with lovely views and tasty complimentary cocktails. But during the week I stayed here in 2015 with ten other guests after my wedding, I was sick for almost the whole time. I got ill soon after arriving, apparently from food poisoning after eating food that seemed largely undercooked. Another person in my party was sick too. After paying my $1,300 share, I spent much of the stay in the bathroom instead of enjoying myself. I hope the owner has changed the kitchen practices since then so this doesn’t happen again.

My flights from the United States were cancelled because of bad weather, so I arrived in Coron a day later than planned. Management told me I could no longer stay because arranging the boat transfer would be a waste and they couldn’t provide food. Even after I explained what had happened, I was left with nowhere to stay when I arrived, and they didn’t refund the money for the stay I never got to have. A really terrible experience with management. Check the refund policy before booking.