From the word go, we had issues with Dugong. When we met the boat, our bags were dropped in the ocean. This was an accident, fair enough but unfortunately the bag which was really wet was the one with all our baby gear. My wife, my 14 month old son and myself were going there for our honeymoon. My wife, important to add was pregnant at the time. Once we were on the boat, we were told that we would be waiting there for other guests, for about an hour. I said this isn’t ok because my wife is pregnant and we have a baby with us. The skipper then pointed to a tree on the land and told us to wait there. Immediately on getting to that tree, we were told to get back to the boat because the other guests were delayed. We got on the way then which was great.
When I was making the booking, I was particular about booking a cot. I was informed that one was reserved for us. When we went to the room, we discovered that there wasn’t a cot so we asked one of the staff to bring it. He returned with a stretcher bed. I explained why this wasn't suitable for a young baby and asked them to bring the cot. They returned with a box and some pillows. Long story short, he slept between us for the time we were there. We never wanted our son to sleep in our bed. I am an active sleeper. Many times, I awoke on top of him so I failed to sleep well there.
The “sanctuary” that Dugong is based in is not quite what it seems. It’s full of “private houses" which are actually fully operational, high end lodges. You can hear machinery all over the area. Our room was unfortunately next to the place where all these lodges park their boats. Tractors and vehicles were moving in and out, constantly. Many people making a lot of noise too.
I asked for a gin and tonic on my first night. Due to people coming in drinking from these “private houses" the bar at Dugong had ran out of tonic. I was told not to worry because a ‘re supply was coming the next day, along with our cot. It came with tonic but no cot and that same night I went to get a g&t, I was informed that they had now ran out of gin.
Food, in my opinion was good. My wife didn't enjoying much though, apart from the breakfasts. They advertise non motorised activities such as sailing and fishing in the bay on their website which was part of the reason we booked to go there but found none of these activities are available.
I emailed the man who handled our reservation and requested that we leave early. I didn’t mention a refund but none the less, they ignored me. I told the manager that we have a lot of constructive criticisms for them and we didn’t want to go on social media, rather just let them know directly. I told him verbally some of the issues we faced and he was apologetic and advised I take it up with head office. I have sent several emails to them bit to the day, not a single reply or acknowledgment.
There were many other issues we faced there bit I’m not going to list them all out. You get the message. The Lodge itself, I am sure was once a great destination. I would love to go and take it on, it’s so beautiful. They are however charging far too much money for what they actually offer on the ground. This sanctuary is obviously a massive scam. I was pleased, on one of my walks to see an Olive Bee eater. Aside from that we found birding to be nothing special. I now owe my wife another, stress free honeymoon. Paramountly, I just can’t believe that we have been ignored..it’s inexcusable to take a booking, lie about the facilities and then just close the door on your clients. These people, the “Legend group" have a lot to learn about hospitality
