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Isla Bastimentos
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It will not be hard to find Rafael's House on Isla Bastimentos. The owner, Don Rafael, is known by as good as everybody on the island. Rafael's house is situated right on main street, in the heart of Bastimentos Town, called "Old Bank". Rafael's House is almost completely renovated in the original colonial, caribbean style as his family built it over 80 years ago.
The front porch of Rafael's House gives you first class view on main street. From your hammock you soon start to recognize the locals passing by, and you might pick up some of the local language: "Whappin man!".
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If you're looking for some more privacy, the balcony behind the house is surrounded by palm trees and has a view on Bastimentos Bay and Isla Solarte. This is the perfect place to enjoy your freshly blended fruit shake, with or without Abuelo, Panama's national rum.
The kitchen is fully equipped and there is al large living-area. The luxurious bathroom has a warm water shower. There are two bedrooms that sleep up to two persons. Both rooms have DirectTV, a queen size semi- orthopedic mattress and a security box.
If you want to experience what life in Bastimentos is like, Rafael's House is the place that you've been looking for!
Isla Bastimentos, most of which is a National Park, is famous for its white sandy beaches. From Rafael's House it's a beautiful 20 minute walk to Wizards Beach, also called Playa Primera. This beach is also famous for its waves and attracts many surfers. Other beaches are the well famous Red Frog beach and Polo Beach. Don Rafael can arrange any other daytrip for you, such as the Batcave or a (snorkeling) trip to the surrounding islands.
On Isla Bastimentos there are a couple of restaurants, right around the corner. By far the best is Restaurant Roots, famous for their local, caribbean kitchen. Very close to the house you'll find a supermarket. There are a few bars on the island, and music sounds from almost all the houses. The bars in town are: El Rancho, La Feria and Cocos Bar. Bastimentos is famous for its party held every Monday, called "Blue Monday", and people from the surrounding islands come and dance to the tropical sounds of Calypso music.
Transportation to Isla Bastimentos in the daytime is frequent and easy. From Bocas Town, you take a boat on the dock right next to Bocas Marine Tours on main street. A ride to Bastimentos cost $2.50 and will take about 10 minutes.
To go from Bastimentos back to Bocas, the easiest is to wait for a boat at the park (in front of the police-station), from the restaurant Roots or bar la Feria. Boats depart for Bocas during the whole day. Till 10.30 PM there is a taxi service in Bocas, called Jampan, that can pick you up and bring you back to Isla Bastimentos. After this hour there's still transportation in between the islands, but at nighttime the rates are higher.
The prices of the rooms of Rafael's House are approximately $55 a $65 a night, plus taxes (10%). The complete house is approximately $100 per night, plus taxes (10%). The price for the complete house for a full week is $500, plus taxes (10%). The prices for high season are 20% higher than above. Prices for long stay are negotiable.
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