
How to Apply for the Retreat
Joining the retreat is simple. Please follow the steps below carefully before confirming your participation.
If you have any questions before applying, feel free to contact us through our website contact form, email, or WhatsApp. We are happy to clarify anything so you can decide with confidence.
Step 1 — Send Us an Inquiry
Step 2 — Read the Guidelines
Please take time to read our retreat guidelines thoroughly. They explain the daily schedule, food arrangements, accommodation conditions, discipline, and what to expect during your stay.
Important Information Before Applying
Meditation Island is a simple Buddhist forest practice environment intended for sincere meditation, mindfulness, discipline, and community living. This is not a resort, wellness tourism destination, or comfort-based retreat experience.
Our intention is simply to maintain a quiet and supportive place for genuine practice and simple living.
Initial Stay & Contribution
To help maintain the space and support daily operations, all new participants are asked to contribute toward accommodation and basic expenses during their initial stay.
All new guests are asked to join either:
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the retreat program, or
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an outside stay period
The current contribution rates are:
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Outside stay: 300 THB per night (including accommodation and breakfast)
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Retreat stay: 450 THB per night (including accommodation and breakfast)
This initial contribution period also serves as an important screening process for the safety and wellbeing of the community.
As this is a small practice environment where only female practitioners currently live onsite, safety and stability are taken seriously. The contribution requirement helps ensure that participants arrive with sincere intention and willingness to respect the structure and rules of the community.
Unfortunately, fully free stays can sometimes attract individuals who are not genuinely interested in practice, including situations where guests become unwilling to follow guidelines or difficult to ask to leave.
Our intention is not commercial. We simply wish to maintain a safe, stable, and supportive environment for sincere practitioners.
After completing the initial 14-day contribution period, participants may be considered for a donation-based volunteer stay free of charge for an additional 7–14 days. However, approval must first be given by both the founder and the onsite nun committee.
The length of the extended stay will depend on each individual case and the founder’s approval. Volunteer opportunities are limited and longer-term stay is not guaranteed.
This approval process helps ensure that volunteers are genuinely suitable for the community environment and willing to live respectfully within the structure of the practice.
Practice Environment & Living Conditions
Living conditions are intentionally simple and may be physically and mentally challenging for some people.
Participants should expect:
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no hot water
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no modern flushing toilet systems
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simple island living conditions
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one meal per day only
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no snacks or additional food after the meal
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daily chores and physical work practice
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periods of silence
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limited phone use and outside communication
This environment is intended to support mindfulness, simplicity, discipline, responsibility, and inner cultivation rather than comfort or entertainment.
All participants are also responsible for maintaining their own living space as part of the practice. This includes:
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cleaning your hut before and after your stay
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washing your own laundry
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returning borrowed clothes cleaned and properly cared for
We ask participants to approach these responsibilities mindfully, as part of developing awareness, discipline, and respect for the shared environment.
Important Reflection Before Applying
This meditation center was not created as a viral tourist destination or luxury retreat experience. We are not able to provide resort-style comfort or personalized hospitality. We encourage applicants to reflect carefully before applying to ensure that this environment and way of living genuinely match what they are seeking.
We kindly ask that you only apply once you feel aligned with the structure and simplicity of the retreat.
If you have read the guidelines and feel ready to join, please fill out the application form below.
Step 3 — Complete the Form
** Your stay will be confirmed after we review your application and send you a confirmation email. **
Experience mindfulness, silence, and simplicity
on a peaceful island retreat in Thailand
RETREAT
2026 Meditation Retreats
at Meditation Island
Join an upcoming meditation retreat at Meditation Island, a peaceful sanctuary guided by the MAKKANUKA Foundation. This non-profit mindfulness retreat in Thailand offers a quiet and immersive experience rooted in simplicity, inner balance, and mindful living on a tranquil tropical island.
Throughout the retreat, participants follow a gentle daily rhythm of sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma reflections, and periods of noble silence, supported by the surrounding forest and open sea views. This is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and deepen mindfulness practice within a respectful and supportive community.
Spaces are limited to preserve a calm and contemplative atmosphere.
**By making a donation or payment, participants acknowledge and agree to the retreat cancellation and refund policy.**
Further details and retreat information are available below.

Tue, Aug 11Meditation IslandA 7-day Buddhist mindfulness retreat on a peaceful island near Koh Samui, offering daily meditation practice, simple forest living, and mindful community life in a quiet natural environment.
Sun, Oct 11Meditation IslandA 7-day Buddhist mindfulness retreat on a peaceful island near Koh Samui, offering daily meditation practice, simple forest living, and mindful community life in a quiet natural environment.

Retreat Highlights

Wholesome Meals &
Peaceful Living

Daily Mindfulness and Meditation

Dhamma Reflections & Community Guidance











