With world-class diving facilities, marine life and muck sites, it’s little wonder that Sulawesi offers some of the best scuba diving resorts in the world. Lesser known than the mainstream Indonesian islands, it’s surprisingly affordable too.
(Photo: Onong Resort)
Sulawesi sits at the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, with Borneo to the west and Bali to the South. It’s an island of lush rainforest, colourful birds of paradise and coastal mangroves – the epitome of tropical island paradise. Below the surface, you’ll find rich and unspoilt reefs, pristine coils and high visibility, owing to its unique topography. Here are five of the best scuba diving resorts in Sulawesi.
Onong Resort
Located on the idyllic island of Siladen in the Bunaken National Park, Onong Resort offers a taste of paradise, affordably. The resort sits on a private beach, surrounded by tropical rainforest with one of Bunaken’s best reefs just offshore. Offering a full range of SSI courses, the dive centre runs multiple trips per day, as well as sunset and night dives. Groups are kept to four divers per guide, assuring plenty of one-to-one time with your expert local spotter. On land, you can enjoy rainforest trekking and soothing spa services too. From $64 per night.
Book at ZuBluDiving.com
Coral Eye
Formerly a marine biologist outpost, Coral Isle offers three dives per day to more than 30-world class dive sites around the Bangka island. The area is renowned for its biodiversity, home to rare species like pygmy seahorses and frogfish in a seascape that encompasses pinnacles, walls and mangroves. Guests can enjoy home-cooked seasonal dishes, sunset yoga and trekking through the Tangkoko National Reserve too. The state-of-the-art facility champions sustainability, so you can support the local community and help to preserve the surrounding environment while enjoying your holiday too. From $59 per night.
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Froggies Divers, Lembeh Strait
Froggies Divers offers incredible diving experiences in the world-famous Lembeh strait. Suitable for all levels, from beginner PADI courses to pros, the resort offers up to four tanks a day with a passionate and professional dive team. It’s particularly popular with photographers, thanks to its modern camera workstations and a vast marine ID library. Guests can choose from a range of rustic-chic bungalows. Enjoy home-cooked Indonesian cuisine at the on-site restaurant too. From $54 per night.
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Gangga Island Resort
(Photo: Gangga Island Resort)
Situated in 12-acres of natural gardens nestled between tropical forest and white sandy beach, Gangga Island Resort offers five-star service in and out of the water. The full-service, 5-Star dive centre is suited to every level, with facilities including a training pool, classroom and aqualung equipment. For moments spent above the surface, there’s a saltwater infinity pool, in-house spa and al fresco dining to enjoy too. As the only resort on the island, it’s perfect for honeymooners looking for romance and seclusion. From $188 per night.
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Murex Manado
Founded in 1988, Murex Manado was one of Sulawesi’s pioneering resorts, so it knows a thing or two about diving. In fact, its founder played a key role in the creation of Bunaken Marine Park. Guests can enjoy two or three-dive trips to Bunaken Marine park every day, or dive the coastal muck sites closer by. The centre offers a range of PADI-courses too. The resort is set in landscaped gardens featuring lily ponds, meandering streams and swing fruit trees. Additional facilities include an infinity pool, nature spa and sea front dining area and gazebo. From $90 per night.
Book at ZuBluDiving.com