Tag: Islands

I have always been fascinated by islands. Surrounded by water, you live a little in your own cosmos, regardless of whether it’s a large or small island, and every island has its own peculiarities. Here I show you my tips for well-known islands such as Mallorca or Sicily, but also more exotic destinations such as my absolute Thailand insider tip Ko Siboya.

Koh Bulone in Thailand: The Hidden Dream Island

My main destination on this trip was Koh Lipe, the famous little island often called the Maldives of Thailand for its beaches. Koh Lipe really is beautiful, but it has also become very crowded. I ended up on Koh Bulone more by chance – and what can I say? I found another island paradise in Thailand here.

Where is Koh Bulone?

Koh Bulone (also spelled Koh Bulon Lae or Koh Bulon Leh) is in Satun province, south of Trang, about 45 minutes by speedboat from Koh Lipe. However, only a few visitors stop here, which suited me perfectly. I definitely enjoyed spending a few peaceful days on this tranquil, dreamlike island.

The Fascination of Simplicity

A village, a lengthy sandy beach, a handful of simple resorts, and a few restaurants make up the entire island. There are no roads, only bumpy gravel paths. Nightlife? None at all. This straightforward lifestyle is part of Koh Bulone’s charm. Spending the day doing nothing, free of stress and the obligation to do anything, allows you to simply enjoy this beautiful paradise. It’s a wonderful wellness retreat, perfect for anyone looking to embrace a simpler, more mindful way of life.

Koh Bulone is a small island paradise with turquoise blue waters.

The main beach stretches almost the entire length of the island’s western side. The light-colored sand is incredibly fine, and the water is crystal clear. If you’re staying at the Bulone Resort or the Pansand Resort, you’ll have this view right outside your door every morning. You should definitely get up early here—the sunrises are simply magical.

Magical sunrises

Where to Stay on Koh Bulone

The island offers a small number of accommodations, mostly beachfront, with others nearby. Options range from simple wooden huts with fans to more comfortable bungalows with air conditioning. While there isn’t traditional luxury, guests can enjoy hammocks right on the beach and abundant natural surroundings.

Prices & availability at Bulone Resort (direct booking only)

The Bulone Resort is located on the beach

Simple yet very well maintained: The grounds of the Bulone Resort

I was super happy with the Bulone Resort, the lagę is the best on the island in my opinion and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. The Pansand Resort further down on the same beach is just as good.

Bulon Hill Resort

The Panka Bay Resort, located on the bay of the same name, is a more budget-friendly option. However, there are many rocks in the water here, and swimming can be rather difficult at low tide. You can reach School Beach on foot; however, you’ll have to walk through the village and over a small hill first, which isn’t very pleasant in hot weather. A little closer to School Beach is the Bulon Hill Resort, nestled in the countryside.

Panka Bay at low tide

Please note: Capacity on Koh Bulone is limited. Bungalows at Bulone Resort are often reserved by regular guests a year in advance. Be sure to make your reservation early.

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Practical Tips for Koh Bulone

Koh Bulone is not nearly as touristy as some of the other islands in the region. There are therefore a few things you should bear in mind. The following information relates primarily to the Bulone Resort, but the other accommodations will be similar.

Cash / Currency Exchange

There are no ATMs on the island. Although resorts like the Bulone Resort try to minimize cash needs for guests, it’s wise to bring some cash with you. You can pay for everything at the resort—food, activities, boat tickets, and accommodation—by card when you leave. However, for the longtail boat that picks you up from the speedboat and takes you to the shore, you’ll need about 50 baht (€1.50) in cash. It’s also recommended to carry cash for the few small restaurants and food stalls.

Internet

The Wi-Fi at the resort worked surprisingly well. Just don’t expect blazing-fast upload or download speeds. As a backup, I recommend getting a local eSIM anyway—it’s always more convenient when you’re traveling. I can recommend providers like Holafly or Saily.

Electricity

Electricity is limited at the Bulone Resort, available only in the bungalows from 6 pm to 8 am. The resort has to generate power using diesel generators since Koh Bulone isn’t connected to the main grid. During the day, you can recharge your phone at the restaurant if you forgot to do so overnight. There’s no hot water, but tropical temperatures make cold showers comfortable—even for someone sensitive to cold like me.

Waste / Recycling

If you bring glass bottles (e.g., beer), they must also be returned off the island; the restaurant aims to minimize glass use. Since glass cannot be recycled on the island, it has to be transported to the mainland with other recycling waste like paper and plastic. Plastic is preferred because it is lighter.

Overall, I thought Bulone Resort was especially well-maintained and spotless; however, some parts of the island may have a couple of less tidy spots. Sadly, as is common on many islands, this can be the case, but I found it to be particularly worse on Koh Mook or Koh Phi Phi, for example.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring enough insect repellent and sunscreen!

How Many Nights You Should Plan for Koh Bolune

If you’re island hopping in the Andaman Sea, your schedule might be tight. However, it’s advisable to spend at least two nights on Koh Bulone, ideally three. Since boat arrivals are typically between midday and early afternoon, and departures are usually in the morning, two nights leave little time to enjoy the island’s relaxed vibe.

Who Will Enjoy a Stay in Koh Bulone

Koh Bulone is ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking tranquility. It provides a refreshing contrast to busier islands like Koh Lipe or the bustling cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which may already be on your itinerary. While there are no specific offers for families, children are welcome, as is common throughout Thailand. The beach in front of Bulone Resort gently slopes, making it safe for children. The accommodations are straightforward, emphasizing simplicity rather than luxury, allowing visitors to enjoy a more authentic, relaxed experience.

Make sure to set aside a budget for your trip, as Koh Bulone, despite being simple, is not inexpensive. Almost everything, including drinking water and food, must be brought from the mainland by boat. Additionally, resorts send laundry off to the mainland because of the limited fresh water on Koh Bulone, which drives up the costs for both lodging and meals.

Resorts typically feature small mini-markets, and there are also small shops in the village selling snacks and drinks. Still, prices tend to be significantly higher than elsewhere, and some people will suggest buying alcohol and food on the mainland beforehand. Honestly, I was too lazy to do that and believe it’s better to support local vendors and appreciate the effort they put into maintaining this little paradise.

Best Time to Visit

The typical travel period is from October or November to April, which is the dry season when the sea is calm and boats operate regularly. Outside this period, most accommodations close due to less favorable weather, and Koh Bulone becomes almost deserted. During this time, speedboats also cease operations, requiring visitors to arrange private boats, which makes reaching the island more challenging.

How to Get There

The arrival is part of the experience. You can get to Koh Bulone by boat from Pak Bara Pier on the mainland, Koh Kradan or Koh Lipe. There is no real pier, and the speedboat anchors at various points off the island depending on the weather conditions. A smaller longtail boat then picks you up, bags and suitcases are simply thrown across and the island adventure can begin.

Depending on your resort, you’ll be dropped off at the appropriate beach. You step into shallow water, flip-flops in hand, and your luggage quietly makes its way ashore dry with the help of kind assistance. As is common in Thailand, everything seems very simple, but is nevertheless well organized.

I always check the exact times on 12go*. It offers tickets from all shipping companies, so there’s no need for complicated research.

From the mainland to Koh Bulone
Speedboats to Koh Bulone depart from Pak Bara Pier, taking approximately 30 minutes. The boat ticket includes options to book direct minivan transfers to the pier from Trang or Hat Yai. In high season (November to April), boats operate daily, while in the low season, they run much less frequently or not at all.

From Koh Lipe to Koh Bulone
The speedboats that run between Koh Lipe and Pak Bara also stop off Koh Bulone on the way. The trip from Koh Lipe to Koh Bulone takes about 45 minutes.

Tip: Plan a generous buffer on days you need to catch a flight. While boats are usually punctual, it’s best not to depend on arriving at a mainland airport on schedule from a remote island like Koh Bulone. Trang and Hat Yai are also an hour and a half to two hours’ drive from the pier.

Other Islands in the Area

Koh Bulone feels too quiet for you? Or do you want a change of scenery? Either way, this region of Thailand offers many stunning spots, and I highly recommend visiting several islands. Most can be conveniently reached by speedboat during the season, and mainland transfers are also well coordinated.

Here are some islands I recommend:
Koh Jum Originally favored by backpackers, but it remains very laid-back, featuring long, secluded beaches and a glimpse into local everyday life.
Koh Lanta Popular with families, lots of great nature, better infrastructure
Koh Lipe Super beautiful beaches, turquoise blue water, very small, but still a bit busier; many luxurious resorts
Koh Mook Slightly larger island with more local life and lots of activities (hiking up to Viewpoint, Emerald Cave etc.)
Koh Kradan & Koh Ngai Tiny islands with great beaches (accessible as a day trip from other islands, but you should definitely plan an overnight stay)
Langkawi Already part of Malaysia, lots of nature and culturally enriching. There is a direct ferry linking Koh Lipe and Langkawi. (I can also highly recommend Malaysia: All about Malaysia)

Find out how to plan your island hopping and which route is best in this article: Island hopping in the Andaman Sea

10/06/2026
Salina: The Island Paradise Near Sicily

Are you looking for a small island to relax on? Somehow remote, but still easy to reach within Europe and a destination that not everyone knows? Salina is the perfect place for a few relaxing days in absolutely breathtaking surroundings! I’ll show you a Mediterranean island that really impressed me with its charm – and one of the coziest accommodations I’ve experienced in a long time.

Where is Salina actually located?

Salina is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily. Together with the six other islands of Stromboli, Lipari, Filicudi, Panarea, Vulcano and Alicudi, it forms the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands, which are often referred to as the Lipari Islands.

The name Stromboli may sound familiar to you: This is where actress Ingrid Bergman shot the avant-garde film “Stromboli ” with director Roberto Rossellini, which also made the island itself more famous. The island is also home to Stromboli, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It erupts regularly. As part of a guided tour, you can even observe these eruptions yourself during a climb.

Book a tour to Stromboli here*

Santa Maria Salina: Welcome to Salina

Santa Marina is the lively main town on the island and the most important port of arrival for ferries. You can feel the special flair of this small harbor town as soon as you dock: it is lively, but not overcrowded.

The main street, which runs from the harbor through the town, is lined with small boutiques, souvenir stores and cafés. You can take a leisurely stroll here, especially during the season from April to October, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Malfa: Foodie’s paradise

Malfa is located in the north of the island and is the center of viticulture on Salina. Here you will find the famous Malvasia vineyards. Foodies will be delighted anyway: Salina is also known for its capers! The village itself is small and cozy – and my personal tip for spending a few days on Salina.

Principe di Salina in Malfa

The Principe di Salina* is a genuine boutique hotel: Family-run and designed with great attention to detail, you will feel like you are in a cozy nest that you will hardly want to leave.

Basically, there’s everything you need here for a relaxing vacation: Nice company, breathtaking views and – really good food. The food is cooked on a large scale for all guests every evening, served at a long wooden table and everyone somehow gets to talk to each other.

The Principe di Salina is my absolute heartfelt recommendation. However, there is a catch: it’s usually almost impossible to book spontaneously (I was very lucky because it was already the end of the season) – all rooms are usually fully booked by mid-October in spring! So if you find capacity, book quickly. You won’t regret it!

Book your stay at the Principe di Salina here*

Pollara: The end of the world

Pollara is a small, remote village that became famous thanks to the 1994 film “Il Postino“. The film, in which the paths of a simple letter carrier and the Chilean author Pablo Neruda cross, is actually set on the island of Procida near Naples.

But Pollara, with its striking half-crater and the rocks all around, has a very special atmosphere, so it’s not surprising that this place has made it into a movie set.

Pollara is probably the most remote place on the small island of Salina, and many of the houses are abandoned. Together with the impressive surroundings, this creates a very special atmosphere. In good weather, you can also swim in the Baia di Pollara.

There is no real sandy beach, but that is also the charm of this place. However, if you visit Pollara in stormy weather like I did, you’d better be careful; the rough rocks and high waves can quickly become dangerous.

Helpful tips for your trip to Salina

When is the best time to visit Salina?

As always, it depends a little on what you want to do on the island. If you want to do a lot of hiking, e.g. through the Riserva Naturale Orientata or up to Monte Fossa delle Felci, the months of May/June and September/October are more suitable. The temperatures are mild to warm, but not too hot.

If you want a real summer feeling, balmy nights and a bit of entertainment, then you should visit Salina in July and August. That’s when all the restaurants are open, the island is full of life and the Mediterranean climate means you’re almost guaranteed good weather during these months.

But the island is small and the number of accommodations is limited. It is very difficult to find something spontaneously, especially in summer. The price level is correspondingly high and comparable to regions such as the Amalfi Coast or the Cinque Terre.

Book your accommodation on Salina here
*

Many accommodations are closed from November to April. Ferry services may also no longer run regularly or may be canceled altogether due to weather conditions.

I myself was on Salina at the end of October. The end of the season was already very noticeable and the last days of late summer had just come to an end. The tranquil atmosphere had something going for it, but I personally would have found it a little too quiet a few weeks later – then you really are very isolated on Salina.

How many days do you need for Salina?

If, like me, you are also traveling in Sicily and therefore don’t have that much time, two days are enough. Salina is not particularly big, so you can explore a lot in a short time if you plan well.

However, I would plan an extra 1-2 days if possible. Salina is really great and simply very relaxing; it’s a real shame if you only experience the island in a rush. Especially if you’ve found such great accommodation as the Principe di Salina*, where you can really unwind.

How to get to Salina

By ferry to Salina

There is no airport on Salina. You have to travel here by ferry or hydrofoil, which depart from various ports in Sicily, e.g. Milazzo, Palermo or Messina. The journey from Milazzo is the quickest and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. There are connections several times a day with the ferry companies Liberty Lines and Siremar.

Book your ferry ticket online*

If you are already on one of the other Aeolian Islands, you can also take a boat from there to Salina. There are regular connections from Lipari in particular, the largest of the islands; the journey takes just 30 minutes.

By car to Salina

If, like me, you are traveling with a rental car on a road trip in Sicily, I recommend leaving the car in Milazzo. The crossing by car is very expensive, and you can always hire a car or scooter on the island. Most accommodations also offer pick-up services at the port of Salina. So it really isn’t necessary to take an expensive rental car with you.

There are several garages near the port of Milazzo, as well as cheaper parking lots with a shuttle service a little outside. I simply parked my rental car for several days at Garage del Porto, and the car was parked for me in the parking lot outside and brought back to the garage when I picked it up. No problems and super easy!

Arrival from outside Sicily

If you are not already in Sicily, you can fly to either Catania or Palermo and from there take a rental car or bus to Milazzo. It takes a little longer from Palermo to Milazzo, but you will also pass beautiful places such as Cefalù. From Catania, a detour to Taormina is a good idea.

You can find more inspiration here: What to see in Sicily

If you have time, you can also get to Milazzo by train from the Italian mainland. Train travel in Italy is quite pleasant, and the north-south connection is often scenic.

You can check train connections within Italy here

This article was written on behalf of a research trip for Travellers Insight, the travel blog of Munich Airport. You can find more articles about Sicily here.

28/09/2024