Myanmar Paradise Beach Bungalows — Hotel in Dawei District

Decided on a whim to stay here as we still had enough time to drive here from Myeik before it got dark. Struggled to book the place a few nights earlier as Agoda kept rejecting my booking, but this can probably be explained by the lack of internet access at the resort itself. No idea who manages the bookings made by internet as there is no mobile phone reception at the bungalows either. Probably best just to show up as we did - more than likely a room will be available.

Anyway, after a slightly less than 90 minute drive from Dawei, the last 20km were on quite a narrow road, had to ask the locals how to get to the bungalows. Turns out you keep going straight and finally a sign tells you to turn right into a patch of jungle and up a steep track that is only concreted for motorcycles, but cars, especially those with 4wd can get up just fine as long as it isn't too wet.

However, we had to park our car at the entrance to a narrow track leading to the resort because it was obviously only designed for motorcycles and pedestrians so had to walk a full 2km or so through the jungle to the resort. Once there we called 3 motorcycles to help us transport our luggage from the car to the resort. Having walked the trail between our car and the resort twice, over a distance of something like 8km we were all truly exhausted and covered in sweat given the stifling humidity and heat.

Unfortunately, the rides were not free and each motorcycle charged us 2000 Kyat, also the next day after checking out to bring our luggage back to the car. This was the only minor negative of staying here.

Was surprised to see so many guests here, mostly young westerners, often couples, in early October when the rainy season is still not quite over. However, apart from the rumbling of storm clouds late in the evening, during our stay the weather was perfect - mostly sunny with only partly cloudy skies. This year the rainy season seems to be ending early although in general starting around mid September there seems to be more sunshine than rain. I wouldn't recommend staying here between late May and early September though as you'll get basically soaked and the constant heavy rain will disrupt your sleep, that is, if the bungalows are even open then. It is common for Myanmar beach resorts throughout the coastal regions of the country to shut down for around 3 months during the rainy season.

If like me, you appreciate some surf, then the rainy season is the only time you'll get to experience any. If the resort is open then, you'll want to come before mid-June or in September as in between it's too wet. When I stayed the "surf" was a tiny 30cm or 1ft so too small for surfing.

The owner is very friendly and the bungalows, though very basic and not what I'm used to, were comfortable enough for a one night's stay and I'm sure I could have spent quite a few nights here if I had the time. The sound of insects such as crickets as well as frogs and geckos and the whooshing sound of crashing waves will likely wake you up at some point, but it is what it is here. The rooms and resort itself has 24/7 electricity provided by solar panels (not until 10.30pm as someone claimed) with a power outlet for charging phones but no TV or wireless internet service, or even mobile phone service as mentioned. You are basically going to be cut off from the outside world when you stay here, which can be a good thing. Just bring a book (or two or ten) to read.

Food was excellent, both the Asian and western choices. Loved the crepes for breakfast too, though it was a bit small. Of course if you pay extra you are allowed to enjoy more (for 3000-3500 K per dish).

Rooms are fan only at 30,000 K for a double bed and 35,000 K for a twin.

All in all, it's worth staying here if you're adventurous and don't mind either the trek through the jungle or the fact you'll be experiencing fairly basic facilities.

The beach is definitely heaven and overall very clean apart from some very minor garbage (the odd piece of plastic) that was probably tossed out by some...

First off, some of the other reviews don’t seem fair. This place is cheap, and look at where you are, a gorgeous beach that most of the time you get all to yourself. This is not for divas, it is for more adventurous people. Even still, we found all the staff to be incredibly friendly and helpful.

Bungalows have fans and multi plug power ports, mosquito coils and nets are provided. The power has a time schedule and shuts off around 10:30PM(this may change later). The smell in the towels are from mothballs which are needed and common. Our bungalow was in the second row(more in the trees) 30 second walk to the beach. There are some bugs and critters in the evening. Mostly a lost frog or gecko. Like any beach, there are some sand flies. My girlfriend is very scared of bugs and she was ok :)

The area: The trail in is a fun ride for experienced riders. You see the staff transporting everything you consume by motorbike which is impressive. we looked at the other bungalow place, it is nice too but is a much longer harder trek. It was nice to be able to hop on our bike everyday and easily reach the main roads to explore. It is almost perfectly located near lots of other landmarks, pagodas and beaches. We explored for five days and it was just the right amount of time.

Food: The food is great! Yes some meals are better than others, but all were tasty. The fruit is all seasonal, but this is a plus because you know it’s fresh. We were there in Nov. and we had pineapple, bananas and watermelon, all of which were better than we can get in the US. The steamed fish(bigger portion) was fantastic. Fries are hand cut. Large 660ml bottles of MM beer are 3000, very reasonable considering they hauled them in on a motorcycle! They have a new fancy water filtration system they encourage you to use for free so you are not creating plastic garbage even though they could make a profit selling bottles. This was awesome, we must have filled 25 liters of bottles for free.

The beach: Very very beautiful, perfect sunsets, the squid fishing boats casting green lights at night is interesting and unique. Masks and snorkels are free to use, there are nice things to see on the right side and budding coral, go at low tide to get closer. THE BEST is a night swim with a mask, the plankton light up with every swish of your hand and it’s mesmerizing. It’s also not so scary because of the bright fisherman’s boat lights. The resort is responsible for your safety and can get in trouble if you get hurt, so just use common sense. The garbage is minimal, they do their best, the fishing boats toss trash in that washes up but really it’s not much. The crabs are fun to toy with. We saw no dangerous critters our whole stay.

Conclusion: We had a fantastic time here, we also had the correct expectations. We don’t need a lot of comforts or pampering. We only really used the bungalow to sleep. After five days, we missed a hot shower, but when we did get one, it was that much better. The staff here work very hard, they are up late and up before you in the morning. When it’s busy at dinner, I saw management jump in the kitchen to help. Give this place a shot, but please know you are going to an area where they are learning the tourism business. Have a sense of adventure, some patience and embrace everything around you and the wonderful people. Realize that what you are getting for roughly $25-30 USD is pretty amazing. We will come back if we ever get the chance, we will never...

Stay at your own risk.

Easy to get too and get away from by motorbike, it's staying there that's the PROBLEM. The BIG guy who is manager and his sidekick are both the rudest and most obnoxious people i've ever had to meet in over 30 years of travelling in Asia...After parking our scooters which is at the back of the kitchen that's connected to the restaurant area, we popped our heads in to the kitchen area to say "Mingalaba" when the BIG manager comes steaming over to us in an aggressive way shouting and screaming to get out of the kitchen, we was only saying Hello. Our first impression of what we saw in that kitchen was not favourable, it looked dirty and disorganised. The next, we was shown our tents, which were in a deplorable state, broken zips, holes, stinking of dampness. The next big problem came after we asked for a sheet for the small thin futon inside, to be told they don't provide one, just a blanket and pillow. So your supposed to sleep on a futon that has neither been aired nor washed after other guests have used it. Disgusting! we declined. So we went to the restaurant to have a drink and weight up our options, only to be told to leave the property in a overly aggressive manner by the BIG manager, who continued to shout and bully us physically until we got back on our bikes to ride out. The beach is nice, but not the best in the Dawei Peninsula. When we got back to Dawei we heard more stories from other travellers about the BIG managers bullying tactics, screaming at guests who forgot to wash their feet before entering the restaurant and even a girl who got food poisoning, after a 3 day stay. I would say my impression is they don't like older travellers who won't stand for this kind of behaviour from people or places to stay. Maybe just the younger crowd who they can bully and harass, as they know there is NO other places to stay on the beach. I feel the BIG manager has a psychological problem and needs anger management therapy. I can't see this bungalow operation continuing long with him...