Dreaming of your own Robinson Crusoe adventure but with a touch of luxury? Well, thanks to Thomas, the visionary behind Reconnect, you absolutely can. Imagine a private island where you still have water, electricity, and yes—even WiFi! This is island living, reimagined. Let’s dive into my full experience staying on Buka Buka Island.
How to Get to Reconnect?
Reaching Reconnect is all part of the adventure!
First, from Luwuk, you’ll need a private driver to reach Tete Ampana B. The drive takes about 5 hours and costs 1,000,000 IDR (~£47).
From there, Reconnect will pick you up on their private boat.
⏳ Boat transfer: 45 minutes (included if you stay 7+ nights).
Otherwise, it’s 1,000,000 IDR to split among up to 8 guests.
If you prefer speed, opt for the speedboat—a 20-minute ride for 1,000,000 IDR.
Tip: Arrange everything beforehand with the ever-helpful resort manager, Fate.
What Accommodation Can You Expect at Reconnect?
Every accommodation is beachfront and incredibly peaceful. You’ll feel like you have the whole island to yourself.
Glamping
If you love adventure on a budget, the Glamping accommodation will be ideal for you.
Starting at just £45/night, you’ll enjoy:
- Beachfront terrace with chairs and a hammock
- Double bed (or twin beds)
- Fan and private bathroom
Simple, magical, and truly back-to-nature.
Villa with AC
Want extra comfort on your island escape?
Choose a villa with air-conditioning, starting at £69/night.
Here’s what you get:
- All Glamping features
- Full villa privacy
- Perfect air-conditioning (essential for humid nights!)
Tip: Most guests end up hanging out at the Common Hall, the vibrant heart of the island. Think food, a bar, hammocks, table tennis, and a relaxed community vibe!
What Will You Eat on Reconnect?
Reconnect is a desert island—but you’ll eat like royalty!
All your meals are included:
🍳 Breakfast
🥪 Lunch
🍰 Afternoon Tea
🍛 Dinner
The food is buffet-style, and dietary needs are happily catered to.
One morning, I even had waffles—an unexpected luxury on a remote island!
So your only daily dilemma will be: paddleboarding or hammock lounging?
What Can You Do on the Remote Island of Reconnect?
Reconnect offers so many activities that boredom isn’t even an option!
Paddle Board
Rent a paddle board for 100,000 IDR (~£5/hour).
Paddle over coral reefs, spot blue sea stars, and sip a fresh coconut!
Swimming Around the Island
Feeling athletic?
You can swim all the way around Buka Buka Island!
🏆 Current record: 2h37min by Rafi Papazian.
Trek in the Jungle
Reconnect occupies just a fraction of Buka Buka.
Why not trek into the lush jungle and discover the island’s hidden secrets?
Dive
Only a 3-minute walk from your villa!
Dives cost between 550,000-650,000 IDR (£25–30).
Certifications available too—perfect for beginners and advanced divers.
Kayak
Explore the crystal waters in a glass-bottom kayak for 150,000 IDR (~£7.50/hour).
Ideal for two people—and awesome for photos!
Snorkel
Join a snorkelling excursion starting at 150,000 IDR (~£7).
Affordable and bursting with marine life!
Relax on a Hammock
Don’t underestimate the joy of simply swinging in your hammock.
🌅 I spent every sunrise here—and it was pure magic.
Have a Drink
Beer, cocktails, and fresh coconuts!
Since alcohol is rare in Sulawesi, having a bar on-site feels like a luxury.
Volleyball
Every evening at 5 PM, guests and staff gather for a friendly volleyball match.
It’s the perfect social hour to bond and laugh.
Table Tennis
The Common Hall also houses a table tennis setup—perfect for escaping the midday heat.
Board Games
Reconnect has a small board game collection.
Better yet, bring your favourite game and leave it behind as a legacy!
Read a Book
Grab a book from the Common Hall’s library, then find a sofa or hammock to get lost in.Reconnect has a small board game collection.
Better yet, bring your favourite game and leave it behind as a legacy!
Work
Thanks to Starlink Internet, Reconnect is surprisingly perfect for digital nomads.
Workout
By the Glamping area, you’ll find an open-air gym setup and you can borrow a yoga mat from the reception.Thanks to Starlink Internet, Reconnect is surprisingly perfect for digital nomads.
How Long Do You Need to Stay at Reconnect?
Realistically, you should plan at least 3 nights to make the journey worth it.
However, I could have easily stayed a whole month.
💡 Bonus:
Mention my name (Helena) when booking directly with Reconnect to get 10% off your stay!
Solo travellers and long-term stays enjoy additional discounts too.
Who is a Stay at Reconnect Island For?
Reconnect is perfect for:
- Adventure seekers
- Digital nomads needing WiFi
- Families wanting nature immersion
- Solo travellers seeking peace
Why You Need to Reconnect
Reconnect was dreamt up by Thomas, a French adventurer who made Buka Buka his home.
He installed water, electricity, and internet—making your island dream reality.
Huge thanks to Thomas, Fate, Johanna, and the entire Reconnect family for making my stay unforgettable!
🌍 Ready to live your Robinson Crusoe fantasy—with a splash of modern comfort? Find out more about Reconnect Stays here.
If you need help planning your trip to Sulawesi, don’t miss my full Sulawesi travel itinerary guide!
I was kindly invited to stay at Reconnect as a guest.
However, all opinions are completely my own—and my experience reflects genuine, heartfelt memories I’ll treasure forever.
