Indonesia is a place I’ve been privileged enough to visit five times now (always for the marine life), and I don’t see the obsession ever abetting.
Two things I always try to keep in mind when doing my homework on Indonesian Dive Resorts and snorkelling trips are house reef quality and internet connectivity. I rarely have a decent chunk of time entirely to myself (the tradeoffs of remote work and entrepreneurship), so I’m usually forced to stay somewhat connected to the outside world.
And so, I thought, I bet it would be possible to compile a list of the dive resorts in my beloved Indonesia that a) have great house reefs (both for divers and for snorkelers who are interested in staying at dive resorts) and b) have sufficient internet connectivity to allow for remote work (to varying degrees).
How I found and qualified the options on my Indonesian dive resorts list
I’ve gone through all of the PADI-listed dive resorts in Indonesia, separated them by region, and categorized them by whether or not they have a house reef and decent enough internet quality for remote work (if you are a scuba diver or a snorkeller planning a workcation).
PADI does have a search function on their website that allows you to filter results based on things like house reef, but it’s not a very good search engine. It shows you a lot of results that don’t have house reefs (it’s either a beach or a region that is pure sand) or it’s a dive shop in the middle of town.
They also don’t have the option to filter by Wi-Fi quality.
What I’ve done is reach out to all of the PADI-registered dive resorts across Indonesia and ask them to describe the quality of a) their house reef and b) their internet connection.
Below each location is the response to the questions in my email:
Below that response is a synthesis of visitor reviews for each place (the good and the bad) so you know what to expect in terms of accommodation, dive sites, food, etc.
This was done by copying and pasting the most recent reviews for each place from TripAdvisor and/or Booking.com into ChatGPT and asking it to parse the text for recurring comments, phrases and descriptions and then synthesize all of it into a list of bullet points covering both the positive and the negative reviews.
I’ve also linked you to each place’s Instagram (the little icon below each photo]) so you can check out the kinds of dives they do and the marine critters they observe on a regular basis. Instagram is definitely the best place to gauge things like reef quality, marine life, equipment, boats, etc.
Trying to decide on snorkeling or diving gear for an upcoming trip? Check out my detailed breakdowns of everything from fins to BCDs to dive watches and more.
Not all of the resorts responded to me. Others informed me that they didn’t have a house reef to speak of (or they were in a location that made it too dangerous to swim unsupervised) and/or their Wi-Fi connection was unreliable.
The ones that responded and satisfied both of my criteria have been included in the list below. It’s a pretty nice collection of 24 dive resorts throughout Indonesia (the diving and snorkelling capital of the world)–from Raja Ampat to Pulau We and everywhere in between.
Important: if you want to hedge your bets anywhere in Indonesia, get yourself a SIM card and data plan with Telkomsel so you can hotspot. They are the largest and most reliable network operator in the country, their data plans are inexpensive, and I never go anywhere without them.
If you’re interested in seeing more photos and potentially booking at any of these places, I’ve included links to, where applicable, their websites as well as their Agoda page.
Below are Indonesia’s main diving regions. You can click on each region or location to take you to the part of the article where I cover each.
Table of Contents
Bali
Bali is one of those places that, if you can get past the mass tourism, the snorkelling and diving (particularly the macro diving up north) is actually quite impressive.
Bali Standout Features
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Bali is situated within the Coral Triangle, an area known for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Divers can explore a vast range of marine life, from the tiniest critters to majestic pelagic species.
- Coral Reefs: Bali’s coral reefs are incredibly diverse and colorful, with both hard and soft corals creating vibrant underwater landscapes.
- Rich Marine Life: The island’s waters are teeming with diverse fish species, including angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and schools of snappers. You can also spot larger species like reef sharks and eagle rays.
- Manta Rays: Bali is famous for its manta ray cleaning stations, particularly around Nusa Penida. Witnessing these graceful giants up close is a thrilling and unique experience.
- Mola Molas (Sunfish): The waters around Nusa Penida also offer the chance to see the elusive and massive oceanic sunfish, or mola mola, especially during the season from July to September.
- Shark Encounters: Bali provides opportunities to observe a variety of shark species, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks. You may even catch a glimpse of the shy and unusual wobbegong shark.
- Macro Photography: Bali’s muck diving sites are a haven for macro photography enthusiasts. Explore sites like Seraya Secrets and Secret Bay to find rare and tiny critters like pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish.
- Clear Water Visibility: Bali typically offers excellent water visibility, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet), making it ideal for underwater photography and allowing divers and snorkelers to fully appreciate the beauty of the marine environment.
- Diverse Dive Sites: Bali offers a wide variety of dive sites, including walls, drop-offs, drift dives, and muck diving sites. From the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben to the artificial reefs in Tanjung Benoa, there’s something for every level of diver.
- Mild Water Temperatures: The waters around Bali are comfortably warm, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F) throughout the year, making it suitable for diving year-round.
1) Bali Dive Resort and Spa
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef:
Our house Reef is home to some amazing macro creatures that with a pair of good spotting eyes make up the perfect dive site for curious divers and photographers with a passion for the small and unique! Further Tulamben and Amed dive sites are all reachable within 5 – 30 minutes from the resort, offering diverse and world class diving, including the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck.
The house reef and other dive sites located in walking distance from our resort, are good for both diving, snorkeling and also for freediving.
The internet:
Our internet is stable, and obviously we all work on the Wi-fi in the resort. However, with this being said, please note that we are still located in a remote area and sometimes venerable to different weather conditions as well as trees sometimes falling over and cutting off the connection for a while.
If you use VPN, sometimes the internet is slow. I would recommend a back up, which would be a sim card bought when you arrive in Bali. Please note that you will need Telcomsel, as it is the only provider in this area.
Nicole, General Manager at Bali Dive Resort and Spa
What guests have to say
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many guests rave about the resort’s staff, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating.
- Diving Opportunities: Guests appreciate the resort’s proximity to numerous dive sites, often mentioning the quality of the dive center and its instructors. They mention exceptional diving experiences, with encounters of unique marine life.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Reviewers frequently mention clean, comfortable, and spacious rooms or bungalows, often with stunning sea or garden views. The resort’s well-maintained pool and picturesque garden also receive positive mentions.
- Good Food: The restaurant’s food is consistently praised for its quality, offering a variety of local and western options. Breakfast choices are often highlighted.
- Proximity to Dive Sites: Guests appreciate that the dive sites are close by, making it convenient for diving.
On the other hand, areas where some guests expressed less satisfaction include:
- Limited or No TV Channels: Some guests wished for more entertainment options, such as TV channels for news or additional programs.
- Food Variety: A few reviewers found the restaurant’s menu limited or mentioned certain food items being substituted for ingredients that were very different.
- Location: Some found the resort far from other attractions or mentioned the lack of places to visit or things to do outside of diving.
- Internet Connection: A common point of concern was the resort’s internet connection, with several guests describing it as slow or unreliable.
- Remote Location: While some enjoy the secluded location, it may not be suitable for those seeking a vibrant nightlife or proximity to markets and other activities.
Or
Click the below image to see more photos on Agoda
2) Bali Dive Resort and Spa Amed
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our House Reef is very good for Macro Photographer, but it is not the best place for snorkelers and freedivers.
However, there is many nice spots in Amed area that you can reach with our Snorkeling Excursion or by scooter (if you wish to rent a scooter in Amed).
The Wi-Fi:
Our wi-fi is very good, but we need to inform you that in Amed area the Internet signal is not very stable and some time the connection can be slow for few hours.
Michela, Bali Dive Resort and Spa Amed
What guests have to say
- Friendly and accommodating staff
- Beautiful beachfront location
- Clean, spacious, and modern rooms
- Convenient access to restaurants and cafes
- Praise for diving facilities and courses
- Compliments for dive instructors
- Positive mentions of the breakfast and food options
- Lovely pool with an ocean view
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasional Wi-Fi stability issues
- Suggestions for breakfast quantity and variety
- Privacy concerns in ground floor rooms with transparent doors
- Minor room maintenance issues, including air conditioning and sheets
Or
Click the below image to see more photos on Agoda
The Malukus
The Maluku Islands in Indonesia are a diver’s paradise of unparalleled natural beauty. These remote islands are often called the “Raja Ampat of the East” and offer pristine coral reefs teeming with life.
The part of Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot within a biodiversity hotspot, with a rich tapestry of marine life that includes pelagic species, rare critters, and vibrant coral gardens. Strong currents make for exhilarating drift dives, where you can encounter schools of barracuda, trevallies, and even elusive and threatened hammerhead sharks.
Maluku Standout Features
- Raja Ampat of the East: The Malukus, often referred to as the “Raja Ampat of the East,” rival their famous western counterparts in biodiversity, featuring healthy coral reefs and prolific marine life.
- Pristine Reefs: Explore untouched and unspoiled coral reefs with abundant hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. These sites are perfect for wide-angle photography and awe-inspiring scenery.
- Pelagic Encounters: Encounter various pelagic species, including schools of barracuda, trevallies, tuna, and even the majestic hammerhead sharks that frequent the region.
- Whale Sharks: The Malukus are known for their whale shark encounters, offering you a chance to snorkel or dive alongside these gentle giants in nutrient-rich waters.
- Muck Diving Delights: The black sand dive sites in the Malukus provide fantastic opportunities for muck diving, where you can discover rare and unique critters such as ghost pipefish, seahorses, and frogfish.
- Banda Sea Magic: Dive the Banda Sea, a body of water surrounded by volcanic islands. Here, you’ll find underwater seamounts, walls, and deep drop-offs that attract diverse marine life.
- Ambon’s Twilight Zone: Explore Ambon’s “Twilight Zone,” a niche specialty dive where you can encounter some of the world’s rarest macro critters, including rhinopias, hairy frogfish, and nudibranchs.
- Uncharted Waters: The Malukus offer less crowded and often uncharted dive sites, ensuring a sense of discovery and exclusivity in your underwater adventures.
1) Sali Bay Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is perfect for snorkeling. For example, you can find reviews from former guests on Tripadvisor or Google. Some guests have described it as the best house reef they have ever seen. Free divers have also been to our house reef and were thrilled.
The internet:
Our internet connection is usually good. However, we are dependent on the Indonesian network and unfortunately there is never a guarantee. I work permanently from Sali Bay and manage well. However, there can rarely be failures or poor connections.
Lisa Manschewski, General Manager
What guests have to say
What Guests Love:
- Spacious bungalows with shaded terraces on the seafront
- Extremely helpful and friendly staff
- Dive guides with expertise and commitment
- Beautiful and healthy underwater world with various marine life
- Pristine fringing reefs and house reef for snorkeling
- Professional management of the resort and dive operation
- Superb cuisine, especially Indonesian dishes
- Remote, peaceful location away from high-season crowds
- Overall ambiance, tranquility, and good management
Areas for Improvement:
- Food quality and variety, particularly for breakfast
- Room cleanliness and maintenance
- Air conditioning and hot water issues
- Limited room amenities
- Sporadic or weak Wi-Fi and phone signal
- Grounds and bathrooms in need of maintenance
- Basic snorkel equipment and associated charges
- High alcohol prices
- Overall value for the price paid
Or
Click the below image to see more photos on Agoda
East Nusa Tenggara
East Nusa Tenggara is almost certainly most famous for the Island of Komodo, which, if you are a nature and wildlife lover, not much really needs to be said. Alor is also up here, though less commonly visited. This region of Indonesia is home to some of the most spectacular (though challenging) diving in the world.
East Nusa Tenggara’s standout features
- Dragons and Dive: Explore the unique synergy of experiencing both the world-renowned Komodo dragons on land and the extraordinary marine life underwater.
- Current Diving Extravaganza: The strong currents in the region attract big pelagic species. Be prepared for thrilling drift dives and the opportunity to spot schools of barracuda, trevallies, and reef sharks.
- Manta Ray Capital: Komodo is celebrated as the Manta Ray capital of the world. Encounter these elegant creatures at manta cleaning stations and feeding areas, providing unparalleled photo opportunities.
- Shark Central: Witness a diversity of shark species, including white-tip, black-tip, and grey reef sharks. Sites like Castle Rock and Crystal Rock are known for their shark action.
- Rich Coral Gardens: Flores and Komodo offer pristine coral gardens teeming with both hard and soft corals, creating a colorful and vibrant backdrop for your dives.
- Macro Paradise: The muck diving in the area is outstanding, with the opportunity to spot rare and elusive critters such as pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish.
- Whale Sharks: While not as common as mantas, whale sharks occasionally grace the waters of Komodo, providing a rare but unforgettable encounter.
- Unforgettable Night Dives: Experience the magic of night diving in Flores and Komodo, where you’ll encounter nocturnal creatures, bioluminescence, and unique behaviours not seen during the day.
- Nudibranch Wonderland: For macro enthusiasts, the islands are a haven for nudibranch lovers, with numerous species and colors waiting to be discovered.
1) Komodo Resort & Sebayur Diving
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef here is absolutely stunning! You’ll find vibrant, healthy corals, plenty of fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles and sharks, and sometimes even eagle rays!
The internet:
Our wifi is usually pretty reliable. Many guests work remotely from the resort. If you ever need it, we can set up a space in the management office for conference calls.
Dewi Rudisana, Komodo Resort and Diving
What guests have to say
What Guests Love:
- Stunning views and beautiful sunsets
- Quality of diving and snorkeling experiences
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Spacious and clean bungalows
- Quality of the house reef for snorkeling
- Tasty food with a good variety
- Good Wi-Fi service
- Comfortable and spacious rooms
- Ideal location for day trips to Komodo Islands
- Efficient organization and smooth booking process
Areas for Improvement:
- Food, particularly the variety and lack of a la carte options
- Lack of communication between previous and new management
- Limited day trip schedule information
- Limited facilities and amenities
- Resort renovation and maintenance needed
- Pricey drinks compared to other Indonesian resorts
- Crowded Padar and Komodo Islands during day trips
- Resort WiFi communication prior to arrival
- Lack of room natural water source and occasional electricity interruptions
Or
Click the below image to see more photos on Agoda
2) Scuba Junkie Komodo
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We do have a house reef, but the water running off of our jetty are some of the fastest currents in Komodo National Park. It is possible to snorkel as long as you are given the okay from the resort to ensure safety.
The internet:
We do have wifi in the restaurant, but please note the signal can be inconsistent at times so we can not guarantee 24/7 coverage. It wouldn’t be stable enough for video calling for example. I would also recommend getting a SIM card (Telkomsel is the only one that works at the resort) to help with additional coverage to do your remote work.
Erin, Scuba Junkie Komodo
What guests have to say
What Guests Love:
- Stunning sunsets and views
- Exceptional diving experiences
- Professional, friendly, and safety-conscious dive staff
- Comfortable accommodations with good air conditioning
- Spacious and comfortable dive boats
- High-quality and efficient diving operations
- Beautiful and well-maintained resort gardens
- Comfy seating areas for dining and relaxation
- Loyal and helpful staff, including Mel, Rama, and others
- Accessibility to dive sites in Komodo National Park
- Positive atmosphere and camaraderie among guests
Areas for Improvement:
- Food variety and more fresh options
- Issues with grouping inexperienced and experienced divers
- Limited fresh and non-fried meal options
- Over too quickly; guests want more diving
- Lack of locked doors and security for personal belongings
- Diving organization for experienced divers in high season
- More detailed communication about the diving schedule
- Pricey extras, like Wise payment method
- Potential improvement in room maintenance and amenities
- Resort on-site facilities and additional offerings
- Improved communication about fees and permits for activities
3) Nautika Dive Alor
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We do have a house reef that you can enjoy snorkelling/freedive with, though we will let you know the best time to do so, due to strong current sometimes came in to the bay.
The internet:
We have a wifi at the resort but for a safe option I would recommend to bring your own dongle or hotspot device as well. The best provider here is Telkomsel.
Kadek Juliani, Dive Manager at Nautika Dive
What guests have to say
What People Really Love:
- Outstanding dive experiences with diverse marine life.
- Friendly and professional dive crew, knowledgeable dive masters.
- Beautiful and scenic views from the resort.
- Comfortable and eco-friendly accommodations.
- Attention to detail in hospitality and service.
- Delicious and varied meals, accommodating dietary preferences.
- Smooth pre-trip planning, including airport pick-up.
- Community respect and involvement.
- Opportunities for certifications and learning.
- Excellent facilities, spacious, clean, and well-organized.
- Central location for access to popular dive sites.
- Inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for divers of all levels.
- Exceptional surface intervals with refreshments and snacks.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Some concerns about strong currents in the dive sites.
- Few mentions of stressful or challenging conditions due to currents.
- Limited options for vegan and vegetarian meals (although available on request).
- Minor mentions of rocky or slightly difficult starts to the trip.
- Not suitable for those who find fast-moving water in random directions stressful.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi offers an extraordinary diving experience with several unique features that set it apart from other diving destinations in Indonesia and the broader Coral Triangle.
Sulawesi standout features
- Center of Marine Biodiversity: Sulawesi is often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Coral Triangle.” It occupies a central position within this biodiversity hotspot, which is renowned for hosting the highest concentration of marine species on Earth. When you dive in Sulawesi, you’re exploring one of the most biologically diverse marine regions in the world.
- Unique Marine Species: One of the most exciting aspects of diving in Sulawesi is the opportunity to encounter rare and endemic species. The Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi is famous for its muck diving, offering a treasure trove of unusual and elusive critters, from flamboyant cuttlefish and hairy frogfish to rare nudibranchs, seahorses and pipefish.
- Large Number of Thriving Coral Reefs: Sulawesi’s waters are graced with high-quality coral reefs that are rich in both hard and soft corals. The Bunaken National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its breathtaking walls and vibrant coral gardens.
- Diverse Dive Environments: Sulawesi caters to divers of all levels. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced diver, the region offers a diverse range of dive environments. You can explore steep walls, vibrant coral gardens, underwater caves, and volcanic seamounts, providing a broad spectrum of underwater experiences.
- Pelagic Encounters: Sulawesi’s strategic location brings a variety of pelagic species within reach of divers. You may have the opportunity to encounter reef sharks, eagle rays, and even the enigmatic Oceanic Sunfish (Mola Mola).
- Year-Round Diving: Sulawesi provides excellent diving conditions year-round. Whether you visit during the southeast monsoon or the northwest monsoon, there are always exciting dive sites to explore.
1) Gangga Island Resort and Spa
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is known for its exceptional quality and is a haven for marine life. Whether you’re a snorkeler or a free diver, you’ll find it both fascinating and rewarding. The vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine species make it an ideal spot for underwater enthusiasts. You are also able to explore Bunaken Marine Park (subject to entrance fee). If you wish to take a break from diving and enjoy a relaxing snorkelling session, our house reef is the perfect choice.
The internet:
Regarding internet connectivity, we do offer a reliable internet connection, which should be suitable for remote work. You can comfortably work and stay connected during your stay with us.
Putri Diah, Reservations Department at Gangga Island Resort and Spa
What guests have to say
What Guests Love:
- Welcoming arrival with music and flowers
- Spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds
- Beautiful beachfront bungalows
- Quality diving experiences
- Ample dive opportunities with experienced guides
- Dining experiences with both Indonesian and Western options
- Stunning location, pool, and beach
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Excellent management, responsiveness, and flexibility
- High-quality food, including croissants
- Relaxing environment with clean and serene surroundings
- Solar farm and renewable energy initiatives
- Great for relaxation, diving, and snorkeling
- Spacious grounds with a big swimming pool
- Beach huts and sunbeds for every guest
- Multiple dining choices
Areas for Improvement:
- Inconsistent food quality, particularly some overcooked dishes
- Limited drink choices, including running out of soda and wine
- Non-functioning A/C in some rooms
- Slower food service on occasion
- Limited menu variety and fixed menu options
- Possible challenges with strong currents while snorkeling
- Night diving not consistently available
- Pandemic-related limitations and challenges
- Opportunities for more beachside services, such as massages
- Issues with plastic waste in the area
- Past lack of organized conservation events
- Struggles to meet PADI 5-star resort standards
- Looping 90s songs in the restaurant
- Room Wi-Fi mostly available only in the lobby area
- Maintenance and repairs required for some facilities
- Informing guests in advance about unavailable services
- Issue with beach cleanliness and some rubbish in the reef
- Options to replace disposable water bottles with refillable ones
- Providing snorkelers with signal buoys for safety
- Expected changes after recovery from the pandemic
- Improvements in menu options, especially for those with dietary restrictions
Or
Click the below image to see more photos on Agoda
2) Lembeh Dive Resort and Spa
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
They did not end up getting back to me re: the suitability of the house reef for snorkeling and free diving.
The internet:
Our resort provides the internet. We have a very stable Wi-Fi connection and it’s stable enough to do Zoom, WhatsApp, and Skype calls. We also have an external modem as a backup just in case the wifi is under maintenance.
Artha at Lembeh Resort and Spa
What guests have to say
- Top-notch resort and dive operation.
- Updated Luxury Villas and well-equipped Garden View rooms.
- Outstanding food quality and variety.
- Friendly and experienced staff, with some having long tenures.
- Exceptional dive guides with excellent critter-finding abilities.
- Impressive camera facility with top rental equipment.
- Spa services of high quality.
- Beautiful hillside setting.
- Easy and diverse diving opportunities, especially for critter hunting.
- Knowledgeable dive guides who help identify critters.
- A sense of community and the opportunity to meet fellow divers.
- Pampered diving experiences with excellent visibility and warm water.
- Impressive underwater creatures, including macro photography opportunities.
- Excellent accommodations, particularly the premium luxury cottages.
- Attentive and engaging management.
- The convenience of a photo center with charging outlets.
- Wildlife tours and village tours available.
- Warm and friendly atmosphere.
- Personalized and attentive service.
- High-quality food with a range of dietary options.
- A peaceful, quiet, and private environment.
- A strong focus on critter spotting during dives.
- Small diving groups and private guide options.
- Comfortable dive boats with helpful boat crews.
- Well-organized dive facilities.
- Spacious gear storage area and individual lockers.
- Dedicated camera facilities for photographers and videographers.
- Excellent photo center with equipment for rent and knowledgeable staff.
What Guests Were Less Happy About:
- Hillside location, which may require climbing stairs.
- Some might prefer more large marine life in addition to macro.
- Limited dives between morning and afternoon outings.
- Personal preferences such as the choice of premium rooms on a hill.
- The expectation of a 45-minute dive time at other resorts.
- The occasional need to delete photos to manage memory card space.
3) Siladen Resort and Spa
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
This area close from jetty is wonderful for snorkeling as the corals are very close from the beach. Guests can enjoy great snorkeling off the beach on Siladen, just next to the old jetty, a few minutes flat walk from the Resort entrance.
The internet:
The internet at the resort is stable enough to do e-mails and zoom calls. It’s not as fast as big cities but it allows us to work and to answer all our e-mails.
Ana, Guest Experience Manager at Siladen
What guests have to say
What People Love:
- Diving Paradise: Guests absolutely adore the diving experience at Siladen Resort. The marine life, coral reefs, and beautiful underwater scenes make it a perfect diving getaway.
- Exceptional Staff: Many reviewers praise the staff, highlighting their friendliness, helpfulness, and personalized service. The staff creates a welcoming and family-like atmosphere.
- Resort Harmony: Visitors appreciate the resort’s balance of luxury and comfort, which blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the island.
- Delightful Food: The resort’s buffet-style meals receive rave reviews, with guests finding the food to be diverse, delicious, and presented beautifully.
- Villa Comfort: Guests speak highly of the comfortable and spacious accommodations. The beach villas, in particular, are admired for their lovely views and open-air bathrooms.
- Quality Diving Facilities: Reviewers consistently commend the professional and well-organized diving center, including the quality of the dive boats, dive guides, and equipment.
- Atmosphere and Activities: Siladen’s relaxed and adventurous atmosphere appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who seek both relaxation and exploration. The small guest capacity fosters a sense of community among divers.
- Personalized Service: The staff’s remarkable ability to remember guests’ names adds a personal touch that leaves a lasting impression. The resort’s responsiveness to guests’ needs and requests is highly appreciated.
What Some Were Less Happy About:
- Long Travel: The distance and time zone differences make travel to Siladen Resort exhausting for some guests.
- Minor Maintenance Issues: A few reviewers reported small maintenance problems, such as issues with hot water and internet in the villas.
- Pricey Bar: Some found the bar prices relatively high, especially for speciality coffee.
- Single Complaint: A single guest mentioned the height of the bed being somewhat inconvenient.
Or
Click the below image to see more photos on Agoda
4) Fish in Air Bunaken (The Village Bunaken Resort)
(had a really hard time finding the on Instagram)
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef has the most beautiful coral on the Bunaken island, healthy coral and plenty of fish, turtles, sometimes cat sharks even dugongs you will meet if you’re lucky enough.
It is a long reef, which means you can swim from north to south, spend hours and hours in the water without getting bored. Many of our snorkeller repeaters come back Bunaken every year to enjoy our reef here. If you would like to kayaking in the mangroves, we provide kayaks for guests stay in our resort, free of charge.
The internet:
WIFI is available everywhere in our resort for free use.
Xu Jin, Fish in Air
What guests have to say
What Guests Love:
- Welcoming arrival with music and flowers
- Spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds
- Beautiful beachfront bungalows
- Quality diving experiences
- Ample dive opportunities with experienced guides
- Dining experiences with both Indonesian and Western options
- Stunning location, pool, and beach
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Excellent management, responsiveness, and flexibility
- High-quality food, including croissants
- Relaxing environment with clean and serene surroundings
- Solar farm and renewable energy initiatives
- Great for relaxation, diving, and snorkeling
- Spacious grounds with a big swimming pool
- Beach huts and sunbeds for every guest
- Multiple dining choices
Areas for Improvement:
- Inconsistent food quality, particularly some overcooked dishes
- Limited drink choices, including running out of soda and wine
- Non-functioning A/C in some rooms
- Slower food service on occasion
- Limited menu variety and fixed menu options
- Possible challenges with strong currents while snorkeling
- Night diving not consistently available
- Pandemic-related limitations and challenges
- Opportunities for more beachside services, such as massages
- Issues with plastic waste in the area
- Past lack of organized conservation events
- Struggles to meet PADI 5-star resort standards
- Looping 90s songs in the restaurant
- Room Wi-Fi mostly available only in the lobby area
- Maintenance and repairs required for some facilities
- Informing guests in advance about unavailable services
- Issue with beach cleanliness and some rubbish in the reef
- Options to replace disposable water bottles with refillable ones
- Providing snorkelers with signal buoys for safety
- Expected changes after recovery from the pandemic
- Improvements in menu options, especially for those with dietary restrictions
Or
Click the below image to see more photos on Agoda
5) Eco Divers Manado
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
As the housereef, there is one accessible from the jetty on the back of the resort, however you would like to swim 50/100 meters on the surface to reach it. For this reason,comfort and safety of our divers, we usually offered boat dives only.
The internet:
As for the internet, In Lembeh we have free internet WiFi throughout the resort, quite good, however please remember that the resort is on a remote island, do not expect super fast speed. It is usually enough to browse, email and watch movie in low resolution.
Cindy at Eco Divers Manado
What guests have to say
What People Love:
- Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Guests consistently praised the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff who greeted them warmly and went out of their way to assist with transfers, luggage, and provide excellent service.
- Organized and Professional Resort Management: Visitors appreciated the clear resort briefings, organized schedules, and professional management of the resort, mentioning Susan’s informative briefings and the owner’s personal welcome.
- Outstanding Diving Experience: Many divers raved about the incredible diving experience with a diverse range of marine life, including frogfish, cuttlefish, octopuses, seahorses, and more. They mentioned the expertise and respect of diving guides like Horin and Richart.
- Beautiful Beach and Pool: Guests enjoyed the lovely, clean beach with white sand and the pool deck where they could relax between dives.
- Delicious Meals: People were delighted with the delicious meals but sometimes felt the portions were too large.
- Comfortable Rooms and Open-air Bathrooms: Visitors found the accommodations beautiful, comfortable, and spotlessly clean, with effective air conditioning and open-air bathrooms.
- Warm Sunsets and Beachfront Views: Watching sunsets from the beachfront rooms with the sound of waves rolling in was a highlight for many guests.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Limited Local Atmosphere: Some solo travelers missed the ability to explore local villages or towns nearby for a more immersive cultural experience.
- Inconsistent Wi-Fi: Guests found the Wi-Fi to be unreliable, while the local 5G network was more dependable.
- Coffee Quality: A few guests mentioned that the coffee served at the resort was not up to their standards.
- Variability in Dive Equipment: Some divers who rented equipment mentioned issues with leaky O-rings and air leaks, which affected their diving experience.
- Lack of a Strong Dive Community Vibe: While the resort provided excellent diving, some divers felt that it didn’t have the same social or community atmosphere as other dive-focused resorts they’ve visited.
- Smoking in the Restaurant: Some guests didn’t appreciate the ability to smoke in the restaurant and suggested designated smoking areas.
6) Wakatobi Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is renowned for its outstanding quality and diversity of marine life. It is perfect for both snorkelers and free divers. You can explore vibrant coral gardens, observe colorful reef fish, and even encounter fascinating macro creatures. The clear and calm waters around the house reef make it a wonderful choice for a relaxed day of snorkeling or freediving.
The internet:
In terms of internet connectivity, we understand that many of our guests like to combine work with leisure. We offer reliable internet service that should be suitable for remote work. However, as we’re located in a remote and pristine area, the internet speed may not be as fast as in urban areas. You should be able to handle emails and other basic tasks, but activities that require a very high bandwidth might be a bit challenging.
Dharma at Wakatobi Dive Resort
What guests have to say
What People Love:
- Beautiful Island: Guests repeatedly praise the beauty of the island where Wakatobi Dive Resort is located.
- Ocean Bungalows: Visitors appreciate the spacious and comfortable ocean bungalows, suitable for two people.
- Excellent Staff: The staff’s friendliness, attentiveness, and personalized service receive high marks from guests. They are known for learning guests’ names quickly.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Both divers and snorkelers enjoyed the abundant marine life, healthy coral reefs, and well-maintained dive boats. The resort makes sure to accommodate both groups.
- Peaceful and Well-Kept Grounds: Guests appreciate the tranquility and the well-maintained resort grounds.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Buffet-Style Food: Some guests found the buffet-style meals to be average and somewhat bland. Desserts and ice cream were noted as lacking in flavor.
- Barefoot Requirement: A few guests were not comfortable with the resort’s strict barefoot policy inside the buildings, as it posed difficulties for those with foot conditions or concerns.
- Owner’s Son: One guest had an unpleasant experience with the owner’s unruly child, which impacted their overall stay.
- Diving Conditions: While the diving received praise, some found the underwater visibility to be occasionally limited, and they felt the critters and larger marine life were lacking compared to other destinations.
7) Bastianos Dive Resort Bangka
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
House reef in Bangka is covered with mostly hard coral and rich with reef fishes. To do house reef snorkeling in Bangka, it is easily accessible from the jetty/marina.
The internet:
We do have wifi but it is only located around the lobby and restaurant area. However, it is important to know that as we are located on the island, the internet connection is sometimes slow. We do offer a reliable internet connection, which should be suitable for remote work.
Gina, Bastianos Dive Resort Bangka
What guests have to say
What People Love:
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Guests consistently praise the friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness of the staff.
- Manager Thomas: The resort’s manager, Thomas, receives positive feedback for being approachable and creating a pleasant environment.
- Dive Experience: The diving experience at the resort is highlighted for having good dive guides, new equipment, and diverse dive sites.
- Clean and Comfortable Rooms: Guests appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, particularly in the new resort.
- Quality Food: The food at the resort’s restaurant is highly regarded as being amazing and plentiful.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Standard Room Accommodation: Some guests found the standard rooms to be less private and equipped with basic amenities like just a fan. However, this was noted as a budget-friendly option.
- Rubbish and Pollution: A recurring concern is the issue of rubbish and pollution that washes up on the beach due to factors beyond the resort’s control, but the management is committed to addressing this.
- Differences Between Resorts: Guests highlight differences between Bastianos Bunaken and Bastianos Bangka Dive Resort, which have separate ownership experiences.
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8) Pristine Paradise Dive Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our housereef is definitely worth it for snorkeling and free diving! Depth goes to max 8 meters. Reefs about 200 meters walk along the beach would already go to 25+ meters.
The internet:
we do have a little WiFi spot that allows whatsapp/mails etc. But it’s not too stable and definitely don’t expect 4K streaming etc.
Emiel, Pristine Paradise
What guests have to say
What People Love:
- Beautiful Diving Sites: Guests thoroughly enjoy the pristine diving sites with healthy reefs, huge sponges, and diverse marine life.
- Professional Dive Masters: The dive masters are highly praised for their professionalism and support, particularly when dealing with divers of varying experience levels.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many guests mention the friendly and helpful nature of the staff, including the owner Umar and his team.
- Tasty Food: The food is consistently described as delicious and plentiful, contributing to a friendly and familial atmosphere.
- Scenic Location: Pristine Paradise is situated in a scenic location right on the beach, and guests appreciate the proximity of dive sites.
- Additional Excursions: The resort offers exceptional excursions, such as volcano mountain trips with hot springs and geysers, adding to the overall experience.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Limited Development: Some guests note that the accommodations are quaint and cozy but have limited amenities and are often without water pressure and internet access.
- Rough Diving Set-Up: Diving set-up, including entry and exit from boats, may be physically demanding and require agility.
- Animal Companions: While some guests enjoy the presence of friendly dogs and cats, others mention their presence as a cautionary point.
- Limited Internet and Power: Limited hours for internet and power availability are mentioned as a potential inconvenience.
- Resort Extension: Although some guests extended their stays, others suggest that the resort is best suited for a specific type of traveler, and those seeking more amenities may find it less accommodating.
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9) Tasik Ria Resort and Spa
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef is surround the jetty but the better ones are maybe a minute away or two by boat. We have expats who snorkel nearby on the regular basis. Internet is sufficient but we are in the meantime trying to instal a better system.
The internet:
We have clients who are enjoying the internet as we speak.
Daniel, Taisk Ria Resort
What guests have to say (some reviews are from 2019-2020)
What People Love:
- Friendly Staff: Many guests highlight the friendly and positive attitude of the resort’s staff, including the dive crew.
- Beautiful Dive Sites: Guests enjoy the serene and beautiful dive sites in the Manado area, both wall dives in the Manado park and muck-style diving at the house reef.
- Comfortable Accommodations: The sea-view bungalows are praised for their cleanliness and comfort, while the well-maintained rooms are noted.
- Dive Center: The well-organized, spacious, and tidy dive center stands out, with professional instructors and proper equipment management.
- Delicious Food: The amazing food and rich gastronomic experience are highlighted, with both local and European dishes being appreciated.
- Ideal for Divers: The proximity of good diving spots, equipped boats, and knowledgeable dive guides make it an excellent choice for divers.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Maintenance Issues: Some guests mention unsatisfactory maintenance and the need for facility improvements, suggesting that the hotel is showing signs of aging.
- Language Barrier: The staff’s English proficiency is seen as lacking, which may affect communication with guests, particularly concerning food allergies.
- Noise from Nearby Parties: The resort’s location between public beaches sometimes leads to loud parties with music that can be disruptive.
- Mosquitoes at Night: While not a major issue, some guests report encountering mosquitoes at night, which can be managed with repellents.
- Aging Facilities: A few mention that the facilities are older or in need of refurbishment, with broken lights and sunbeds.
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10) Coral Eye Boutique Resort and Marine Outpost
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is known to be one of the best in the region with plenty of soft and hard corals. The maximum depth is at 14 meter and the rooftop is between 0 and 3 meters depending on the tides, which makes it very suitable for snorkeling.
The internet:
We are on an island, so although our internet is pretty good and sufficient to work normally, there are sometimes interruptions on the network. They are getting less frequent, but they still are very much a possibility.
Caroline, Guest Experience Manager at Coral Eye Boutique Resort and Marine Outpost
What guests have to say
What People Love:
- Attentive and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Beautiful architecture and layout.
- Lovely beach with vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
- Incredible food with a mix of Italian and Indonesian cuisine.
- Outstanding diving experiences with diverse marine life, including pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, ornate pipefish, and juvenile batfish.
- Healthy and vibrant house reef for night dives.
- Warm and familiar atmosphere with friendly staff.
- Opportunities for exploring nearby trails and interacting with locals.
- Charming and attentive owners and managers.
- Eco-friendly and community-focused approach to resort operations.
- High-quality accommodation with clean and comfortable rooms.
- Relaxing and social atmosphere, including evening gatherings.
- Stunning sunsets and ample beachfront for relaxation.
- A sense of community and camaraderie among guests and staff.
- Great food variety with local and international dishes.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Limited room options, including basic rooms.
- Dependence on air conditioning in the camera room.
- Some room options may be basic.
- The focus on muck diving might not be for everyone.
Sumatra and Aceh (ie., Pulau Weh)
Don’t let its western location fool you. Pulau Weh boasts an incredibly diverse range of marine species.
Situated at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea, in the Strait of Malacca, Pulau Weh boasts an exceptional species diversity (especially rarities like Three-Spot Angelfish and Regal Tangs) usually only seen much farther east.
Pulau Weh’s Standout Features
- Unique Marine Biodiversity: Pulau Weh’s exceptional location at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea results in an astonishing variety of marine life, typically found in more remote and expensive destinations within the Coral Triangle. It’s a treasure trove of underwater wonders.
- Macro Diving: Pulau Weh is renowned for its macro diving sites, providing an opportunity to spot unique critters such as seahorses, octopuses, various species of pipefish, frogfish and ribbon eels.
- Wrecks: Pulau Weh is home to several shipwrecks, the most famous being the SS Sumatra, which was scuttled during World War II. These wrecks offer a unique diving experience with an eerie historical backdrop.
- Malacca Strait Nutrient Flow: Situated in the Malacca Strait, Pulau Weh benefits from nutrient-rich waters. This nutrient flow supports high species diversity, making it a prime spot for underwater enthusiasts to explore.
- Active Volcano: Diving Conditions: The presence of an active volcano on the island, Gunung Api, enhances the diving experience. The volcanic activity contributes to excellent visibility and water conditions, making it a diver’s paradise. The geothermal activity also attracts unique marine life and creates impressive underwater landscapes.
- Diverse Dive Sites: Pulau Weh offers a wide range of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers. From coral gardens to thrilling drift dives and underwater caves, you’ll find an array of options to suit your preferences and skills.
- Pelagic Encounters: The confluence of currents in the area attracts pelagic species such as sharks, rays, and larger fish, making Pulau Weh a hotspot for exhilarating encounters with whale sharks, baracuda, tuna, jacks, etc.
- Year-Round Diving: Thanks to its location, Pulau Weh provides excellent diving conditions year-round. You can plan your visit at any time and expect great visibility and marine encounters.
- Marine Conservation: Pulau Weh’s dive community is actively involved in marine conservation efforts. By diving here, you’re contributing to the protection and restoration of the coral reefs and marine life in the region.
1) Lumba Lumba Diving and Beach Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkeling here at our house reef is really nice, with many areas to explore. Gapang bay is sheltered and there are no strong currents. If you would like to see some other snorkeling spots, you could join the dive boat as well when we are diving. In general we also offer snorkelers or non-divers to join our speedboats to the divesites, if we have space left available
The internet:
For the internet: we have two fully separate fibre optic data lines by Indihome/TELKOM connected to independent routers and their repeaters. In the Living Room cottages or their verandas you should be able to connect through one of these. There is also free WIFI in Barracuda restaurant at the other side of the resort.
The WIFI is usually good, but in times of many guests visiting the island (usually more in the weekends) the traffic speed can drop. We’re still on a remote Indonesian island, so there can be other unforeseeable hiccups.
Henny, Lumba Lumba
What guests have to say
What People Really Love:
- Beautiful diving sites with a marvelous underwater world.
- Friendly and helpful staff, with fantastic dive instructors.
- Clean and comfortable lodges and bungalows, some with ocean views.
- Good food and a variety of dining choices in the on-site restaurant.
- Convenient location for accessing dive sites, with short boat rides.
- Highly recommended for all levels of divers, including PADI courses.
- Welcoming and knowledgeable dive instructors and staff.
- Options for exploring the island, including renting scooters.
- Peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and settle down.
- Fantastic and diverse marine life encountered during dives.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Some guests found the resort to be overpriced.
- Basic rooms with potential issues in the bathrooms.
- The resort’s appearance, some areas looking run down.
- Complaints about limited or no information provided on dive sites.
- A few mentions of slow service in the restaurant.
- The necessity to research dive sites independently.
- Mixed feedback about the accommodation, with some guests finding it too hot without air conditioning.
- Some noted other resorts on the island as better options for the same price.
- A few mentions of the presence of plastic trash on the beach.
- Mixed experiences with dive conditions, including low visibility in some cases.
West Nusa Tenggara (i.e., Gili Islands)
The Gili Islands in Indonesia offer a captivating blend of marine marvels and island tranquillity. These enchanting gems are renowned for their stunning coral reefs, where vibrant hard and soft corals create a mesmerizing backdrop for divers.
The Gili Islands boast an extraordinary richness of marine life, from tiny pygmy seahorses to gentle sea turtles, schools of colorful reef fish, and the magnificent manta rays that grace the crystal-clear waters.
Gili Islands Standout Features
- Turtle Paradise: These islands are renowned for their resident sea turtle population, offering daily encounters with hawksbill and green turtles, making it a dream destination for turtle enthusiasts.
- Macro Photography: Dive sites teem with fascinating macro critters, including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and ghost pipefish, making it a paradise for macro photographers.
- Manta Ray Cleaning Stations: The Gili Islands are one of the few places where you can reliably spot majestic manta rays, which often visit cleaning stations for close encounters.
- Shark Encounters: While not as frequent as other species, lucky divers may spot black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, as well as occasional hammerhead sightings.
- Wreck Diving: The Gili Islands offer the opportunity to explore shipwrecks, adding a touch of history to the diving experience.
- Night Dives: Night dives here are spectacular, with the chance to see a whole different cast of characters, including nocturnal fish, crabs, and hunting moray eels.
- Drift Diving: The strong currents provide exhilarating drift dives, taking you past vibrant coral formations and an abundance of marine life.
- Easy Accessibility: The dive sites are relatively close to the islands, making it convenient for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
1) Trawangan Dive Centre
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
There are a number of excellent reefs around the island for diving, and the house reef is home to biorocks (which is part of our coral restoration program here on the island) and numerous species of fish and turtles. It is a nice way to spend a few hours exploring the waters around the island.
The internet:
Gili Trawangan is a small island and a number of people choose to work here remotely and find effective Wi-Fi in many of cafes and places to stay round the island.
Though it’s always best to keep in mind that being a small island connectivity can sometimes be patchy and we do have power cuts every now and then, and sometimes this can impact productivity, especially if you’re doing a lot of uploading or video calls.
Victoria, Trawangan Dive Centre
What guests have to say
What People Really Love:
- Excellent and knowledgeable instructors.
- Professional and reassuring dive masters.
- Personalized and attentive instruction.
- Safety and support throughout the course.
- Confidence-building and thorough training.
- Beautiful and diverse underwater sightings.
- Access to numerous marine animals.
- Convenient dive schedules and varied dive sites.
- Friendly, competent, and welcoming staff.
- Seamless experience from accommodations to diving.
- Competitive pricing and competitive courses.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Some complaints about equipment maintenance (leaks, broken parts).
- Tired and worn-out gear reported by a few divers.
- Issues with reg pressure fluctuations.
- Concerns about safety equipment and gear reliability.
- Minor mentions of zippers and clips on BCDs needing replacement.
- The price may not be considered budget-friendly by some.
- While the dive master was friendly, some divers found their experience lacking.
- A couple of negative reviews mentioning bad equipment and unprofessional divemasters during fun dives.
- Some issues with the pool session.
- Concerns about the quality of the gear.
- Pricing may not be considered affordable by everyone.
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2) Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkling is very good in front of Blue Marlin.
The internet:
The internet should be fine for remote work.
Rowan, Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air
What guests have to say
What People Really Love:
- Friendly and welcoming staff.
- Excellent marine life and underwater sightings.
- Great diving experiences with skilled guides.
- Affordable pricing and good value.
- Safety and comfort during dives.
- The professionalism and knowledge of the team.
- Clean and well-equipped dive center.
- Private or small groups for dives.
- Assistance and reliability for first-time divers.
- Good service, equipment, and facilities.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- There are no explicit negative comments in the reviews.
3) Blue Marlin Dive Gili Meno
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is a little deep, starting at 16 meters, however the slope (a 50 meters swim from shop) has abundant marine life. The north of the island is the best part for snorkelling and freediving, and it is a short 10 min walk from the dive shop.
The internet:
We have good (broadband) internet connection at the shop.
Ayon, General Manager
What guests have to say
What People Really Love:
- Professional and friendly staff.
- High-quality dive equipment and facilities.
- Safe and well-organized diving experiences.
- Positive experiences for first-time and younger divers.
- The opportunity to see a wide variety of marine life, including turtles.
- The passion, knowledge, and guidance of the instructors.
- A range of diving courses and options.
- Flexibility in scheduling dives and courses.
- A memorable and life-changing diving experience.
- A variety of dive sites to explore.
- Exceptional visibility and underwater beauty.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- There are no explicit negative comments in the reviews.
4) Laguna Gili Dive Center
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef you can snorkel there everyday with the turtles. also diving wise most dive sites are within 10 mins away by speedboat.
The internet:
We have a pretty reliable internet.
Laguna Gili Team
What guests have to say
- Exceptional Instructors: Guests consistently praise the professional, knowledgeable, and chill instructors who create a fun and relaxed learning environment. Sinyo, Rachel, John, and Hansen are all mentioned as standout instructors.
- Ideal for Kids: Families are delighted with the way Laguna Dive Resort handles children, combining serious fun with safety during courses, making it perfect for young divers. The kids genuinely enjoy their experiences, and parents feel confident in the capable hands of the team.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: The resort is appreciated for its warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff’s competence, both in and out of the water, is highlighted, and they are always ready to help and provide guidance.
- Fantastic Equipment: Reviewers frequently mention the flawless and well-maintained equipment. The newness of the shop means guests can expect top-notch gear.
- Small Group Experience: In the low season, guests often find themselves in small diving groups, allowing for visits to unique dive sites and personalized attention.
Areas for Improvement:
- Lack of Reviews: Some guests express initial hesitation due to the resort’s fewer online reviews. However, they are quick to assure potential guests that this shouldn’t deter them from booking, as the team’s professionalism and skills are top-notch.
- Mixed Food Reviews: While most feedback focuses on diving, one review mentions restaurant staff, suggesting that there might be mixed opinions on the resort’s dining services.
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Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is a place of unparalleled natural wonder, where the marine world unfolds like an underwater Eden. This remote archipelago in Indonesia stands as a beacon of biodiversity, boasting the highest marine species diversity on the planet.
Its coral reefs are a testament to nature’s artistry, with kaleidoscopic formations of hard and soft corals, teeming with an astonishing array of fish and invertebrate life.
What sets Raja Ampat apart is not just its thriving underwater ecosystems but also the unique balance of large pelagics like manta rays, sharks, and schools of barracuda with the tiniest and most elusive macro creatures.
Diving here is an immersive experience into a world where every nook and cranny of the reef holds surprises, from pygmy seahorses to flamboyant cuttlefish. This remote paradise, with its crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes, continues to captivate divers and marine enthusiasts, reminding us of the importance of preserving our oceans.
Raja Ampat’s Standout Features
- Coral Eden: Raja Ampat’s coral reefs are a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, home to over 75% of known hard and soft coral species. You’ll discover exquisite fields of healthy staghorn corals, massive table corals, wonderful soft coral diversity, and intricate gorgonians, providing a stunning backdrop for your dives.
- Fish Extravaganza: Widely considered the most diverse reefs in the world, the marine life in Raja Ampat is astounding. Enormous schools of fusiliers, baracuda, jacks and more creating swirling spectacles and charismatic species like bicolor angelfish, harlequin sweetlips, bumphead parrotfish and more abound.
- Manta Ray Mecca: Raja Ampat, and particularly the Dampier Strait, is known for its abundance of manta rays, particularly in regions like Manta Sandy and Manta Ridge. Divers have exceptional opportunities to observe these graceful giants while they visit cleaning stations, where smaller fish groom them.
- Shark Encounters: Explore the underwater world with sightings of various shark species, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks patrolling the reef edges, as well as the reclusive wobbegong shark hiding in crevices, and the Raja Ampat Epaulette (aka Walking Shark).
- Pygmy Seahorses: Delve into the realm of macro photography and discover the world of pygmy seahorses. Multiple species of these minuscule wonders can be found nestled within gorgonian sea fans, showcasing their impressive camouflage.
- Drift Diving: Raja Ampat’s strong currents create exhilarating drift dives along the walls and ridges. Be prepared for thrilling underwater journeys while admiring flourishing corals and observing the bustling marine life carried by the currents.
- Remote and Pristine: The isolation and tranquility of many dive sites in Raja Ampat remain unspoiled and uncrowded. Prepare to immerse yourself in nature’s untouched beauty and revel in the pristine underwater landscapes.
1 and 2) Papua Diving Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Plenty of amazing snorkeling which can be done directly in front of both our resorts. Even though both our resorts (Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort) are separate private operations, all our guests are free to access the main jetty of each resort to be able to snorkel on each resort respective housereef. They each offer a different experience. Walking distance between resorts is 10 – 15min along the beach when low tide or approximately 15min through the forest. When high tide it’s also possible to snorkel from one resort to the other above the reef plateau.
The internet:
We have Wifi and generally it’s good enough to, for example, do video calls. The strength of the connection is not always stable and there is never a guarantee that internet is available all the time (if we don’t have interent then it’s often the complete province of West-Papua which has no internet). As back-up you could buy a local sim card (TELKOMSEL) for mobile connection.
Jimmy Sorido Bay
What guests have to say about Sorido Bay
- Unbeatable Diving: Guests raved about the incredible diving experiences at Sorido Bay, highlighting diverse marine life, pristine reefs, and close proximity to renowned sites like Cape Kri and Manta Ridge.
- Professional Dive Operation: The dive center was lauded for its organization and professional approach. Dive masters and boat crews were knowledgeable, and the dive schedule was flexible and tailored to guests’ preferences.
- Small, Personalized Resort: Visitors appreciated the intimate, small-scale nature of the resort, with only seven bungalows. The limited number of guests allowed for personalized service and a close-knit atmosphere.
- Beautiful Accommodation: The resort’s bungalows were spacious, comfortable, and equipped with modern amenities. Guests loved the private beach access and the stunning sea views.
- Fantastic Food: The buffet-style meals prepared by Chef Jen received high praise for their quality, variety, and the balance between local and international dishes. Family-style dining encouraged camaraderie among guests.
Areas of Improvement:
- Remote Location: A few guests mentioned the remote location as a drawback, emphasizing the absence of nearby amenities, stores, or other activities beyond diving and snorkeling.
- Intermittent Connectivity: The free internet was noted as sometimes weak, which could be a challenge for guests needing consistent online access.
- Variability in Currents: Some divers experienced strong currents in the region, which could affect the diving experience. However, dive guides were commended for their sensitivity to guests’ needs and safety in changing conditions.
- Diverse Dining: While most guests praised the food, a few expressed preferences for more vegetarian options. It was suggested that Sorido Bay consider expanding its vegetarian choices.
- Surface Trash: The prevalence of plastic and debris on the water’s surface in the region was a concern for some guests, although underwater sites remained relatively pristine.
What guests have to say about Kri Eco Resort
- Stunning Location: Guests love the resort’s unique location, perched on the edge of a tropical island with breathtaking views of the sea and Raja Ampat archipelago.
- Diverse Marine Life: Visitors praise the incredible marine diversity, with opportunities to spot baby sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and various other fish during dives and snorkeling.
- Professional Dive Operation: The resort offers professional dive guides who excel at finding various underwater species, and the unlimited dive packages are appreciated.
- Friendly and Caring Staff: Guests highlight the warmth and professionalism of the resort staff, who go the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience.
- Unique Minimalist Environment: Kri is celebrated for creating a unique and minimalist environment, emphasizing natural beauty over traditional luxury.
What People Were Less Happy About:
- Lack of Traditional Luxury: Some guests point out that Kri does not offer traditional luxury amenities like air conditioning, TV, and fully enclosed rooms. Insects and animals are also part of the experience.
- Eco-Friendly Initiatives: The resort receives criticism for not actively participating in eco-friendly initiatives, such as cleaning up the nearby beaches and adopting sustainable solutions like solar panels.
- Advanced Diving Conditions: While the diving is spectacular, some newer divers express concerns about the challenging conditions on certain dives, including strong currents, and suggest that better matching of divers’ experience levels might be beneficial.
- Basic Food Variety: The food, while tasty, is mentioned as basic, with limited variety and the absence of certain ingredients due to the remote location.
3) Papua Paradise Eco Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We have a house reef teeming with marine life sits that good for you to explore. Snorkeling at our house reefs is allowed at no charge from 7:00AM to 6:00PM without guide while Night snorkeling at 7:00PM is allowed only with snorkel guide with extra charge.
For your information, we have 2 house reefs in the resort. House Reef 1 is located in front, close by the bungalows. House Reef 2 located in the back or behind the resort. Both house reefs have their own jetties with stairs. So, you can enter and exit the water from one of these jetties only.
The internet:
As for the internet connection, we do have WIFI connection adequate for emails & basic browsing and available in public area. It might not always deliver sufficient signal to go online or in order to download your Emails. The speed depends on the number of the user. Even though we can’t give guarantees it should be possible to send files by email up to 3MB.
Titis, Reservation Department at Papua Paradise Eco-Resort
What guests have to say
What People Love:
- Friendly and Attentive Staff: Guests repeatedly praised the resort’s staff for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and personalized service. They often remembered guests’ names and went above and beyond to make their stay special.
- Stunning Location: Visitors raved about the resort’s stunning location in Raja Ampat, which offered breathtaking views, pristine waters, and abundant marine life. The remoteness of the resort and the lack of crowds added to the appeal.
- Outstanding Diving and Snorkeling: The resort’s diving and snorkeling experiences received high praise. Guests enjoyed the well-organized diving operations, knowledgeable dive guides, and the incredible marine life they encountered, including manta rays, pygmy seahorses, and more.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Many guests appreciated the resort’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The use of local staff, ethical employment practices, and environmentally conscious initiatives resonated with those who valued responsible tourism.
- Beautiful Over-Water Bungalows: Guests loved the unique and rustic over-water bungalows, which offered comfortable accommodations with stunning views. They appreciated the private and natural atmosphere of the rooms.
What Some Were Less Happy About:
- Challenges for Snorkelers: While the diving was exceptional, some snorkelers expressed frustration with limited availability for boat trips to popular snorkeling sites like Fam Islands. Divers were often prioritized.
- Limited Non-Diving Activities: Guests noted that the resort mainly focused on diving, and non-diving activities like bird-watching and island tours were sometimes hindered by a lack of available boats and scheduling conflicts.
- Basic Amenities: Some guests found the resort’s amenities to be basic. While this added to the rustic charm for many, others mentioned minor inconveniences like the absence of air conditioning in the rooms.
- Challenging Connectivity: The resort’s Wi-Fi and internet connectivity were intermittent, which could be frustrating for guests who needed reliable online access.
- Difficulty in Booking: A few guests mentioned challenges in booking and paying for their stays, particularly regarding credit card payments for international guests.
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Click the image below to see more photos on Agoda
4) Papua Explorers Resort
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is nice for snorkeling. In some areas of the reef our Papua Explorers Foundation started a project a couple of years ago to create a new reef over there and this coral garden keeps growing and growing.
You can start snorkeling directly from your bungalow veranda during high tide (when the shallow parts are covered with water) and during low tide from the dive center jetty.
Sometimes we spot cute baby reef sharks looking for their next fishy meal in the shallows. All in all, there is definitely a lot to see.
The internet:
We have WiFi in the public areas of the resort. The strength varies and sometimes it reaches to the bungalows as well. It is sufficient for emails, Whatsapp and Facebook, but sometimes it’s not enough to up or download big video files.
Banu, Papua Explorers
What guests have to say
Positive Aspects:
- Paradise: Guests frequently describe Papua Explorers as a paradise.
- Management: The manager, Apo, is praised for his dedication and enthusiasm, caring for clients and staff.
- Friendly and Professional Staff: The staff is commended for being friendly and professional.
- Quality Food: Guests mention that the food at the resort is excellent.
- Stunning Landscape: The natural beauty and landscape are highly appreciated.
- Exceptional Diving: Diving is a major highlight, with guests mentioning pristine reefs and underwater wonders.
- Comfortable Accommodation: The resort’s accommodation is praised for its comfort.
- Support for Local Communities: Guests commend the resort for its efforts to support local communities and the environment.
Areas for Improvement or Less Satisfactory Aspects:
- Limited Amenities: A few comments mention the resort’s remoteness and recommend guests to be prepared for this.
- Logistical Challenges: The logistics of getting to Raja Ampat are highlighted as a challenge, particularly for international travelers.
- Cautions About Diving Conditions: Some guests mention the need for experienced divers to handle currents and the role of dive guides.
- High Costs: Travel and amenities can be expensive.
- Rainy Season: The rainy season is noted, and guests suggest being prepared for occasional downpours.
There you go. Plenty of places to choose from throughout the world’s diving Mecca: Indonesia, a country I’ve visited 5 times now, always for snorkeling and diving, and one which I think I can safely will continue to call to me for the rest of my life.
There are far more dive resorts in Indonesia than what I’ve covered on my list but, as far as I know, no one online has focused on covering the ones with quality house reefs (both for snorkelers and divers) and which have internet connectivity that would allow for remote work or workations.
These are the kinds of places I have always tried to seek out so I thought, why not do some digging and compile them into a list for people interested in staying at Indonesian dive resorts to snorkel or dive but who might have to deal with work BS while there.
FAQ about diving and snorkeling in Indonesia
Where is the best diving in Indonesia?
Indonesia is the beating heart of the coral triangle and arguably the world’s diving Mecca, but it really depends what you are looking for and your dive level. If you’re looking for macro and muck diving, the Sulawesi (and in particular Lembeh) is widely recognized as the best place in the world.
If you are interested in seeing mantas, whale sharks and want to squeeze as much species diversity (coral and fish) into your dives as possible, then Raja Ampat in West Papua is going to be your best bet.
Regardless of your requirements and diving interests, there is something on the above list for everyone.
Is Indonesia good for scuba diving?
It’s not just good; it’s arguably the best in the world. Indonesia is the epicentre of global marine biodiversity. If an alien arrived on Earth and asked you to point them toward the most impressive underwater biodiversity on our planet, you would be hard-pressed to find a country/region more fitting than Indonesia. Jacques Cousteau called Wakatobi, Sulawesi an “underwater Nirvana.”
Is Indonesia or the Philippines better for diving?
This isn’t an easy question to answer because it depends on what you’re after. If you are obsessed with nudibranchs, then you might want to head to Anilao, a town a few hours outside Manila which is often called the “nudibranch capital of the world.” Here’s a list of the pros and cons of each location:
Indonesia:
Pros:
- Marine Biodiversity: Indonesia, particularly Raja Ampat, is known for having the highest marine biodiversity in the world. You’ll find a stunning variety of marine life, from tiny pygmy seahorses to massive manta rays.
- Remote and Pristine Locations: Indonesia has numerous remote and less-visited diving spots, providing an opportunity for more exclusive, uncrowded dives.
- Unique Critters: Indonesia, especially Lembeh Strait, is renowned for its incredible macro diving. It’s a paradise for critter enthusiasts, with rare and unusual creatures (particularly endemics) you won’t easily find elsewhere.
- Strong Current Diving: For adrenaline seekers, places like Komodo National Park offer challenging drift dives, and encounters with sharks and pelagic species in the strong currents.
Cons:
- Remote Locations: While the remoteness of some dive sites is a pro, it can also be a con, as it might require more travel time and planning.
- Weather Variability: Indonesia’s weather can be unpredictable. Some regions have distinct wet and dry seasons, and weather conditions can affect diving conditions.
- Strong currents: The powerful currents that flow throughout the Indonesia archipelago flood the country’s waters with nutrients and stock them with incredible amounts of marine fauna from both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but they can also make for not only challenging, but dangerous diving and snorkelling conditions.
The Philippines:
Pros:
- Coral Triangle: The Philippines, like much of Indonesia, is part of the Coral Triangle, making it one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet.
- Easy Accessibility: Many of the Philippines’ best dive sites are easily accessible, with well-developed infrastructure and a network of dive resorts and operators.
- Shark Encounters: Malapascua Island is famous for its thresher shark encounters, while Apo Island is known for its sea turtle population.
- World War II Wrecks: Coron Bay features a collection of well-preserved Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, making it a unique wreck diving destination.
- Macro Diving: The Philippines is home to excellent macro dive sites such as Anilao, where you can find a wide variety of critters.
Cons:
- Crowds: Some popular dive sites in the Philippines can get crowded during peak seasons, which may limit the exclusivity of your dive experience.
- Variable Conditions: While the Philippines generally has great diving conditions, some areas can experience weather-related fluctuations that may affect visibility and preclude access altogether.
- Lack of Remote Sites: Unlike Indonesia, which offers a plethora of remote dive sites, the Philippines has fewer truly remote locations.
How much does it cost to dive in Indonesia?
Diving options in Indonesia run the gamut from budget to five-star luxury. You can pay many hundreds of dollars a night for boutique dive resorts in Lembeh, or you can find much more affordable options in the more backpacker-friendly places like the Gili Islands in West Nusa Tenggara and Bali. Remoteness, amenities, what’s included in your dive package, and, of course, things like airfare and other transportation are all things to factor in.
