Anyone have any opinions on Bonaire Exclusive Bungalows? I've been to Bonaire several times and I'm looking at staying here for a change. I'd greatly appreciate any input.

TIA

Ed

Seems like this rental is off limits. Not sure why.

Off limits?

On the plus side, they are right on the edge of town so they are handy for all restaurants and bars.

On the negative side, they have no character, are very close together and have something of a reputation for the..... word that BT does not allow to be mentioned.

Jeff and Anthony are correct. Long before i became a mod, they were somewhat "banned" from BT. I don't recall the reason however. I can only remember one report on the place, and that was years ago.

A.K.A. Pleinchi Makamba

MadMan, translation please?

Is this the same place as Bonaire Exclusief?

tribs, i'll bet that's what he means.

Stayed there in '04 and found it very convenient to everything. No problems whatsoever. I will say that the surroundings are a mentioned above - rather plain. But the price makes up for it. I was never at the bungalow that long anyway - only to sleep. You can find pics here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/diverjoe/collections/72157602432412841/

Be there in 4 days!

Makamba = European dutch, pleinchie = Plaza / park

MadMan...I was told Makamba is not that nice when translated correctly. Was I fibbed to or are you cleaning up your translation for this family friendly board?

If it is the same as Bonaire Excluseif, it was pretty nice, but nothing elaborate. It reminded me of the housing in the Keys. Simple homes, two bedrooms, functional kitchen and a living area. The two that I have been in this trip actually had a cute garden area as well, and there is a pool for people in Bonaire Excluseif. They were both very clean and the one was newly painted. They are not on the water; but, are close to Bobbejans and Last Bite Bakery - which makes up for not being on the water. Again, not sure if this is the same place that you are looking for.

Tribs.

Yes, it is Bonaire Excluseif.

Makamba can be a derogatory term depending on how it is said and in what context.

I was called a F*****g Makamba outside the Tung Fong on Kaya Korona by a guy who was obviously ripped on Coke because I wouldn't give him any money.

I was more than happy to teach him some good old Anglo Saxon equivalents that he could use to more effect in the future when dealing with the English as opposed to the Dutch.

I've lived for more than 40 years on Bonaire and still Makamba and proud of it . Like anthony said it is how and who uses it. For me it has been a nickname for many years and has never bothered me that they called me this. But some people are offended when called makamba

This goes back quite a few years now but my family & I stayed in a home located in Bonaire Exclusief twice - 3 weeks both times. As others said, the homes a pretty basic and the location is very convenient. They are all bungalows and in my opinion not very secure. We had to keep the windows closed & locked up both at night and when not there. To my recollection few if any of the homes had bars but even so being only one level you need to keep things away from windows & out of sight. The only incident we had (& I don't have a police report) was a bathing suit taken off a clothes line at night - lesson learned. Just be cautious. It pretty much depends on what you are looking for in accommodations.

I find some of these comments amazing. Over the last two and a half years I have spent several months in Bonaire. My last two visits have been to Bonaire Exclusief, and I loved it. I will be back there for two months starting the end of October, and another two months February/March. No, they are not luxurious, but because they are owned by individuals the standards do vary. They might be close together, but there is still an element of privacy, some more than others. There is a small, clean community pool and the sea front is only a matter of few minutes walk away, with Kralendijk only a few more. I had no problem with crime but took normal precautions. In short, very convenient location, friendly environment and not expensive. Highly recommended, OH! and you get a discount at Dive Friends Bonaire (Yellow Submarine)

What more can be said. Try it an form your own opinion. I don't think you will regret it.