The Random Rambler

Seraya Island, Indonesia

// March 27th, 2009 // Travel

Paradise: -noun [par-uh-dahys]
1. heaven, as the final abode of the righteous.
2. a place of extreme beauty, delight, or happiness.
3. Seraya Island

Remote, isolated and far from the maddening crowds, Seraya Island is the perfect getaway from civilisation and is, without a doubt, the closest anyone will ever get to experiencing heaven on earth. Leave your high heels and hair gels behind though, Seraya is not your average 5-star-waited-on-hands-and-feet experience… with ten bamboo huts, no mobile coverage and only two hours of water/electricity per day, this is as primal as it gets.

Seraya Island - Pano

The island is located off West Flores, 11km from the port of Labuanbajo, and takes approx an hour to reach by boat. Accommodation and transport to the island can be booked through the Gardena Hotel in Labuanbajo.

All ten huts have been built directly on the beach offering unrestricted views of the sea… and your neighbours, though everyone tends to keep to themselves. Each hut has a bed wrapped with mosquito netting, a cupboard to store any belongings and an attached bathroom. Since water is only available when the generator is turned on in the evening, you’ll have to make do with using a bucket (and a quick trip to the sea!) to flush the loo. There’s only one restaurant on the island, managed by a small family who also take care of the island. You’ll need to order your dinner earlier on in the day and for certain items, at least one day in advance.

Seraya Island - Huts

Seraya Island - Beachfront

The entire island can be explored in about an hour or two. Top tip – trek up the hill, behind the huts, just before sunset for great 360 views of the entire island.

Seraya Island - Sunset

The crystal, clear water and shallow reef stretching 60m around Seraya is ideal for snorkeling. At any given time, you’re guaranteed to see some starfish, silver dollars or even sea snakes! Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your gear, you can rent out fins, mask and snorkel directly from the restaurant.

Seraya Island Viewpoint

Other local inhabitants also include a lone deer and mountain goats that will, if you’re not careful, will eat anything you keep outside to dry. You’ve been warned!

Seraya Island - Local inhabitants

Seraya Island - Deer

For more info on Seraya Island visit serayaisland.com or contact the Gardena Hotel for bookings and availability.