Whether you are a first-time traveler, a long-time traveler or a major adventurer, you always wonder what to expect when you arrive in a new place. You may think about the room, the staff or the surrounding environment. These expectations are part of the excitement of traveling, but it’s also nice to have a guide of what to (and what not to) expect. Here is our guide to what you can expect when arriving on Gangga Island.

Your Arrival by Boat

You will need to either arrange transport for yourself or through the resort from Manado airport to Serei pier where you will be met by one of the resort boats.

The 20-minute boat trip from mainland Sulawesi to Gangga Island takes around 20 minutes and as you approach the island you’ll see the beauty of this paradise island unfold before you. The wooden jetty at Gangga is directly in front of the resort, leading to the pathway through the resort.

Look down from the jetty and you’ll already see the clarity of the water and the variety of sea life that is to come. Once you’ve seen the crystal clear water, you’ll be especially excited to see Gangga Divers dive centre just at the end of the jetty.

Your First Look at the Resort

When you arrive you’ll see that Gangga Island is certainly tropical. The beach is shaded by palms and the sand is fine and white. The staff will lead you down to the jetty onto the landscaped garden path that leads to the lobby, a lovely wooden building with local carvings and other interesting design touches.

After a long trip, it’s time to enjoy an exotic welcome drink and while you relax on the lounge sofas the staff will give you a short briefing about the resort, diving and other activities.

When you’re more familiar with the resort, it’s time to settle into your bungalow tucked in amongst frangipani and palm trees.

Step into Your Bungalow

Built in the simple local Minahasa style, the 15 wooden bungalows are all the same class. Each bungalow is split into 2 unconnected rooms with a spacious veranda overlooking the beach.

Climb the steps to your bungalow and you’ll find modern accommodation with attention to local details. Polished wood furnishings and fresh white sheets give a feeling of simple luxury.

Each room is equipped with the features of a first class resort; air conditioning, hot and cold water, a mini bar, and satellite television with international channels.

Exploring the Resort

Walking the paths that wind through Gangga Island Resort’s landscaped gardens you’ll find a restaurant and bar/lounge area in the main building. The restaurant serves excellent Mediterranean and Indonesian cuisine.

Tea, coffee and pastries are served close to the pool in a large gazebo every afternoon, so don’t miss this relaxing time. Once a week a buffet barbecue is organized by the pool where tables are set up on the beachfront.

Back towards the jetty Gangga Divers, a 5* PADI diving centre where you might spend a bit of time if like most guests you are a diver. Pasung Spa is also situated in a local-style wooden building and looks out on the beach. Here you can enjoy a traditional Minahasan massage using Indonesian aromatherapy oils.

Finally, take in the large salt-water infinity pool that almost looks like it joins the sea.

The Beach

The crowning glory of Gangga Island Resort is the beach. The soft white sand sloping gently to the crystal clear water is almost unbelievably perfect. After exploring the resort and getting settled in, there is nothing like watching a Gangga sunset from the beach.

Deckchairs are laid out for guests to sunbathe on and each room has its own private gazebo with mattresses and sun loungers. You can throw your towels down here and wade right out into the water to snorkel.

The Intimacy of Gangga Island Resort

With just 30 rooms, and as the only resort on the island, Gangga Island Resort is an intimate and friendly place like no other. Most of the staff are from the local villages and know the island like the back of their hands. They want you to feel at home and relax as much as possible. With all the facilities and the stunning natural beauty it would be impossible not to really.

Did this article give you a feel for the resort? If there is anything else you might want to know before you book, send us a message or comment below.