All the bungalows that made Pulau Banyak famous in the 1990ies are all gone. New losmen and bungalows are slowly starting to appear again after the martial law and the tsunami. At the moment there are only accommodations in the villages of P. Balai and Haloban. Small eco-resorts will soon open on Pulau Palambak Besar and Pulau Tailana, through financial help of BRR (The Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency for Aceh and Nias). These two places can be recommended if you want to stay in a beach bungalow. The regency government will also soon open on Palambak Besar, but it is not an eco-resort.

The local diet consists mainly of fish and rice. Vegetables and fruit are normally imported from the mainland. Alcohol is only sold on the black market. The beach accommodations will have their own restaurants, but one should be aware that not all kinds of vegetables and fruit are always available. To go to these accommodations, ask their agents in P. Balai. To Palambak Besar it will probably cost app. Rp. 35.000 one way in traditional canoe (1,5 hrs) or app. 100.000 one way with speedboat (30 minutes).

Desa P. Balai is the only place with formal restaurants. In other villages food can be arrange by locals if ordered in advance. The shops are still basic. What you need to bring yourself is sun lotion, clothes, and books if you like to read.

WHERE TO EAT IN P. BALAI

Warung Pahrel, Jl. Makmur. Coffee, pancakes, fried rice, etc. Boat charter and info. Ph: 085296148448 (English)

Lei Kombih and Putri, the two accommodations, also serve food. See below.

Heldi's Warung is the place to discuss local politics and get the latest news. It has a strategic location and the coffee is good. Fried rice and noodles are available and in morning also "lontong".

Jasa Baru Indah is a traditional restaurant. Their accommodation was destroyed by tsunami and is not open yet.

At the public harbor are several coffee and food stalls. Many of them compete with their loud music. Can be very lively when the ferry arrives or when there are trawlers from Sibolga in the harbor.Try Warung Selamat Datang just on the narrow beach. They serve some food, cakes, pancakes and bananas.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN P. BALAI

Putri, Jl. Iskandar Muda 43. Ph: 085276848855. 9 rooms, fan or aircon, no attached bathroom; Rp. 40-85.000. More and better rooms are under construction. Restaurant.

Lei Kombih, Jl. Iskandar Muda 1, Ph: 085296895929 (some English). 5 rooms w. fan, no attached bathroom; Rp. 40-50.000. Restaurant.


WHERE TO EAT AND SLEEP IN HALOBAN

What we here call Haloban is actually two villages grown together; Haloban and Asantola. There is no restaurant or food stall in Haloban, but the only losmen, Sederhana Ale Mon, serve food. It opened recently. There are a few coffee shops though, for example Flamboyan near the boat landing. They can serve you instant noodles if needed.

Sederhana Ale Mon, Desa Asantola, (near health center). 4-5 rooms. Prices not set yet, but good value. Food available. The owner, Ibu Surni is an excellent cook. Near the forest.

WHERE TO STAY ON PULAU PALAMBAK BESAR

Pondok Alam Palambak (PAP), northern shore of Palambak Besar. Ph: 085276503937 and 081263322839. Three bungalows with attached bathrooms are being built. Rp. app. 75.000 per night. Hopefully ready in April/May 2008.

Pondok Pemda (temporary name) on the northwestern point of Palambak Besar. Built by the regency government. Hopefully ready in April/May 2008.

WHERE TO STAY ON PULAU TAILANA

Pondok Tailana on Pulau Tailana. Ph: 085296718219 (English). Three bungalows without attached bathroom are being built. Hopefully ready in April/May 2008.