Sandy Bay Resort

Sandy Bay is the westernmost resort on Malenge, set on a white-sand house beach that Travelfish rates as arguably the best in the whole archipelago. It keeps things small and simple: ten rooms in total, eight right on the beachfront and two up on the rocky hill with sea views, each with a hammock terrace, mosquito nets and an attached bathroom with Western toilet and cold-water shower. Rates are per person full board — three meals plus all-day coffee, tea and drinking water — with children under 12 at half price and a free boat pickup from Malenge harbour. The published rate was Rp 400,000 per person, though the website dates from 2017, so confirm the current price (likely Rp 400,000–500,000) when you book. There is no dive centre — this is a snorkelling and slow-living spot, with boat trips to the reefs offshore (Hotel California, Reef 3 and Reef 5), the Bajau stilt village on Pulau Papan, the mangroves and the jellyfish lake. Expect remote-island basics: limited electricity hours, no wifi and patchy phone signal — and note a February 2025 review flagged slipping maintenance, so set expectations accordingly. It isn't on any booking platform — reserve directly by phone (+62 823-4995-1833) or email.