Simone
Google
First my experience: I went there off season in 2015 and heard of this place at a local bar, did not have anything booked. The locals were able to radio the son of the owner (he is a sweet guy and pretty much runs the place) and, by chance, they were fishing near the town I was at so they came to pick me up on a "motorized wooden canoe". The ride out there was pretty darn rough but they were really doing me a favor and don't usually pick up people on week days.
The island was practically empty (very important as I heard several reports of the island being over capacity) and it was almost like a dream. It's a tiny atol with no power, running water or services at all so, despite being a divers paradise, I would not recommend for non divers 'cause there's not much to do. They do rent kayaks and snorkels. There was also a couple that was there just to watch birds, if you are into that sort of stuff. It's pretty much a camping experience in which you cannot leave until the specific day they take people back to land. I got lucky to get there but everything must be booked in advance usually.
I stayed in a cabin over the water and I there's no words to describe this experience. I could see sharks swimming by trough the cracks of the floor and the wind would shake the cabin at night. It was really an unforgettable experience. The cabins have a cook top and cookware if you want to bring food to cook (I highly recommend bringing food). There's no power so you'll need flashlights and candles. It really creates this amazing atmosphere.
There's a lovely little restaurant and a dive shop. These are the only service facilities in the island. The restaurant is pricey so, once again, bring food. I highly recommend buying the freshly made banana bread (yum!). They will go out and fish every other day and will sell fresh fish, if you eat meat. Worth to meet them at the dock to watch them cleaning the fish. It's a spectacle a part.
There's no bathrooms at all. It's camping at it's best. There's open fresh water showers and "green toilets".
The island is quiet, a true paradise. You can collect your own coconut. It's pretty much a coconut feast, you can bathe on it hehe. For that reason, the island is overtaken by crabs at night. Since it's all dark, it's awesome and a bit creepy.
Diving can be all arranged at the local shop. They have gear and everything. They'll go out at least twice a day. I give it a 10 for the diving experience.
In my experience, this was a life time adventure. If you like diving, camping, and are looking for peace, do not die without seeing this place.
Other's reports: all that said, I did hear some awful reports of the island being over capacity and gross mismanagement of accommodations. My advice: do no go there during holidays or a busy season. Book in advance and make sure you get the hut over the water. Bring food, flashlight. They'll let you charge your stuff at the restaurant.
